Electric Vehicle Charging. Smart car charging station

Smart EV Charging: A Global Review of Promising Practices

The electrification of transport in Europe is in the early stages of a market transformation that has the potential to significantly cut emissions in both the transportation and energy sectors, while generating wider benefits for society. The research underpinning this study finds that the greatest value from integrating electric vehicles (EVs) into the power grid can be generated by charging them when and where it is most beneficial for the power system, while ensuring consumers’ mobility needs are met at an affordable cost. An emerging body of research on electric vehicle grid integration focuses on modeling the cost of integration under various scenarios, but few studies look at the existing promising practices that are based on policy tools in use today. The authors of this study conducted a qualitative review of policies for EV grid integration in the EU and U.S. markets. We found that, in order to unlock the environmental and economic opportunities associated with market uptake, three policy strategies are most effective: cost-reflective pricing, intelligent technology, and integrated infrastructure planning. The study also explores the implications of these practices for policymakers and regulators in the EU (A short version of this paper was presented at the 32nd Electric Vehicles Symposium in Lyon, France, in May 2019).

Introduction

The number of electric vehicles (EVs) in Europe has increased exponentially. than one million electric passenger vehicles were on the roads of EU, European Free Trade Association countries, and Turkey by the end of 2018 [1]. It is agreed that “the benefits of transport electrification on climate change mitigation will be greater if EV deployment takes place in parallel with the decarbonisation of power systems” [2]. However, decision-makers on the European, national, and local levels are only starting to recognize the importance of managed or “Smart” charging as a key element for the environmentally beneficial and cost-efficient integration of electric vehicles into the grid [3,4]. This article builds on earlier research conducted by the authors [5], and on a global review of promising practices for beneficial EV grid integration [6] in a dynamically developing market for charging and grid services. It offers insights for decision-makers and identifies further needs for research.

With the term “EVs,” we include both battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs). For the sake of simplicity, we use the term EVs throughout. This article mainly focuses on passenger cars but also takes other vehicle segments into account. References to beneficial electrification of transport define “beneficial” as an electrified end use, or integration of an electrified end use, into the power grid that satisfies at least one of the following conditions without adversely affecting the other two: it saves consumers money over the long run, enables better grid management, and reduces detrimental environmental impacts.

EVs’ flexibility also makes them a grid resource with considerable advantages: As “batteries on wheels,” they can either pull electricity from the grid for charging or feed it back into the system whenever the vehicle is not in use. In the current phase of the mobility transition [7], which still focuses on private ownership of cars, vehicles are idle about 95 percent of the time, and users generally need only 10 percent of the hours in a day for charging [8]. This leaves at least 85 percent of the time free for potentially providing flexibility services, and EVs are increasingly recognized, also by utilities, as a valuable demand-response resource for the grid [9]. But as the mobility paradigm transitions, we will see growth in vehicle use through increasingly intelligent and shared new mobility services [10,11,12,13]. Some flexibility for optimizing the way users charge their vehicles is likely to remain, along with strong incentives to minimize the cost of charging.

Previous research highlights the benefits of strategic EV integration, stating that “Smart EV charging can integrate increasing amounts of renewable energy resources, increase utilization of the existing network infrastructure, lower the operating cost of EVs, and minimize the need for new investment” [5]. Subsequently, there is a growing body of literature that assesses EV grid integration costs and the associated benefits [14,15,16,17]. Studies undertaken for and by stakeholders and other researchers broadly agree that the grid can cope with integrating the anticipated growth in electric vehicles without issue, provided charging is managed [18]. This means that users are provided with incentives to move their vehicle charging to off-peak hours, thus using the existing grid assets more efficiently. According to the European Association of the Electricity Industry (Eurelectric), Smart charging could result in improved grid utilization rates. The association also finds that any higher overall electricity peaks would not be substantial and therefore are not cause for concern [18]. Grid operators note that it is, of course, possible that grid expansion could be necessary in given locations [19]. A recent analysis of Europe’s largest car market, Germany, confirms these findings even if high levels of electrification are assumed, provided that the broader transition to a more efficient, less vehicle-based transport sector continues [20]. Previous estimations based on data from France and Germany show that a significant proportion of existing distribution network grid capacity remains unused that is well suited for charging a higher penetration of EVs with little or no need for additional capacity [21]. The studies also show that, without managed charging, the costs of providing the power needed to charge rising numbers of EVs could grow dramatically [18]. If the vehicles are charged during times of system peak, the overall peak could even increase twofold [19]. This could lead to substantial, and avoidable, investment in new generation resources and grid capacity that has limited value, as it would only serve the higher peak.

The authors of this article explored best practices for ensuring that charging is managed and unnecessary investment costs can be avoided. While the majority of current research uses a modeling approach to address this question [22], few studies have explored existing market and policy practices that already successfully illustrate the benefits of Smart charging. We seek to make an empirical contribution to the current debate by presenting case studies of real-world examples. As a result of our research, we have identified three particularly important opportunities for ensuring EVs are integrated beneficially into the grid, and costly exacerbation of peak load is avoided.

Cost-reflective pricing leverages the fluctuations in retail energy and network over the course of the day and night to encourage consumers to change how and when they charge their vehicles. An effective program will motivate consumers to change their charging behavior in a way that both lowers their costs and reduces power system costs.

Smart technology is a critical resource for capturing the flexibility EVs can provide, especially when used in conjunction with Smart pricing. Charging processes can even be automated if price and other data can be communicated. This feature is generally found only in more advanced programs. The goal is to enable consumers to make choices to reduce their bills without needing to constantly pay attention to the relevant technology.

Smart infrastructure refers to the strategic siting of EV charging infrastructure. precisely, if the public or private infrastructure is carefully planned, it can serve mobility demands, take advantage of existing grid infrastructure and capacity, and provide balancing services. This powerful combination can substantially reduce the cost of integrating electric vehicles into the power system. The higher objective of this strategy is also to steer the time and location of EV charging to best serve consumers and the grid.

Materials and Methods

Research for this study focused on a qualitative method of data collection (See Supplementary Materials) with the objective of establishing a comprehensive definition of and recommendations to promote “Smart charging,” a term often used in policy discussions but seldom clarified, through real-world case studies [23]. The research process involved collection, review, and documentation of reports and material available in European Member States and the United States, as well as interviews with various stakeholders (see Appendix A, Table A1). In addition, the authors gathered information in various informal exchanges, such as expert workshops, and incorporated the feedback from external experts (see Acknowledgements). The research was conducted between June 2018 and March 2019.

Results

In this section, we identify three areas of opportunity for beneficial EV integration through “Smart charging” and discuss selected examples of best practices. For the purposes of this paper, we define “Smart charging” as electric vehicle charging that can be shifted to times “when the costs for producing and delivering electricity are lower, without compromising the vehicle owner’s needs” [4].

3.1. Smart Pricing

Cost-reflective, or “Smart” pricing, sends price signals to consumers about the actual cost of generating and delivering electricity at a given time. The objective of this mechanism is to reward customers with lower when they shift their vehicle charging to times that are beneficial to the grid, i.e., times of low demand or load. Well-designed tariffs ensure efficient use of existing power system infrastructure and can help obviate the need for some future investments in the system [24]. The cost savings from Smart pricing do not only accrue for EV users; all customers reap the benefits of the lower system costs.

At present, the most common type of pricing across Europe is the standard tariff, which is a rate that does not vary with time. Standard pricing is based on a flat, per kilowatt-hour charge for consumers’ electricity demand. Because customers cannot lower their electricity bills by shifting their power use, they charge their vehicles at a desired time, regardless of grid conditions and regardless of the cost to generate and deliver electricity.

Utilities across most of Europe offer their customers forms of time-varying price structures, but the uptake by consumers has been low on the whole. Pilot programs, featuring Smart pricing, show that those consumers who do participate are responsive to price signals and willing to change their charging behaviors. The current pricing models range from the simplest, time-of-use (TOU) tariffs, to the most complex, real-time pricing. With time-of-use pricing, the utility sets different for different blocks of time. These are usually simple delineations, such as a day and night tariff or a weekday and weekend price, and the tariffs are typically based on consumers’ past power usage. This most prevalent design, dating back to the 1970s and 1980s, does not require advanced metering technology. Its effectiveness varies greatly among countries, depending on the design and the ratio between the highest and lowest price periods. The difference between the two rates needs to be large enough to encourage customers to change their behavior.

Real-time pricing, by contrast, changes according to the actual situation on the power grid over set intervals and thus requires Smart metering. Smart meter rollout has been a challenging hurdle, with several Member States still far behind their target.

Two other designs of note are critical peak pricing and peak-time rebates. France is currently the only country offering critical peak pricing [25], where rise substantially for a limited number of hours, and this time frame is announced in advance. As the name suggests, a peak-time rebate plan pays a set amount to consumers who shift their electricity consumption away from peak hours. If they do use power during this time, the price is the same as for non-peak hours.

Electricity tariffs that support managed EV charging require consumers to learn how to best use them to save money (and, at the same time, to create grid benefits). Customer education is key, in particular to attract new user groups, who are not already convinced of the specific advantages of electric vehicles. Experience from the United States confirms that many energy suppliers reported positive experiences when testing the introduction of time-varying tariffs in smaller pilot projects [26].

Cost-reflective pricing takes on vital importance as the EV market transformation accelerates. With today’s low EV market share and a moderate, albeit growing, share of renewables, simpler tariff designs such as TOU rates can ensure beneficial EV grid integration. This will not be sufficient, however, in a fully developed electric transport sector that also aims to integrate higher amounts of renewable energy. In this case, more granular tariff designs, supported by technology (see below), will be required to ensure grid-friendly EV charging.

The following examples in Table 1 illustrate lessons learned from experiences in the EU and the United States with designing tariffs to support beneficial EV integration.

Under the Spanish TOU tariff, the owner of an electric passenger vehicle (assuming a 24 kWhs battery and a maximum range of around 160 km), will pay approximately 0.72 euros to charge his or her vehicle during the nighttime hours. By comparison, fully charging the vehicle at the flat, standard rate of 0.14 euros per kWh would cost around 3.4 euros, or nearly five times as much as the EV tariff. This standard rate calculation assumes 10,000 km driven per year, with all charging taking place during the nighttime (off-peak) hours. Thus, the EV-dedicated tariff offers significantly lower costs than the standard tariff and only requires the user to change when the vehicle is charged.

One alternative to driving grid-beneficial charging through pricing models is active control of charging, as practiced by some suppliers in Germany.

3.2. Smart Technology

Intelligent technology can increase the impact of cost-reflective by making them more convenient for consumers. In other words, the technology enables customers to react to price signals quickly and without much effort. Sophisticated tariff designs generally require more complex technology that automatically monitors and adjusts consumption based on price signals, without active intervention by the consumer. Even intelligent technologies are less likely to encourage Smart charging if they are not coupled with dynamic pricing schemes. As a result, implemented in isolation, responsive technology is not likely to use existing grid capacity more effectively or reduce peak demand. Figure 1 illustrates this effect for several pilot programs that tested the dynamic price designs mentioned above. Greater reductions in demand were achieved when intelligent technology was deployed.

Simpler forms of intelligent technology include Smart meters and other similar devices. These can generally monitor and communicate real-time power usage, allowing consumers to easily access data through an in-house display or mobile application. To optimize their energy consumption, however, consumers are still required to either take action themselves, directly or remotely, or to do so through a third party, such as an aggregator.

Among the more sophisticated intelligent charging technologies are systems with functionality for automatically responding to or other signals. Some Smart chargers, for example, are capable of adjusting charging levels based on grid conditions. Other technology allows the user to give priority to cost, by charging his or her vehicle during previously communicated lower pricing periods or in response to real-time pricing. Some systems can even identify the fuel used to generate electricity and charge only with renewable energy sources.

At present, it is difficult to foresee which business models and technologies for managing electric vehicle charging will survive the current Rapid-growth phase. Some manufacturers install the metering equipment in the vehicle, others place it in the charging equipment, and yet others in the charging cable. The electric vehicle users of the future may have the option of choosing from different levels of technological capability, different price categories and a variety of solutions to their mobility challenges. Table 2 contrasts and compares various Smart charging technology concepts and their value to consumers.

In areas where a large number of users access charging facilities, intelligent balancing technology can help manage load to provide charging services to consumers while avoiding stress on the grid during peak hours and the resulting higher costs. Charging even a few electric vehicles in shared garages can affect the energy consumption of larger structures, such as multi-unit residential dwellings and commercial spaces. Owners can use load balancing solutions to charge a greater number of vehicles during the night-time hours without increasing the building’s peak demand or their costs. Balancing technology can also be implemented to avoid unnecessary capacity investments to integrate larger, concentrated loads such as electric bus depots. ChargePoint, an electric vehicle supply equipment provider, used intelligent technology to manage load for a bus depot in a major European city, lowering the peak demand needed to charge around 130 buses by more than half, from approximately 5 MW to 2 MW [37].

3.3. Smart Infrastructure

Research also shows that cost-effective EV grid integration requires holistic planning. By taking into account power system and user needs, charging infrastructure can be strategically sited to increase the utilization rates of existing power system infrastructure, and to ensure the location is also convenient for meeting EV drivers’ charging and driving patterns [38]. Monitoring users’ driving and charging behavior helps identify the density of charging equipment required to help consumers drive the kilometers they need with their electric vehicle while avoiding stranded investments from underutilized charging infrastructure [39]. These siting decisions are difficult for policymakers and investors in a nascent market and, to further complicate matters, the use cases and resulting demand for EV charging will continue to evolve with increasing electrification in other vehicle segments. While most charging can be expected to happen at home or at work, research and industry broadly agree that a small but significant share of (fast) charging will occur at publicly accessible sites, depending on the uptake of electric fleets, fleet use and mobility-as-a-service schemes [40]. Fast charging is currently defined as charging with more than 22 kW [41].

The use case for workplace charging illustrates how grid-friendly infrastructure planning is key: charging equipment can take advantage of the existing network connections for office buildings. In addition, it can make more efficient use of the grid by shifting the charging cycles for employees’ EVs away from peak hours (for example, by delaying charging), toward hours when solar power is available on the grid, or both. Load management technologies, coupled with time-of-use tariffs that lower the cost of charging at times of abundant renewable energy supply, can make Smart workplace charging beneficial for all parties involved.

Discussion

The review of promising examples has shown that, in various EU countries, existing policy tools for tariff design, technology deployment and integrated planning can be used to enhance beneficial EV grid integration. Three primary conclusions can be drawn from the analysis and can inform European policymakers, as outlined below. They are also part of a broader scholarly and regulatory discussion on how to leverage electric vehicles as decentralized energy resources [49] in the overall power sector transformation [50].

4.1. Time-Varying Electricity Pricing Can Motivate Electric Vehicle Drivers to Charge at Times that are Advantageous for the Power System

Several provisions of the EU electricity sector reform that was concluded at the end of 2018, the so-called “Clean Energy for All Europeans” package, recognize that time-varying pricing can accelerate the integration of electric vehicles into the grid. It remains to be seen, however, how ambitiously Member States will implement the legislation. Our analysis underscores two crucial requirements for creating a suitable framework for dynamic pricing, with two objectives. First, it is critical that real-time energy are based on the full value of flexibility on the customer side, or the demand side. Second, electric vehicle users should be subject to fair retail tariffs for energy charges and network fees. In other words, all users should reap the benefits of Smart charging and, in equal measure, should bear their rightful share of the costs for uncontrolled charging. When implementing the rules, EU countries are required to prepare a foundation for more dynamic pricing structures that support Smart charging by capturing and communicating to EV customers the cost of producing electricity. Future research will be needed to closely monitor tariff designs for EV uptake, to learn from consumer experiences with tariffs, and to make data from these lessons publicly available. This is being practiced to a larger extent in some U.S. states, where regulators require energy suppliers to respond to the EV grid integration challenge through tariff design, infrastructure investments, and similar methods [51].

4.2. Leveraging Smart Pricing with Responsive Technology Generates Substantial Benefits

Policymakers can capitalize on the opportunity to maximize the benefits of time-varying pricing by ensuring responsive technology is broadly available to consumers. In this transition phase, Member State governments can help build a more dynamic market for charging solutions by taking an ambitious approach to translating the provisions of the Clean Energy for All Europeans package [52], by complying with existing legislations on Smart meter rollout thoroughly and swiftly, and by revising standardization requirements to ensure broad distribution of market solutions. Research shows that granular data, for example from Smart meters, is pivotal for integrating demand-side flexibility into the grid, such as that provided by electric vehicles [53]. The UK [54], for example, is considering whether it should require all new, non-public EV charging infrastructure to have the ability to react to price signals.

4.3. Grid-Friendly Charging Infrastructure is Key to Minimising Costs

Beneficial EV integration is dependent on strategically located, grid-friendly charging infrastructure that determines where, when and how EVs can be charged. This still presents a major hurdle for EV market take-up at the time this article was written. Elaborate models have been developed to assess use patterns for charging infrastructure. For example, researchers have identified load allocation strategies to support revenue calculation [55]. A body of research has also emerged around modeling the density requirements for charging infrastructure [56,57] and analyzing users’ behavior at fast charging stations in cities [58] to inform planners. The findings highlight the gap between planned infrastructure rollout and future user needs [59], as well as the importance of appropriate planning. Specifically, more data and knowledge is needed to assess the long-term costs and benefits associated with infrastructure build-out such as location, installation, operation, and long-term maintenance, as well as a discussion of successful models for charging infrastructure ownership and the regulatory changes needed to realize them.

Policymakers are tasked with the challenge of developing public charging infrastructure in a range of circumstances: urban areas, along highways, and in rural settings. The common denominator is the existing energy and transport infrastructure, which should be considered together. The EU institutions will evaluate the Alternative Fuels Directive [60], which is the existing legal framework underpinning charging infrastructure development. In order to ensure we can meet future charging needs for different groups of EV users, it will be important to implement an integrated approach to energy and transport planning in this review. The implementation of the revised European Energy Performance of Buildings Directive [61], as part of the Clean Energy for All Europeans package, presents an opportunity to revisit building codes with a view toward facilitating vehicle charging at workplace and residential settings, including multifamily homes. It is also crucial to direct infrastructure funding in a way that bolsters the development of a competitive market for EV charging services. Municipalities can support this, for example, by including performance indicators in public tenders.

Further research will be needed as technology and business models for cost-efficient, low-carbon and grid-friendly EV grid integration develop in parallel with EV market uptake. Most importantly, the relevance of consumer education as a key condition for the success of Smart charging programs further analysis, including the question of which public and private stakeholders are well placed to engage. For example, the question of how to adequately design tariffs for accessible public EV charging will become crucial for uptake. Taxation of EV use will also arise in different contexts.

Conclusions

This paper underscores that beneficial EV grid integration is not only possible, it is already happening, using existing tools for electricity tariff design, deployment of intelligent technologies and integrated planning. We suggest a comprehensive definition of beneficial EV grid integration and Smart charging that aims at supporting policymakers in reducing emissions from both the transport and energy sectors. Findings suggest that, without this joint effort, the electrification of transport could stagnate, and burden drivers, electricity consumers, and the public sector with unnecessary costs. The other clear risk is that we will not attain the necessary reductions in carbon dioxide emissions and air pollution in the transport sector—the only sector where carbon emissions are still growing.

Author Contributions

Conceptualization, J.H. and C.K.; investigation, C.W. and A.J.; project administration, J.H.; supervision, J.R.; validation, J.R.; writing—original draft, J.H. and C.K.; writing—review and editing, J.R. and M.H.

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to acknowledge and express their appreciation to the following people who provided helpful insights into early drafts of this paper: Carlos Calvo Ambel, Transport Environment; David Farnsworth, Regulatory Assistance Project; Camille Kadoch, Regulatory Assistance Project; Pamela MacDougall, Natural Resources Defense Council; Jessica Shipley, Regulatory Assistance Project; Michael Villa, smarten; Sandra Wappelhorst, The International Council on Clean Transportation; Frederick Weston, Regulatory Assistance Project.

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflict of interest. The authors are from Regulatory Assistance Project. The funders had no role in the design of the study; in the collection, analyses, or interpretation of data; in the writing of the manuscript, or in the decision to publish the results.

Appendix A

OrganisationDateRAP AuthorDuration

ChargePoint	26 November 2018	Dr. Julia Hildermeier, Christos Kolokathis	1:30
Norwegian E-Mobility Association	11 September 2018	Dr. Julia Hildermeier, Christos Kolokathis Catharina Wiese	1:30
Norwegian Water Resources and Energy Directorate	25 September 2018	Dr. Julia Hildermeier, Christos Kolokathis Catharina Wiese	1:30

References

Figure 1. Average peak reduction from time-varying tariff pilots. Reproduced from Faruqui et al. [30].

Figure 1. Average peak reduction from time-varying tariff pilots. Reproduced from Faruqui et al. [30].

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What is Smart EV charging?

Smart EV charging or intelligent charging refers to a system where an electric vehicle and a charging device share a data connection, and the charging device shares a data connection with a charging operator.

As opposed to traditional (or dumb) charging devices that aren’t connected to the Cloud, Smart charging allows the charging station owner to monitor, manage, and restrict the use of their devices remotely to optimize energy consumption.

With Cloud-based solutions, only sky is the limit (pun intended). Smart EV charging service can be modified: it is effortless to add and remove features and create a system that suits your needs. New features can also be added and updated to existing charging stations. This is why Smart EV charging is also future-proof. Changing demands and hopes will be turned into new features, and added into the Smart system as the world keeps changing.

Electric cars connected to the grid with Smart charging create a symbiosis with the power grid — they support each other. Without Smart charging, this connection wouldn’t exist and EVs could become a burden on the grid.

Psst! We recently worked with Eurelectric and BBC StoryWorks Commercial Productions to put together this handy video that illustrates how Smart charging works.

How do Smart EV charging stations work?

Smart EV charging is powered by an intelligent back-end solution that brings real-time data from connected charging devices and charging events to the charging station owner’s fingertips.

As stations are connected to the Cloud, they can be managed based on various signals: such as fickle energy production, local electricity consumption, amount of other vehicles being charged or electrical devices being used on a nearby premise. In order to create a more sustainable energy system based on renewable energy sources, EV charging has to be Smart.

What happens during a Smart charging event?

Smart charging requires an electric car driver to identify at the charging station. Identification connects the EV driver, charging point and the charging event together. The right price will be charged from the right customer, and money is directed to the right charging station owner. Since it’s Smart, everything happens automatically.

For EV drivers registered to the charging service, identification is effortless: they just log in to the mobile application and start charging, or show their RFID tag to the charger. Unregistered users can also use the stations and pay with a credit or debit card.

The charging event itself happens based on the settings and set by the station owner. The station can be part of a station group and include plenty of Smart features occurring on the background, but for the end-user charging is as easy as it can be: they just identify and plug in.

The number of Smart EV charging service providers is increasing, and all these service providers have their own charging platforms. This causes no trouble for the EV drivers when cars are charged smartly: thanks to roaming networks. Most Smart charging platforms, like ours, are connected to roaming platforms. Through roaming, customers can charge at any station with just one customer account. In practice, one customer account is enough to enable driving around in Europe.

The benefits of intelligent charging

Intelligent charging is especially beneficial, even essential, for the energy market. But good things come in plenty: smartness is profitable for the electric car drivers, charging station owners and charging network operators as well.

Here’s how EV drivers, businesses and EV charging networks can benefit from a Smart electric vehicle charging solution.

Benefits to EV drivers

Wouldn’t it be tempting to think that it doesn’t really matter where you charge your vehicle, as long as it gets charged? Unfortunately that’s not the case.

As an EV driver with access to Smart charging, you’ll:

Find available charging stations for EVs

Find available charging points easily on a mobile app and reserve your charging spot on the go. The mobile application shows you information about the charging power and price, and real-time data about the availability of charging stations

Charge faster

The Smart device will automatically use the maximum amount of energy available. The maximum charging power of most Smart devices is 22 kW. Fast charging stations can charge even with a maximum power of 150kW.

Charge safer

Especially compared to a household socket, a Smart charging device is a much safer and a more carefree option. Smart devices automatically test the connection between your vehicle and the device before they start charging. All charging events are being monitored and can be controlled remotely.

Avoid arguments with neighbors

Avoid unnecessary arguments and disputes on energy consumption between neighbors, as consumption data can be easily traced back to the right person. With Smart charging, all EV drivers are billed after charging based on the station pricing. It all happens automatically: neither you as an EV driver or the charging point owner has to worry about payments. Automated billing is based on customer identification, thus the charging event only starts when you have successfully identified yourself at the station with the mobile app, RFID tags or the one-time payment service.

Save money — and the environment

You’ll also save money and protect the environment by automatically optimizing the timing of your charging event to favor charging when electricity is at its cheapest. Optimizing the charging event to take place during the low electricity consumption hours is not only cheaper but helps in balancing the grid. The number of EV drivers keeps growing and more flexibility will be needed in the future. Energy companies can even start offering incentives to EV drivers for charging with lower power, timing their charging events to take place at low consumption hours or enabling their car batteries to be momentarily used as power reserves.

Psst! There’s more where that came from

If you’re interested in reading more about the benefits of Smart charging to EV drivers, check out this blog post.

Benefits of electric vehicle charging to businesses

Much like consumers, businesses also have a lot to gain from Smart EV charging. Actually, doing it the Smart way is the only sensible and future-proof solution.

Smart charging allows you to:

Monitor EV charging events remotely

You’ll get access to a Smart management system that allows you to monitor and control charging events remotely, view usage statistics, and report issues. All your stations are connected to the charging platform and thus to each other. You can group stations together and manage them in a stack. This enables, for instance, limiting the charging power of a station group. Pricing packages and charging station information can also be edited conveniently.

Stop worrying about payments

Wouldn’t it be nice if you had access to a hassle-free billing system that charges customers either through their Virta account or directly from their payment cards? When it comes to payments and billing, you don’t have to do anything. EV drivers are billed automatically based on the you have set, and we’ll transfer the income to you monthly.

Take control of your electricity consumption

You’ll also get controlled charging events so that you don’t have to worry about exceeding the capacity of your local grid, or paying an arm and a leg in the form of your electricity bill. By grouping stations together you can save money since the need to grow the electrical connection can be avoided. If the maximum charging power set for the station group is exceeded, the charging power drops down automatically at all stations in the group.

Get peace of mind

However, the most important benefit of Smart EV charging is really quite simple: it allows you to stay focused on your main business. After the charging station has been installed, it doesn’t require your attention — unless you want to keep up with the statistics and business figures.

Can’t get enough?

That’s okay. We won’t judge. Just hop on over to this blog post about the benefits of Smart charging to business owners.

Benefits to EV charging networks

To utility companies building their own EV charging networks, a Smart charging solution for EVs is an absolute necessity. After all, how else would you serve multiple charging stations through your own network?

Smart charging helps EV charging networks to:

Stabilize the grid

Smart charging events can be controlled based on various signals: for example, charging can be automatically set to start when electricity demand is at its lowest. The ability to control charging based on different energy production and consumption signals offers you new business opportunities. Energy management features should be provided for EV drivers as an opportunity, a chance to voluntarily take part in demand-response. Consumers also need incentives and information.

Keep up with the changing world

The pace of change in the mobility sector is Rapid and not all future needs can be predicted. Smart charging services located in the Cloud can be updated, changed and developed on the go. When you purchase a Smart charging solution, you purchase a service that is up to date every day.

Easily manage a number of Smart EV charging stations

As a network operator, you can create device groups, pricing models and packages for end-customers. Testing different and managing station groups is effortless. We’ll help you to get started with using the management tools so you can make the most of the Smart system.

Stay up to date on your business

Keeping up with your business is more effortless than ever: All actions at your charging stations are visible in the management system and collected into convenient and easy-to-read overviews. You can follow the key metrics and statistics, and even view individual station events if you wish.

The elements of intelligent charging

Smart EV charging point devices

All electric vehicles are compatible with Smart charging devices but not all charging devices are Smart. Smartness is a word being used here and there, but a Smart device has to include some characteristics in order to be fully applicable with all the future-proof feature possibilities Smart charging offers.

When you’re selecting a charging device, consider at least these 3 things:

• Make sure that the stations can be connected to the Cloud. Devices should include for example GPRS or 3G connection in order to communicate with the service.
• Devices should include a standardized socket type: Type 2, or CHAdeMO and CCS Combo in case of a fast charging device.
• Devices should be compatible with the backend of your choosing. The most common, standard protocol is called OCPP, Open Charge Point Protocol, that allows you to mix-and-match different software and hardware to create a comprehensive charging experience.

The newer standard version, the better, but the most important thing is that the chosen device and platform follow the same standard version.

The good news is that most Smart charging platforms won’t force you into a vendor trap — and we’re no different. With Virta, you can freely choose your devices from a long list of supported vendors and models. Currently, we follow OCPP 1.5, 1.6, 2.0 and keep updating as new versions come out. Check out the full list of Smart charging devices we support.

Smart EV charging features

While Smart devices are a prerequisite for Smart EV charging, the real Hero of the story are the Smart features of the EV charging platform.

The admin panel

The admin panel is your best friend if you happen to operate multiple charging points across multiple locations. This is where you can set the price for public charging, manage your stations remotely, as well as view and download usage statistics.

The admin panel provides you with tools that help you become familiar with your station statistics, and make changes in the features, station details and based on key metrics. As the charging network operator, you can also manage the information about your customers, registrations and RFID tag shipments in the admin panel.

In short, it offers you an opportunity to be active in station management, but in practice everything runs smoothly without your active participation. We’ll take care of all the behind-the-scenes tasks so you can keep your FOCUS on your main business.

Automatic payments billing

Automatic payments and billing are yet another convenient feature you’ll gain by investing in Smart charging. Instead of having to manually charge your customers or employees after their charging events, the platform does it for you. And the best part? Your customers are free to choose how they want to pay. From RFID tags to the mobile app and one-time payments using a payment card, all you have to do is sit back and relax as the money flows in.

Mobile web apps for the end-users

Mobile web apps for the end-users take your customer experience to a whole new level. They allow drivers to find and reserve available charging points, add their favorite stations, view their charging history and more. Thanks to its smartness, the mobile application shows real-time data about the charging stations to the EV drivers. The mobile application is basically everything EV drivers need for charging.

Roaming

Roaming helps the charging station owners to attract more users and gain more income. For EV drivers, roaming provides a possibility to charge at tens of thousands of stations in a number of ways, such as through third-party applications or cards. Roaming improves the user experience and functions the same way as mobile data roaming. Smartness is a requirement for roaming, as the devices have to be connected to the roaming networks. Virta is currently connected with the roaming networks of Hubject and Gireve.

Dynamic load management

Dynamic load management (or DLM) is such a pivotal concept in Smart EV charging that it’s sometimes mistakenly used as a synonym to all Smart features. In reality, dynamic load management refers to a Smart charging platform’s ability to automatically distribute the available power between the building and the electric vehicles that are being charged simultaneously. In other words, DLM helps you protect the local grid from peak loads and saves you from the hassle of having to upgrade the building’s energy infrastructure.

Energy management features

Energy management features are the key components in connecting EVs to the grid. Without Smart charging stations, electric cars can’t be used in supporting the electricity system. Watch this video to understand the symbiosis of electric car and the energy system.

Why Virta?

Virta offer s world’s fastest and most cost‑effective channel to launch, grow and operate commercial services in the EV charging ecosystem – as a primary business or as a value-added service.

Knowledge is part of our DNA, we have the ability and ambition to build best-in-class services that work not only today but also in the future.

This is how we empower our customers to make a positive change – for profitability and for the planet:

Minimum effort, maximum benefits

The time to start offering EV charging services is now. But t raditionally operating an EV charging business comes with a long list of responsibilities: customer support, technical problem solving, payments, customer credit risk, roaming services, and charger management, just to name a few. Building the necessary capabilities and infrastructure takes time and money.

What if you could skip all the heavy lifting, and become an EV charging service provider right away?

With Virta you can. Our Virta branded solution gives you the ability to offer EV charging under your brand, while Virta handles all the complexities of running the service. We make running an EV charging business easy. Minimum effort, maximum benefit.

Reach your full potential

Electric vehicle charging services can be offered on multiple levels: you can offer EV charging to your customers as a value-adding service or you can own thousands of chargers across the country.

What ever your business model, Virta platform enables you to reach your full potential. Our platform is the perfect partnership between innovation, quality, adaptability and efficiency.

Hidden costs the greatest cost of EV charging. With Virta’s highly scalable digital plug-and-play platform solution you can avoid hidden costs, run world’s most efficient EV charging business and grow. We provide you with all the tools you need to build a business around EV charging.

A global leader in energy management solutions

EVs are essentially big batteries on wheels. They are the most important new source of flexibility and essential element in the renewable based energy system. Virta platform integrates EVs and energy system into an embedded ecosystem.

We are recognized as a global market leader in Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) technology and energy management. Virta enables you to take charge your energy and create value from energy flexibility. If you’d like to read more about our energy management solutions, click here.

You’ve got questions, we’ve got all your answers in this highly detailed home charging station buyer’s guide. Plus, we recommend 5 top EV chargers.

Looking for home electric vehicle charging equipment and don’t really know where to start? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. There are a lot of EV home charging stations available today and most people don’t really know what features to look for in their search for the best home charging solution.

Before we start, we need to clarify some terminology. Electric vehicle supply equipment, or EVSE, is actually the proper term for what many call EV chargers or EV charging stations. The reason charging station is not the proper term is because the actual charging equipment is built into the car, and the EVSE really just provides a safe supply of electricity to the vehicle.

However, we’ve decided to use the term charging station or charger here because that’s what most people recognize the equipment as. Even the companies that sell EVSE refer to them as chargers or charging stations on their websites.

It’s also important to note this post is specific to the North American market. The electricity supply in Europe and most other parts of the world does not use a 120-volt supply as their standard household current like we do in North America. As such, there is no level 1 charging in Europe. Also, in Europe, the charging cable is often not tethered to the unit for level 2 charging, and thus, the equipment is very different than what is used in North America.

Let’s begin by explaining the different levels of home AC charging, as well as the two different connectors that are used.

Level 1 vs. Level 2. What’s the difference?

Every electric vehicle sold today comes standard with a 120-volt level 1 portable charger (above). These chargers can be plugged into a simple household outlet, and don’t require any special installation. Some manufacturers, like Tesla, for instance, come with a plug-in 120/240-volt Level 1/2 charger. These dual-voltage chargers can be used with either a 120-volt or a more powerful 240-volt outlet like what an electric dryer plugs into.

However, most manufacturers only provide a basic level 1, 120-volt charger, and offer a higher-powered level 2 unit for sale as an option. In order to recharge their EV faster, many owners choose to install a 240-volt electrical supply and level 2 charging station.

Level 1 chargers will deliver between 3 and 5 miles of range per hour to a typical electric car.

Every other electric vehicle besides a Tesla made today uses the same connector for level 1 and level 2 charging. So, there’s one plug for North America that everybody besides Tesla uses, and it’s called the SAE J1772, and another plug that everyone uses in Europe called the Type 2.

We mention this not to confuse, but to assure that any charging station you purchase in your native market will charge your electric car; you do not need to worry about buying the wrong one. Additionally, while Tesla vehicles use a proprietary plug for level 1/2 charging, they can also use any other level 1 or level 2 charging station because Tesla provides an adapter with every car. These adapters allow Tesla to use charging stations with the non-proprietary J1772 connector.

Level 2 chargers increase the rate to a range of between 12 and 60 miles per hour.

Level 1 chargers will deliver between 3 and 5 miles of range per hour to a typical electric car. Level 2 chargers increase the rate to a range of between 12 and 60 miles per hour. However, that number will be limited to how much electricity the car’s onboard charger can accept. The car is always in control of how much electricity it takes in, so you won’t damage the vehicle if you buy a charging station that can deliver more power than the car can accept. In fact, many people choose to buy a charging station that can deliver more power than their current EV can accept, so they’ll be ready if their next EV can charge at a higher rate.

There are low-powered level 2 chargers that are small and portable. Many of these are limited to a power delivery of 16-amps to 20-amps. These units will charge a typical EV at a rate of about 12 to 18 miles per hour. We’ll be doing a side-by-side comparison on those portable units soon, but today we’re going to FOCUS on the best choices for medium-powered, wall-mounted charging stations.

The car is always in control of how much electricity it takes in, so you won’t damage the vehicle.

These units typically deliver between 30-amps and 40-amps and will charge a typical EV at a rate of about 25 to 35 miles per hour. Most of today’s wall-mounted level 2 charging stations come in both hard-wired and plug-in versions, which we’ll discuss later. But before buying a level 2 charger, there are a couple of things you should consider.

Considerations Before You Buy

Once you’ve confirmed that you can install the charging station and you know where you want it, it’s time to decide which charging station to buy. There are many choices available today, and not all charging stations are created equal. Let’s look at the different features that should be a consideration when deciding which station is the right one for you.

Power: Level 2 charging stations typically deliver anywhere from 16-amps to 80-amps. This can make a huge difference in how quickly your EV charges. You probably don’t want to buy an underpowered charging station, only to need to buy a more powerful at a later date. Even if your current EV can only accept 16-amps (3.3kW) you might want to consider getting a more powerful unit, because your next EV will likely accept at least 32 amps (7.7 kW) For that reason, we recommend getting a charging station that can deliver at least 32-amps, preferably 40-amps if you want to future-proof your investment.

Cable Length: Some charging stations come standard with only a 16-foot cable. In our experience, that’s not long enough for most people. We recommend making sure the cable length is at least 20 feet in length, with 24-25 feet being ideal.

Safety Certified: Since electric vehicle charging is a relatively new industry, there are a lot of small start-up companies making EV chargers, some of which haven’t taken the time or expense to have the device safety certified by an established testing entity like Underwriters Laboratory (UL). These devices will be delivering a high amount of power to your car every day, and for many continuous hours and you want to be certain they are safe. That doesn’t mean a charger isn’t safe if it hasn’t been safety certified, but it does bring it into question.

Hardwired or Plug-In? Hardwiring simply means the unit is permanently connected to the electric supply, so you cannot remove it without opening the charger up and removing the wiring. A plug-in unit isn’t permanently connected to the electric supply, it simply plugs into an electrical receptacle. Chargers that deliver 40-amps or less can be plugged into a NEAM 14-50 or NEMA 6-50 outlet. Chargers that deliver more than 40-amps have to be hardwired and permanently mounted.

There are a few advantages to having a charging station that plugs in as opposed to one that’s permanently installed:

• You can unplug the unit and take it with you to charge at another location. Perhaps you have a 2 nd home or visit family or friends that live far away. You can take a plug-in unit with you on long trips, but you cannot take a hardwired one. These aren’t as small and as light as the lower-powered level 2 portable chargers, but they can be easily removed and taken to another location.
• Installation can cost less. Since all you need to have your electrician do is install a 240-volt outlet, the installation can be much less than if they have to hardwire and install the charging station.
• Since all you need is an outlet, you can have it installed before you buy the charging station, and have your garage ready to go when the charging station arrives. If you do this, make sure you have your electrician install a circuit that can deliver at least 32-amps. If you have the available capacity in your service panel, we recommend installing a 50-amp circuit that can deliver 40-amps to the vehicle.
• If there’s a problem with it, and you need to have it repaired or replaced under warranty, you just unplug it and ship it back. If it’s hardwired, you need to have your electrician come to remove it, cap the wires, and then come back to reinstall the new one.

Outdoor Rated Connector Holster

Many people don’t have a garage to park their EV inside, so their charging station has to be mounted outdoors. Make sure the station is outdoor rated, but that’s not the end of the story. Most charging stations usually have either a NEMA 3 or NEMA 4 rating. Both are acceptable for outdoor use, but NEMA 4 adds a little more protection and adds protection against a direct blast of water from a hose. This could be useful in areas that get blowing rain or wind-driven snowstorms.

Some charging stations have a built-in or remote connector holster so the plug is protected while not in use. Other stations just direct the customer to drape the cable over the body of the unit and leave the connector hanging and unprotected. We recommend making sure the connector is properly protected when not in use. This will keep dirt, water, and other contaminants from entering the connector and possibly damaging it.

Smart or Dumb?

A “dumb” or perhaps non-Smart charging station simply charges the car, period. And for some owners, that’s all they care about. A Smart charging station has the ability to connect to Wi-Fi or PLC and allow the owner to monitor their charging, check the power being delivered, review statistics from past charging sessions and even participate in utility demand response programs. This allows the owner to see exactly how much energy the car is using, so they can calculate how much the car costs to power. Without this feature, an EV owner can only guess how much the car is costing them to charge.

Some Smart chargers can perform other tasks, like connecting to Amazon Alexa for voice control of your charging, communicating with your utility so you can charge your car when the electricity provided is the greenest available, and even load-share so you can have two chargers on one dedicated circuit. If you want options like these, or you’re kind of a data geek, you’ll definitely want to spend a few more bucks and get a Smart charging station.

Cost

You can expect to spend somewhere between 400 and 1,200 for a high quality, safety-certified electric vehicle charging station. However, spending more doesn’t always get you more. We’ve also noticed many of the charging stations listed below often have special offers and discounts, so shop around a bit before you make a purchase.

For some, the least expensive charger that’s built well and has a good warranty is the right choice, and we have a top pick recommendation that fits that profile. For others, having the ability to review charging session history, calculate the exact cost of charging, using Amazon Alexa to voice control your charging and other Smart-charging options are worth the extra cost, and we offer our top pick for these higher-end Smart-chargers also.

Top Recommendations

The charging stations below are some of the most popular on the market today, and we can confidently recommend all of them. After considering all of their features as well as the cost, we decided to list our top Smart charger as well as the top non-Smart charger.

However, it’s important to note that all of the units here are a solid choice if they meet your personal qualifications. In our opinion, the chargers listed below are some of the best overall EV charging choices available today.

And our top recommendations are…

ChargePoint Home Flex

The ChargePoint Home Flex is our Top Pick for Smart Chargers for a number of reasons. First, it delivers up to 50-amps of power, while much of the competition is limited to 32-amps or 40-amps. That means it can charge any EV sold today, even Tesla vehicles, at their maximum charge rate. It comes standard as a plug-in unit and is available with either a NEMA 14-50 or NEMA 6-50 plug, it has a 23-ft cable is standard, and it’s Wi-Fi-connected with an app that has the most Smart-charging features available. You can de-rate the power delivery, set reminders, and view all of your past charging sessions. You can even use Amazon Alexa to start/stop a charging session or ask how many miles of range was added to your EV.

You can check out our full ChargePoint Home Flex review from December of 2019 when it was first introduced. It’s one of the highest-rated EV chargers available on Amazon, so it’s clear the people that buy one do not regret the purchase. The ChargePoint Home Flex is 699.00, making it one of the more expensive EV chargers available. However, it’s also one of the sleekest, most compact, and functional with a connector holster and cable management integration. The ChargePoint Home Flex is also Energy-Star certified and comes with an industry-standard 3-year warranty.

If you’re looking for a Smart EV charger, and the ChargePoint Home Flex fits into your budget, you should definitely consider it.

Grizzle-E Classic

When it comes to our Top Pick for a non-Smart charger, it’s hard to beat the value of the Grizzl-E Classic from United Chargers. The Grizzle-E is a no-nonsense unit that can deliver up to 40-amps (9.6 kW), has a nearly indestructible aluminum case, and starts at 399.00, making it one of the most affordable high-power Level 2 chargers available today.

You can adjust the output from 16-amps (3.8 kW) all the way up to 40 amps (9.6 kW), and do so with internal DIP switches instead of an app for an added level of safety and code compliance. Not many EV chargers allow that flexibility, and none that we know of are under 400.

Check out our comprehensive Grizzle-E review for more details and you’ll see why the Grizzl-E is one of our Top Picks for your home EV charging needs.

Honorable Mentions

Now that you know our top picks for 2020, we should point out that there are many other very good choices for home chargers. We’re confident you’ll be happy with any of the chargers listed below, as we’ve tested and used them all extensively.

Enel X JuiceBox

The Enel X JuiceBox has been one of our favorite Smart EV chargers over the years. In fact, it was just barely edged out by the ChargePoint Home Flex this year to be our top choice. The JuiceBox is available in 32-amp, 40-amp, and 48-amp versions. The 32-amp and 40-amp versions are available in either plug in or hardwired variants, but the 48-amp JuiceBox must be hardwired. The Enel X JuiceBox is also Energy-Star certified and comes with a 3-year warranty.

The Enel X JuiceBox is one of the few EV chargers that allow load-sharing, which enables the owner to use one dedicated circuit for multiple units. This can be very useful for two-EV families that either don’t have the capacity to add another dedicated circuit or don’t want to incur the expense of doing so.

• Price: JuiceBox 32 Plug in 589.00; JuiceBox 40 Plug In 619.00; JuiceBox 48 hardwire 659.00
• Power: 32-amp, 40-amp, or 48-amp
• Smart or Dumb: Smart

ClipperCreek HCS-40P

The ClipperCreek HCS-40P has been one of the most popular EV chargers since its introduction and for good reason. ClipperCreek has been making EV charging equipment longer than any other company, and has built a reputation for making extremely durable, and also reliable charging stations. The HCS-40 is a “dumb” charger and is available hardwired or as a plug-in unit. The HSC-40 can deliver up to 32-amps, and comes standard with a long 25-ft cable.

The outer casing is NEMA-4 rated for extreme weather and it comes with a remote connector holster that allows the owner to locate it wherever is most convenient. Many owners like this option, so they can locate the holster on the wall directly opposite their charge port, even though the charger may be further away. The HCS-40 is also available in a dual-connector model, which allows you to charge two EVs at once.

The HCS-40P is physically the largest unit on the list, which may be a consideration if you have limited wall space. ClipperCreek’s reputation for high-quality durable units is well earned, and they have a very loyal customer base. The HSC-40P is Energy-Star certified and comes with a 3-year warranty.

Siemens VersiCharge 30GRYU

The Siemens VersiCharge 30GRYU is the least expensive charger on the list. It’s a basic, no-frills “dumb” charger that comes in a plug-in version as well as hardwired. Like the ChargePoint Home, it has a connector holster located on the center of the unit and is available in different cable lengths. It plugs into a NEMA 6-50 outlet and has a NEMA 4 rating for top weather protection. It’s important to note that the VersiCharge 30GRYU is a 30-amp charger, so it will deliver a maximum of 7.2 kW to the car. All of the other chargers on the list are more powerful, and some can deliver 60% more power, so take that into consideration when you’re making a buying decision.

The standard cable length is only 20-feet, which is shorter than most of the chargers on this list so if you order the Siemens VersiCharge, make sure to check if 20 feet is long enough. We usually recommend getting at least 20 feet of cable, even if you don’t think you’ll need it that long, you may in the future. If you’re in the market for the most economical level 2 unit that’s safety certified, plugs in, and has a NEMA 4 rating, then this may very well be your best choice. The Seimens VersiCharge 30GRYU comes with a 3-year warranty.

OpenEVSE Advanced Series

The OpenEVSE is a powerful Smart charger, that has Wi-Fi connectivity and an LCD display that provides live power usage, states information and offers quick access to settings. You can set the OpenEVSE to charge the vehicle to full, charge for a set amount of time in 15-minute increments, or to add a certain amount of kWh. It’s a powerful charger with lots of features, including the ability to participate in utility demand response programs, at a very good price.

OpenEVSE states that the unit has All safety features required by SAE J1772, UL and NEC are standard. However, the unit has not yet been safety certified. In many instances, that would prevent us from including a charger from our top recommended list, but in the case of OpenEVSE, they have a proven track record. OpenEVSE has been selling home chargers and home charger kit for over five years now and has an established reputation for producing quality charging equipment.

The OpenEVSE can deliver up to 48-amps and the power delivery is adjustable through the app. One thing we love about the OpenEVSE is how small and light it is. It’s the smallest, lightest 48-amp charger that we know of and has a thin cable that’s very easy to handle. It looks like the same cable Tesla uses on their 48-amp wall connector. The OpenEVSE comes with a 3-year warranty and is competitively priced.

• Price: OpenEVSE 40-amp 499.00; OpenEVSE 48-amp 549.00
• Power: 40-amp or 48-amp
• Smart or Dumb: Smart

Tesla Gen 3 Wall Connector

The Gen 3 Tesla Wall Connector is a 48-amp charger that needs to be hardwired and permanently wall-mounted. It’s a great charging option for Tesla owners that don’t want to use the Tesla Mobile Connector that comes with the car for their daily charging.

Tesla is one of the few EV manufacturers that include a robust, 32-amp level 2 charger with their vehicles. Therefore owners really don’t need to buy a level 2 charger, all they have to do is install a 240-volt NEMA 14-50 outlet and buy the 35 NEMA 14-50 adapter and they’re all set.

However, some owners prefer to leave the Mobile Connector in the vehicle, in the event they need it on the road sometime. Also, the Wall Connector can deliver 48-amps to the car, and charge at 11.5 kW, compared to the 7.7 kW maximum output for the Mobile Connector.

The one complaint we have, and it’s a big one, is that the Tesla Gen 3 Wall Connector only comes with an 18-foot cable, which is shorter than our recommended 20-foot minimum cable length. It’s not a dealbreaker, but it’s definitely a big minus to us. It’s also important to note that we’d only recommend the Tesla Gen 3 Wall Connector to Tesla owners because it comes with the proprietary Tesla connector.

All of the other chargers we listed above come with the North American standard J1772 connector, which will charge all EVs including Tesla vehicles (with an adapter that comes with every Tesla). It is possible to charge EVs from other brands with the Gen 3 Wall Connector, but you’d then have to purchase a Tesla to J1772 adapter, and that adds complexity to the charging process, and we’re not fans of doing that.

The Gen 3 Wall Connector is also Wi-Fi-enabled, but Tesla hasn’t yet announced or released features to utilize Wi-Fi. It’s suspected that Tesla will enable the Wall Connector to participate in demand response utility programs as the Enel X JuiceBox and ChargePoint Home Flex can. For more information, check out our full review of the Tesla Gen 3 Wall Connector.

Summing up

Our top charger picks for 2020 are:

• ChargePoint Home Flex (top pick for Smart chargers)
• Grizzl-E Classic (top pick for non-Smart chargers)
• Enel X JuiceBox
• ClipperCreek HCS-40P
• Siemens VersiCharge 30GRYU
• OpenEVSE Advanced Series
• Tesla Gen 3 Wall Connector

It’s important to note that because these charging stations come in different configurations, cable lengths, and plugs, we chose the models that were the most popular option for each charger. Basically, we wanted to compare medium to high-powered (30-amp to 48-amp) plug-in units, that had at least a 20-foot cable.

Also, all of these charging stations come with a 3-year warranty and have been thoroughly tested and used by InsideEVs editors for many months so we know they are durable. That isn’t the case with all charging stations, as some budget offerings today only have a 1-year warranty and haven’t been independently tested for safe operation, so buyer beware. Like anything else, if it looks too good to be true, it probably is.

We’ve also listed what we see as the regular price, which is the price these units usually sell for. The list are higher, but these are the we’ve observed the units are typically available for when they aren’t on sale. We’ve also observed that they are frequently available for special discounted prices, so shop around for a while before buying the unit you choose, and you’ll likely get a better deal.