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Browse 16 AMP EV Chargers

Browse top-rated 16 AMP EV chargers, including Level 1 (120V) and Level 2 (240V) models. Compare features, charging speeds, and compatibility to find the best charger for your EV.

Best 16 AMP EV Chargers

No one tests more EV chargers than we do. Need a charger with a maximum output of 16 amps? Discover our best-rated models of 2025.

Best Budget EV Charger

Energy Star Certified for Efficiency

High Quality 16A EV Charger

Designed to Meet UL Standards

Best 16A Level 2 EV Charger

Charges 3x faster on just 120V

Best Level 1-2 16A EV Charger

Dual Voltage: 100-240V

See All 16 Amp EV Charger (J1772 or Tesla/NACS)

Explore all our top-rated 16 AMP Level 1 & 2 EV chargers that feature J1772 or Tesla/NACS connectors. Read expert reviews and find the best trickle-charging solution for your electric vehicle today.

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What is a Level 16 AMP EV Charger?

A 16 Amp EV charger delivers up to 3.83 kW (Level 2, 240V) or 1.92 kW (Level 1, 120V), depending on the circuit. It charges at 3–12 miles of range per hour and is ideal for daily use where faster charging isn’t essential. These chargers require a dedicated 20A circuit with 12 AWG wiring, follow NEC 80% load rules, and may be hardwired or plugged into outlets like NEMA 5-20, 6-20, or 14-20, depending on voltage.

16 Amp Level 1 charger vs 16 Amp Level 2 charger

A 16 Amp Level 1 charger and a 16 Amp Level 2 charger deliver the same current but differ significantly in voltage, charging speed, and installation requirements.

16 Amp Level 1 Charger

Uses a standard 120V outlet (NEMA 5-20) on a dedicated 20A circuit with 12 AWG wiring. Delivers 1.92 kW, adding 3–5 miles of range per hour. Ideal for overnight home charging, especially for low-mileage drivers. Easy to install, often using existing outlets; GFCI protection and proper grounding are required.

16 Amp Level 2 Charger

Uses a 240V outlet (NEMA 6-20 or NEMA 14-20) on a dedicated 20A double-pole circuit with 12 AWG copper wiring. Delivers up to 3.83 kW, adding 10–12 miles of range per hour (not 20 at 16A). Ideal for faster home charging, supporting daily commuting needs. Requires professional installation or proper outlet access. Maybe hardwired or plug-in, with GFCI protection and adherence to NEC codes for wire sizing, voltage drop, and circuit safety.

16 Amp Level 1 EV Charger Circuits

A 16 Amp Level 1 EV charger must be connected to a dedicated 120V circuit using a single-pole 20A breaker. The circuit should be wired with 12 AWG solid copper conductors (hot and neutral) and a 12 AWG copper ground, rated for at least 75°C insulation (THHN or equivalent). These chargers typically use a NEMA 5-20 outlet. GFCI protection is often required and should be installed per local code requirements

NEMA 5-20P 16 Amp Level 1 EV Charger Circuits Wiring Diagram

The diagram below shows a 120V wiring setup for a 16A Level 1 EV charger (1.92kW) using a NEMA 5-20P outlet. A 20A single-pole breaker feeds three 12 AWG copper wires – black (Hot), white (Neutral), and green (Ground) – through a conduit to the outlet. A plug-in EV charger connects to the receptacle.

An informative wiring diagram titled "NEMA 5-20P 16 Amp Level 1 EV Charger Circuits Wiring Diagram," created by Electric Vehicle Geek. The diagram illustrates the proper electrical connection for a 16-amp, 120V Level 1 EV charger using a NEMA 5-20P outlet. It shows a 120V electrical panel with power coming from the utility. Inside the panel, a "20A Dedicated Single Pole EV Charger Breaker" is installed. A hot wire (black) connects to this breaker, a neutral wire (white) connects to the neutral busbar, and a ground wire (green) connects to the ground busbar. These three wires, specified as 12 AWG copper, run through a conduit to a NEMA 5-20P outlet. An EV charger with a compatible plug is shown connecting to this outlet. Key information and warnings are highlighted throughout the diagram: "A 16A charger needs a 20A breaker per NEC 80% rule." "Active lugs are continuously live, regardless of whether the main breaker is ON or OFF." "Keep branch circuit wiring outside gutter posts and avoid crossing wires over breakers." "Upsize wires on long runs to keep voltage drop under 3% per NEC." The final charger is specified as a "16 Amp Level 1 EV Charger, 1.92kW."

16 Amp Level 2 EV Charger Circuits

A 16 Amp Level 2 EV charger must be connected to a dedicated 240V circuit using a double-pole breaker rated for 20 amps. The circuit should be wired with 12 AWG solid copper conductors and a 12 AWG copper ground, rated for at least 75°C insulation (THHN or equivalent). These chargers can be hardwired or installed using a NEMA 6-20 or 14-20 outlet, depending on the charger’s design. Proper GFCI protection may be required based on local code.

Hardwired 16 Amp Level 2 EV Charger Circuits Wiring Diagram

The diagram below shows a code-compliant setup for a 16A Level 2 EV charger (3.83kW). It uses a 20A double-pole breaker in a 240V panel, feeding 12 AWG copper wires – black (L1), red (L2), and green (ground) – through conduit to a junction box and then to the charger.

An informative wiring diagram titled "Hardwired 16 Amp Level 2 EV Charger Circuits Wiring Diagram," created by Electric Vehicle Geek. The diagram illustrates the proper electrical connection for a 16-amp EV charger. It shows a 240V electrical panel with power coming from the utility (L1 Hot 1, L2 Hot 2, and Neutral). Inside the panel, a 20A dedicated double-pole breaker is installed. The wiring path is shown with a black wire for L1 and a red wire for L2 coming from the 20A breaker, and a green ground wire coming from the ground busbar. These three wires, specified as 12 AWG copper, run through a conduit to a junction box and then to the EV charger. Key information and warnings are highlighted throughout the diagram: "A 16A charger needs a 20A breaker per NEC 80% rule." "Active lugs are continuously live, regardless of whether the main breaker is ON or OFF." "Keep branch circuit wiring outside gutter posts and avoid crossing wires over breakers." "Upsize wires on long runs to keep voltage drop under 3% per NEC." The final charger is specified as a "16 Amp Level 2 EV Charger, 3.83kW.

NEMA 14-20R 16 Amp Level 2 EV Charger Circuits Wiring Diagram

The diagram below details a 240V wiring setup for a 16A Level 2 EV charger (3.83kW) using a NEMA 14-20R outlet. A 20A double-pole breaker feeds four 12 AWG copper wires: black (L1), red (L2), white (Neutral), and green (Ground), routed through the conduit to the outlet. A plug-in EV charger connects directly to the receptacle.

An informative wiring diagram titled "NEMA 14-20R 16 Amp Level 2 EV Charger Circuits Wiring Diagram," created by Electric Vehicle Geek. The diagram illustrates the proper electrical connection for a 16-amp EV charger using a NEMA 14-20R outlet. It shows a 240V electrical panel with power coming from the utility (L1, L2, and Neutral). Inside the panel, a 20A dedicated double-pole breaker is installed. A black wire (L1) and a red wire (L2) connect to the breaker, a white wire (N) connects to the neutral busbar, and a green ground wire (G) connects to the ground busbar. These four wires, specified as 12 AWG copper, run through a conduit to a NEMA 14-20R outlet. An EV charger with a compatible plug is shown connecting to this outlet. Key information and warnings are highlighted throughout the diagram: "A 16A charger needs a 20A breaker per NEC 80% rule." "Active lugs are continuously live, regardless of whether the main breaker is ON or OFF." "Keep branch circuit wiring outside gutter posts and avoid crossing wires over breakers." "Upsize wires on long runs to keep voltage drop under 3% per NEC." The final charger is specified as a "16 Amp Level 2 EV Charger, 3.83kW."

NEMA 6-20 16 Amp Level 2 EV Charger Circuits Wiring Diagram

The diagram below shows a 240V setup for a 16A Level 2 EV charger (3.83kW) using a NEMA 6-20 outlet. A 20A double-pole breaker feeds three 12 AWG copper wires – black (L1), red (L2), and green (Ground) –  through the conduit to the outlet. No neutral wire is used. A plug-in EV charger connects to the NEMA 6-20.

An informative wiring diagram titled "NEMA 6-20 16 Amp Level 2 EV Charger Circuits Wiring Diagram," created by Electric Vehicle Geek. The diagram illustrates the proper electrical connection for a 16-amp EV charger using a NEMA 6-20 outlet. It shows a 240V electrical panel with power coming from the utility. Inside the panel, a 20A dedicated double-pole breaker is installed. A black wire (L1) and a red wire (L2) connect to the breaker, and a green ground wire connects to the ground busbar. These three wires, specified as 12 AWG copper, run through a conduit to a NEMA 6-20 outlet. An EV charger with a compatible plug is shown connecting to this outlet. Note that this circuit does not use a neutral wire. Key information and warnings are highlighted throughout the diagram: "A 16A charger needs a 20A breaker per NEC 80% rule." "Active lugs are continuously live, regardless of whether the main breaker is ON or OFF." "Keep branch circuit wiring outside gutter posts and avoid crossing wires over breakers." "Upsize wires on long runs to keep voltage drop under 3% per NEC." The final charger is specified as a "16 Amp Level 2 EV Charger, 3.83kW."

Need More Speed or Less Power? Compare Home EV Charger Amperages

16A EV chargers deliver 3–12 miles of range per hour – great for plug-in hybrids or daily commutes. Want slower charging? See 12A models below. Need more speed? Explore 24A to 80A EV chargers below.

120V, 12A, 1.44 kW

Adds approx. 3–8 miles of range per hour.

120V or 240V, 16A, 1.92–3.84 kW

Adds approx. 3–12 miles of range per hour

240V, 24A, 5.76 kW

Adds approx. 22 miles of range per hour

240V, 32A, 7.68 kW

Adds approx. 26 miles of range per hour

240V, 40A, 9.6 kW

Adds approx. 30 miles of range per hour

240V, 48A, 11.5 kW

Adds approx. 40 miles of range per hour

240V, 50A, 12 kW

Adds approx. 45 miles of range per hour

240V, 80A, 19.2 kW

Adds approx. 75 miles of range per hour

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