Once you have chosen a connector and a power level, the next question is how the charger will connect to your home's power. A Level 2 charger can plug into a dedicated outlet or be hardwired to a circuit. Both options charge your car at Level 2 speed, but they differ in the maximum power they support, how easily you can move the unit, and how much work the installation involves. This guide explains both so you can match one to your home.
What a plug-in setup needs
A plug-in charger ends in a NEMA 14-50 plug. NEMA 14-50 is a 240V, 50A outlet, the same type of outlet many homes already use for electric ranges and RV hookups. The EVIQO 40A NEMA 14-50 plug-in chargers draw up to 40A, which is 9.6 kW.
The outlet must be a proper, code-compliant NEMA 14-50 receptacle on a 50A circuit, in good condition. If you already have one, plugging the charger into it is the only step you take yourself. If you do not have one, a licensed electrician should install it. Do not use an extension cord, a power strip, or an adapter with the charger. If the outlet feels warm, looks discolored, or the plug fits loosely, stop using it and have an electrician inspect it.
What a hardwired setup needs
A hardwired charger is connected directly to a dedicated circuit. A 48A charger needs a 60A circuit, following the 80% rule for continuous loads, and it delivers 11.5 kW. Hardwired installation is electrical work for a licensed electrician. Local permits and inspection may apply, so check with your local building department before you schedule the work.
Because the connection is fixed, a hardwired charger stays where it is installed and does not depend on a plug and outlet. That makes it a good fit for a home where you know the charging location will not change.
Power and charging time
The difference in power is real. Using the rough formula of battery kWh divided by charger kW, a 75 kWh battery takes about 8 hours from empty at 9.6 kW and about 6.5 hours at 11.5 kW. Those figures are estimates before losses, and your car's onboard charger may limit the speed further. If you need the fastest charging your home can support, the 48A hardwired option matters. If you drive modest daily distances and charge overnight, the 40A plug-in option may already cover your needs, because the time window is long.
One model, two installation options
EVIQO offers one J1772 model at $299.00 that can be installed as a 40A (9.6 kW) plug-in unit or as a 48A (11.5 kW) hardwired unit. This is useful if you are not yet sure whether you will hardwire, because the installation type is part of the setup rather than a separate product. The other EVIQO chargers are sold for one installation type each: the 48A hardwired units and the 40A NEMA 14-50 plug-in units.
Cost considerations
A plug-in setup skips the hardwiring step, but it still needs a proper outlet. If your home does not have a NEMA 14-50 outlet, the cost of adding one is part of the project, and a licensed electrician can quote it for your home. A hardwired setup needs an electrician for the connection, and it may need a permit and inspection. The charger prices in the table at the end of the main guide are the EVIQO product prices. Installation and permit costs are separate and depend on your home and your area.
Checking your electrical panel
Both options depend on your home's electrical panel having capacity for the new load. An electrician will look at the panel's main rating, the breakers already in use, and the space available for a new breaker. This is one of the most useful checks to make before you order, because it can change which option is practical. Some homes can add a 50A circuit with little trouble, while others need more work first. Only a licensed electrician can tell you what your panel can handle, so ask for that assessment before committing to a 48A hardwired unit.
Where the charger will be mounted
The mounting location affects both options. For a plug-in setup, the outlet location decides where the cable reaches the car. For a hardwired setup, the electrician will route the circuit to the mounting point, so the distance from the panel can affect the installation work. In both cases, measure the distance from the mounting spot to where the charge port sits when the car is parked. The EVIQO chargers all have a 25 ft cable, so you have a fixed reach to plan around.
Questions to answer before you choose
- Do you already have a NEMA 14-50 outlet on a 50A circuit that is in good condition?
- Do you expect to move within the next few years, and would you take the charger with you?
- How many hours do you have each night, and do you need the faster 48A rate?
- Does your electrical panel have room for a new 50A or 60A circuit? Ask an electrician to check.
- Have you confirmed the connector, J1772 or NACS, that matches your car?
What to ask your electrician
If you are planning either setup, a short conversation with a licensed electrician before you order can save time. Bring the charger model you are considering, your car's charging needs, and the location you have in mind. Useful questions include whether your panel has room for a 50A or 60A circuit, whether the existing outlet is a proper NEMA 14-50 receptacle, how far the circuit must run, and whether the job will need a permit and inspection in your area. Ask for the work to be described in writing so you can compare it with other quotes.
Safety basics for either setup
Whichever option you choose, the charger should be connected to a circuit that matches its rating. Do not run the charger from a shared or overloaded circuit, and do not use the charger on an outlet that is not designed for the load. Keep the cable clear of walkways and off the floor where it can be crushed or tripped over. If anything about the outlet or circuit is unclear, stop and ask a licensed electrician before you charge.
How this applies to EVIQO chargers
Of the five EVIQO chargers, the 40A NEMA 14-50 plug-in models are $450.99 with a J1772 connector and $480.99 with NACS. The 48A hardwired models are $450.99 with J1772 and $480.99 with NACS. The $299.00 J1772 model can be installed either way, as a 40A plug-in or a 48A hardwired unit. Every charger has a 25 ft cable and a 3-year warranty, with a 4-year extended warranty available for an additional charge.