Hardwired vs plug in EV charger triggers dilemma in most people. Both chargers can appropriately charge your electric vehicle yet they look and work differently. As you determine the correct electric vehicle supply equipment, focus on its convenience, flexibility, durability, portability, etc.

Take the time to assess your current lifestyle and goals to see if the detachable or the permanently-installed EV charging station will be a perfect choice. This detailed guide discloses the differences between hardwired and plug-in electric vehicle chargers. 

Hardwired EV Charger – An Overview

To differentiate hardwired and plug in EV charger, know their background first. A hardwired EV charger attaches to the circuit breaker of an electrical panel. It requires a permanent indoor or outdoor space like your HVAC. Thus, hardwired vs plug in EV charger stations have specific advantages and disadvantages:

Advantages

• Recharges Quickly – A hardwired EV charger boasts higher power output than a Level 1 charging station. It can recharge your car battery fully in one night. 
• Enduring – Hardwired EV chargers are permanent. Their craftsmanship increases their resilience in bad weather. These chargers are durable and reliable for property owners with an EV. 
• Enhances Home Design – A hardwired EVSE is more attractive because it has no loose cables and plugs that make a place disorderly. They improve the aesthetics of home exteriors or interiors. 
• No Tampering and Safety Hazards – As the hardwired EV charger is a long-term solution, you can fix it where no one can tamper with it or steal it. Tampering can successfully reduce safety hazards associated with electrical equipment.

Disadvantages

• Fixed – A hardwired electric vehicle charger can be inconvenient for those who treasure portability. Do not consider it if you plan to relocate to a new place. Relocation will force you to detach your EV charger, which will be expensive. 
• Higher Upfront Costs – Hardwired EV chargers are expensive to install because you need a licensed electrical expert. Another cause is that your existing electric panel may require an upgrade to support a hardwired EV charger. 
• No Flexibility – Once you install a hardwired EV charger in its place, you will never push or pull it. Even if you want to alter the area to enhance aesthetics, you cannot move the charger from its location. 

Plug-in Charger – An Overview

This hardwired and plug in EV charger comparison guide describes the plug-in EVSE. Plug-in electric vehicle supply equipment uses a standard 240V, 12-inch long supply cord. It works like a typical home appliance that has a plug. 

Push the plug into the electrical outlet when charging your EV. Remove it once the car battery charges.  Plug-in EV chargers are easy to use and move around. Here is a summary of the advantages and disadvantages of plug in EV charger:

Advantages

• Simple Installation – A plug-in EV charger is easy to install. Unlike the hardwired charger installation, the plug-in unit requires no direct connection with the electrical panel. 
• Movable – If your lifestyle is more mobile or you live in rental houses, you will enjoy the convenience of a plug-in EV charger. Carry it to any place you wish to relocate to. 
• Versatile – Plug-in EV chargers detach from the socket easily. They are easy to move. You can reposition the plug-in EV charging station to rearrange your installation area, or create space for another appliance. 

Disadvantages

• Prone to Damage – You must plug in your EV charger to charge your car and unplug it when the battery replenishes. If you repeat it many times, the plug-in charger will develop wear and tear. This characteristic makes it less durable than a hardwired option. 
• Slower – Plug-in EV chargers are slow because of their low power output. 
• Unattractive –The plug-in EV charge comes with cords and plugs. These can clutter the charger location and steal its aesthetic appeal. 
• Tampering – A plug-in charger is easy to steal because the thief can move it.

Hardwired vs plug in EV charger Differences

Now that you understand the meaning of each EV charger, the next step is to evaluate their differences. Here are the top 5 differences: 

Power Output

Hardwired vs plug in EV charging stations differ in the amount of electricity they can supply. Hardwired options deliver higher power of 19.2kW, explaining why they boast lower charging times. On the contrary, plug-in EV chargers deliver between 9.6kW. 

If your electric car needs charging speeds of beyond 9.6kW, the hardwired EV charger is a more suitable pick.  Before you decide, know the power rating of your onboard charger. Electric vehicles come with a built-in onboard charger that converts electric power (alternating current) into battery power (direct current). Understanding the kW required to charge an EV is essential here, as the onboard charger capacity directly determines the maximum charging speed your vehicle can handle.

Charging Time

Many electric car users constantly search for a faster charger with a lower charging time. If you compare hardwired and plug in EV charger in this regard, the latter is a notch higher. It can add higher miles of range per hour to an EV than a plug-in charger. 

If no other appliances overload your residential electrical panel, the hardwired EV charger can work even faster.  Other factors that affect an EV’s charging time include battery size, efficiency, and cold temperatures. Another important factor to consider is the time to charge EV at home, since off-peak hours often provide lower electricity rates and reduce strain on your household power supply.

Safety and Hazards

Another way to differentiate the hardwired EV charger and plug in EV charger is the proneness to hazards. Which of the two chargers is safer? The hardwired EVSE possesses a ground fault circuit interruption protector.  Because of this GFCI, this charging station can handle power surges, short circuits, etc. 

Moreover, hardwired chargers have fewer cables and electrical outlets than plug-in options. This trait makes them less susceptible to power overloads. On the contrary, the plug-in’s cords can fray and tear. These exposed cords increase their odds of triggering an electric shock and fire.

They are also vulnerable to nuisance tripping (constant outages) in areas where local codes require a GFCI breaker in a plug-in EV charger. A plug-in charging station featuring a circuit breaker is more susceptible to nuisance tripping if it also has a GFCI protector. Additionally, using the correct breaker size for your EV charger—typically between 40 and 60 amps for most Level 2 models—can help prevent overheating, tripping, and electrical faults, ensuring a safer and more reliable setup.

To prevent nuisance tripping and failure during a home inspection, get a hardwired charger with a GFCI breaker.

Convenience

Is convenience your key factor when comparing hardwired and plug in EV charging units? If so, you will love the higher level of convenience plug-in EV chargers possess. These chargers are easier and cheaper to upgrade in the future. 

You can switch to a more advanced EV charger later or get a new charger when your current one fails. On the contrary, hardwired EV charging stations are less convenient because of their fixed status. You would have to uninstall your charger to get a more advanced version, which is costly. 

Installation Cost

Any EV owner would want to know the overall price of installing a Level 2 charger at home. Further, they regularly analyze the hardwired and plug in EV charger based on cost. The plug-in EV charger is cost-friendly than the hardwired option. 

The reason for this is that an existing 240-volt outlet does not need upgrading when installing a wall plug-in charger. Conversely, a hardwired EV charger installation is not legally possible without a hired professional electrician. 

They will require a professional fee for their labor, and you must consider the EV charger price. If your garage or parking lot is near your electric panel, it will reduce the installation cost and vice versa. 

Another problem is that homes with less than 60-amps electrical panels require upgrading, which increases the installation cost. The permit application can further elevate the installation expense, depending on your jurisdiction. The only way to lower the cost slightly is to use government incentives and tax rebates. Thus, if we consider between hardwired and plug in EV charger in regard to cost, the former is expensive

Choosing the Best Option

When deciding on buying hardwired EV charger or plug in EV charger, think about your tastes and preferences. If you have a family home you will occupy for several years, a hardwired EV charging station is more reliable. You will use it without moving it throughout its lifespan. If it requires repair, you can do it without shifting the equipment. 

Another reason to choose this charger is that it uses a GFCI protector that prevents constant outages, fires, and shocks. Additionally, this feature increases your chances of passing a home inspection exercise. Hardwired chargers are fast because of their higher power outputs.

On the other hand, you can choose a plug-in EV charger if you want to relocate to a new area soon or live in a rented apartment. This charger is cheaper to install and easier to handle because you should plug it in or out depending on your needs. 

If you focus on hardwired vs plug in EV charger units in terms of aesthetics, the latter can affect the beauty of your garage or parking space because of the long cords and plugs. If that is a problem, consider the permanent hardwired EV charger.  Before you choose an appropriate charger, consult a licensed electrical contractor to check your electrical panel’s amperage.

Conclusion

As we end our hardwired vs plug in EV charger comparison, we hope you understand their differences. You understand that a hardwired EV charger is the most appropriate option for people with permanent residences. Additionally, now you know that a plug-in EV charger is suitable for users who lead a more mobile lifestyle.