Every Level 2 EV charger gets a score from 0 to 100% built from seven factors, which maps onto the 5-point rating shown on the site (a 0% score would be 1.5 stars; a perfect score, 5). Each factor is scored against fixed reference points, not against the other products in the list, so adding a new model never moves another model’s rating. Chargers are ranked within their size, by maximum current: up to 40 A, and 48 A and up.
| Factor | Measures | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Value | price for the size | 30% |
| Safety listing | tested to UL 2594 by a recognized lab | 15% |
| Smart features | app, off-peak scheduling and load sharing | 15% |
| ENERGY STAR | certified standby efficiency | 10% |
| Weather rating | enclosure rating for outdoor use | 10% |
| Cable | cable length | 10% |
| Warranty | warranty length | 10% |
Where the numbers come from
Current, cable length, installation, smart features, weather rating and warranty come from the maker’s spec page, spec sheet or manual, linked on every product page. ENERGY STAR status comes from the ENERGY STAR list of certified chargers. Safety listings are as the maker states them.
Reference points by size
| Size | Price, scoring 0 → 100 |
|---|---|
| Up to 40 A | $750 → $250 |
| 48 A and up | $900 → $400 |
The factors
Value is the lowest checked price, before installation. Prices are checked by hand and dated on every page. A charger with no current price gets the neutral middle score.
Safety listing is full marks when the maker states that a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (such as UL, Intertek’s ETL or CSA) has listed the charger to UL 2594, the safety standard for EV chargers, and zero when it states no listing. Many electrical inspectors and utility rebates require a listed charger, and an unlisted one can void a home insurance claim after a fire.
Smart features adds up app control over Wi-Fi (40%), off-peak scheduling (30%) and load sharing (30%), which lets two chargers share one circuit or slows charging when the house is drawing a lot of power. Scheduling saves money on time-of-use electricity rates, and many utility programs need a connected charger.
ENERGY STAR is full marks for a charger on the ENERGY STAR certified list, which caps the power it draws while idle, and zero otherwise. Many utility rebates require it.
Weather rating scores the enclosure. NEMA 4 or IP65 and up (rain, hose spray and dust) scores full marks, NEMA 3R or IP54 (rain and splashes) 60%, and an indoor-only rating zero. Where the maker gives no rating, the factor gets the neutral middle score.
Cable is the cable length, from 12 feet (zero) to 25 feet (full marks). A longer cable reaches a charge port on the far side of the car or a second parking space.
Warranty is the length of the maker’s warranty, from 1 year (zero) to 5 years (full marks), with the common 3 years in the middle.
What isn’t scored
Charging speed isn’t scored within a size: the car sets the charging rate, and every charger in a size delivers the same current. Plug type, OCPP support, weight and installation type are shown and can be filtered. The Tesla (NACS) list shows chargers with the Tesla plug, and the portable list shows travel units.
Missing data
If a figure isn’t published, that factor gets the neutral middle score (50) and the product page marks it as estimated.
Ties and discontinued models
Products are ranked by score within each size. Discontinued models stay listed but rank below every current model and can be hidden with the “Hide discontinued” filter.