Electric vehicles are available in different models. They can be operated and recharged in outdoor and indoor conditions when connected to an EV charging station. You can charge it at home or plug into an electrical outlet.
The cars are equipped with ‘onboard charger’ which make it easy and convenient to charge using a charging cord.
Table of Contents
Comparison Table
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | FEATURES | PRICE |
|---|---|---|---|
 | ChargePoint Home WIFI | • Length: 25 feet • Socket: NEMA 6-50 • Circuit Breaker: 32A | Check Price |
 | BougeRV Level 2 Portable | • Length: 25 feet • Socket: NEMA 6-20 • Circuit Breaker: 16A | Check Price |
 | Zencar Level 2 | • Length: 25 feet • Socket: NEMA 10-50 • Circuit Breaker: 16A | Check Price |
 | Mustart 32A Level 2 Portable | • Length: 25 feet • Socket: NEMA 14-50 • Circuit Breaker: 30A or Over 30A Circuit Breaker | Check Price |
Top 4 Best Onboard Charger Review
1. ChargePoint Home WIFI enabled electric vehicle charger
Quick Summary
- WORKS WITH ALEXA
- WiFi enabled
- Level 2 electric car charger
- charges any EV up to 6X faster than a standard outlet
- Drivers can use the app to schedule charging at off-peak times to save money
ChargePoint Home WIFI enabled electric vehicle charger is a level 2. It charges any electric vehicle six times faster than a standard outlet. The drivers can use the ChargePoint app to schedule the charging at off-peak hours to save money and time.
You can also use the app to access several charging points and track all the charging activities. It has a 25 feet cable. It can add up to 25 miles of range per hour, and you can easily get the range that you want.
You need an electrical panel that has 240V, a 2-pole circuit breaker, and 40A service. This is a plug-in charger for indoor installation only; it uses a NEMA 6-50 outlet. You can also use it with Alexa.
- It is Wi-Fi enabled.
- It can be used by all electric vehicles.
- The charging station charges up to6 times faster than a standard charger.
- It has a ChargePoint app for scheduling charging, tracking all charging activities, and accessing charging points
- It uses NEMA 6 to 50 outlet.
- You can use it anywhere.
- No support for NEMA 14-50 outlets.
- The handle does not lock into the cradle securely.
- You need a credit card to create an account.
2. BougeRV level 2 portable EVSE electric charging station
Quick Summary
- Display Screen Huge LCD & LED Lights
- Safe & Secure
- Rubber Ring
BougeRV level 2 portable EVSE electric charging station charges faster than a standard level 1 charger. It is also simple to fix and use when you want. It uses NEMA 6-20 plug at 240V and comes with a standard 5-15 plug at 110V adapter for level one charging.
This charging system features a control box with LED charge indicators and several protective measures designed. It comes with EVA case for storage. The plugs are compatible with major vehicles using J1772 connector.
Some of the electric vehicles include Ford, Chevy Volt, BMW, Mitsubishi, Nissan Leaf, and more. You can plug it into RV outlets, dryer, or a standard wall outlet using the right adapter.
- It charges 3 times faster than a standard level 1 charger.
- All the products have been tested and come with a one-year warranty.
- It is compatible with J1772 standard electric vehicles.
- You only need to plug in the cable, and the vehicle starts charging.
- It has LED charge status indicators.
- It comes with a storage case.
- The plugs are compatible with major vehicles using J1772 connector.
- The cable is thick and heavy.
- The nozzle holder does not fit well.
- There is no way to regulate the current.
3. Zencar Level 2 electric vehicle charger
Quick Summary
- Protection grade IP55
- Charger Cord Length: 25 feet for EV Plug to Plug (Diameter: 0.472 inches)
- Power plug meet NEMA10-50 standard
- Lightning protection
- A hook and a dock included.
The charging set includes level 1 adapter cable that you can use in your house. The cable is 3 feet long to help you charge through a standard 120V wall plug. Zencar Level 2 electric vehicle charger charges faster up to 11 miles per hour.
The level two EVSE has 240V, 16 amp, and charges three times faster with 220V. It works well with any electric vehicle. There is a supplied adapter for the Tesla model.
The supply equipment provides lightning proof, overheat, leakage, IP55 rating waterproof, overvoltage, and overcurrent protection for safety. It also has a control box with LED indicators to identify the charger’s condition.
The charger has a one-year warranty. When using this charger check if the circuit breaker is more than 16A, check the type of socket and wire gauge of the socket, and plug the charger fully into the socket.
- It comes with level 1 adapter cable.
- It can be used by any electric vehicle.
- The EVSE offers protection for safety.
- It has a control box with LED indicators.
- It charges faster.
- It may stop charging at random times.
- The circuit breaker may break if you draw more than 12A
- It is not durable.
4. Mustart 32A Level 2 portable electric charger
Quick Summary
- WELL WORTH CHOOSING
- SUPER COMPATIBLE
- FAST CHARGING SPEEDS
- SAFETY WITH SIMPLE DESIGN
Mustart Level 2 portable electric vehicle charger can charge a vehicle up to 2 times faster than a 16A level 2 charger.
It is four times faster than 16A level one charger that most cars come with.it is compatible with most electric vehicles, and the supply equipment is compatible with all the plug-in vehicles. It has a compact size with a 25 feet cable for easy installation and use.
You only need 220V or 240V NEMA 14-50 outlet for charging. It is designed to last with reliability and durability. Luckily, it is Lightening proof and has overcurrent, overheat, and overvoltage protection for safety.
- It does not need to be fixed on a wall; it is portable.
- It comes with a compact size and durable bag for transport and storage.
- The 25 feet cable is easy to install and use.
- It charges faster than a standard level one charger.
- You can check the charging status through the LED screen.
- The charger has been tested and comes with a warranty of two years.
- Requires too much force to insert and remove.
- It is too tight for Chevy Volt 2017 and other models.
The electric charging stations above are some of the best in the market. They are all safe and have reliable. However, the best onboard charger is one that meets your needs.
All the chargers listed above are better choices, and there are several brands in the market. Ensure that you choose the best.
Factors that you need to consider before picking a charging board for your vehicle.
1. Safety certified
Electric vehicle charging is relatively new in the market, various companies make the chargers, and some of them have not invested in having products that are safety certified by a testing body.
Some of these chargers can deliver a high level of power to your car for a long time. Ensure that the charger you purchase is tested and certified.
2. Cost
There are cheaper models in the market, but they sacrifice some features. You should keep in mind that the cost of the charging system may end up being higher, because you may need to pay a professional to install it.
3. Voltage
All the level 2 chargers work at 220-240V. It is important to stick to level 1 chargers that can plug into a standard outlet if you cannot supply the required voltage for level 2.
4. Amperage
If you need a level 2 charger 30A, you also need a circuit breaker that is at least 40 amps. Some chargers for level 2 may be configured to work in level 1 configuration, which is a good temporary measure before upgrading the electric circuit.
5. Connector
When it comes to a connector, there is nothing to worry about, unless you own a Tesla. Most manufacturers in the world use J1772 connector. This connector has five prongs and open centers.
The large prong at the bottom is the ground, the top pair has power, and the other two are for safety and data systems.
6. Cable length
Most of the charging cables are 15 to 25 feet approximately. The longer cables can increase the price of the charger, so it is important to consider the length of the cable that you need for your car.
7. Portability
When you install the charger in a plug-in configuration to use with NEMA 14-50, it helps you to relocate the item the next time or replace it with a different charger.
8. Smart Features
Some of the electric cars are equipped with smart features like Wi-Fi capabilities accompanied by mobile devices. The features can help you to monitor the charging progress of the car, set meters, and timers for a convenient overview of important data.
Besides these features, you can also consider customer reviews and advice from a professional
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is an on-board charger for an electric vehicle?
An on-board charger is a device that is equipped in electric vehicles used for charging the vehicle. It takes AC from an outside source using a cable and converts it into DC and transfers to the batteries.
2. What are the precautions for purchasing on-board chargers?
- Don’t use faulty charging equipment.
- Always use EV charging adaptors that are designed by the vehicle manufacturer or EVSE manufacturer.
- Don’t use any home adaptor between EVSE like an in-cord control.
- Always have a licensed electrician to install your charging station.
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