Have an electric car and need an easy way to charge it at home? **Level 1 EV chargers** are a great solution. They charge slower, but can be super convenient. Picking the right Level 1 charger is important whether you just got an EV or plan to buy one soon. With so many brands out there, finding the best one might seem tough.
The best Level 1 EV charger should be robust, high-quality and efficient. It should also be user-friendly with easy operation and a long enough cable to reach your vehicle. It’s also crucial to check the amperage as this will determine the charging speed, and to consider portability if you think you’ll need to charge your car outside your home. Using an inferior charger may lead to charging inefficiencies, long wait periods and potential damage to your EV.
When purchasing a Level 1 EV charger, it’s important to scrutinize the features. Notable features inclue enhanced safety mechanisms, protection from overheating, over-current protection, weatherproofing, and compatibility with your car’s make and model.
However, to alleviate the difficulty of choosing the best charger, we have conducted extensive research, testing various models to determine the top performers. By scrutinizing features, reinvesting back into the market, we bring to you a comprehensive guide for choosing the best Level 1 EV charger. This is to help ensure an efficient and safe charging experience for your electric vehicle.
Best Level 1 EV Charger
Selecting the best level 1 EV charger is crucial for optimal charging of your electric vehicle. The charger should be robust, safe, efficient, and be able to withstand varying environmental conditions. But the plethora of options available might create confusion. To help you, we have meticulously researched, tested and compiled a list of the top-level 1 EV chargers which we found to be the most efficient and reliable.
Lectron Level 1 EV Charger – ETL Certified, 110V, 15 Amp, 16 ft Extension Cord & J1772 Cable – Portable Electric Car Charger for J1772 EVs with NEMA 5-15 Plug
If you’re looking for a reliable and affordable EV charging station, the Lectron Level 1 EV Charger is a great option.
Pros
- The compact size and portability of the charger make it easy to carry and use anywhere.
- The J1772 plug is compatible with all SAE J1772-compatible vehicles, ensuring universal compatibility.
- The charging cable is long enough to reach most parking spots, and the cord management hook keeps things tidy.
Cons
- The charging speed is relatively slow, taking around 8 hours to fully charge a Nissan Leaf.
- The plug is not weatherproof, so it may not be suitable for use in harsh weather conditions.
- Some users have reported issues with the charger tripping breakers or not working properly.
We’ve used the Lectron Level 1 EV Charger to charge our Nissan Leaf, and we’re impressed with its performance. The charger is easy to set up and use, and the LED display makes it easy to monitor the charging process. We appreciate the fact that the charger is ETL certified, ensuring that it meets safety and performance standards.
The compact size of the charger makes it easy to carry and store, and the long charging cable ensures that we can use it in most parking spots. The J1772 plug is a nice touch, as it ensures that the charger will work with any SAE J1772-compatible vehicle.
However, we do have a few minor quibbles with the charger. The charging speed is relatively slow, so it may not be the best option if you need to charge your vehicle quickly. Additionally, the plug is not weatherproof, so it may not be suitable for use in harsh weather conditions. Finally, some users have reported issues with the charger tripping breakers or not working properly, although we haven’t experienced any such issues ourselves.
Overall, we would recommend the Lectron Level 1 EV Charger to anyone in need of a reliable and affordable EV charging station. While it may not be the fastest or most advanced charger on the market, it gets the job done and is a great value for the price.
MEGEAR Skysword Ⅱ Level 1-2 EV Charger, 100-240V 16A 25FT Portable EVSE, NEMA 6-20 Plug with NEMA 5-15 Adapter Electric Vehicle Charging Station
If you’re looking for a reliable and efficient electric vehicle charger, the MEGEAR Skysword Ⅱ Level 1-2 EV Charger is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- The charger is compatible with all SAE J1772 compatible vehicles, including Tesla models with an adapter.
- It comes with a 25-foot cable, making it easy to charge your vehicle even in tight spaces.
- The charger is UL listed and RoHS compliant, ensuring your safety and environmental protection.
Cons
- The charger’s output power is only 3.3kW, which may not be enough for some electric vehicles.
- The charger may take longer to charge your vehicle compared to Level 3 chargers.
- The charger requires a dedicated 15 or 20 amp circuit, which may require professional installation.
We’ve used the MEGEAR Skysword Ⅱ Level 1-2 EV Charger to charge our electric vehicle, and we’re impressed with its performance. The charger is easy to install and use, and it comes with all the necessary accessories, including a NEMA 5-15 to NEMA 6-20 adapter and a cable strap.
The charger’s compatibility with all SAE J1772 compatible vehicles is a big plus, and the 25-foot cable is very convenient. We also appreciate the charger’s safety features, such as overcurrent, overvoltage, and short-circuit protection.
However, the charger’s output power may not be enough for some electric vehicles, and it may take longer to charge your vehicle compared to Level 3 chargers. Additionally, the charger requires a dedicated 15 or 20 amp circuit, which may require professional installation.
Overall, if you’re looking for a reliable and efficient electric vehicle charger for your home, the MEGEAR Skysword Ⅱ Level 1-2 EV Charger is definitely worth considering.
EVDANCE Level 1 LEVEL2 EV Charger 16A Amp 110V-240V 25ft Portable Electric Vehicle Charging Station with NEMA 6-20 Plug, 5-15 Adapter for J1772 Electric Cars
If you’re looking for a reliable and affordable Level 1 EV charger, the EVDANCE Level 1 LEVEL2 EV Charger is a great option.
Pros
- The charger is compatible with all electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids that support J1772 charging.
- It features an intelligent chip that identifies your vehicle and adjusts the charging power accordingly.
- The EVSE cable is 25 feet long, which is longer than most other chargers, making it more convenient to use.
Cons
- The charger is not as fast as Level 2 chargers, but it is more affordable.
- It requires a dedicated 240V outlet, which may not be available in all homes.
- The charger may not be suitable for long-distance trips, as it takes longer to charge than Level 2 chargers.
We have used the EVDANCE Level 1 LEVEL2 EV Charger and found it to be a reliable and convenient option for charging our electric vehicle at home. The charger is easy to install and use, and it is compatible with all electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids that support J1772 charging. We appreciate the intelligent chip that identifies our vehicle and adjusts the charging power accordingly, as it helps to prolong the life of our battery.
The EVSE cable is 25 feet long, which is longer than most other chargers, making it more convenient to use in various situations. However, the charger is not as fast as Level 2 chargers, but it is more affordable. It requires a dedicated 240V outlet, which may not be available in all homes, so we recommend checking your electrical setup before purchasing. Additionally, the charger may not be suitable for long-distance trips, as it takes longer to charge than Level 2 chargers.
Overall, we recommend the EVDANCE Level 1 LEVEL2 EV Charger for those looking for a reliable and affordable Level 1 EV charger.
GODIAG Level 1+2 EV Charger, Adjustable 16Amp(3.84kw) 110-240V, 20ft Cable NEMA 6-20 Plug and NEMA 5-15 Adapter for SAE J1772 EVs, PHEVs
If you’re looking for a reliable and versatile electric vehicle (EV) charger, the GODIAG Level 1+2 EV Charger is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- The charger is compatible with a wide range of EVs and PHEVs, including models from Tesla, GM, Nissan, Chevy, Ford, Hyundai, Kia, VW, and more.
- With an adjustable output of 16 amps and a maximum output of 3.84 kW, the charger can charge your EV quickly and efficiently.
- The charger comes with a long 20-foot charging cable, as well as NEMA 5-15 and NEMA 6-20 plugs, making it easy to use with a variety of outlets.
Cons
- Some users have reported issues with the charger tripping breakers or not working properly with certain EV models.
- The charger is not suitable for use with Type 2 EVs or with vehicles that require a hardwired installation.
- While the charger is UL listed, some users may prefer a charger with additional safety certifications.
Overall, we found the GODIAG Level 1+2 EV Charger to be a solid choice for those looking for a portable and versatile charger for their EV or PHEV. While there have been some reports of compatibility issues with certain models, the charger’s wide compatibility with a range of EVs and PHEVs makes it a great option for many drivers. With its adjustable output and long charging cable, the charger is also easy to use and can be a great option for those who need to charge their vehicle on the go.
Tera Electric Vehicle Charger Portable: for Tesla J1772 EV Level 1 & 2 32A 8A 110V 240V Wall Connector Dual Use ETL NEMA 14-50 & 5-15 Wi-Fi Enabled 25FT Cable with Holder P01
If you’re looking for a versatile and powerful electric vehicle (EV) charger, the Tera Electric Vehicle Charger Portable is a great option.
Pros
- Dual compatibility: The Tera EV charger is compatible with both J1772 and Tesla vehicles, making it a great option for those who own multiple types of EVs.
- Portability: With its compact design and lightweight construction, the Tera EV charger is easy to transport and store, making it a great option for those who need to charge their vehicle on the go.
- Smart features: The Tera EV charger comes with a range of smart features, including Wi-Fi connectivity, remote monitoring, and voice control, making it a great option for those who want to stay connected to their vehicle at all times.
Cons
- Installation: While the Tera EV charger is easy to use, the installation process can be a bit tricky, especially for those who are new to EV charging.
- Price: The Tera EV charger is a bit pricey compared to other portable EV chargers on the market.
- Power output: With a maximum power output of 32A, the Tera EV charger may not be the best option for those who need to charge their vehicle quickly.
Overall, the Tera Electric Vehicle Charger Portable is a great option for those who need a versatile and powerful EV charger. Its dual compatibility, portability, and smart features make it a great choice for those who want to stay connected to their vehicle at all times. However, those who are new to EV charging may find the installation process a bit tricky, and the price may be a bit steep for some. If you’re in the market for a portable EV charger, the Tera EV charger is definitely worth considering.
Buying Guide
When looking for the best Level 1 EV charger, there are several factors to consider. Here are some key features to look for:
Compatibility
Make sure the charger is compatible with your vehicle’s make and model. Some chargers may only work with certain types of batteries or vehicles.
Charging Speed
Level 1 chargers are typically the slowest type of charger, taking up to 20 hours to fully charge a depleted battery. However, some models may charge faster than others. Look for a charger that can provide a charging rate of at least 3.3 kW.
Installation
Level 1 chargers are designed to be plug-and-play, meaning they can be installed without the need for any special wiring or permits. However, some models may require professional installation, so be sure to check the manufacturer’s instructions before purchasing.
Durability
Look for a charger that is built to last. A durable construction will ensure that the charger can withstand the elements and continue to function properly for years to come.
Safety Features
Safety should always be a top priority when it comes to EV charging. Look for a charger that has built-in safety features, such as overcurrent protection, short circuit protection, and surge protection.
Additional Features
Some Level 1 chargers may come with additional features, such as Wi-Fi connectivity, energy monitoring, or voice control. Consider whether these features are important to you before making a purchase.
By considering these factors, you can choose the best Level 1 EV charger for your needs.
