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With electric vehicles growing increasingly popular, more drivers are looking to install EV chargers at home for convenient overnight charging.
However, these Level 2 chargers typically cost $500-$1500 for the unit itself, with professional installation adding another $1000-$3000 or more.
Luckily, Black Friday deals on EV chargers can help you save big. The holiday shopping season brings major discounts on these must-have devices.
Read on to discover the best EV charger Black Friday deals of 2023!
Top Black Friday EV Charger Deals
Essential Considerations for Choosing the Perfect EV Charger
With so many EV charger models and features available, it’s important to understand what really matters when making your purchase.
1. Output Power
Higher output (amps/kilowatts) enables faster charging. Look for 40+ amps (9.6+ kW) if you want to charge your EV as quickly as possible
However, keep in mind that your EV’s onboard charger may limit the maximum charging rate it can accept. Also, higher output may require higher installation costs and electrical upgrades.
2. Charging Speed
In simple terms, faster is better, especially if you drive long distances or have a large battery capacity.
Level 2 chargers charge 8X faster than Level 1 chargers, which use a standard 120V outlet. Level 2 units use a 240V outlet, like an electric dryer or oven.
They can charge an EV from empty to full in about 4-8 hours, depending on the output power and the battery size.
3. Plug type
Today, most EVs use the J1772 plug. However, some automakers, like Tesla, have their own designs. The industry is gradually shifting toward Tesla’s NACS plug as the standard.
Tesla’s NACS plug offers advantages over the J1772 plug, such as faster charging speed and compatibility with Tesla’s Supercharger network.
However, the J1772 plug is more widely used and accepted by public charging stations. You can also use adapters to switch between different plug types if needed.
4. WiFi Connectivity
Many of the latest “smart” EV chargers include WiFi, allowing you to monitor and control charging via a smartphone app. While convenient, this capability adds cost. WiFi features allow:
- Charging scheduling to minimize energy costs
- Remote monitoring of charging sessions
- Notifications when charging is interrupted or complete
If controlling and tracking your charging isn’t a priority, WiFi connectivity isn’t essential.
5. Cable Length
Look for chargers offering 24-25 feet of cable. This gives you optimal flexibility in positioning the charger in your garage or carport while easily reaching your vehicle.
However, they also take up more space and may need extra cord management solutions.
6. Indoor vs Outdoor Rating
Outdoor mounting requires models rated for all-weather use, while Indoor installations only need a standard rating.
If you plan to install your EV charger outside, you need to choose a model that can withstand rain, snow, dust, and extreme temperatures.
Look for the NEMA or IP rating of the EV charger, which indicates its level of protection from environmental factors.
NEMA 4 or IP65+ are suitable for outdoor use, while NEMA 3 or IP54 are only suitable for indoor use.
7. Cord Management
Built-in cable wraps or wall-mounted hangers keep the cord tidy when not in use.
You don’t want to leave your cable lying on the floor or hanging loosely from the EV charger. This can create a tripping hazard, damage the cable, or reduce its lifespan.
Choose a charger with an integrated way to manage the bulk of the cable. Alternatively, you can buy a separate wall-mounted hanger or holster for your cable.
8. Electrician Installation
Most homes require electrical upgrades for 240V Level 2 charging. Unless your home already has a 240V outlet in your garage or carport, you will need to hire an electrician to install one for your Level 2 EV charger.
This may require running a new dedicated circuit from your breaker box to your EV charger’s location, which can cost anywhere from $1K to $3K, depending on the distance and complexity
You may also need to get permits and inspections from your local authorities.
Some EV chargers are plug-in models that simply plug into an existing outlet, while others are hardwired models that connect directly to your electrical system.
Plug-in models are easier to install and remove, while hardwired models are more secure and permanent.
More Tips for Scoring Sweet Savings
Beyond the charger itself, make the most of Black Friday and Cyber Monday with these additional shopping strategies:
1. Set Up Account Alerts
Major retailers like Amazon, Home Depot, Lowe’s, and Best Buy, and direct manufacturers like ChargePoint, Juicebox, and Grizzl-E traditionally offer the biggest sales.
Sign up for retailer email alerts to get early access to special offers. And pay attention to the exact timing of each sale – some will start on Thanksgiving Day and run through Cyber Monday, while others will launch 1-2 weeks ahead of the holiday weekend.
2. Compare Prices
Check and compare prices across retailers. With a little research, you can often find 10-20% differences in the same charger model.
3. Use Coupons and Rebates
Combining additional coupon codes, cashback offers, and rebates from your electric utility can lead to significant extra savings off the already discounted Black Friday and Cyber Monday pricing.
4. Look for Price Matching
Many major retailers will match (or beat) a competitor’s advertised price during the holidays. Use price-matching policies to ensure you get the lowest price.
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