What’s s the Difference Between Plug-in and Harwired Level 2 EV Charger?

As electric vehicles (EVs) continue to grow in popularity, the need for faster, more reliable charging solutions becomes increasingly important. The evolution from basic Level 1 chargers to advanced Level 2 chargers has made charging more efficient and accessible, particularly in home and workplace settings. However, when it comes to installing a Level 2 EV charger, many EV owners face a crucial decision: should they opt for a plug-in or a hardwired charger? Both have distinct advantages and drawbacks, making the choice dependent on personal needs, usage patterns, and the characteristics of the charging environment.

This exploration delves into the differences between plug-in and hardwired Level 2 EV chargers, focusing on essential factors like installation, flexibility, performance, cost, and how to choose the best option for your home or workplace. It also explore why AMPROAD, a professional provider of Level 2 EV chargers for home and commercial use, stands out in this space.

Why Level 2 EV Chargers Are Essential for Home and Workplace Charging

Before diving into the differences between plug-in and hardwired Level 2 chargers, it's important to understand why Level 2 chargers are necessary for EV owners. While a Level 1 charger, which plugs into a standard 120V outlet, can charge your vehicle, the process is typically slow. Most Level 1 chargers can only deliver around 4 to 5 miles of range per hour of charging, meaning it could take over 24 hours to fully charge a depleted battery.

Level 2 EVCS, on the other hand, operate on a 240V circuit, similar to large household appliances like dryers and ovens. They deliver between 24 and 48 amps of current, allowing most EVs to be fully charged within 3 to 8 hours. This faster charging speed makes Level 2 chargers much more suitable for daily use, especially for those who need to charge their EVs overnight at home or regularly at work.

AMPROAD, a key player in the EV charger market, offers a range of professional Level 2 EV chargers for both home and commercial use. Their chargers provide efficient charging speeds, ensuring that your electric vehicle is always ready to go.

Plug-in Level 2 EV Chargers: Convenient and Portable

Installation

One of the main attractions of a plug-in Level 2 EV charger is its relatively simple installation. These chargers come with a standard NEMA plug, which can be plugged into a 240V outlet. If your home or workplace already has a 240V outlet installed, setting up a plug-in charger is as easy as plugging in the device and starting the charging process. This feature makes it a semi-portable or fully portable EVSE, offering a high degree of convenience.

However, it's worth noting that not every home comes pre-equipped with a 240V outlet in a convenient location for EV charging. In these cases, an electrician may need to install the outlet, which could add to the installation cost.

Flexibility

Plug-in chargers excel in flexibility. Because they can be unplugged and moved to different locations, they are ideal for EV owners who might move between homes or need to take their charger with them on the road. Some plug-in chargers are even compact enough to bring along during travel, turning them into portable EVSE solutions. This level of flexibility can be a significant benefit for people who do not want a permanent installation or who may lease their home or office space.

Limitations

While the convenience and portability of a plug-in charger are attractive, there are some limitations to consider. First, the charging speed is often dependent on the capacity of the electrical outlet it’s plugged into. If the outlet isn’t capable of delivering the full amperage required by the charger, the charging process may take longer. Additionally, plug-in chargers can sometimes be less powerful than their hardwired counterparts, particularly if they are not paired with a high-capacity electrical system.

Hardwired Level 2 EV Chargers

Installation

Unlike plug-in chargers, hardwired Level 2 EV chargers require professional installation. They are wired directly into your electrical panel, making them a permanent fixture in your home or workplace. This type of installation can be more labor-intensive and costly due to the need for professional services, but it ensures a stable and powerful connection, providing consistent and reliable charging performance.

For those who frequently use their EVSE or own larger electric vehicles that require a lot of power, hardwired chargers are often the better choice. They are capable of delivering higher amperages, which translates into faster charging speeds compared to many plug-in options.

Performance

When it comes to charging performance, hardwired Level 2 chargers typically offer superior results. Because they are hardwired into the electrical system, they can deliver higher power output, allowing for faster charging times. This makes them ideal for EV owners who need to charge their vehicles frequently or who drive larger vehicles with more substantial battery capacities.

A hardwired charger can provide up to 48 amps of current, depending on the specific model and the capacity of the electrical system. The 48 amp EV charger makes them suitable for charging large EVs that may require higher power for quick, efficient charging. Many models, including those from AMPROAD, come with advanced features such as scheduling options, remote monitoring, and energy usage tracking, adding further value to the hardwired option.

Cost

The initial cost of installing a hardwired charger is typically higher than that of a plug-in charger. This is primarily due to the labor involved in running new wiring from the electrical panel to the charger’s location. Depending on the layout of the building and the distance between the panel and the charger, this installation can range in cost. However, the long-term reliability, speed, and convenience offered by hardwired chargers often make them worth the investment, particularly for dedicated EV users.

Key Differences Between Plug-in and Hardwired Level 2 EV Chargers

To further illustrate the distinctions between these two types of chargers, let's break down their differences based on several key features:

Choosing the Right Charger for Your Needs

Selecting between a plug-in and hardwired Level 2 EV charger largely depends on your specific needs and circumstances. Here are a few key factors to consider when making your decision:

1. Charging Frequency

How often do you need to charge your vehicle? If you're an occasional EV user who charges their car only a few times a week or drives a smaller EV, a plug-in EV charger may be sufficient for your needs. On the other hand, if you frequently drive and need reliable, fast charging, a hardwired charger would offer better performance and convenience.

2. Vehicle Type and Battery Capacity

The size and battery capacity of your electric vehicle also play a significant role in determining which charger is right for you. Larger EVs with bigger battery packs will benefit from the faster charging speeds that hardwired chargers can deliver. Meanwhile, smaller EVs with modest battery capacities may find a plug-in charger sufficient.

3. Flexibility and Portability

If you need a charger that you can take with you when you move or travel, a plug-in charger offers unmatched flexibility. Many plug-in chargers can also double as a portable EV charger, which you can bring on road trips or use in multiple locations. On the other hand, if you want a permanent solution that offers consistent, fast charging, a hardwired charger is likely the better option.

4. Budget and Installation Costs

Cost is always an important factor when choosing an EV charger. Plug-in chargers typically have a lower upfront cost, especially if you already have a 240V outlet installed. However, if your home requires the installation of a new outlet for the home EV charger, this cost could rise. Hardwired chargers, while more expensive initially due to installation costs, may provide a better long-term solution for those who need fast, reliable charging.

Why Choose AMPROAD for Your Level 2 EV Charging Needs?

When it comes to choosing a Level 2 EV charger, whether plug-in or hardwired, AMPROAD stands out as a reliable and professional provider. AMPROAD offers a range of chargers designed for both home and commercial use, with options that cater to different needs, from semi-portable plug-in chargers to powerful hardwired models. Their products are known for high efficiency, durability, and advanced features like remote monitoring, energy tracking, and scheduling, making them a smart choice for EV owners.

Additionally, AMPROAD chargers with the default NEMA 14-50 Plug are compatible with most electric vehicles and the NACS charger is also available for customize for bulk buyer, and offer flexible installation options, whether you're looking for a plug-in solution for temporary use or a permanent, hardwired setup for long-term charging.

Plug-In vs. Hardwired, Which One to Choose?

Deciding between a plug-in and hardwired Level 2 EV charger depends on a variety of factors, including your driving habits, the type of vehicle you own, your need for flexibility, and your budget. Plug-in chargers offer portability and ease of installation, while hardwired chargers provide faster charging speeds and more reliable performance. With providers like AMPROAD offering top-of-the-line products for both home and commercial settings, you can be confident that whatever option you choose will keep your EV powered and ready for the road ahead.