Juicebox 40 Best sleek home EV charger
Features: 40 amps | 25-foot cable | Weatherproof
The JuiceBox line of home chargers, designed and built by the global energy company Enel X, come in three sizes. The midrange JuiceBox 40 is the most versatile and most popular and can plug into any standard 240V circuit or can be hardwired. All three models can be configured to safely charge multiple vehicles simultaneously on a single circuit.
The hardware package is handsome and built to handle indoor or outdoor installations in challenging climates. It also rates high on usability, with a 25-foot cable that works well even in locations where an existing 240V circuit is inconveniently located. A built-in rack tidies up cable storage, and a locking mount secures the installation.
The JuiceBox mobile app works with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant and supports smart charging based on the lowest rates for your utility.
Pros:
- Up to 7 times faster charging
Qualifies for tax credit rebate
Cons:
- Hardwire installation by a professional is required
The JuiceBox and the ChargePoint are far ahead of the rest, as the most feature-rich, Wi-Fi-enabled Level 2 chargers. One small advantage for the JuiceBox is that it is offered in a number of different output levels, and it’s quite a bit cheaper at the moment too. In addition to the 40-amp version that we tested, there’s a 48-amp version that matches the Tesla Wall Connector for the highest output of this group, or there’s a 32-amp version that costs slightly less (since we were using a 40-amp circuit, we couldn’t take advantage of the JuiceBox 40’s full output anyway).
juicebox ev charging app
THE JUICEBOX APP ALLOWS YOU TO TRACK CHARGING TIME AND ENERGY USED, PLUS SEE A GRAPH OF THE OUTPUT OVER THE ENTIRE CHARGE.
CAR AND DRIVER
Like the ChargePoint unit, the JuiceBox provides detailed energy output and charge time for each charging session, various adjustable notifications, and the ability to set up customized charge times to take advantage of differing electricity pricing. One difference is that the JuiceBox’s vehicle database is more extensive and up-to-date, but it can’t match ChargePoint’s nuanced utility pricing information.
While not the most expensive offering, the JuiceBox packs a ton of helpful features thanks to its integrated wifi-connectivity. These include items like virtual charge monitoring and remote control of the charger itself, as well as the ability to personalized charging schedules. That said, the ChargePoint unit down the list is able to access live utility pricing information to help you maximize off-peak hours. The ChargePoint is significantly pricier, however. JuiceBox also offers this charger in a cheaper 32-amp variant, as well as a higher output 48-amp model (which ties the Tesla Wall Connector as the highest output charger on this list).
The JuiceBox charger is also backed by an extensive vehicle database that is constantly brought up-to-date with new models, ensuring owners don’t face any trouble getting the most out of their EV charger regardless of what vehicle they drive.
Enel X JuiceBox 40 smart electric vehicle charging station with Wi-Fi
Best EV charger overall
The JuiceBox 40 delivers everything you need and most of what you’ll want in a Level 2 home charge station, at a reasonable price. It’s UL listed, built to exceed NEMA 4 standards and great for outdoor use. It can be hardwired or plugged in. It will charge any electric car, pick-up or SUV available in North America, including Tesla with the brand’s standard J1772 adaptor, and it comes with the industry standard three-year warranty. Perhaps most important, it hits the magic charge-rate threshold of 40 amps, which means it will replenish any substantially drained EV (current or forthcoming) in an 8- to 10-hour time frame for years to come.
Beyond its foundational features, the JuiceBox 40 is finished with some polished and useful details. It’s easy to install, and it’s 25-foot connector cable allows maximum flexibility in use. Even its plug-in cord is longer than most, and that adds flexibility when mounting the box in relation to the necessary 240-volt plug. JuiceBox 40 has a built-in cable rack and security lock and, according to experts, one of the best control apps going. It can be started with voice commands through Amazon Alexa or Google Home, and you can use the app to set reminders, program charge hours and monitor energy consumption (and cost) precisely.
The JuiceBox charger is the most feature-rich, highest output Level 2 charger in this test, so it’s no surprise it earns a top rating. Offered in a number of different output levels (40/32/24/16/12/6 amps), the JuiceBox is not the cheapest option, though the performance of the 40-amp version we tested is well worth the nearly $700 price tag.
A 48-amp version that matches the Tesla Wall Connector output is also available, or there’s a cheaper 32-amp version. With a cord length of 25 feet and built-in cord management, it’s hard to fault the JuiceBox from a space and practicality standpoint.
As far as home EV chargers go, the JuiceBox is the most nuanced. It monitors and reports detailed energy output and charge time for each charging session, allows the user to set up adjustable notifications, and even can take advantage of different electricity pricing by customizing charge times.
The JuiceBox has an extensive and up-to-date vehicle database, allowing for the features listed above to adapt to a variety of EVs seamlessly. With a 3-year limited warranty for home EV charging, the JuiceBox is a great choice for those looking to have it all.
The Enel X JuiceBox 40 is a 40-amp smart-charger that is loaded with smart-charging features. It’s compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, it can schedule charging time, send you reminders and notifications. It can load-balance between multiple units, allowing the owner to charge two cars from a single circuit. It can participate in utility demand response programs to save money and is Energy Star certified.