Contents
- Rating of the best charging stations for cars
- Price comparison for charging stations for electric vehicles
- How to choose the right charging station for an electric car
- Popular questions and answers
Charging in a simple way from the mains using a standard charger device from the electric car kit lasts several hours. But when do you ride it? Accelerate the process of special devices – charging stations for electric vehicles. They control the desired level of current that a conventional outlet cannot deliver.
Together with an expert, we have compiled a ranking of the best charging stations for electric vehicles in 2022 for any budget and for any task.
Rating of the best charging stations for cars
Charging stations for electric cars are in increasing demand. The editors analyzed this rapidly developing market and bring to your attention the result of the study: the 10 best models.
1. ClipperCreek HCS-40
Many popular electric vehicle models can be connected to this charging station. For example, Nissan Leaf, Fiat 500e, Ford C-Max, Ford Focus Electric, BMW i3, BMW i8. The device is powered by a single-phase voltage of 220-230 V. Charging status and possible faults are indicated by LEDs on the front panel.
Technical specifications
| Power | 7.7 кВт |
| Maximum current | A 32 |
| dimensions | X 500 230 130 mm x |
| Length of cable | 8 m |
2. BESEN WallBox Charging Station
The device is equipped with an information display, which shows real-time current, real-time voltage, power consumption, temperature, charging status, charging time, charging time, end time and charging power.
The same parameters are transferred to the EVSEMaster application for a smartphone running Android or iOS. The connection is via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. The kit comes with a six-meter cable with a Type 2 plug.
Technical specifications
| Power | 22 кВт |
| Maximum current | A 32 |
| Protection level | IP66 |
| Voltage | 250V/380V (3 phases) |
| dimensions | X x 300 200 70 мм |
| Length of cable | 6 m |
3. Schneider Electric Evlink Wallbox T2 32A
Wall-mounted charging station in a waterproof and shockproof housing. Powered by a three-phase voltage of 380 V. Charging progress is indicated by LEDs on the side panel. Implemented fast charging technology. The required energy is stored in the internal battery of the device and transferred directly to the battery of the electric vehicle, bypassing its own built-in charger.
Not all electric cars support this technology. Includes cable with Type 2 socket. Access to the charger is controlled by an RFID card.
Technical specifications
| Power | 22 кВт |
| Maximum current | A 32 |
| Voltage | 380V 3 phase |
4. UACHARGER Forest-Wall-1
The device is designed to charge electric vehicles with a Type1 connector (SAE J1772). It is powered by a household single-phase network. The charge current is set in increments of 1 A, for weak wiring, the smallest current is possible.
In the event of a power failure, charging resumes at the set current after voltage is applied. It controls the correct connection to the network, the quality of grounding, the temperature inside the case. To ensure safety, a differential machine is built in. And also the counter of the consumed electric power.
Technical specifications
| Power | 9,2 кВт |
| Charge current | 6 – 40A |
| Level of dust and moisture protection | IP65 |
| dimensions | 320 x260 x 150 mm |
5. TESLA Wall Connector Signature
Wall-mounted charging station for electric vehicles TESLA operates from a single-phase 220 V network. This mode is most often implemented in parking lots and gas stations. Device operation is indicated by LED indicators.
Technical specifications
| Power | 12-22 kW |
| Connector type | Type Tesla |
| dimensions | X x 380 160 140 мм |
6. ChargePoint Home Flex
Universal charger works on 240V and charges electric vehicles of Chevrolet Volt and Bolt EV, Hyundai Kona and Ioniq, Kia NIRO, Nissan LEAF, Tesla models, Toyota Prius Prime, BMW i9, Honda Clarity, Chrysler Pacifica, Jaguar up to 3 times faster I-PACE. The charge current is adjustable in steps from 16 to 50 A.
Controlled via Wi-Fi by the ChargePoint smartphone app. It is possible to set a charging schedule, receive connection reminders, see the entire charging history in one place, connect to Alexa voice assistant.
Technical specifications
| Maximum current | A 50 |
| Length of the cable to connect to the car | 7 meters |
7. Enel X JuiceBox 40
The Wi-Fi-enabled smart charging station charges electric car batteries 7 times faster than from a conventional outlet. Dynamic LED indicators show power, connectivity and charging status. The kit includes a cable rack for power supply and a security lock that restricts access to the charging station.
Technical specifications
| Power | 9,6 кВт |
| Maximum current | A 40 |
| NEMA connector type | 14-50 Plug |
| Length of cable | 7,5 m |
8. Grizzl-E Level 2 EV
A simple and powerful charging station that works in the harshest environments. The body is metal, sealed and waterproof. It has built-in protection against overcurrent, overvoltage, undervoltage, ground fault and overheating. Operation resumes after a power outage. The cable remains flexible even in extreme cold.
Technical specifications
| Power | 10 кВт |
| Current adjustable | from 16 to 40 A |
| Protection level | IP67 |
| Length of cable | 7,5 m |
9. Pulsar Plus Level 2
This is a very small charger, but it speeds up charging by 7 times. Connects to your smartphone or Google smart home ecosystem via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi and the myWallbox app. Integrates with Alexa voice assistant. Can work according to a set schedule even without access to the Internet. The output current is adjustable from 16 to 40 A.
Technical specifications
| Power | 11.5 кВт |
| Maximum current | A 40 |
| Supply voltage | In 240 |
| Length of cable | 7,6 m |
10. Leviton EVB32-M8L
Highly reliable charging station in a sealed water-resistant housing. It is completed with a particularly resistant cable that remains flexible at temperatures up to -40 °C. After a power failure, charging continues after it appears and the device automatically turns on. The station works with electric cars Nissan Leaf, Toyota, Mitsubishi I-MiEV, Honda, Ford, Chevrolet Volt.
Technical specifications
| Power | 7,2 кВт |
| Maximum current | A 32 |
| Supply voltage | In 240 |
| dimensions | X 580 480 210 mm x |
Price comparison for charging stations for electric vehicles
The table contains 10 reviewed charging stations for electric vehicles and their prices.
| Model | Price* |
|---|---|
| ClipperCreek HCS-40 | $ 1045 |
| BESEN WallBox Charging Station | $ 836 |
| Schneider Electric Evlink Wallbox T2 32A 3Ф | $ 1306 |
| UACHARGER Forest-Wall-1 | $ 253 |
| TESLA Wall Connector Signature | $ 1151 |
| ChargePoint Home Flex | $ 699 |
| Enel X JuiceBox 40 | $ 649 |
| Grizzl-E Classic | $ 559 |
| Pulsar Plus Level 2 | $ 699 |
| Leviton EVB32-M8L | $ 795 |
How to choose the right charging station for an electric car
Theoretically, charging stations can not be purchased. In your own garage, it is quite possible to connect the standard electric car charger cable to a household outlet and wait 10-12 hours until the battery takes the necessary charge. But this is too long and irrational, and therefore there was a need for additional devices.
The choice of charging station depends on a number of factors:
- Electric vehicle connector type. There is no single standard for this accessory, so you should carefully study the technical data of the charging station and find out if it is possible to connect a specific electric car to it.
- Maximum received on-board charger power. For example, some Nissan Leaf electric car models cannot accept more than 3,5 kW. This means that connecting through a powerful charging station will simply be useless. Only the benefit of charging at preferential (night) time will remain. But Tesla has two options for input power: 11 and 22 kW. For the sake of realizing such opportunities, it makes sense to construct an additional supply of a three-phase power cable with a voltage of 380 V.
- Parking type. At a private house, in your own garage, in a closed parking lot with allocated spaces. In the latter case, you will need to block access to the charging station via a smartphone or RFID tag.
- Supply voltage. A typical 220 V household network is designed for small currents up to 20 A. Connecting a charging station to it will not reduce the charge time. For a full-fledged effect, a larger power supply is required, allowing currents up to 40 A, or a connection to a three-phase 380 V network.
- Atmospheric conditions. It is necessary to decide in advance where the charging station will be installed. When installed outdoors, it must have the highest possible level of protection against dust and water IP 65. That is, complete protection against dust and water jets from any direction. If the documentation indicates the degree of protection of the station with IP54, then such a station can only be installed under the roof.
- Connection cable length. With a cable length of 7-8 meters, there will be no problems, but with a cable length of 4 meters, which cables of inexpensive charging stations have, parking can be extremely inconvenient.
Popular questions and answers
Answers questions from readers Alexander Koshelev, director of the Audi Avilon Automotive Group.
For the Audi e-tron model, for example, there are three types of charging: a DC network, an AC network, and household sockets from 220 V. I recommend alternating these methods – with AC and DC and not always charge, for example, only the most powerful DC charging 50-100 kW.
However, it is worth noting that at present the network of charging stations is constantly expanding, and now quite a lot of free stations are located near shopping centers, as well as dealerships. Therefore, in this matter, every owner of an electric car needs to assess their willingness to invest in a personal charging station.
The right choice of charging station will ensure long and safe operation of the electric vehicle. But let’s not forget that technologies are constantly being improved and the editors are constantly monitoring their development.