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Best Level 2 home EV chargers, ranked on official ENERGY STAR specs
Level 2 EV chargers whose official ENERGY STAR nameplate output current is 48 A or less, compared on the official certified AC-output EVSE record. We score official maximum output power, official maximum output cord length, official no-vehicle-mode input power and official network capability. Missing official fields are shown as Not listed and score at the category minimum. The certified record almost never lists the vehicle connector or whether a unit is hardwired or plug-in; those gaps stay Not listed.
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Top pick
A
ApexCharger Mach 1 HW48
Score 9.7/10 · Check price
Why it wins: Official Level 2, 11.52 kW, 30 ft official cord. Official ENERGY STAR record lists 11.52 kW maximum output power.. Official ENERGY STAR record lists a 30 ft maximum output cord..
"Not listed" means the official manufacturer specification table we used does not publish that figure. Prices show "Check price" until a retailer feed provides a current price.
A 240-volt EV charger usually needs a dedicated circuit, a correctly sized breaker and, for a hardwired wall unit, installation by a licensed electrician following the National Electrical Code and local rules. Use only cables, inlets and adapters the maker lists as compatible, and do not add a general-purpose extension cord. Inspect the output cord for cuts, heat damage or a bent connector before each use, and stop using a damaged cable. Match the official indoor or outdoor rating and the official input voltage to the install location — those ratings are often missing from the ENERGY STAR record, so confirm them with the maker. ENERGY STAR certified EVSE is tested for safety by a nationally recognized laboratory; uncertified chargers may not be. Confirm the current official specification and the vehicle connector (J1772 or NACS) with the maker and the retailer before you buy.
Best for: Official Level 2, 9.6 kW, 26 ft official cord
8.5/10
What we like
Official ENERGY STAR record lists a 26 ft maximum output cord.
Official ENERGY STAR record lists network capability.
Official no-vehicle-mode input power is 2.76 W.
Watch out for
The ENERGY STAR record does not list the vehicle connector (J1772 or NACS) or whether the unit is hardwired or plug-in.
Score breakdown
Official maximum output power30%
Official maximum output cord length25%
Official no-vehicle-mode input power25%
Official network capability20%
Official maximum output power
9.6 kW
Official maximum output cord length
26 ft
Official no-vehicle-mode input power
2.76 W
Official network capability
Yes
Official ENERGY STAR unique ID
2390583
Official model number
Terra AC W9-P8-R-*D-*
Also certified under official model numbers
Terra AC W9-P8-R-*C-#; Terra AC W9-P8-R-*C-##; Terra AC W9-P8-R-*C-###; Terra AC W9-P8-R-*C-####; Terra AC W9-P8-R-*C-#####; Terra AC W9-P8-R-*C-######; Terra AC W9-P8-R-*C-#######; Terra AC W9-P8-R-*C-########; Terra AC W9-P8-R-*C-#########; Terra AC W9-P8-R-*C-##########; Terra AC W9-P8-R-*C-###########; Terra AC W9-P8-R-*C-############; Terra AC W9-P8-R-*D-**; Terra AC W9-P8-R-*D-***; Terra AC W9-P8-R-*D-****; Terra AC W9-P8-R-*D-*****; Terra AC W9-P8-R-*D-******; Terra AC W9-P8-R-*D-*******; Terra AC W9-P8-R-*D-********; Terra AC W9-P8-R-*D-*********; Terra AC W9-P8-R-*D-**********; Terra AC W9-P8-R-*D-***********; Terra AC W9-P8-R-*D-************
Best for: Official Level 2, 9.6 kW, 26 ft official cord
7.8/10
What we like
Official ENERGY STAR record lists a 26 ft maximum output cord.
Official ENERGY STAR record lists network capability.
Watch out for
The ENERGY STAR record does not list the vehicle connector (J1772 or NACS) or whether the unit is hardwired or plug-in.
Score breakdown
Official maximum output power30%
Official maximum output cord length25%
Official no-vehicle-mode input power25%
Official network capability20%
Official maximum output power
9.6 kW
Official maximum output cord length
26 ft
Official no-vehicle-mode input power
5.65 W
Official network capability
Yes
Official ENERGY STAR unique ID
2399140
Official model number
Terra AC W9-P8-RD-*CD-*
Also certified under official model numbers
Terra AC W9-P8-RD-*CD-**; Terra AC W9-P8-RD-*CD-***; Terra AC W9-P8-RD-*CD-****; Terra AC W9-P8-RD-*CD-*****; Terra AC W9-P8-RD-*CD-******; Terra AC W9-P8-RD-*CD-*******; Terra AC W9-P8-RD-*CD-********; Terra AC W9-P8-RD-*CD-*********; Terra AC W9-P8-RD-*CD-**********; Terra AC W9-P8-RD-*CD-***********; Terra AC W9-P8-RD-*CD-************; Terra AC W9-P8-RD-*CD-#; Terra AC W9-P8-RD-*CD-##; Terra AC W9-P8-RD-*CD-###; Terra AC W9-P8-RD-*CD-####; Terra AC W9-P8-RD-*CD-#####; Terra AC W9-P8-RD-*CD-######; Terra AC W9-P8-RD-*CD-#######; Terra AC W9-P8-RD-*CD-########; Terra AC W9-P8-RD-*CD-#########; Terra AC W9-P8-RD-*CD-##########; Terra AC W9-P8-RD-*CD-###########; Terra AC W9-P8-RD-*CD-############
Best for: Official Level 2, 11.52 kW, 18 ft official cord
7.6/10
What we like
Official ENERGY STAR record lists 11.52 kW maximum output power.
Official ENERGY STAR record lists network capability.
Watch out for
The ENERGY STAR record does not list the vehicle connector (J1772 or NACS) or whether the unit is hardwired or plug-in.
Score breakdown
Official maximum output power30%
Official maximum output cord length25%
Official no-vehicle-mode input power25%
Official network capability20%
Official maximum output power
11.52 kW
Official maximum output cord length
18 ft
Official no-vehicle-mode input power
4.27 W
Official network capability
Yes
Official ENERGY STAR unique ID
2740371
Official model number
AXLU111001-40 AXLU111001-32
Also certified under official model numbers
Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment, "AXLU111001-40 AXLU111001-32 ", different rating for output, AXLU111001D output rating is 48A; AXLU111001-40 output rating is 40A; AXLU111001-32 output rating is 32A
Buying guide: how to choose the right Level 2 home EV charger
This table is for official 48 A-and-under Level 2 chargers
Units whose official nameplate output current is 50 A or higher are ranked with high-power Level 2 chargers, and official Level 1, dual-input or portable models are ranked in their own table, so official current class does not mix the scores. Official maximum output power, official cord length, official no-vehicle-mode power and official network capability are still the scored fields.
Official power is a nameplate figure, not a drive-time test
The official maximum output power on the ENERGY STAR record is the certified nameplate rating in kilowatts. What a vehicle actually accepts depends on the car, the circuit and the hookup, which we do not test. Official nameplate current and official input voltage are shown as extra details when the record lists them.
What “Not listed” means
If official cord length, no-vehicle-mode power or network capability is missing from the ENERGY STAR record, the field is Not listed and scores at the category minimum. We do not fill gaps from retailer listings or reviews. The vehicle connector (J1772 or NACS) and hardwired versus NEMA plug hookup are almost always Not listed on this dataset.
Safety
A 240-volt EV charger usually needs a dedicated circuit, a correctly sized breaker and, for a hardwired wall unit, installation by a licensed electrician following the National Electrical Code and local rules. Use only cables, inlets and adapters the maker lists as compatible, and do not add a general-purpose extension cord. Inspect the output cord for cuts, heat damage or a bent connector before each use, and stop using a damaged cable. Match the official indoor or outdoor rating and the official input voltage to the install location — those ratings are often missing from the ENERGY STAR record, so confirm them with the maker. ENERGY STAR certified EVSE is tested for safety by a nationally recognized laboratory; uncertified chargers may not be. Confirm the current official specification and the vehicle connector (J1772 or NACS) with the maker and the retailer before you buy.
How this ranking is calculated
Score = weighted average of normalised specs, out of 10. Full method
Official maximum output powerThe official maximum output power published on the ENERGY STAR certified AC-output EVSE record, in kilowatts. It is the certified nameplate figure, not a charging speed we measured at a vehicle. In this category the reference range is 1.8 kW to 11.52 kW, which covers official Level 2 nameplate figures up to 48 A at 240 V. Official figures above 11.52 kW are not expected here. Scale: 1.8 → 11.52 kW.
30%
Official maximum output cord lengthThe official maximum output cord length published on the ENERGY STAR record, in feet. A record of 0 ft is shown as 0 ft and usually means the certified unit is an inlet or socket without a factory cable. We do not guess a cable length from retailer listings. Official lengths above 30 ft are clamped at the 30 ft reference best. Scale: 12 → 30 ft.
25%
Official no-vehicle-mode input powerThe official no-vehicle-mode input power published on the ENERGY STAR record, in watts. Lower official standby power is better. This is a certified laboratory figure for the charger when no vehicle is connected, not a bill we measured at a house panel. Scale: 12 → 1 W.
25%
Official network capabilityOfficial network capability on the ENERGY STAR record, recorded as yes or no when the field is filled in. This is the certified network-capability flag, not a test of the maker's app. If the field is blank it is shown as Not listed.
No. Rankings use only figures published on the ENERGY STAR certified AC-output EVSE record, each linked on the product page. We do not publish prices, customer ratings or hands-on test scores.
Why is a 48 A charger in this table and an 80 A charger in another?
We split official Level 2 chargers at 50 A of official nameplate output current so a commercial-scale 19.2 kW record does not dominate a typical 9.6 kW or 11.52 kW home unit. The scored fields are the same official power, cord length, no-vehicle-mode power and network capability figures in every category.
How is official no-vehicle-mode power used?
It is the certified input power when no vehicle is connected. Lower official figures score better. A few records list 0 W; we show that official figure as 0 W rather than guessing. It is not a household energy bill we measured.
Do commissions change the ranking?
No. Amazon may pay a commission if you buy through a Check price button, at no extra cost to you. Commissions never change the order, and no brand can pay for placement.
Why is the connector type or hardwired vs plug-in hookup Not listed?
The ENERGY STAR AC-output EVSE record we used does not include a consistent official field for the vehicle connector (J1772 or NACS) or for whether the charger is hardwired or uses a NEMA plug. When those facts are not on the certified record, we show them as Not listed and do not fill the gap from retailer listings or marketing pages. Confirm the connector and the hookup with the maker before you buy.