Your guide to EV charging

To select the ideal EV charger for your electric vehicle, you can use the Enphase EV charger selector tool. This tool suggests chargers based on your specific EV make and model. Furthermore, you can explore information on estimating battery charging times and power acceptance rates to make an informed decision.

Level 1 chargers, using a standard 120 V household outlet, offer slow charging speeds of about 4 to 5 miles of range per hour. In contrast, Level 2 chargers, which require a dedicated 240 V line, provide faster charging rates and deliver between 16 to 60 miles of range per hour depending on the charger and EV model. For more details on charging times and EV charge acceptance rates, refer to our article How long does it take to charge an EV?

Enphase offers both hardwired and plug-in EV chargers. Hardwired chargers involve permanent installation requiring an electrician for relocation. These are suitable for indoor or outdoor use. Plug-in chargers feature a 240 V plug and offer more flexibility, though wiring checks are necessary.

Enphase offers two types of 240 V plugs—NEMA 14-50 and NEMA 6-50—with many of our 32 Amp and 40 Amp charging stations. For a plug-in installation, the electrician should verify the wiring and upstream circuit breaker are adequate to deliver the EV charger power rating. The electrician should also ensure the receptacle supplied with the product is installed with the EV charger. This delivers the safest installation for a plug-in charger.

For installation and safety, always consult a qualified electrician. To connect with a local installer, visit our EV charger installer locator.

The charging speed of an electric vehicle depends on three main factors: the car's battery size, its power acceptance rate, and the charging station's maximum power delivery capacity. To figure out the fastest-charging scenario:

1. If the charging station provides less power than the car's acceptance rate, the station will dictate the charging time.
2. If the vehicle's acceptance rate is lower than the station's output, the car will be the limiting factor.
3. Calculate the estimated total charge time by dividing the battery pack capacity by the lower value of the vehicle's acceptance rate or the station's output rate.

Most vehicles will provide this information through the dashboard interface once you plug into a charging station. You can also get more details about how to calculate battery charging times and power acceptance rates in our EV charging time article.

Our EV charger selector tool makes it easy to find the right EV charger for your EV make and model.

Various programs nationwide offer incentives for Level 2 EV charger installations. Explore federal, state, utility, and private incentives through our database of EV charger rebates and incentives. For additional information on available incentives, reach out to your local utility or visit the U.S. Department of Energy Laws and Incentives.

It is highly recommended to have a qualified electrician install your EV charger. Electricians are familiar with the product's electrical requirements, proper wiring sizes, and local codes, ensuring safe and correct installation. They can also evaluate your home's electrical setup and advise on any necessary upgrades. Connect with a local qualified installer using our EV charger installer locator for expert installation services.

Yes, Enphase recommends a hardwired 240 V EV charger for outdoor installations due to its superior weather protection. If opting for a plug-in charger outdoors, ensure proper weatherproofing of the plug and outlet connection. Check with a licensed electrician to confirm compliance with local codes, as requirements may vary. For professional installation guidance, use our EV charger installer locator.

UL and ETL ratings ensure user safety and product quality by providing independent certifications for electrical appliances. Both are Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratories (NRTL), with ETL testing to UL standards. Look for the UL or ETL logos on your product to ensure safety certification. For installations compliant with the National Electric Code, an NRTL listing (ETL or UL in the U.S.) is required. Enphase uses both laboratories to certify our EV chargers.

No, using an EV charger with higher amperage than your vehicle can accept will not cause harm. EV chargers are safety devices, and the vehicle controls the charging process. The charger provides power, and the vehicle's onboard systems manage the charging, accepting only what it can handle. Opting for a higher-power charger can future-proof your setup for vehicles that may accept more power in the future.

Enphase EV chargers have minimal standby power consumption: approximately two watts. This low standby power usage is akin to leaving a 100-watt light bulb on for 24 hours after about 50 days of idle charger operation. Enphase EV Chargers do not feature a power switch due to the negligible standby power consumption to ensure seamless charging availability for your EV.

Enphase EV Chargers work with all North American EVs for Level 2 charging. Enphase EV Chargers are versatile and poised to accommodate the evolving standards in electric vehicles. While currently using the SAE J1772 connector, also known as the “J-plug,” Enphase is adapting to the upcoming industry shift to NACS connectors and will release several charger models with an NACS connector in 2024. This will ensure seamless compatibility with electric vehicles as the standard progresses. Additionally, for NACS-compatible vehicles, such as Tesla, Enphase chargers with the J1772 connector can be used with the manufacturer-provided adapter.

Enphase EV chargers seamlessly integrate with an EV's onboard timer functionality. Our chargers provide pass-through power and only supply electricity when requested by the vehicle. If your EV is programmed with a charging schedule using its onboard timer, the EV charger will wait until the designated time to start charging. This ensures efficient and controlled charging based on your vehicle's settings.

An EV charging station provides the necessary power to recharge electric vehicles safely. It ensures user safety, protects the vehicle and power grid, and facilitates the power transfer process. The station communicates power availability and levels to the vehicle, which then manages the charging process. Safety features are in place to prevent electrical hazards during charging.

Enphase EV Chargers with their designed drainage system paired with the vehicle's inlet featuring water drainage capabilities, allow for safe charging in rainy or snowy conditions. Once the charging head is securely connected to the vehicle's inlet, a water-tight seal is established, ensuring safety during charging.

To find public charging stations, websites and apps like PlugShare and Google Maps offer search tools based on location. These platforms provide a community-sourced database of stations, making it easy to locate stations in your area. Both Google Maps and PlugShare have user-friendly apps for smartphones, allowing on-the-go access to charging station information.