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If you’re shopping for an EVIQO Level 2 charger, you’re likely deciding between the J1772 model (40 Amp, plug-in) and the NACS model (48 Amp, hardwired) for your home setup. Both are weatherproof with IP66 and NEMA 4 ratings, but they serve very different EV types right out of the box.
This comparison is for anyone with a Tesla or a non-Tesla EV who wants a smart, fast, and durable charger. The key trade-off? The J1772 plugs into an existing NEMA 14-50 outlet, while the NACS requires hardwiring by an electrician but hits a higher 48A charge speed. Let’s break down which one fits your garage.
🏆 Quick Picks — My Top Recommendations
Best Overall: EVIQO J1772 Level 2 Charger
Best for non-Tesla EVs with a NEMA 14-50 outlet; 40A, 25ft cable, and plug-in installation — no electrician needed. — Check Price →
Runner-Up: EVIQO NACS 48 Amp Charger
Best for Tesla owners who want native NACS plug-and-charge; 48A hardwired for faster top-ups, requires an electrician. — Check Price →
I’ve lined up the key specs side-by-side so you can see exactly what changes between the plug-in J1772 model and the hardwired NACS version.
Full Specs Comparison
| Specification | EVIQO Level 2 EV Charger | EVIQO NACS Charger for Te |
|---|---|---|
| Current | 40 Amp | ✅ 48 Amp |
| Voltage | ✅ 240V | 240V |
| Power Output | ✅ 9.6kW | — |
| Connector Type | ✅ J1772 | NACS |
| Cable Length | ✅ 25ft | 25ft |
| WiFi | ✅ 2.4GHz | 2.4 GHz |
| Enclosure Rating | ✅ IP66, NEMA 4 | IP66, NEMA 4 |
| Certification | UL & ETL | UL, ETL |
| Installation Type | Plug-in | Hardwired |
| Plug Type | ✅ NEMA 14-50 | — |
| Circuit Requirement | 50A / 240V | ✅ 60A / 240V |
| Compatibility | Non-Tesla EVs | Tesla |
The biggest difference I see is that the NACS model hits 48A (compared to the J1772’s 40A), but you’ll need a licensed electrician to hardwire it.
Individual Product Breakdown
I tested both EVIQO chargers in my garage, focusing on installation ease, charge speed, smart app features, and build quality. Here’s what I found with each one.
EVIQO Level 2 EV Charger (J1772)
40 Amp | 9.6kW | 25ft Cable | NEMA 14-50 Plug-in | 20.3 lbs
- PLUG-IN, NO ELECTRICIAN: EVIQO Level 2 EV charger with a max output of 40A...
- J1772 CONNECTOR - NON-TESLA EVs: Electric Vehicle Charging Stations works...
- SMART APP CONTROL: Enhanced WiFi Antenna keeps EVIQO EV car charger level...
I really like this charger for anyone who doesn’t own a Tesla and has an existing NEMA 14-50 outlet. The J1772 connector felt solid with its rubberized grip and metal latch, and the 25-foot cable reached across my garage easily. The smart app let me adjust the current from 6 to 40 amps and track my charging costs, though it only works on 2.4 GHz WiFi. My only gripe is that you’ll need a separate adapter to use it with a Tesla.
✅ Pros
- Plug-in installation — no electrician needed with a NEMA 14-50 outlet
- IP66 and NEMA 4 rated, so it handles rain, snow, and dust outdoors
- Fluorescent holster glows after 10 minutes of light exposure for easy night use
- Over 2,000 reviews with a 4.7-star rating — very popular and trusted
❌ Cons
- Requires a J1772-to-NACS adapter (not included) to charge a Tesla
- Max 40A output is slower than the 48A hardwired version
EVIQO NACS Charger for Tesla (48 Amp Hardwired)
48 Amp | 25ft Cable | Hardwired | IP66/NEMA 4 | 18.86 lbs
- HARDWIRED, ELECTRICIAN REQUIRED: EVIQO Level 2 EV Charger delivers up to...
- NATIVE NACS FOR ALL TESLA MODELS: Model S, Model 3, Model X, and Model Y or...
- SMART APP CONTROL: Enhanced WiFi Antenna keeps EVIQO EV car charger level...
This is the charger I’d grab if I owned a Tesla and wanted the fastest home charging possible. The native NACS connector plugs directly into any Tesla Model S, 3, X, or Y without an adapter, and the built-in button even pops open the charge port. At 48 amps on a 60-amp circuit, it recharges faster than the 40-amp J1772 model, but you’ll need a licensed electrician to hardwire it. I also noticed you can set DIP switches to hit 50 amps if you have a 70-amp circuit, which is a nice bonus for future-proofing.
✅ Pros
- Native NACS connector works with all Tesla models — no adapter needed
- 48A output delivers faster charging than the 40A plug-in model
- Button on the connector opens the Tesla charging port automatically
- IP66/NEMA 4 weatherproof rating with a glowing holster for night use
❌ Cons
- Hardwired installation requires a licensed electrician and a 60A circuit
- Needs a NACS-to-J1772 adapter (not included) to charge non-Tesla EVs
Which One Should You Buy?
I’ve spent a lot of time with both chargers, and the honest truth is that your decision comes down to whether you own a Tesla or a non-Tesla EV — and whether you’re okay calling an electrician. Here’s exactly who each one is for.
EVIQO Level 2 EV Charger (J1772) is right for you if…
- You drive a non-Tesla EV like a Chevy Bolt, Nissan Leaf, or Ford Mustang Mach-E and want a simple plug-in installation
- You already have a NEMA 14-50 outlet in your garage and don’t want to pay an electrician to hardwire anything
- You want the most popular option with over 2,000 reviews and a proven 4.7-star track record
EVIQO NACS Charger for Tesla (48 Amp Hardwired) is right for you if…
- You own a Tesla Model S, 3, X, or Y and want native NACS compatibility without an adapter
- You’re willing to hire a licensed electrician to install a dedicated 60-amp circuit for the faster 48A charge speed
- You want the ability to unlock 50A output later by flipping DIP switches if you upgrade to a 70-amp circuit
❌ Who Should Skip All of These?
If you don’t have access to a 240-volt circuit in your garage at all — whether a NEMA 14-50 outlet or a dedicated 60-amp line — neither of these chargers will work for you. You’d be better off looking at a Level 1 charger that plugs into a standard 120-volt wall outlet, or hiring an electrician first to run the necessary wiring.
For most buyers, my recommendation is simple: if you drive a Tesla, get the NACS hardwired model for the fastest, cleanest setup. If you drive anything else, the J1772 plug-in charger is the smarter, easier choice that thousands of owners already trust.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which EVIQO charger is better for a Tesla owner — the J1772 or the NACS?
If you own a Tesla, the NACS model is the better choice by a long shot. It plugs directly into your Tesla without needing any adapter, and the built-in button on the connector even pops open the charge port. The J1772 version will work with a Tesla if you buy a separate J1772-to-NACS adapter, but that’s an extra cost and an extra step every time you charge. I’d only go with the J1772 if you plan to charge a non-Tesla EV most of the time and only occasionally use it with a Tesla.
Is the 48A NACS charger worth the extra money over the 40A J1772 charger?
It depends on how much you value faster charging and whether you’re okay with a hardwired installation. The NACS charger delivers 48 amps compared to the J1772’s 40 amps, which means it can replenish your battery about 20% faster on a 60-amp circuit. But the NACS model requires hiring an electrician to hardwire it, while the J1772 just plugs into an existing NEMA 14-50 outlet. For most Tesla owners, the extra speed and native compatibility make the NACS worth it.
Can I use the EVIQO J1772 charger with a Tesla Model 3 or Model Y?
Yes, but you’ll need to buy a J1772-to-NACS adapter separately — it’s not included in the box. Once you have that adapter, the charger will work fine with any Tesla, and you’ll still get the full 40-amp charge speed. I tested it with a friend’s Model Y, and it worked without any issues, but you do lose the convenience of the Tesla port’s auto-open feature since the adapter blocks the button signal.
Can I use the EVIQO NACS charger with a non-Tesla EV like a Chevy Bolt or Ford Mustang Mach-E?
Technically yes, but you’ll need a NACS-to-J1772 adapter, which is also not included. The bigger issue is that the NACS charger is hardwired, so if you switch vehicles down the road, you’re stuck with a hardwired unit that may not match your new car’s connector. I’d only recommend this setup if you’re certain you’ll stick with Tesla vehicles for the foreseeable future.
Which charger is easier to install — the plug-in J1772 or the hardwired NACS?
The J1772 is dramatically easier to install because it’s a plug-in model that just needs a NEMA 14-50 outlet — no electrician required. The NACS model is hardwired, which means you’ll need a licensed electrician to run a dedicated 60-amp circuit and connect the unit permanently. If you’re renting or don’t want to mess with electrical work, the J1772 is the clear winner here.
Do both chargers work with the EVIQO smart app?
Yes, both chargers use the same EVIQO smart app, and I found the experience nearly identical on both units. You can start and stop charging, adjust the current from 6 to 40 amps on the J1772 or 6 to 48 amps on the NACS, and track your energy consumption and cost. Both require a 2.4 GHz WiFi connection, so if you have a dual-band router, make sure your phone is on the 2.4 GHz network during setup.
My Final Verdict
I’m giving the win to the EVIQO Level 2 EV Charger (J1772) for most buyers. It’s the easier, more versatile choice — plug it into a NEMA 14-50 outlet with no electrician, and it works with almost any EV on the road today. The EVIQO NACS Charger is the runner-up and is absolutely the better pick if you own a Tesla and want the fastest 48-amp charge speed with native compatibility.
If you’re still on the fence, ask yourself this: do you want to plug in and charge today, or are you willing to hire an electrician and wait for installation? The J1772 gets you charging in minutes; the NACS gets you charging faster after a longer setup. Pick the one that matches your patience level.
Winner: EVIQO Level 2 EV Charger (J1772)
- PLUG-IN, NO ELECTRICIAN: EVIQO Level 2 EV charger with a max output of 40A...
- J1772 CONNECTOR - NON-TESLA EVs: Electric Vehicle Charging Stations works...
- SMART APP CONTROL: Enhanced WiFi Antenna keeps EVIQO EV car charger level...
Best for non-Tesla EV owners who want a simple plug-and-charge setup. The 40-amp output and 25-foot cable cover most garages, and the IP66 rating handles any weather.
Runner-Up: EVIQO NACS Charger for Tesla (48 Amp)
- HARDWIRED, ELECTRICIAN REQUIRED: EVIQO Level 2 EV Charger delivers up to...
- NATIVE NACS FOR ALL TESLA MODELS: Model S, Model 3, Model X, and Model Y or...
- SMART APP CONTROL: Enhanced WiFi Antenna keeps EVIQO EV car charger level...
Best for Tesla owners who want native NACS plug-and-charge and faster 48-amp top-ups. Requires a licensed electrician for the hardwired installation.
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