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How Will You Charge Your Ride?

Some common add-ons to plug in vehicles will be electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE), chargers, and software. Please see the bottom of the page for an explanation of these items and a glossary of commonly used terms.

This tracker focuses on latest revision SAE J-1772 and CHAdeMO compliant units that are designed for North American commercial and residential end-users. Prices shown are base (no options) equipment only (some vendors require that installation be done by their own contractors) and are before any applicable credits or rebates.

Make / Model Type Level Maximum Amps Short Description Price (USD)sort icon Accessory Images
OnStar MyLink Application
Software
 Made for a range of Chevy vehicles, including the Volt. Lets owners control and track charging and various other car features.
Credit gm-volt.com
Epyon Power Terra 50.X System
Charger, CHAdeMO
DCQ
125
 A system consisting of a number of charge posts together with a base station. Designed for fleets and commercial uses. Compact, space saving design (versus having to park next to a large self-contained charger).
Credit: Epyon Power
Epyon Power Terra 50.1 Charge Station
Charger, CHAdeMO
DCQ
125
 A DC Quick Charging Station with a single CHAdeMO compliant connector.
Credit: Epyon Power
Ford Focus Electric Charging Station
Charge Station, SAE J-1772
2
32
 Ford is working with Best Buy to offer a charging station for owners of the Ford Focus Electric EV. Best Buy will sell the station and offer consultation and installation services through its Geek Squad tech support services unit.
Credit: Ford
Ecotality Blink Mobile Application
Software
 Blink charge station finder application for smartphones and mobile devices. Works whether you are a Blink Member or not.
Credit: ecotality.com
OpConnect EVCS (with J1772)
Charge Station, SAE J-1772
2
30
 ETL listed. Allows four vehicles to charge at same time. Combination Level 1 and 2 unit.
Station installed at Portland's "Electric Avenue", Credit: Craig Vinton
Nichicon Quick Charger
Charger, CHAdeMO
DCQ
30
 Touted as the world's smallest and lightest quick charger.
Credit: Nichicon
Toyota Level 1 Cordset
Charge Station, SAE J-1772
1
12
 UL listed. Stock Level 1 cordset for the Toyota Plug-in Prius.
2011 Alt Car, Santa Monica, Credit: Richard Kelly
Xatori PlugShare
Software
 Search for charging stations in the PlugShare network. Latest version includes ability to rate and leave comments on charging stations, and new account and station editing pages.
Credit: PlugShare
Schneider Electric Fast Charger
Charger, CHAdeMO
DCQ
200
 Schneider's DC fast charger.
Credit: advancedenergy.org
    Glossary:
  • CHAdeMO
    A quick charging method backed by various automakers. The Nissan LEAF and Mitsubishi iMIEV use the TEPCO port and the CHAdeMO protocol.
  • Charger
    A charger converts AC supply power to DC and uses it to charge the vehicle batteries.
    Many modern plug-ins have their own on-board charger. This can be it's own discrete unit, or the electronics can be integrated into the drivetrain or another component. Chargers can also exist off the vehicle, as in the case of DC quick chargers.
  • DC Quick Charger
    An offboard charger that connects directly to a vehicle's high-voltage battery bus. Allows for high power transfer and can charge a battery to 80% or so in minutes instead of hours. Quick charging should be done according to vehicle manufacturers specifications, as this charge method can be damaging to the battery if done too often.
  • Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE)
    Not to be confused with chargers, this term refers to any off-board equipment used to supply charging energy to the vehicle. EVSE can take the form of a cord, a station mounted to a wall, pedestal or pole, and even the different outlets and plugs that make up the circuit.
    This equipment should prevent energizing of the charge plug until it is seated in a vehicle port. It should monitor for safety hazards. It communicates to the vehicle the amount of current that can be provided by the circuit and gets information about area ventilation requirements.
  • Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL)
    Testing facility that provide product safety testing and certification services to manufacturers.
  • SAE J-1772
    A Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) standard that covers AC Level 1 and 2 and DC Level 1 and 2 charging. J-1772 is the standard for AC charging in the United States. The latest revision was published in October of 2012.

Plug in America makes no representations or warranties as to the suitability of this information for your particular purpose, and that to the extent you use or implement this information, you do so at your own risk.