EV Charging Station Guide
All home EV charging stations do the same thing in that they are simply an extension cord to the car. The actual charger is in the car. Any charging station can charge any car as long as the cord can be plugged into the car. There are only two cord ends available (Tesla and J1772) and there are adapters to go between the two cord ends. Each charging station will have various features that may or may not appeal to you or your installation situation.
Cord End:
NACS (Tesla) or J1772 (non-Tesla, universal) – There are adapters to go between each option which means any charging station can charge any car
Cord Length:
Length of cord from the charging station to the car
WiFi Enabled:
WiFi connections allow for remote troubleshooting and firmware updates by the manufacturer
Cord Length:
Length of cord from the charging station to the car
Load Sharing Capable:
This allows multiple charging stations to share a single circuit. When multiple charging stations are in use, they will split the amperage of the single circuit. When only one is in use, it will get the full value of the circuit. This only works with the same brand units. A Tesla Wall Connector can’t share with a JuiceBox.
Load Management Capable:
This requires an accessory to the charging station that reads how much power a breaker box is using when charging and adjusts the output of the charging station so the breaker box is not overloaded. This is useful to avoid longer circuit runs or service upgrades.
Maximum Austin Energy Rebate:
The maximum rebate Austin Energy would give back on a charging station and it’s installation. The rebate is for 50% back up to the maximum amount based on the charging station. It could be less than the maximum amount on less expensive installations.
All of the following charging stations can accept a 60 amp circuit and can be hardwired. A 60 amp circuit will charge your vehicle at up to 48 amps (80% of the breaker’s capacity). A few will accept up to a 100 amp circuit, but most vehicles can’t accept that much power and most homes don’t have the much power available. A 60 amp circuit is the most common installation as it is the maximum capacity of most vehicles and it allows us to avoid installing an expensive GFCI breaker that will cause nuisance tripping when paired with a charging station.
Tesla Wall Connector
Cord End: NACS (Tesla)
Cord Length: 24′
Wifi Enabled: Yes
Load Sharing Capable: Yes
Load Management Capable: Yes
Max Austin Energy Rebate: $900
Universal Tesla Wall Connector
Cord End: NACS (Tesla), comes with J1772 adapter
Cord Length: 24′
Wifi Enabled: Yes
Load Sharing Capable: Yes
Load Management Capable: Yes
Max Austin Energy Rebate: $900
Tesla J1772 Wall Connector
Cord End: J1772 (non-Tesla)
Cord Length: 24′
Wifi Enabled: Yes
Load Sharing Capable: Yes
Load Management Capable: Yes
Max Austin Energy Rebate: $900
Tesla Power Meter for Smart EV Charging
This is an accessory to Tesla Wall Connectors. It mounts in the breaker box feeding the wall connector and reads how much power the rest of the box is using while you are charging. It will dynamically adjust the output of the wall connector based on those other loads so you don’t overload the breaker box.
ChargePoint Flex
Cord End: J1772 (non-Tesla) or NACS (Tesla)
Cord Length: 23′
Wifi Enabled: Yes
Load Sharing Capable: No
Load Management Capable: No
Max Austin Energy Rebate: $1200
Notes: The input cord can be removed for hardwiring so it doesn’t matter which option you buy for wiring purposes
Emporia
Cord End: J1772 (non-Tesla)
Cord Length: 24′
Wifi Enabled: Yes
Load Sharing Capable: No
Load Management Capable: Yes
Max Austin Energy Rebate: $900
Notes: Please select the hardwired option. Two color options. Load management option.
Grizzl-E Ultimate
Cord End: J1772 (non-Tesla)
Cord Length: 25′
Wifi Enabled: Yes
Load Sharing Capable: No
Load Management Capable: No
Max Austin Energy Rebate: $900
Notes: Aluminum enclosure, not plastic like most other chargers
Autel
Cord End: J1772 (non-Tesla)
Cord Length: 25′
Wifi Enabled: Yes
Load Sharing Capable: No
Load Management Capable: No
Max Austin Energy Rebate: $1200
Notes: Two options for max charging amps. Input cord can be removed for hardwiring. Four color options.
Rivian Wall Charger
Cord End: J1772 (non-Tesla)
Cord Length: 25′
Wifi Enabled: Yes
Load Sharing Capable: No
Load Management Capable: No
Max Austin Energy Rebate: $1200
Notes: Only available from Rivian
EVIQO
Cord End: J1772 (non-Tesla)
Cord Length: 25′
Wifi Enabled: Yes
Load Sharing Capable: No
Load Management Capable: No
Max Austin Energy Rebate: $900
Notes: Please select the hardwired version
Ford Charge Station Pro
Cord End: J1772 (non-Tesla)
Cord Length: 25′
Wifi Enabled: Yes
Load Sharing Capable: No
Load Management Capable: No
Max Austin Energy Rebate: $1200
Notes: Only available from Ford. Capable of accepting up to a 100 amp circuit. Most vehicles can’t use 100 amps, though.
Ford Connected Charge Station
Cord End: J1772 (non-Tesla)
Cord Length: 20′
Wifi Enabled: Yes
Load Sharing Capable: No
Load Management Capable: No
Max Austin Energy Rebate: $1200
Notes: Only available from Ford
GM Ultium PowerUp Level 2 Charger
Cord End: J1772 (non-Tesla)
Cord Length: 25′
Wifi Enabled: Yes
Load Sharing Capable: No
Load Management Capable: No
Max Austin Energy Rebate: $900
Notes: Cord can be removed for hardwiring
GM Ultium PowerUp + Level 2 Charger
Cord End: J1772 (non-Tesla)
Cord Length: 25′
Wifi Enabled: Yes
Load Sharing Capable: No
Load Management Capable: No
Max Austin Energy Rebate: $900
Notes: Capable of accepting up to a 100 amp circuit. Most vehicles can’t use 100 amps, though.
GM Energy PowerShift Charger
Cord End: J1772 (non-Tesla)
Cord Length: 25′
Wifi Enabled: Yes
Load Sharing Capable: No
Load Management Capable: No
Max Austin Energy Rebate: $900
Notes: With extra equipment, bidirectional charging can be available. Capable of accepting up to a 100 amp circuit. Most vehicles can’t use 100 amps, though.