Struggling to find the best Level 1 EV charger? Our in-depth Lectron Level 1 EV charger review unveils features, installation and charging options, performance & value to help you decide.
For the past year, we’ve been putting the Lectron Level 1 EV charger to the test as our go-to Level 1 EV charger. As EV charging geeks, we’ve made some exciting improvements. We’ve upgraded Lectron’s branch circuit to enhance its safety features, added smart charging functionality, and even enabled integration with renewable energy sources.
Lectron Level 1 EV charger review dives into our real-world experience. We’ll reveal our custom setup, including the additional charging accessories we’ve integrated, and share our independent charging results. This will help you decide if the Lectron is the right fit for your EV charging needs.
Table of Contents
Lectron Level 1 EV Charger Review Summary
Lectron 16 Amp EV Charger (J1772) Review
Lectron Level 1 EV Charger First Impressions
The Lectron Level 1 EV Charger comes with a black and white themed box that looks modern with pictures of the charger and its specifications well labeled in black over the white background box, Unboxing it, we found a Lectron branded compact carrying case, and inside it was the charger itself, an informational card, a detailed manual, and two connectors.
The charger comes from the box attached with a 110v connector attached to the main charging controller with a 21-foot-long cable that connects it to the J1772 connector. The main charge controller is fairly small compared to other EV chargers such as the Grizzl-E or the Enphase EV charger.
The build quality seems solid, particularly the J1772 connector with its dust cover and secure latch mechanism.
Initial testing showed charging speeds of 1.65 kW at 110 volts. The charger is FCC and ETL certified (UL2594 standard) for safety, featuring overvoltage, overcurrent, and short circuit protection. It is also Energy Star certified for efficiency and IP65-rated for dust and water resistance.
We found a key difference between the Lectron Level 1 EV Charger and the Lectron 110V 16 Amp Level 1/2 EV Charger in their packaging.
The Lectron 110V 16 Amp Level 1/2 EV Charger includes both 110V and 240V connectors, allowing it to plug into either type of outlet. This flexibility is useful for switching between Level 1 and Level 2 charging.
Lectron Level 1 EV Charger Installation & Safety
The Lectron Level 1 EV Charger is a straightforward charger to use, you simply plug it into a 110V outlet as specified in its user manual, what the Lectron Level 1 EV charger manual fails to show is the detailed instructions for installing the 110V outlets when the 110V outlet is not close to the point of use.
Here is our Lectron Level 1 EV charger branch circuit diagram, showing the circuit breaker, and the wiring layout of the 12 AWG cables to the NEMA 5-15 outlet.
In our Lectron Level 1 EV charger branch circuit we used the Siemens Q120 20-Amp Single Pole Circuit Breaker (Type QP) and 12 AWG wire to connect the electrical panel with the NEMA 5-15 outlet as per the 80/20 EV charging rule.
The Siemens Q120 20-Amp Single Pole Circuit Breaker (Type QP) is a crucial component in our electrical system, specifically designed to provide dedicated protection for our charging infrastructure.
By installing a dedicated EV charging circuit breaker, we ensure that our charging system receives a steady and dependable power supply, free from the risk of overloading other circuits in our home or facility. The circuit breaker will also trip if a high-powered charger is plugged into our 20-amp electric vehicle branch circuit.
As part of our Lectron Level 1 EV charger we needed a NEMA 5-15 outlet, so we integrated the ELEGRP NEMA 5-15R outlet.
The outlet features high-impact resistant thermoplastic construction to prevent cracks and ensure durability. The outlet supports 15 Amps and offers easy installation with push-in wire and self-grounding capabilities to enhance safety. A glossy, soil-resistant finish and UL listing further ensure reliability and ease of maintenance.
Added Safety Features to our Lectron Level 1 EV Charger Installation
The Lectron Level 1 EV charger provides the users with shock protection and safety while charging in wet conditions, for this reasons we didn’t see any reason to install a residual current device (RCD), however, we decided to install a surge protection device (SPD) in our Lectron Level 1 EV charger branch circuit as shown below:
We installed the Intermatic AG3000 120/240 VAC Universal HVAC Surge Protective Device since our Lectron Level 1 EV Charger Installation was outdoors and we needed a watertight device suitable for outdoor installations.
The reason we installed a power surge protection device was to protect our Lectron Level 1 EV charger installation from lightning strikes, short circuits, EV charger malfunction, and renewable EV charging switch which can lead to voltage spikes and sips that may damage the charger.
Talking of renewable energy integration with the Lectron Level 1 EV charger, here is how we added solar EV charging to our Lectron Level 1 EV charger installation.
Solar EV Charging with the Lectron Level 1 EV Charger
Using the Lectron Level 1 EV charger is a more budget-friendly option for integrating Solar EV charging compared with using Level 2 EV chargers, this is because the cost of purchasing solar EV charging panels and accessories is much lower, and using a Level 1 EV charger is suitable for small solar panels and less exposure to sun exposure compared to Level 2 chargers.
| Feature | Level 1 EV charger | Level 2 EV charger |
|---|---|---|
| Power Delivery | Lower (typically 1.65 kW) | Significantly Higher (6 kW – 19.2 kW) |
| Cost (Upfront) | Budget-Friendly (charger unit + solar EV charging integration) | Higher (charger unit + solar EV charging integration) |
| Solar Synergy | Efficient for Day and Overnight Charging with Solar Surplus | Ideal for Utilizing Excess Solar Generation During Daytime |
The image below shows our upgraded Lectron Level 1 EV charger with solar power EV charging integration:
Adding Smart EV Charging Functionality to the Lectron Level 1 EV Charger
One wrong thing with the Lectron Level 1 EV charger is the lack of smart EV charging functionalities such as scheduled charging, remote monitoring, energy management, charge status notifications, integration with smart home systems, charging history and data analytics, over-the-air updates, and dynamic load management.
To add smart functionality features to our Lectron Level 1 EV charger we added a smart meter to our Lectron Level 1 EV charger branch circuit as shown in the image below:
We used the Sense Energy Monitor with Solar in our Lectron Level 1 EV charger installation to monitor and track our solar EV charging and track EV charging electricity usage in real-time.
The Sense Energy Monitor enhances our Lectron Level 1 EV charger with smart functionality, optimizing energy use and savings by providing detailed insights into EV charging energy consumption and activity. It supports time-of-use rate plans for efficiency, allowing comparison of solar production and energy usage to reduce reliance on the grid.
Sense monitors electricity consumption, and Lectron Level 1 EV charger usage patterns, and offers custom notifications. Certified for safety, Sense ensures reliable performance within the electrical panel, meeting rigorous ETL/Intertek standards in the US and Canada.
Conclusions.
The Lectron Level 1 EV Charger proves to be a reliable and efficient choice for electric vehicle owners looking to enhance their charging experience at home. From its impressive safety features ensuring peace of mind during installation to its seamless integration with solar power setups, the Lectron charger excels in both performance and sustainability. Whether you’re new to electric vehicles or a seasoned enthusiast, investing in the Lectron Level 1 EV Charger promises convenience, safety, and a step towards a greener future of transportation.
About the Author: James Ndungu
James Ndungu, founder and editor-in-chief of Electric Vehicle Geek, brings over five years of hands-on experience in Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) selection, permitting, and installation. He specializes in assisting businesses and homeowners in the United States with a seamless transition to electric vehicles.
As a certified EV charger installer and holder of advanced certifications, including the EVITP (Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Training Program), Diploma in Electric Vehicle Technology, and Diploma in Engineering Fundamentals of Electric Vehicles, I provide expert guidance and in-depth reviews on the latest EV charging equipment.
Last update on 2024-12-07 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
