Investing in a Level 2 charging station for home use is both convenient and cost-effective for electric vehicle (EV) owners. Before making your purchase, it’s crucial to evaluate several key factors to ensure you select the best charger for your needs.

The first consideration is the type of charge port on your EV, which can either be the SAE J1772 or the North American Charging Standard (NACS). Emporia offers dedicated Level 2 EV chargers for BOTH connector types, and adapters are available with third party retailers if needed as well.

Decide whether you prefer a plug-in or a hardwired installation for your EV charger. Emporia’s Level 2 EV chargers are designed for both options. They can be plugged into a 14-50P NEMA outlet or hardwired directly to a dedicated dual-pole breaker. Consider consulting with an electrician to determine the best installation method for your setup.

Choose a suitable location for your EV charger. This decision will influence the required length of wiring from your electrical panel to the charger. Discussing your installation plans with an electrician can ensure optimal placement and efficiency.

To select the appropriate charger, you need to know your vehicle’s maximum Level 2 charge rate. For instance, if your EV can only charge at a maximum of 32 amps, you may not need an installation requiring the full 48A charge rate. The Emporia EV Charger is adjustable, providing any amperage between 6A and 48A as needed.

Assess your home’s electrical capacity to support a Level 2 EV charger, which can draw significant power. If your existing electrical panel or supply is inadequate, professional consultation is advised. Emporia EV Chargers have an optional upgrade available called Load Management that allows operation and installation within environments that have limited power supply available. For more information, see our Load Management EV Charger article.

Consider whether you need a Vue energy monitor to integrate with Emporia’s energy management features. This is particularly beneficial for homeowners with solar panels who want to optimize energy use by directing excess solar energy to charge their EV, or if you have specific charging requirements related to system usage or pricing from your utility provider.

Emporia Energy is committed to providing comprehensive information to help you manage your energy more efficiently. If you have suggestions or need further clarification, please contact our Customer Support team. We continuously strive to enhance our knowledge base articles to serve you better.