The best EV home chargers for Nissan Leaf is a question discussed in multiple forums globally. Below we answer this question for you.
The Nissan Leaf is a purely electric-powered car. The battery of this car can be easily charged at home with a home EV charger. The battery-powered electric motor of this car delivers a different experience from the usual gas-powered engines you may be used to.
Although this car is small, the battery resides on the underside of the car, providing plentiful internal space that can easily seat five fully-grown adults. The car is also silent, giving you a smooth and silent driving experience. Turn the engine on, peacefully with the push-start button, and enjoy the new experience of zero-emission mobility.
This wonderful car has made itself known in the world of EV motors, and it is easily charged at home. So, already having your smooth and silent Nissan Leaf, it’s time to decide how you will charge it, at home.
We have taken a look at some of the best EV home chargers on the market and we have a stellar and thorough list for you, giving you all the information you need to buy a charger that will power your Nissan Leaf to your pleasure.
In a Hurry?
If you are in a hurry, don’t worry. You may have already bought your Nissan Leaf and now you are in a rush to get it charged up and on the go, so you need a charger, right? We have got you covered.
If you need to get buying fast, we have chosen the ClipperCreek HCS-40P EV charger as our top pick and as a recommendation for you.
The ClipperCreek HCS-40P is a fantastic American-made electric car charging station. It is also worth the price tag, as it supports praiseworthy speed, safety, and easy use, which make it a perfect choice for buyers looking for a long-term investment. It has a Nema 14-50 plug and will work with all EV’s.
Prodigy 32Amps of power, with 220-240Volts it produced 7.7kW. It has a Nema 4 enclosure which allows it to be used and installed outdoors as well, giving it versatility for those who may not have internal space for their cars or their charging stations.
- Size: 9” W x 19.7” H x 5.3” D.
- Automatic circuit closure after minor faults.
- Integrated cable wrap and wall mount.
OUR TOP PICK
Best Overall: ClipperCreek HCS-40P
EDITORS CHOICE
Best for Smart Tech: JuiceBox 40 NextGen 40Amp
BEST VALUE
Best Value: Besenergy 32Amp Charger Level 2
OUR TOP PICK
Best Overall: ClipperCreek HCS-40P
Our favorite EV home charger for the Nissan Leaf is the ClipperCreek HCS-40P. While it may lack certain features that are coming into play in the more modern market, this one works out not only as the best for the price but also as one of the best medium-high budget chargers.
This ClipperCreek is an American-made electric car charging station. It is fast, safe, and easy to use, it is certainly an ideal choice for people who want something that will provide long-term frequent use. It uses a Nema 14-50 plug and will work with any EV. It also has a Nema 4 enclosure which makes it a perfect fit for those EV users who seek to have an outdoor charging installation, as not everyone has the internal garage space for indoor units. It is also usefully backed by a three-year warranty.
It is compact and space-saving with 25ft of cable and an integrated cable wrap, as well as a free wall mount connector holster, to ensure your charging device is perfectly safe and secure.
It is best for houses already fitted with a Nema 14-50 socket for easy plug-in, however, if you do not have a Nema 14-50 at home, you can easily get one installed, with a 14-50R 220-240V socket you can make easy use of your electricity.
It also features an automatic circuit closure should there be any minor power faults. It is a fair size at 9” W x 19.7” H x 5.3” D. It uses a Nema 14-50 plug and uses 32A/ 7.7kW.
Pros
- Best quality construction with an ultra-fast charge up.
- Charges 4x as faster as a standard Nissan Leaf charger.
- Nema 4 ensures safe outdoor use.
- Universal Compatability.
Cons
- No Wi-Fi Connection.
EDITORS CHOICE
Best for Smart Tech: JuiceBox 40 NextGen 40Amp
If you are looking for something a bit higher tech, with a bit more to offer in the way of smart features, then JuiceBox is the brand for you. Although you can get Amazon chargers, what doesn’t amazon make these days, JuiceBox is a more high-end brand that also pairs with a smart app and Amazon Alexa to give you all the advantages of using smart technology with your EV charger and your Nissan Leaf.
It is universally compatible with all cars and can be installed indoors or out with no need for any hardwiring. It is also small in size, in comparison to some of its competitors at only 7.6” W x 18.6” H x 5.6” D. It is a 240V, level 2 charger. As this is a home charging unit it does not offer rapid charging but is much faster than a level 1 charger.
It offers 25 miles per hour of charge and will fully charge a Nissan Leaf in 6 hours. It is also WiFi connectable, and this is where it comes into its own. Using the juicenet app on your smartphone you can monitor and control your charger from where you work or even while on vacation. It enables you to schedule charging times as well, taking advantage of power grid saving and you can even set charging reminders. It will send you a notification when charging is complete as well.
Using a universal J1772 plug it is capable of charging up any EV model in the USA or Canada. It is also energy-friendly, only drawing 10kW per hour, so you won’t feel like screaming when you see your energy bill. And don’t forget the fantastic Alexa control feature where you can use voice control on your charger.
It comes with a 25ft cable, a J1772 plug, and is 14-50 Nema outlet ready.
Pros
- Fast charging.
- App and Alexa connected.
- Universal connectivity.
- Easy installation.
Cons
- Flat wall mounting only.
BEST VALUE
Best Value: Besenergy 32Amp Charger Level 2
If you have been using a level 1 charger up until now and you are looking to make the jump to level 2, but you aren’t sure about the size and portability that level 2’s lack, this is the right option for you. Perhaps you don’t want to compromise speed for size and maneuverability. If that is the case then you will enjoy the Besenergy 32Amp Level 2 Charger. This charger has the portability and size of a standard Level 1 but has the speed and power of a level 2, working out as the ideal compromise for those who enjoy the light-heartedness of Level 1 chargers.
It also features plenty of useful equipment, with an LED screen that shows current charge levels, kilowatt consumption, as well as temperature, and more. It has an internal intelligent chip that can automatically adjust the amperage as needed which makes sure that it works well for all EV’s.
It provides charging at six times the rate of standard Level 1 charging. It works with 32Amps and a range of 100-240 Volts, providing 26 miles per hour of charging. It has also passed German TUV tests and certifications as well as CE certifications. It has security and safety measures built-in for your peace of mind, such as; overcurrent protection, lightning protection, UL94V-0 flame resistance, and IP66 waterproof ratings.
It differs from its competitors in size at 19.8” W x 15.9” H x 3.9” D. It has a power of 32A, 240V, and 7.68kW. Using a Nema 14-50 plug for easy installation and comes with an ergonomic handle for comfort.
Pros
- Charges at around 26 miles per hour of charge.
- Waterproof frame for indoor or outdoor use.
- Intelligent internal chip.
- LED screen.
Cons
- If left loose it may damage easily.
RUNNER UP
Best for Versatility: Siemens VC3OGRYU Versicharge 30-Amp
Perhaps you are looking for something that embodies all of the above while maintaining its uniqueness, if that is the case then Siemens could be for you. Siemen has been in the electronics game for 160 years at least and who knows how better to build car parts and working electronics than German-based companies, so many of the highest class cars come from German manufacturers, so why not EV chargers too?
This charger is compatible with all plug-in EV’s, it uses 240V, 30A, and up to 7.2kW. It is portable and lightweight like the Besenergy, so it can be easily transported and assembled. It also has easy mounting on wall brackets as well, for absolute user ease. It comes with a 3-year warranty much like ClipperCreek.
The charging cable is 20ft in length, which falls in a medium length range for the average Level 2 charger. Much like the JuiceBox, it has Wi-Fi capabilities as well which can connect with your phone and will allow you to control power output and charging time from your smartphone, this feature also comes in handy, as if gives you a forewarning about updates.
It also has a built-in timer so you can charge to your requirements. An LED display that is vibrant and very fast charging are part and parcel of some of the best features on this charger. It is best placed close to a power outlet for use, it also has a waterproof body so can be installed anywhere as rain and direct sunlight won’t bother it. The charger also wonderfully boosts the battery increasing its durability and lifespan!
Measures at 14.5” W x 16” H x 6.5” D. with a Nema 6-50 plug with common dryer outlet.
Pros
- Easy mounting.
- Wi-Fi-enabled.
- Portable.
- Fast charging.
Cons
- Requires a 50Amp outlet.
RUNNER UP
Best for Speed: EvoCharge EVSE
If what your looking for is speed and power in your charger when EvoCharge has a treat for you. Speed is the forte of this charger, it also is named as a charging station that provides additional flexibility. It will charge all EVs and PHEVs, it is also compatible with all-electric and plug-in electric hybrid vehicles in the United States and Canada.
It charges up to an amazing eight times faster than a standard Level 1 charger, giving you between 25-35 miles per hour of charge. It also features a super easy installation, with Nema 6-50 and a wall-mounting bracket.
It meets UL standards for safety and has a Nema 4 rating for outdoor installation, a great purchase for those who may not have a garage as it will survive nearly any weather. It also has an adjustable amperage which means that you can adjust the output currents to be 32A, 24A, or 16A depending on your circuit ratings., and whether they are 40A, 30A, or 20A.
It measures at 11” W x 7.5” H x 3.2” D. It also includes an 18ft or 25ft charging cable, and a plug holster for additional safety measures. It works at 240V, 32A, and 7.68kW. Using a universal J1772 plug and also features a fantastic status light indicator, so you can keep tabs on the charging.
Pros
- Up to 35 miles per hour of charge.
- Very compact unit.
- High capacity so will not overheat.
- Wall-mounted holster
Cons
- No Wi-Fi
Best EV Home Chargers for Nissan Leaf Buying Guide
Charging Speeds and Power
A basic Level 1 home charging unit will start with a power of 3-3.7kW, these are standard, however more advanced units, such as a Level 2 will charge at an average of 7kW. Then if you were to go to a charging station and try rapid charging you would find 22kW. Though these are not home available like Level 1 and Level 2 charging is.
When charging a 40kW Nissan Leaf, a 3.7kW will charge it in 13 hours. However, a Level 2, 7kW will charge it in 6 hours, and a 22kW rapid charger will do so in less than 2 hours. When deciding on a charger, decide how fast you need it to be, if you are happy to leave it on charge for 12 hours a day then a level 1 will charge it up nicely for you, especially if you do not use your vehicle that often. However, if you need a speedier charge for my frequent use and more extensive travels then a Level 2 with 7kW will provide you with a full charge overnight.
Outside Vs Inside Chargers
When you are looking for a charger, it is best to first know where you will put it, if you will wall mount it indoors in your garage or if you will wall mount it outside in your driveway, not everyone has a garage or a garage with enough internal space to fit their car and charger as well as other items, especially in multi-vehicle homes.
If you don’t have the internal space or if you simply want to place your charger outside then be sure to consider, weatherproof chargers, with a good IP rating- above IP65, and plenty of safety features. You do not want to have a charger with an IP55 rating that goes outside and gets wet and damaged and doesn’t work, for outside check IP55 ratings. Another way to test it can go outside is to check the Nema rating, 3 or 4 can go outside, but 4 is best for extensive weatherproofing.
Portability
Having a portable charger is completely your call. If you feel you may need something that can join you on family vacations, work trips, or other long journeys you may want something that is easy to take with you and doesn’t take an hour and a day to assemble. Small and lightweight chargers can be your lifesaver if you’re an EV-driving, avid traveler.
Smart Tech
As technology advances, everything becomes smart and manageable from the comfort of your couch. If you don’t want to be pacing back and forth to the garage while you wait for your car to charge up, a smart charger may be the way to go. These include options such as JuiceBox, which has app connectivity, and some, like the JuiceBox, will also have Alexa connectivity too.
If you are used to using your smartphone to manage your household, turning on and off your heating, your lights, and more, why not have the same management for your EV charger too?
It’s not for everyone, but if you want the ease and superior tech management of a smart control system, it’s worth it for a few extra dollars.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do electric cars lose charge when parked?
In short, no, not at all. Electric cars handle long periods of inactivity brilliantly, better than combustion-powered engines in most cases too, their radiator hoses and fluids can get damaged. Whereas electric cars have no such problem and lose no charge.
What happens if an electric car runs out of charge?
Think of an electric car much like a mobile phone or laptop, once you’ve run it out, you might get a little bit more out of it but it’s going to shut down soon. It is also highly recommended you NEVER drain it completely, doing so can damage the battery as it causes the battery cells to deteriorate. This will often result in your car having a shorter battery life and worse performance in the long run.
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