16 Best Electric Car Chargers for Fast Charging in 2023

Purchasing an electric vehicle is just the first step. To keep your EV powered up for adventure, investing in a convenient and fast electric car charger is essential. With my experience as an electrical engineer and EV technology enthusiast, I‘ve tested and reviewed the top charging options to enable swift charging for EVs.

This comprehensive EV charger guide will explore:

• Key benefits of reliable and efficient chargers
• Important factors when selecting an EV charger
• 16 best electric car charger picks with pros/cons
• Helpful charging usage tips for EV owners

Let‘s get charged up!

Why Fast and Reliable EV Chargers Are a Must

Charging your electric vehicle quickly and conveniently is critical to ensure a smooth and satisfying ownership experience. Slower Level 1 charging via a standard wall outlet may require hours or overnight to fully recharge an EV‘s large battery pack. Utilizing faster Level 2 charging cuts typical charging times down to just 2-5 hours.

Here are 5 key benefits that reliable and speedy EV chargers provide:

• Convenience: Robust EV chargers you can depend on prevent frustrating disappointments from malfunctions or outages when you need to power up quickly.

• Time Savings: Minimizing hours spent waiting around for your EV battery to recharge allows you to get back on the road faster and make the most of your day.

• Peace of Mind: Consistent fast charging gives confidence you‘ll have enough range and won‘t get stranded with a depleted battery.

• Battery Lifespan: Quick and steady recharging is better for EV battery health rather than prolonged trickle charging at lower currents.

• Cost Savings: Faster charging means spending less on electricity costs over the long run.

Clearly, a purpose-built Level 2 EV charger is a smart investment compared to relying solely on a wall outlet. But with many models and features to consider, choosing the right charger for your needs deserves careful evaluation.

Key Factors When Selecting an Electric Car Charger

To make an informed EV charger purchase, be sure to consider these key factors:

• Charging Speed: Faster charging is better, but higher power draw requires sufficient electrical supply. Level 2 chargers typically range from 3.3kW (16A) up to 19.2kW (80A). Match charging speed to your battery size and daily driving needs.

• Connector Type: Verify the charger connector (J1772, CCS, CHAdeMO, etc) is compatible with the charging inlet on your particular EV model.

• Electrical Supply: Your home/garage electrical system and circuit breaker amperage ratings must support the charger‘s power demands. Upgrades may be required to install higher amperage EV chargers.

• Indoor vs. Outdoor: Ensure the charger is UL rated and suitably weatherproofed if installing in an outdoor location exposed to elements.

• Cable Length: Longer charging cables (20-25ft+) provide more positioning flexibility. Ensure adequate reach to your designated charging parking spot.

• WiFi Connectivity: Chargers with WiFi allow monitoring and adjust controls via a smartphone app. Convenient but not essential.

• Price: Prices range widely from $200 to $700+ for Level 2 chargers depending on power output and features. Also consider any electrical upgrade costs.

Doing your homework on the above key factors will ensure you select the optimal electric car charger for your specific vehicle needs and home charging setup.

16 Best Electric Car Chargers for Fast Home Charging

With key selection criteria in mind, let‘s review my top recommendations for 16 high-performing electric vehicle chargers capable of delivering swift charging speeds. I‘ll summarize my pros and cons analysis for each charger.

1. ChargePoint HomeFlex

Pros: Very fast 50 amp charging, sturdy build, lengthy 23ft cable, Wifi connectivity, UL rated

Cons: Expensive but you get what you pay for, professional installation required

Best For: Fastest charging, premium performance

Power: Up to 11.5kW (48A)

2. Grizzl-E Classic

Pros: Durable waterproof construction, 40 amp charging, long 24ft cable, plug-and-play use

Cons: No WiFi capabilities, cable is a bit stiff

Best For: Reliable outdoor charging station

Power: Up to 9.6kW (40A)

3. Emporia Level 2

Pros: Dynamic load balancing, solar integration, compact design, WiFi controls

Cons: More expensive than competitors

Best For: Eco-friendly solar-powered charging

Power: Up to 11kW (48A)

4. JuiceBox 40

Pros: WiFi connectivity, 40 amp fast charging, 25ft cable, outstanding app

Cons: Wall-mounted only, not outdoor-rated

Best For: Smart home integration, best app features

Power: Up to 9.6kW (40A)

5. Webasto TurboDX

Pros: Very fast dual-voltage charging, flexible plug-in or hardwire install

Cons: Expensive, no meaningful app functionality

Best For: Ultra-fast charging speeds

Power: Up to 11.5kW (48A)

6. Bosch Power Max

Pros: Compact rugged design, color LCD screen, 16ft charging cable

Cons: No WiFi app controls, low amperage capacity

Best For: Reliable plug-in charger with handy display

Power: Up to 3.8kW (16A)

7. Siemens VersiCharge

Pros: Flexible amperage (6-30A), good value, small wall-hugging design

Cons: No power sharing between two vehicles

Best For: Budget-friendly adjustable amperage

Power: Up to 7.2kW (30A)

8. ClipperCreek HCS

Pros: Rugged and waterproof, 25ft cable, plug-and-play simplicity

Cons: No WiFi connectivity or app

Best For: Durable outdoor charging station

Power: Up to 7.7kW (32A)

9. Blink HQ 100

Pros: Sleek modern design, WiFi connected, scheduling, dual charging ports

Cons: Expensive, app connectivity issues reported

Best For: Simultaneous charging two EVs

Power: Up to 9.6kW (40A) per port

10. Shell Recharge

Pros: Super compact design, 40 amp fast charging, LED charging indicator

Cons: No connectivity or app, short 18ft cable

Best For: Space-saving indoor charging

Power: Up to 9.6kW (40A)

11. EVGo HomeStation

Pros: Dynamic power sharing, schedule charging, 25ft cord, WiFi connectivity

Cons: Expensive, requires professional installation

Best For: Simultaneously charging two EVs

Power: Up to 9.6kW (40A) per port

12. FLO Home X5

Pros: Slim wall-mounted design, adjustable charging rate, WiFi app controls

Cons: No outdoor rating, maximum 30 amp capacity

Best For: Compact indoor installation

Power: Up to 7.2kW (30A)

13. Delta Electronics Mini

Pros: Ultra compact and lightweight, handy charging indicator display

Cons: Lower 16 amp capacity, no connectivity features

Best For: Ultimate portability & travel

Power: Up to 3.8kW (16A)

14. AeroVironment TurboCord

Pros: Lightweight and portable, interchangeable plug options

Cons: Lower charging capacity, short charging cable

Best For: Portable Level 1 & 2 charging on the go

Power: Up to 3.3kW (16A)

15. Electrify America HomeStation

Pros: Dynamic power sharing, WiFi connectivity, weatherproof

Cons: Very expensive, low 25 amp capacity

Best For: Simultaneous charging of two EVs

Power: Up to 6kW (25A) per port

16. Phillips MultiCharger

Pros: Convertible between Level 1 & 2 charging, compact design

Cons: Lower amperage capacity, no connectivity

Best For: Flexible portable charging

Power: Up to 3kW (12A) Level 1, Up to 7.2kW (30A) Level 2

EV Charging Tips for Faster Charging

Beyond selecting a purpose-built Level 2 charger, a few simple usage tips can help maximize your charging speed:

• Lower charge: Charge to ~80% instead of 100% which takes much longer
• Precondition battery: Warm battery before charging for faster charge acceptance
• Avoid extreme temps: Hot or cold battery temperatures slow charging
• Higher voltage: 240V circuits charge faster than 120V outlets
• Higher amps: Use maximum rated amps your EV and charger support
• Timer start: Set charger timer to start charging later when rates cheaper

Find the Best EV Charger for Your Needs

I hope this guide has helped highlight the benefits of efficient EV charging and provided a helpful overview of the top electric vehicle chargers available. The key is choosing a robust and fast Level 2 charger properly sized for your home‘s electrical supply and your EV‘s battery capacity. This ensures you can quickly and reliably charge up for all your electric adventures!

Let me know if you have any other questions as you search for the optimal electric car charger. I‘m happy to provide any additional charging recommendations or analysis. Safe travels!