ChargePoint runs one of the largest electric vehicle charging networks in North America and Europe, and sells Level 2 home chargers, led by the ChargePoint Home Flex, for drivers who want to charge overnight in a garage or driveway. The same ChargePoint app covers home charging and public stations.
A good ChargePoint purchase depends less on the charger itself than on your electrical supply, your car's connector and the installation. Get those right and the order is simple.
Why a Level 2 charger at all
A standard household socket charges an electric car very slowly, often adding only a few miles of range per hour. A Level 2 charger on a 240-volt circuit is several times faster and will fill most cars overnight.
If you drive short distances daily and have a plug-in hybrid, a socket may be enough. For a full battery electric car, a ChargePoint home charger makes ownership far easier.
Amperage and your electrical panel
The ChargePoint Home Flex has adjustable output, set during installation to suit the circuit. A higher amperage charges faster, but only up to the maximum your car's onboard charger accepts. Check your car's specification before paying for a larger circuit.
The circuit breaker must be rated above the charger's continuous draw, and your panel must have spare capacity. An electrician will check this. Some homes need a panel upgrade, which can cost more than the ChargePoint charger itself, so get a quote first.
Plug-in or hardwired
ChargePoint sells the Home Flex in plug-in versions for NEMA 14-50 or 6-50 outlets and as a hardwired unit. A plug-in charger is easy to take with you when you move. A hardwired install can run at higher amperage and suits outdoor locations exposed to weather.
If you already have a suitable 240-volt outlet in the garage, a plug-in ChargePoint charger may need no further work. If not, the electrician's cost is similar either way, so choose based on the output you need.
J1772 or NACS connector
Most non-Tesla electric cars in North America have used the J1772 connector for Level 2 charging. Many carmakers are moving to NACS, the connector Tesla introduced. ChargePoint offers home chargers with either connector.
Buy the connector that matches your car now, and check whether adaptors are approved by your carmaker. If you expect to change cars within a few years, consider which standard your next car is likely to use.
Check the cable length too. Measure from the mounting spot to the charge port on your car, allowing for parking either way round.
The ChargePoint app and smart features
The ChargePoint app connects to the home charger over Wi-Fi. It lets you schedule charging for off-peak hours, track energy use and set reminders. Scheduling is the most useful feature, since many utilities charge less overnight.
The same ChargePoint account finds and pays for public chargers on the network. Public pricing is set by each station owner, so check the rate in the app before plugging in.
Rebates, credits and installation
Many utilities and some local governments offer rebates on home chargers or installation, and federal or state incentives have applied at times. Rules change often, and some require an approved or networked charger such as ChargePoint. Check your utility's website before buying, since some rebates must be claimed within a set time.
Use a licensed electrician and get a permit where required. Keep the invoice and permit for warranty claims and rebate applications.
Plan the mounting spot before the electrician arrives. A ChargePoint charger on the wall nearest the panel keeps the cable run short and the installation cheaper, while a spot beside the car's charge port keeps the cable off the floor. Outdoor mounting needs a unit and connection rated for the weather, which the ChargePoint product page lists.
Where the ChargePoint savings are
The $50 code is simple and works on the charger or an accessory order. It beats 10% off on any ChargePoint order under $500, which covers most single home chargers.
The 10% code wins above $500, for example a charger bought with a cable organiser or a second unit for a two-car household.
The 15% code is limited to selected items. Check whether your chosen ChargePoint model is included; if it is, it beats both other codes on a charger above about $330.
ChargePoint codes generally do not combine. Apply the code first, then claim any utility rebate on the price you actually paid, and keep the receipt.
Common questions
Can I install a ChargePoint charger myself?
A plug-in ChargePoint unit can be mounted by the owner if a suitable outlet exists. New circuits and hardwired installs need a licensed electrician.
Will a ChargePoint Home Flex work with a Tesla?
Choose the NACS version, or use a Tesla-approved adaptor with the J1772 version.
Do I need Wi-Fi for a ChargePoint home charger?
The charger works without it, but scheduling and tracking in the ChargePoint app need a connection.
Is a ChargePoint account needed for public charging?
It makes paying easier on ChargePoint stations, and the app shows each station's pricing.
| Discount | Type | Get the deal |
|---|---|---|
| $50 Off Storewide | Promo code | View at ChargePoint → |
| $50 Off Storewide | Promo code | View at ChargePoint → |
| 10% Off Storewide | Promo code | View at ChargePoint → |
| 5% Off Select Chargers | Promo code | View at ChargePoint → |
