Step 1: Check Your Electrical Panel
Before you buy anything, look at your home's electrical panel. A Level 2 charger needs a dedicated 240V circuit, typically on a 40–60 amp breaker. If your panel is already close to full, you may need a subpanel or upgrade — which adds cost.
Most homes built in the last 30 years have a 200-amp panel with room for a dedicated EV circuit. Older homes with 100-amp panels may need an upgrade first. An electrician can assess this quickly during a site visit — many offer free assessments.
Tip
Get a quote before you buy a charger. The installer will confirm what your panel can handle, which determines what amperage charger you should get.
Step 2: Choose the Right Amperage
Amperage determines how fast your charger can add range. Higher amps = faster charging. Here's how the main options compare:
| Amperage | Miles/Hour | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 32A | ~20 miles/hr | Light daily drivers, plug-in hybrids |
| 40A | ~25 miles/hr | Average EV owners, most households |
| 48–50A | ~30 miles/hr | Heavy drivers, larger battery EVs, future-proofing |
For most homeowners, a 40A charger is the sweet spot — fast enough for any situation, doesn't require an oversized circuit. If you want flexibility, some chargers let you set the amperage in the app, so you can dial it back if needed.
Step 3: Decide on Smart Features
Most Level 2 chargers today are "smart" — they connect to your home WiFi and give you an app to monitor and control charging. Here's what to look for:
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Scheduled charging
Set your charger to only run during off-peak hours (usually late night) when electricity is cheapest. Can save $20–$50/month on your electric bill.
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Energy monitoring
Track exactly how much power your car is using and what it costs per session. Useful for expense reporting or tax records.
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Remote control via app
Start, stop, or schedule charging from anywhere. Handy if you forget to plug in or want to delay charging remotely.
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Voice assistant support
Some chargers integrate with Amazon Alexa or Google Home. Nice to have, but not essential for most people.
Step 4: Indoor vs. Outdoor Installation
Most home chargers can be installed indoors (in a garage) or outdoors (on an exterior wall). If you don't have a garage, choose a charger rated NEMA 4 or higher — this means it's fully weatherproof and safe in rain, snow, and humidity.
All the chargers we recommend on ChargeCasa are rated for outdoor use. Your electrician will also add weatherproof conduit and an exterior outlet box if needed — this is standard practice.
Step 5: Price vs. Value
Home Level 2 chargers range from about $300 to $800. Spending more doesn't always mean better charging speed — often you're paying for a nicer app, a longer cable, or a more polished design.
Here's a general guide to what you get at each price point:
$300–$450
Solid chargers with basic smart features. Great if you want reliable charging without bells and whistles. Examples: Emporia Smart or Grizzl-E.
$450–$600
Mid-range chargers with better apps, adjustable amperage, and more polished hardware. Examples: ChargePoint Home Flex, Wallbox Pulsar Plus.
$600–$800+
Premium chargers with advanced energy management, sleek industrial design, or bi-directional charging (V2H). Example: Tesla Universal Wall Connector.
Next Step: Compare Models
Now that you know what to look for, the easiest way to choose is to see the top chargers compared side by side — specs, prices, and features all in one place.