I feel like a bit of an outlier here because I see lots of talk about buying home chargers. For me, the one that came with the Blazer EV works fine and I don't see a need for another unless/until it's time to go V2H and dispose of my propane emergency generator. The included one, rated 32 amps circuit load, charges the car overnight and that is enough for me.

 

This is exactly where I am. I pulled the thread hard on V2H. It is now available across the USA and my car has the needed software. But I have other financial priorities right now. So I'm going with a 14-50 plug and the oem charger.

 

What, for you, makes a charger the "best"? You mention max compatibility, and for that, I don't think there is too much concern whichever way you go. Some EVSEs have NACS, and others J1772. Some companies even make the same charger with either connector. If you have a car with each, then you'll be using an adapter on one of them regardless.

Since capacity isn't an issue, power sharing features don't matter. Are you putting this in your garage, or outside? If outside, then maybe consider an EVSE with the ability to restrict access to authenticated users. Do you want to be able to set a schedule because you have time-of-use billing? That's an option on many, but not all models.

In short, what's important to you?

 

It will be outdoors in full sun. Winters the lowest temps will be 30F. Summers and Fall 110F is possible. So - the ability to survive there will be paramount. I don't care about ToU much. I am on a ToU plan but I am only using about half of my solar production and get NEM 2 credits.

 

I really like my Autel Maxicharger AC Lite 48A

I chose it because:
• It has J1772 or NACS options. I chose NACS to future-proof. I use a Lectron adapter
• It does load-balancing so I can install many of them without ever going over 48A total. I have 2 currently and will install a 3rd soon (that might not be an issue for you, unless you’re install maybe 4 or more)
• The app is excellent - I schedule charging through that vs. letting my blazer schedule charging times. Can enter all your peak/off peak rates & times and it’ll give you a total price for all your charges. WiFi, Bluetooth, OTA updates, can do RFID access charging so you can lock it down if it’s outside, gives you charging graphs and history, etc. etc.
• It was on my local utility’s list of EVSEs that qualified for a $500 rebate (2 per year)

 

I use the GM’s Ultium Powerup charger.
It’s hardwired and puts out 11.5kW.
It’s really way more than I need.
Most of the time the Blazer is charging overnight and fast charging really isnt needed.

 

You should check with your local utility company about any off peak rebate charging programs they have. In my case, the only "approved" charger on their list was the ChargePoint one so I went with that. It's been great so far, no issues to report.

 

I did that and found the charges to be higher than what I’m paying now.
I have an energy choice provider at .12 a kWh… .30 with distribution and all the other fees.
National Grid wanted .36 on peak and .32 off peak….per kWh and that’s before all the fees. They are out of their minds.

 

We have 3 Enel X juicebox 40's, two 14-50 models in the garage and a hardwired one outside. One was basically free after a sale price and rebate from our PUD. They've worked great since we had them installed.

 

Tom’s State of Charge YouTube channel
and His website have great and thorough reviews on chargers. Here’s his Best of 2024

I have a Grizzl-e based on his reviews and just love it. The app and data is far superior to some others. Was $395 and more than free after $700 utility rebate.

 

I had a ChargePoint Flex installed.
My suggestion is that you check with your local electric supplier and see if they off any rebates. I was going to get a $300 off Amazon, but my supplier had a list of 3 or 4 different brands/models to which they offered a full rebate on the charger provided it was professionally installed. I got a check for $550 buying this one.

 

Must be nice. In my state the rebate on the 2 or 3 models the utility approves is $40 a year with no upfront rebate. For that $40 they have the right and ability to turn off your charger a certain number of times each month. You can refuse a few times but eventually they kick you out of the program. Pitiful.

 

Son-in-law just ordered the Chargepoint L2 charger for his home.
Don't know if it's the Flex.
Supposed to be delivered today or tomorrow here in West Virginia, USA.
He's an Electrical Engineer, and wants to try and hardwire install it himself.
Right now he's just doing L1 in the garage for his 2015 EV Spark.
My wife and I also do L1 when we visit in our Tesla or EV Blazer; all with Charge Cords.
Bought me a few shares of CHPT the other day, after I saw quite a few Chargepoint L2 chargers in the wild,
and after reading a lot of decent reviews on their business model and plans.
We'll see I guess.