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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 / Modelsort icon Type Level Maximum Amps Short Description Price (USD) Accessory Images
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
Voltec Charge Cord
Charge Station, SAE J-1772
1
10
 ETL listed. Able to fully charge the Volt in 10 hours. This cordset comes standard with every Volt.
$360
Voltec Charge Cord
Volta Charging EVSE
Charge Station, SAE J-1772
2
30
 Designed for media-driven installations that allow free charging to the public. Company is planning to launch network in 2012.
Credit: Volta Charging
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
Tesla Motors Supercharger
Charger, Supercharger
DCQ
 Charger designed by Tesla Motors for its Model S. Tesla plans to deploy supercharger stations between key cities to allow fast charging on road trips.
Credit: Tesla Motors
SPX Power Xpress
Charge Station, SAE J-1772
2
32
 This unit is available in either a plug in model (240VAC input) or a permanent hardwired model.
$949
Power Xpress Hardwired. Credit: SPX
Siemens Smart Grid EVSE
Charge Station, SAE J-1772
2
30
 UL listed. Siemens units are available as single Level 2 and multi-level designs. The multi-level units allow both Level 1 and 2 outputs to deliver energy simultaneously.
Siemens VersiCharge
Charge Station, SAE J-1772
2
70
 Available in 30A and 70A models. Units are adjustable via an amperage dial or via communication with utility. Four supply wiring configurations are possible.
$1,000
Credit: Siemens
Shorepower WU-120
Charge Station, SAE J-1772
1
16
 Shorepower's units are unique in that they take 240 volt input, but provide four Level 1 outputs, handling four EVs at once.
$2,500
shorepower.com
Shorepower SC2-120
Charge Station, SAE J-1772
1
16
 Shorepower's units are unique in that they take 240 volt input, but provide four Level 1 outputs, handling four EVs at once.
$2,900
Station installed at Portland's "Electric Avenue", Credit: Craig Vinton
    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.