Top Picks: The Best Level 1 EV Chargers for Home Charging in 2025

With the popularity of electric vehicles, it has become particularly important to choose a Level 1 charger suitable for home use. A high-quality level 1 charger should be reliable and user-friendly, and be able to provide a stable charging experience for most electric vehicles through ordinary household sockets. For first-time EV buyers or commuters with short daily driving distances, a level 1 charger is the simplest and most cost-effective option, eliminating the need for additional installation or upgrade of the power system.This type of charger is particularly suitable for slow charging at home overnight, and is also easy to carry, suitable for use during travel.

What is Level 1 EV Charger?

The Level 1 EV charger is the most basic and simplest way to charge, and can be used directly by pluging into a standard 120V household outlet. Most new EVs are equipped with leve 1 charging cables, so there is no need to purchase them separately or install them specially.It charges relatively slowly and typically adds a few miles of range per hour, making it suitable for users who charge at night or don't drive much on a daily basis. The level 1 charger generally offers the convenience of plug-and-play, uses the J1772 standard connector, and is compatible with most plug-in EVs.Typical specifications range from 12A to 16A, with a maximum power output of about 1.4kW, ideal for home, work, or any environment equipped with a regular outlet. For car owners who do not need to recharge quickly, it is an economical and practical daily charging solution.

Factors of Choose Level 1 Charger

When choosing a level 1 EV charger, the first thing to consider is charging speed and compatibility. The output power of a level 1 charger is typically between 1.2 kW and 1.4 kW, which can increase the range of an electric vehicle by approximately 3 to 5 miles per hour. It is suitable for users who charge at night or have a lower daily mileage.Most level 1 chargers have J1772 connectors and are compatible with almost all non-Tesla electric vehicles, although Tesla users may need an additional adapter.

Cable length and weather resistance are also important factors for practicality. The standard cable length is usually between 16 and 25 feet. Users should measure it based on the distance from the socket at home to the vehicle charging port to ensure convenient use. If you plan to install the charger outdoors, be sure to choose a product with rain and wind protection functions, such as a charger with NEMA 4 or IP65 rating, to ensure safe operation in rainy days or high-humidity environments.

Additional functions and security certifications are also worthy of attention. Some level 1 chargers are equipped with intelligent features such as Wi-Fi connection, remote control, scheduled charging or energy consumption tracking. Although not essential, they are very practical for users who wish to manage charging behaviors precisely. At the same time, confirm whether the product has safety certifications such as UL or ETL to ensure it complies with electrical safety standards.Most level 1 chargers are plug-in designed for easy portability and mobile use, but users should still confirm that the plug type matches the home outlet to avoid inconvenience in use.

Top 5 Level 1 EV Charger

Evgoer J1772 EV Charger 16A

The Evgoer J1772 16A EV charger is compatible with almost all EVs using the universal J1772 interface and is suitable for users who need stable nighttime charging. Compared with many 12A standard models, its 16-ampere output offers a faster level 1 charging speed while still being able to be plugged into a standard NEMA 5-15 household socket. The 25-foot long cable provides more wiring flexibility for garages or driveways. The product is equipped with overcurrent, overvoltage and leakage protection, and is also provided with LED indicator lights, making it convenient for users to keep track of the charging status at any time.

The Evgoer charger is designed for daily basic charging needs, and the output power is adapted to the default slow charging standard of most EVs. It uses the J1772 connector, is suitable for most North American electric vehicle models, is equipped with a 21-foot cable and a compact control box, and also supports NEMA 5-15 sockets. This product features a weatherproof design and is suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. It also comes with multiple built-in safety protection functions, including overvoltage, overcurrent and leakage protection. It is an ideal cost-effective choice that emphasizes both safety and portability.

Lectron Portable Level 1 J1772 EV Charger 12A

The Lectron Portable J1772 12A charger is a portable EV charger tailored for daily charging needs. It adopts the common J1772 interface, is compatible with most non-Tesla brand electric vehicles on the market, and achieves a plug-and-play charging experience through the standard 120V NEMA 5-15 socket. The maximum output is 12 amperes, making it suitable for commuting users to recharge at night. This charger is equipped with a 16-foot cable and can flexibly adapt to the distance between the parking space and the socket.Through the built-in Wi-Fi and supporting APP, users can remotely monitor the charging status, view the history, and even set a time charging, which is very suitable for home users who need intelligent control. To ensure safe use, the Lectron charger is equipped with multiple protection functions, including overvoltage, overcurrent and short-circuit protection. Meanwhile, its control box has IP67 dust and water resistance, making it suitable for various indoor and outdoor environments.

EVDANCE Level 1&2 16A Portable EV Charger

EVDANCE Level 1 and Level 2 16A portable EV charger is a versatile charging device compatible with 120V and 240V power supply. It supports 12A and 16A two level current regulation to meet users 'flexible use needs in different power environments.It comes with a 25-foot long cable for charging at multiple parking locations, and comes standard with NEMA 5-15 and NEMA 6-20 adapter plugs for home and higher-power outlet switching. The charger features a sturdy and durable waterproof casing with an IP65 rating, making it suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. The LED-backlit LCD screen displays real-time information such as voltage, current, charging time and temperature, allowing users to clearly understand the charging status.It has multiple built-in safety protection mechanisms, including overvoltage, overcurrent, overheat, short circuit and leakage protection, to ensure the safety of the charging process. This charger supports a scheduled charging function. Users can set a delay of 1 to 10 hours for startup, effectively taking advantage of the low electricity price at night for charging. It comes with a portable storage case for easy storage and carrying when going out.

bokman Portable Level 1&2 EV Charger 16A

The bokman Portable Level 1&2 EV Charger 16A is a multi-functional charging device suitable for both home and outdoor travel, supporting dual voltage inputs of 120V and 240V. With a replaceable plug adapter, it can flexibly adapt to different power environments and is very suitable for users who need to charge at multiple locations.The charger is equipped with a universal J1772 connector that is compatible with most North American electric models and has a built-in smart LED status panel that displays real-time charging information and trouble tips for easy monitoring and troubleshoting. It is equipped with a 25-foot extended cable, making it convenient for users to easily connect vehicles in various parking Spaces and garages.In terms of safety, the device has over temperature, over current and short circuit protection functions, and adopts weather resistant design, suitable for indoor and outdoor all-weather use, is a reliable portable charging solution that pays attention to practicality and safety performance.

SEGUMA Level 1+2 Black Portable EV Charger 16A

The SEGUMA 16A EV charger supports dual voltage inputs of 120V and 240V and is suitable for all EVs that adopt the SAE J1772 standard interface. It adopts a replaceable plug design, allowing users to easily switch between level 1 and level 2 charging modes to meet the needs of different scenarios. The 25-foot weather-resistant charging cable has an IP65 water resistance rating and is suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.The built-in LCD display displays real-time power, current, voltage, charging status and fault information. Equipped with multiple safety protection systems, including overheat, overvoltage, overcurrent and leakage protection, it provides more peace of mind during use.It also comes with a portable storage bag that makes it easy to carry out, perfect for family use or emergency charging on long trips.

Comparison Prices

Level 1 EV chargers typically cost between $130 and $300.Many models vary slightly in price, but will reflect value based on features such as cable length, whether they come with an LCD display, weatherproof housing, replaceable adapters, or smart chip protection.Although high-end models are more expensive, their additional features such as enhanced security, longer warranties, or greater compatibility may be more suitable for users with specific usage needs.When choosing and purchasing, buyers should comprehensively consider the matching degree of price and functional configuration according to their own charging habits, installation environment and budget.

Conclusion

Level 1 EV chargers are a practical option for users who have limited charging needs, cannot install high-voltage outlets, or want to get started with an EV at the lowest cost. It can be directly plugged into a standard 120V household socket and is suitable for charging at night and scenarios where the vehicle is not frequently used. The advantages lie in simple installation, strong compatibility and low initial investment. However, compared with the level 2 charger, the charging speed of the level 1 charger is slower.Nevertheless, level 1 chargers still play a stabilizing role in many homes and specific use scenarios, especially in older houses and apartments where it is inconvenient to upgrade electricity, or in homes where EVs are not used frequently.In the future, with the continuous improvement of cable materials, portability and intelligent functions, the first-level charger will still be an indispensable part of the electric travel ecology.