Electric vehicles are becoming more popular as people look for more environmentally friendly transportation options. One such vehicle is the Chevy Volt, a plug-in hybrid electric car that runs on both electricity and gasoline.
To make the most of its electric capabilities, Chevy Volt owners often install a Level 2 charging station at home to charge their vehicle faster than using a standard wall outlet. With so many Level 2 chargers available on the market, it can be challenging to choose the right one.
In this article, we’ll be taking a closer look at the top 5 best Level 2 chargers for Chevy Volt, so you can make an informed decision and get the most out of your electric driving experience.
What to Consider When Buying a Level 2 EV Charger for the Chevy Volt?
When considering purchasing a Level 2 EV charger for your Chevy Volt, there are several factors to consider to ensure you get the right one for your needs. Here are some of the most important things to keep in mind:
Charging Speed
The charging speed of a Level 2 charger is measured in kilowatts (kW). It’s important to choose a charger with a higher kW output than your car’s maximum charging rate to ensure you get the fastest possible charge.
For the Chevy Volt, which has a maximum charging rate of 3.6 kW, a 6.6 kW charger is a good choice.
Connector Type
The connector type is also an important consideration when buying an EV charger. The Chevy Volt uses a J1772 connector, which is the standard connector for Level 2 chargers.
However, some chargers come with adapters for different connector types, so make sure you choose one that’s compatible with the J1772 connector.
Installation
Consider the installation process and cost. Some chargers require professional installation, which can be costly, while others can be installed by the owner themselves.
It’s important to ensure that the charger you choose is compatible with your electrical system and can be safely installed in your home or garage.
Durability and Weather Resistance
Your EV charger will be exposed to the elements, so it’s important to choose a charger that is durable and weather-resistant. Look for chargers that are made from high-quality materials and have an IP rating that indicates its level of protection against dust and water.
Smart Features
Many Level 2 chargers come with smart features that allow you to monitor and control the charging process from your smartphone.
These features can be very useful, as they allow you to schedule charging times, monitor charging progress, and even receive alerts when the charging is complete.
1. ClipperCreek
The ClipperCreek Level 2 Charger is a popular choice among Chevy Volt owners and ranks at the top of our list for several reasons. First, it is a reliable and durable charger that is built to last. It is also very easy to use and install.
The charger comes with a 25-foot charging cable, which gives you a lot of flexibility in terms of where you can park your Volt while it’s charging. The charging cable is also very durable and weather-resistant, so you can use it in any conditions.
One of the standout features of the ClipperCreek Level 2 Charger is its compact design. The charger is small and lightweight, which makes it easy to transport and store. It also has a built-in cable management system that keeps the charging cable neatly coiled and out of the way when not in use.
The ClipperCreek Level 2 Charger is also very fast, with a charging rate of up to 32 amps. This means that it can fully charge your Chevy Volt in as little as 4 hours, depending on the size of your car’s battery.
In terms of safety, the ClipperCreek Level 2 Charger has a number of built-in features to protect you and your car. It has a ground fault interrupter (GFCI) circuit to prevent electrical shocks, as well as a built-in thermal sensor to prevent overheating.
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2. Siemens Versicharge
The Siemens Versicharge is a highly rated Level 2 EV charger that is a popular choice among Chevy Volt owners. It is known for its fast charging capability, reliability, and user-friendly features.
It can deliver up to 30 amps of power, which allows it to charge your Chevy Volt up to 5 times faster than the standard Level 1 charging cable that comes with your vehicle.
With a 240-volt outlet, the Siemens Versicharge can charge your Chevy Volt from empty to full in about 4 hours.
This charger is built to last, with a tough and durable aluminum housing that can withstand harsh weather conditions. It is also UL listed and ETL certified for safety and performance, which provides peace of mind for users.
The Siemens Versicharge is designed with user-friendly features that make it easy to use and control.
It has a clear LED indicator that shows the status of the charging process, and a delay feature that allows you to delay charging until off-peak hours when electricity rates are lower.
The charger is compatible with all SAE J1772 compliant electric vehicles, including the Chevy Volt. It also comes with a 20-foot cord that provides ample length for most charging scenarios.
Moreover, this charger comes with a 3-year warranty, which provides added protection and assurance for users.
Also read: Chevy Volt Battery: Warranty, Replacement Cost, Lifespan, etc.
3. Bosch Power Xpress
The Bosch Power Xpress is a reliable and versatile Level 2 charger that is perfect for the Chevy Volt. It is designed to be installed both indoors and outdoors and comes in a compact and durable enclosure that is resistant to harsh weather conditions.
One of the key features of the Bosch Power Xpress is its speed. It can charge the Chevy Volt up to 5 times faster than a standard Level 1 charger, which means you can fully charge your vehicle in just a few hours.
The Power Xpress also comes with a number of safety features, including an automatic shut-off system that prevents overcharging and overheating.
Another great thing about the Bosch Power Xpress is that it is very user-friendly. It features a clear and easy-to-read LCD display that shows the charging status and progress, as well as an intuitive user interface that makes it easy to control and adjust the charging settings.
The Power Xpress is also very flexible in terms of installation options. It can be installed as a wall-mounted or pedestal-mounted unit, depending on your needs and preferences.
Additionally, it is compatible with a wide range of power supply configurations, from 208V to 240V, which means it can work with almost any electrical system.
4. JuiceBox Pro 40
JuiceBox Pro 40 is a versatile level 2 electric vehicle charger that offers a range of features for Chevy Volt owners. This charger is compact and portable, making it easy to install at home or take with you on the go.
It delivers up to 40 amps of power, which translates to approximately 10 kW of charging capacity.
The JuiceBox Pro 40 offers Wi-Fi connectivity, which enables you to remotely monitor and control your charging sessions through the JuiceNet mobile app.
You can schedule your charging sessions to take advantage of off-peak electricity rates, and even set up notifications to alert you when your vehicle is fully charged. The app also provides real-time data on your charging progress, energy usage, and cost savings.
In addition to its Wi-Fi connectivity, the JuiceBox Pro 40 is also compatible with voice control systems such as Amazon Alexa and Google Home, allowing you to start and stop charging with simple voice commands.
The charger also features a rugged, waterproof design that makes it suitable for outdoor installation, and comes with a 3-year warranty for added peace of mind.
One unique feature of the JuiceBox Pro 40 is its ability to dynamically adjust the charging rate based on the electrical load in your home.
This means that the charger will automatically reduce its charging rate during times of high energy usage, such as when your air conditioner or other high-powered appliances are running, to prevent tripping your home’s circuit breaker.
Once the load on your home’s electrical system decreases, the charger will ramp up its charging rate to ensure your Chevy Volt is fully charged as quickly as possible
5. ChargePoint Home Flex
ChargePoint Home Flex is a versatile and powerful Level 2 EV charger that offers fast charging speeds for Chevy Volt owners. It has a maximum output power of 50 amps and can charge at a rate of up to 37 miles of range per hour, depending on the specific model of the Chevy Volt.
One of the most notable features of the ChargePoint Home Flex is its flexibility in terms of installation options. It can be installed indoors or outdoors, and can be hardwired or plugged in using a NEMA 14-50 outlet.
This makes it a great option for those who may want to change the location of their charger in the future.
The ChargePoint Home Flex is also Wi-Fi enabled and can be controlled and monitored remotely through the ChargePoint mobile app.
This allows you to view your charging history, schedule charging sessions, and even receive notifications when your car is fully charged or when a charging session has started or stopped.
Another feature that sets the ChargePoint Home Flex apart from other chargers is its compatibility with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. This means that you can control your charging sessions with simple voice commands.
In terms of safety, the ChargePoint Home Flex is UL listed and has built-in safety features such as ground fault protection, overcurrent protection, and overvoltage protection. It also comes with a 3-year warranty for added peace of mind.