In our review of the ChargePoint Home Flex, we’ll cover everything from installation to charging performance, user experience, and overall functionality.
We’ll discuss both the plug-in and hardwired options, detailing electrical requirements and whether professional assistance is needed. We’ll then dive into the charging capabilities, including power output up to 12 kW, adjustable amperage settings, and compatibility with various electric vehicles, including Tesla.
We’ll also explore smart features like Wi-Fi connectivity, app control, scheduling, and energy tracking, as well as the charger’s durability, safety features, and flexibility in switching between J1772 and Tesla’s NACS connectors.
The ChargePoint Home Flex delivers impressive charging power of up to 50 amps, which allows for rapid Level 2 charging across a wide range of electric vehicles. Its adjustable amperage settings (from 16 to 50 amps) make it versatile and suitable for various home electrical capacities, ensuring efficient charging tailored to individual needs.
This charger is packed with smart features, including Wi-Fi connectivity, which allows users to control charging sessions through the ChargePoint app. Users can monitor charging in real-time, schedule charging during off-peak hours, and track energy usage, making it a great choice for tech-savvy EV owners.
The Home Flex has a sturdy design and is rated for both indoor and outdoor use. Its weatherproof casing and high-quality materials enhance durability; however, some users might find the unit slightly bulkier compared to other models.
Priced competitively for its performance and features, this EV charger offers great value, especially with its future-proof design that accommodates various EV standards. Its flexibility in installation options (plug-in or hardwired below) further enhances its appeal, making it a strong investment for many EV owners.
ChargePoint, a California-based company, is famed for having the nation’s largest network of independently owned public EV charging stations. Founded in 2007, ChargePoint ventured into home charging in 2015 with its first home chargers. Among their standout products is the ChargePoint Home Flex, a Level 2 (240-volt) charger praised for its user-friendliness and adaptability, earning it the title of best overall smart home charger of 2023 for its competitive pricing and extensive features.
The ChargePoint Home Flex 2 EV charger has features that cater to both convenience and future-proofing for EV owners. One standout aspect is its cable flexibility, which remains notably pliable even in freezing conditions, ensuring easy handling and neat storage.
A unique characteristic of the ChargePoint Home Flex is that it ships with the charging cable detached. Although attaching the cable is straightforward, individuals who are uncomfortable with electrical work may prefer professional assistance. ChargePoint explains that shipping the unit without the cable makes it easier to mount the electronics box first, and our experience showed that we encountered no issues during the initial installation.
Another significant advantage is the charger’s cable swapping flexibility. Units initially ordered with the J1772 connector can be easily converted to Tesla’s NACS system by simply ordering and installing a new cable. With more automakers, including Volkswagen, Audi, and Porsche, transitioning to the NACS standard by 2025, this adaptability makes the Home Flex a smart, future-proof investment for electric vehicle owners.
High Charging Speed:
Flexible Installation Options:
Amperage Flexibility:
Future-Proof Design:
Wi-Fi Connectivity & Smart Features:
Durability and Build Quality:
Long Cable Length:
Safety Features:
Flexible Circuit Compatibility:
In-App Energy Insights:
Complex Installation for Higher Amperage:
Cost:
Wi-Fi Connectivity Issues:
No Built-in Display:
Charging Speed Depends on Vehicle:
Limited Cable Replacement Options:
Discover the value of your cars options and specification!
First off, the casing is made from high-strength plastic, which means it’s built to withstand the wear and tear of everyday use—whether it’s rain, shine, or even a bit of snow. This sturdy exterior not only looks sleek but also protects the internal components from moisture and UV rays, so you don’t have to worry about the elements wearing it down over time.
The Home Flex is available in a plug-in model, which means you can simply connect it to a compatible electrical outlet.
The unit comes equipped with a NEMA 14-50 plug, which is a standard outlet for EV chargers, commonly found in homes. This plug allows for a straightforward installation, as you can easily connect the charger to your existing outlet without any complex wiring.
This option is ideal for renters or those who may want the flexibility to relocate the charger in the future.
For those looking for a more permanent installation, the Home Flex can be hardwired directly into your home’s electrical system.
This method typically requires a licensed electrician to ensure safe and compliant installation. Hardwiring can provide a cleaner look and may support higher charging rates, depending on your electrical setup.
The hardwired option is beneficial for homeowners who want to maximize charging speed and efficiency.
Regardless of how you connect the charger, the Home Flex also features Wi-Fi connectivity. This allows you to connect it to your home network for enhanced functionality.
With Wi-Fi, you can monitor charging sessions, track energy usage, and even schedule charging times through the ChargePoint app on your smartphone. This feature adds convenience and control, making it easier to manage your EV charging at home.
The charger supports smart features such as remote start/stop, notifications about charging status, and the ability to see real-time energy consumption data.
These features are especially useful for optimizing your charging based on electricity rates, helping you save money on energy costs.
Ensure that the connection is secure and that the charger is mounted or placed in a stable position.
Similar to the plug-in version, select a suitable location near your EV parking spot.
Contact a licensed electrician to perform the hardwired installation. They will ensure that the installation meets local codes and safety standards.
The electrician will determine the best way to connect the charger to your electrical panel.
They will install a dedicated circuit for the charger, typically a 40-amp breaker.
The electrician will run the appropriate gauge wiring (usually 6 AWG) from the circuit breaker to the charger location.
They will connect the charger to the electrical supply, ensuring proper grounding.
Once installed, the electrician will test the charger to ensure it operates correctly.
They will also help you connect the charger to your Wi-Fi network using the ChargePoint app.
Amperage Settings: The ChargePoint Home Flex 2 allows you to adjust the amperage settings based on your home’s electrical capacity and your charging needs.
The ChargePoint Home Flex 2 EV charger is equipped with several safety features designed to protect both users and vehicles during the charging process. Here’s a breakdown of its key safety features
The charger includes built-in overcurrent protection, which prevents excessive electrical flow that could potentially damage the charger or your vehicle’s battery.
Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI): The Home Flex 2 is designed to detect ground faults and will automatically shut off the power to prevent electric shock, enhancing user safety.
This feature helps prevent damage to both the charger and the electric vehicle by shutting off charging if the voltage exceeds or falls below safe levels.
The charger monitors its temperature and will automatically reduce power or shut off if it becomes too hot, preventing overheating and potential fire hazards.
The design includes features to manage the charging cable safely, reducing the risk of tripping hazards and protecting the cable from damage when not in use.
With an IP55 rating, the charger is protected against dust and low-pressure water jets, making it safe for outdoor use in various weather conditions.
The charger can be securely mounted on a wall, reducing the risk of accidental disconnection or damage.
Article By: Dale Ogden
Dale is a recognized expert in the automotive industry, known for his expertise in automotive asset management and consulting.
As the founder of Check Your Spec and former Forecast Manager at CAP HPI (equivalent to Kelley Blue Book in the USA) he made significant contributions to the development of forecasting strategies and depreciation models for internal combustion engines, hybrid, and electric commercial vehicles in the UK.
With over two decades of experience, Dale pioneered EV forecasting models that are now used by leading manufacturers.
His work has also produced residual values for over 10,000 new vehicles.
The NACS (North American Charging Standard) and J1772 (SAE J1772) connectors are two different charging standards used for electric vehicles (EVs) in North America. Here’s a detailed comparison highlighting the key differences between them:
J1772 Connector:
NACS Connector:
J1772:
NACS:
J1772:
NACS:
J1772:
NACS:
The ChargePoint Home Flex EV charger offers a versatile power rating, allowing users to adjust the charging speed based on their needs and electrical system capabilities. Here are the key details regarding its power rating:
Adjustable Amperage:
Charging Power Output:
Level 2 Charging:
Yes, you can use the ChargePoint Home Flex EV charger without Wi-Fi. While having a Wi-Fi connection enhances the functionality of the charger, allowing you to access advanced features through the ChargePoint app, it is not strictly necessary for basic operation. Here’s what you need to know:
Basic Charging Functionality:
App Features Limited:
Data Logging:
Yes, you can charge a Tesla with a ChargePoint Home Flex charger. Here are the key points to consider when using the ChargePoint charger with a Tesla vehicle:
Connector Compatibility:
Charging Speed:
Level 2 Charging:
Easy Setup:
Smart Features:
No, the ChargePoint Home Flex charger does not require a subscription to use. Once you purchase the charger, you can use it for basic charging functions without any ongoing costs. However, there are additional features and benefits that you can access through the ChargePoint app, which do not require a paid subscription but enhance the charging experience.
No Subscription Required for Basic Use:
ChargePoint App Features (No Subscription Required):
Public Charging Network (Pay-As-You-Go):
If you’re trying to find out the exact specifications of your car using the VIN number, it’s important to know that VIN checks alone won’t give you that level of detail. VIN checks typically provide information like the vehicle’s history, registration details, and sometimes basic manufacturer descriptions, but they don’t dive into the specific features or options that were included when the car was built.
Similarly, registration numbers won’t get you much further, as they mostly offer the basic manufacturer’s description, without the finer details.
To access the full vehicle specs by VIN, you’ll need to speak with a dealer who has access to the manufacturer’s database. Generally, you must be the car’s owner and visit the dealer in person to get this information. They can pull up the exact specifications from their in-house systems, giving you a complete picture of your vehicle’s build and options.
The maximum charging power for the ChargePoint Home Flex is 12 kW. This output is achievable when the charger is set to its highest amperage (50 amps) and connected to a 240-volt circuit.
Here’s a breakdown of the maximum kW output based on different amperage settings:
To achieve the maximum 12 kW, your home electrical system must be able to support a 50-amp circuit, and the charger must be configured for that amperage. This allows for faster charging times, particularly for larger battery EVs.