Before you compare power levels or prices, you need to know which connector your car uses. The connector is the end of the charging cable that fits into the car's charge port. Two connectors matter for home charging in North America: J1772 and NACS. This guide explains each one, how to find out which one your car has, and what the choice means for the EVIQO chargers.
What J1772 is
J1772 is the standard AC connector for most non-Tesla electric vehicles in North America. It is the connector most home chargers have used for years. The EVIQO J1772 chargers are built for that port, so if your car has a J1772 inlet, you will choose from the J1772 products.
What NACS is
NACS, short for North American Charging Standard and published as SAE J3400, is the connector Tesla uses. Many other automakers have announced plans to move to NACS, so the connector is becoming more common across the market. The EVIQO NACS chargers are built for that port. If your car has a NACS inlet, you will choose from the NACS products.
How to find your car's connector
Start with your owner's manual, which describes the charge port type for your vehicle. The manufacturer's published specifications for your model year are the next place to check. If the documents are unclear, the manufacturer can confirm the connector for your exact year and trim. Do not assume that two cars from the same brand use the same port, because the port can change between model years.
What adapters can and cannot do
Adapters exist that let a car with one type of port use a charger with the other connector. An adapter is one more part that can be lost, damaged, or worn, and it does not raise the power limit set by the charger or by the car. The charging speed you get still depends on the charger and the car's onboard charger. Before buying an adapter, confirm that it is designed for your car and that the adapter maker supports the combination you plan to use.
Price and power comparison
The connector changes the price, but it does not change the power. For matching configurations, the EVIQO prices are:
- 40A (9.6 kW) NEMA 14-50 plug-in: $450.99 with J1772 and $480.99 with NACS.
- 48A (11.5 kW) hardwired: $450.99 with J1772 and $480.99 with NACS.
The $299.00 model is offered with a J1772 connector only. Both connector types list the same range per hour of charging: about 38 miles at 40A and about 46 miles at 48A, as the product descriptions state.
Should you plan for NACS?
If you plan to keep your current car for several years, buy the connector that matches it. If you expect to change vehicles soon, and the next car may use NACS, it can make sense to consider a NACS charger now. The right answer depends on your car, your plans, and how often you would rely on an adapter. Whatever you choose, confirm the connector against the port on your car before you send your request.
Common mistakes to avoid
Most connector problems come from a few predictable mistakes. Avoiding them saves time and money:
- Relying on memory. People often remember the car's connector from the dealer visit or from a friend's car. Check the owner's manual or the manufacturer's specifications instead.
- Buying an adapter first. An adapter is a workaround, not a plan. Choose the charger that matches your port, and treat an adapter as a backup only if you have a specific reason for it.
- Ignoring the next car. A charger usually stays on the wall for many years. If your next vehicle may use a different connector, think about that before you buy.
- Comparing only the price. A NACS charger and a J1772 charger with the same power can differ by $30.00 in EVIQO pricing for matching configurations. Compare the connector, power, and installation type together.
- Skipping the cable check. Every EVIQO charger has a 25 ft cable. Measure the reach from the mounting spot to the charge port before you order.
Checking the numbers yourself
You can estimate charging time for any car and charger with a simple calculation. Divide the battery size in kWh by the charger power in kW, and the result is a rough number of hours, before losses. For a 60 kWh battery at 9.6 kW, that is about 6.25 hours. For the same battery at 11.5 kW, it is about 5.2 hours. Your car's onboard charger may limit the rate, so treat the result as an upper bound on speed rather than a guarantee.
Planning for the future
A home charger is a long-term purchase, so it helps to think beyond the car you drive today. If you plan to keep the car for many years, the connector it uses now is the one that matters most. If you are considering a new car within a few years, look at which connector that model is likely to use, and decide whether a NACS charger, a J1772 charger, or a charger with an adapter plan fits your timeline. The warranty also matters here. All EVIQO chargers include a 3-year warranty, and a 4-year extended warranty is available for an additional charge. A longer warranty may be worth considering if you expect to keep the unit for a long time.
What to check before you send your request
- Confirm the connector from your owner's manual or the manufacturer's specifications.
- Choose the power level you need, 40A (9.6 kW) or 48A (11.5 kW).
- Decide whether you want plug-in or hardwired installation, and confirm which one your home supports.
- Measure the distance from the mounting spot to the parking position, keeping in mind the 25 ft cable.
- Decide whether the 4-year extended warranty is worth the extra charge to you.
Ordering
To order, send a request with your name and phone number. A manager then confirms delivery, warranty, and payment. EVIQO does not take payment online. Having the checklist above complete before you send the request makes that confirmation step quicker.
How this applies to EVIQO chargers
The EVIQO lineup includes three J1772 products, the $299.00 model that can be installed as a plug-in or hardwired unit, the 48A hardwired unit, and the 40A NEMA 14-50 plug-in unit. It also includes two NACS products, the 48A hardwired unit and the 40A NEMA 14-50 plug-in unit. Choose the connector first, because it decides which group of chargers is open to you. Then choose plug-in or hardwired, and the power level that fits your home.