How to Choose a Level 2 EV Charger for Your Home

For homeowners who already own an EV, or are about to, and want a Level 2 charger that matches their panel capacity, parking setup, and daily mileage.

Three things to check before you buy

  • Amperage

    Higher amperage charges faster but draws more from your panel. Match the charger's amperage to your vehicle's onboard charger and your available circuit capacity.

  • Hardwired vs. Plug-In

    Hardwired units connect directly to your panel and generally support higher amperage. Plug-in units use an existing outlet, like a NEMA 14-50, and are easier to relocate or take with you.

  • Panel Capacity

    A charger needs a dedicated circuit sized for its full amperage. Confirm your electrical panel has room for that breaker before you buy, and involve a licensed electrician if you're not sure.

Compare the Autel chargers we carry

  • Autel AC Lite Home NACS 50A EV charger wall unit with green status ring, front view

    AC Lite Home NACS 50A

    50A / 12kW, hardwired, native NACS connector (no adapter needed), 25 ft cable. 13.2" x 7.4" x 3.8", 14.8 lbs. NEMA 4X enclosure. CSA and ENERGY STAR certified. 3-year warranty. 208/240V single-phase input; confirm exact breaker size with your electrician.

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  • Autel AC Lite Home 50A EV charger shown on a light blue wall with connector holstered

    AC Lite Home 50A (J1772)

    50A / 12kW, hardwired, J1772 connector, 25 ft cable. 13.2" x 7.4" x 3.8", 14.8 lbs. NEMA 4X enclosure. CSA and ENERGY STAR certified. 3-year warranty. 208/240V single-phase input; confirm exact breaker size with your electrician.

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  • Autel AC Lite Home 40A 9.6kW plug-in EV charger with 25 ft cable and J1772 connector

    AC Lite Home 40A

    40A / 9.6kW, plug-in via NEMA 14-50 outlet, up to ~32 mi of range per hour, 25 ft cable. 13.2" x 7.4" x 3.8", 15.4 lbs. CSA and ENERGY STAR certified. 3-year warranty. 208/240V single-phase input; confirm exact breaker size with your electrician.

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  • Autel AC Elite Home 50A EV charger with 25 ft charging cable coiled on the wall mount

    AC Elite Home 50A

    50A / 12kW, hardwired, J1772, 25 ft cable, up to ~48 mi of range per hour. 13.2" x 7.4" x 3.8", 15.4 lbs (weight varies slightly by holster style). NEMA 4X enclosure. CSA and ENERGY STAR certified. 3-year warranty. 208/240V single-phase input; confirm exact breaker size with your electrician.

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  • Autel AC Elite Home 50A EV charger wall unit with green status ring and J1772 connector

    MaxiCharger 80A

    80A / 19.2kW, hardwired, J1772, 25 ft cable, up to ~70 mi of range per hour. 14.5" x 8.5" x 5.1", approx. 20.3 lbs package weight. UL and CSA listed, ENERGY STAR certified. 5-year warranty on charger body, backplate and internals (1-year on screen, cable and connector). 208/240V single-phase input; confirm exact breaker size with your electrician.

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  • Autel AC Single 50A EV charger wall unit with green status ring, front view

    AC Single 50A

    50A / 12kW, one-click mount, J1772, 25 ft cable, Siri voice control. 5-year warranty (per supplier listing). [CONFIRM: whether hardwired or plug-in, dimensions, weight, enclosure rating and circuit requirement — not published on the supplier's official spec sheet for this model; contact Autel support or your electrician for site-specific sizing.]

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Frequently asked questions

What if I change vehicles later?

J1772 is the standard connector for most non-Tesla EVs in the US. If you switch to a NACS-native vehicle, you can use an adapter or choose one of our NACS chargers instead.

Do I need a permit to install a Level 2 charger?

Permit and inspection requirements vary by city and county. Confirm requirements with your local building authority and use a licensed electrician for the installation.

How do I know if my electrical panel has enough capacity?

A licensed electrician can check your panel's available capacity and confirm it can support a dedicated circuit for the charger's full amperage.

How long does installation take?

A straightforward install near the panel is often a few hours. Longer wire runs, a panel upgrade, or a permit inspection will extend the timeline.

Who installs the charger?

A licensed electrician handles the circuit and hardwiring or outlet installation. We don't provide installation services directly.

Ready to build your setup?

See how these chargers come together in a complete build, or browse the Autel chargers directly.