Tesla has topped the Home Charging Study for JD Power’s second annual electric vehicle experience, announced Thursday.
The study measures electric vehicle owner satisfaction on permanently mounted Level 1, Mobile Level 2 and Level 2 portable charging stations at home. Tesla ranked highest for Tier 2 permanent stations, the only category eligible for the award. It does the same in research last year.
Clipper Creek HCS-D50 in use
ClipperCreek, which emphasizes reliability, simplicity and made in the US, comes in second — not any of the many that emphasize smart charging and apps. In our experience, smart chargers can conflict with car manufacturer apps, both of which seek the same input level (and share data) on charging habits.
Last year’s study found satisfaction highest among owners of permanently attached Level 2 stations, but this year both configurations of Level 2 stations took the top spot, each reaching the top. 752 points out of 1,000 possible. According to JD Power, the higher charging speeds of Tier 2 chargers have contributed to increased satisfaction compared to Tier 1 devices.
Tesla Model 3 is charging
We have found that portable level 2 charger really only worth considering for short-term tenants who have access to a 240-volt outlet. Usually, they will not have the same charge level as wall-mounted devices.
Circuit separation units is another option—Though the best satisfaction is paying only for the improvements and having a dedicated circuit for charging the EV. Three-quarters of electric vehicle owners surveyed for the JD power study have upgraded at least one component for their Level 2 home charging station. The most common upgrades are wiring (55%), sockets (45%), and electrical panels (28%).
Tesla wall connector, on pedestal
Another study from J.D. Power showed that the conscious lack of charging at home is restrain the adoption of EV. And last year, UC Davis researchers found that about a fifth of drivers switch back to gasoline—Much of it is due to charging problems.
