All new electric vehicles (EVs) come standard with a Level 1 charger. This can provide 4 miles of range per hour via a 120 volt outlet (regular household outlet).
For a faster home charging solution, there is Level 2 charging. Level 2 chargers are purchased separately from the vehicle. Charging on Level 2 provides around 25 miles of range per hour via a 240-volt outlet (like an electric dryer outlet). For a further explanation of EV charging read the two-part series: How to Charge an Electric Vehicle.
There are two types of home electric car chargers: smart/WiFi capable and, well, not smart/WiFi capable. Smart electric car chargers offer lots of features such as charging schedules, electricity usage data, charging status updates, guest charging access, smartphone app integration, and more. While these features are nice to have, smart/WiFi capability adds a few hundred to the price tag.
For those looking for a simple but fast home charging solution, it is best to get a regular not-smart Level 2 charger. These electric car chargers are a simple plug-and-play solution like most other electronic devices. While they do not have smart features like charging schedules so you can plan when the car chargers to avoid higher priced electricity rates during time-of-use, you can schedule charging in most EVs in the infotainment screen or the car’s smartphone app (if available).
The below list are popular electric car chargers under $400. There are several on Amazon for much less, however, the below list are all UL Listed. This means they have gone through third-party safety certifications. It is highly recommended to get an EV charger that is UL Listed as these chargers are managing a decent amount of electrical power.
Popular Electric Car Chargers Under $400:
1. Clipper Creek (16A, 25 ft cable)
Clipper Creek is known for making rugged, simple EV chargers. With no thrills, the made in the USA Clipper Creek chargers are made to last. At a maximum current rate of 16 amps, the Clipper Creek LCS-20 charges at 3.8 kW. In other words, this charger can provide approximately 13 miles of range per hour.
As a portable, plug-in model, this charger can be easily unplugged and stored in the car while traveling or for renters. Additionally, the charger comes with a 25 foot cable, which can easily get to the charge port no matter where the electrical outlet is installed.
Fast Facts:
- 3.8 kW charging
- 13 miles of range per hour of charging
- 25 foot cable
- $395 on Amazon
2. Siemens (30A, 14 ft cable)
Most notably, Siemens is known for making various electrical devices. With the rise of electric vehicles, Siemens made the obvious choice to get into the EV charger game. This particular Siemens charger is hard-wired, which means it cannot be easily unplugged for EV road trips. Additionally, the cable is only 14 feet.
On the positive side, the charger has a max current of 30 amps, which equates to 7.2 kW. In simple terms, this means around 25 miles of range per hour of charging.
Fast Facts:
- 7.2 kW charging
- 25 miles of range per hour of charging
- 14 foot cable
- $399 on Amazon
3. Primecom (16 A, 30 ft cable)
The Primecom charger features very decent specs for a great price. Similar to the Clipper Creek charger, the Primecom charger has a max current of 16 amps or 3.8 kW. With 13 miles of range per hour of charger and a 30 foot cable, this particular charger is a great choice. Lastly, this charger is a plug-in model for easy removal.
Fast Facts:
- 3.8 kW charging
- 13 miles of range per hour of charging
- 30 foot cable
- $239 on Amazon
4. Blink (30A, 18 ft cable)
The last, but not least, popular electric car charger under $400 is the Blink home charger. Blink is known for their public charging network. Naturally, they have introduced a home Level 2 charger. This 30 amp, 7.2 kW charger provides 25 miles of range per hour. Additionally, the 18 foot cable provides plenty of slack to find the charge port. Lastly, Blink offers a $300 charging credit for their public charging network for buyers. This kind of perk does not exist with any other electric car charger under $400!
Fast Facts:
- 7.2 kW charging
- 25 miles of range per hour of charging
- 18 foot cable
- BONUS: $300 credit to Blink public charging network
- $399 on Amazon
Closing Thoughts:
For those looking at a simple, non-WiFi capable electric car charger, any of these chargers will do the trick. Despite this, each charger has its pros and cons. Specifically, the Primecom is the cheapest, however charges only at 13 miles per hour. Conversely, the Siemens charges at 25 miles per hour, but just under the $400 limit.
Personally, I believe the Blink charger is the best of these popular electric car chargers. At a quick 7.2 kW, a decent 18 foot cable, and a $300 credit to the Blink public charging network, the Blink charger is a great affordable electric car charger.
If a smart electric car charger is something you are more interested in, check out Electric Vehicle Chargers Under $600. Also, if you are curious about current or future EVs, check out the Available and Future Electric Car Table to see all the different EVs with key specs.
Hi there! I’m the founder and project manager at Charged Future: the EV charging consultancy. Charged Future helps businesses achieve their EV charging goals. Specifically, I serve as the project manager for your EV charging project, which can save you both time and money! Additionally, I can search and apply to all eligible rebate applications, which can typically cover a large portion of the project cost.
