Our Top Home EV Charging Recommendations

3 EV Home Charging Station Favorites 

Tesla Wall Connector (Including J1772 and Universal Models) 

Key features and specifications

• Output: Up to 48 amps 
• Indoor and outdoor rated
• 24-foot cord
• 4-year warranty

Pros and cons

Pros

• Output: Up to 48 amps
• Very competitive price point
• Thinner charging cable and low profile handle
• Different color faceplates available for purchase
• Better engineering and design for electrical installation
• Options for J1772, NACS and both together in one
• Strong warranty

Cons

• Potential customer service pains in some cases 

Price range

• $475-$595

Tesla needs no introduction when it comes to EVs, and its Wall Connector is one of the best chargers out there. If you own a Tesla, look no further, as it offers additional connectivity features compatible with its vehicles such as VIN assignment and load sharing multiple Tesla Wall Connectors on a single circuit.

Our primary complaint about the Tesla J1772 Wall Connector used to be the inability for non-Tesla owners to access the charger through any sort of dedicated app. Now that the Universal Wall Connector has been released, the app functionality has also been updated and this con is no more. 

While customers may still experience customer service pains, you can largely avoid this by selecting a qualified professional to complete your installation and ensure its proper registration with Tesla. 

For Tesla vehicles, the Tesla Wall Connector stands out for its practicality, ease of access and software features. Non-Tesla drivers may still take issue with accessibility or brand, but the charger is still well-liked in the EV community. Non-Tesla drivers often opt for this charging station for its compact design, thinner charging cable and lower price point compared to stations offered by Rivian, Ford or Porsche.

Update: The Tesla J1772 Wall Connector is no longer sold by Tesla, however Gulfstar has this unit in stock here in our Pinellas County warehouse. Ask for details! 

Enphase HCS 40, 50 and 60

Key features and specifications

• Output: Up to 48 amps (for hardwired HCS 60) 
• Outdoor rated
• Cord length: 25 feet
• 5-year warranty

Pros and cons

Pros

• Easy to use
• Rugged build quality
• Ideal for outdoor use
• Ideal in certain commercial settings
• Comes with a physical lock

Cons

• Expensive for a “dumb” charger
• No Wi-Fi connectivity
• Clipper Creek hardware was 100% made in the USA, but since the acquisition by Enphase this appears to be no more

Price range

• $500-800+

Formerly known as ClipperCreek, the Enphase HCS charger series are basic, no-frills chargers with no programming or configuration needed. Just plug in your car, and it will shut off once the battery is recharged. Where the HCS-50 and its counterparts lack certain smart features, they make up for it with a rugged design and simplicity. Likewise, these chargers are backed by an excellent five-year warranty. The only complaint is the price point given there is no Wi-Fi or smart features, however we feel this is a great “light commercial” EV charging option and so the price point feels appropriate when you look at it from that frame of mind.

Further, where some might consider a lack of smart features a “con,” others would consider it a benefit. The sometimes painstaking steps of downloading an app, connecting to WiFi, creating an account, passwords, etc., are not a concern with the Enphase HCS series. You simply plug in and go. Enphase has in the past, however, teased new HCS models with WiFi features so keep an eye out for news on that front.

Update: Enphase has since rolled out their IQ Series Level 2 EV Chargers which are remotely controllable using the Enphase App. Hello, smart features!

ChargePoint Home Flex

Key features and specifications

• Output: Up to 48 amps (if hardwired)
• Indoor and outdoor rated
• J1772 and NACS charge nozzles available
• Cord length: 23 feet
• 5-year warranty

Pros and cons

Pros

• Flexible specifications for plug-in (using NEMA 6-50 or NEMA 14-50) or hardwired
• More advanced cost tracking within the app
• Many smart features

Cons

• Design feels slightly dated
• If not properly commissioned or connected to WiFi and bluetooth, charger defaults to 16A output
• Replacement units seem to have a several-week lead time based on reports from our customers

Price range

• $549+

Many EV drivers are familiar with Chargepoint as one of the leaders in electrification. The Home Flex is a home EV charger that consistently ranks among the most popular. Delivering an impressive array of options, EV owners can monitor things like range, battery status, energy output and charge time. In addition, the app gives owners the ability to track costs and take advantage of variable (off-peak) electricity rates should your energy provider offer them.

Aside from plenty of graphs and charging data, the same settings and configurations can be used across ChargePoint’s network of public charging stations.