Battery Tender eCharge 16 AMP EV Charger Review
The Battery Tender eCharge 16 AMP EV Charger is a compact and efficient Level 1 charger designed for 120V power, making it perfect for standard wall outlets. Ideal for both indoor and outdoor use, this portable EV charger delivers reliable charging for everyday electric vehicle needs, ensuring convenience and ease of use.
The Battery Tender eCharge 16 AMP EV Charger is part of the Battery Tender EV chargers lineup and offers a compact, efficient Level 1 charging solution. Running on 120V, it works with standard wall outlets (5-15P) or 5-20P plugs. Its lightweight design makes it a portable and reliable option for home and travel.
I always have concerns when testing portable Level 1 EV chargers like the Battery Tender eCharge 16 AMP.
Most come with short cables, slow charging speeds, and basic functionality. The eCharge 16, however, includes a 16-foot cable and delivers up to 7.2 miles of range per hour, making it more practical than many portable EV charger competitors.
The compact design makes it easy to store and carry. It feels solid but remains lightweight enough for travel. The LCD screen is clear and easy to read, giving real-time charging status and many more EV charging extras.
The EV charger runs quietly, with no buzzing or overheating, even during longer charging sessions. The included NEMA 5-20R to 5-15P adapter makes it more versatile than standard Level 1 chargers we have tested.
As many Level 1 EV chargers, the EV charger lacks smart EV charging features such as Apps and Wifi —just plug it in and charge. It does exactly what it’s supposed to do, without any hassle.
Key Features of the Battery Tender eCharge 16 AMP EV Charger
The Battery Tender eCharge 16 AMP EV Charger supports a 120V power input and delivers a consistent 16A output current. Designed as a Level 1 charger, it is best suited for overnight charging at home. With compatibility for 5-15p (standard wall) and 5-20p plugs, it provides flexible charging options. Built with high-quality materials, this charger ensures durability and reliable performance for long-term use.
Battery Tender eCharge 16 AMP EV Charger Installation
The Battery Tender eCharge 16 AMP EV Charger can be used on plug-in EV charging outlets specifically a 5-15p (Standard Wall) or 5-20p outlet depending on the EV charger input plug type.
16A Battery Tender EV Charger NEMA 5-15p Installation
To test the Battery Tender eCharge 16 AMP EV Charger, we used a NEMA 5-15 EV charging outlet, the most common household plug, operating at 120V and 12A, making it ideal for Level 1 EV charging. This outlet consists of three key terminals: Neutral (White Wire), Hot (Black Wire), and Ground (Green or Copper Wire), as shown in the Battery Tender eCharge 16 AMP EV Charger NEMA 5-15 EV Charging Outlet Terminal Wiring Diagram below:
For optimal safety and accessibility, we recommend installing the NEMA 5-15 EV charging outlet 20-26 inches from the ground. A dedicated 15A single-pole breaker is required, along with 14 AWG wire for both the hot and neutral connections, ensuring a reliable 1.3 kW charging output.
16A Battery Tender NEMA 5-15p EV Charger Circuit Wiring Diagram
Proper installation of a NEMA 5-15 outlet for the Battery Tender eCharge 16 AMP EV Charger requires careful attention to grounding and electrical bonding. The NEMA 5-15 branch circuit wiring follows a standard setup, as illustrated in our 16A Battery Tender NEMA 5-15p EV Charger wiring diagram below:
As shown in our 16A Battery Tender NEMA 5-15p EV Charger wiring diagram above, the L1 (Hot 1) connects to the breaker, N (Neutral) connects to the neutral busbar, and G (Ground) connects to the ground busbar. A ground rod ensures proper earthing, while a ½ to 1-inch Schedule 40 conduit protects the wiring. Since the Battery Tender 16A charger uses a 5-15p plug, it must be connected to a dedicated 15A circuit to prevent overloading since the EV charger has a front physical button for changing amperage. When installed correctly, this setup provides a safe and efficient Level 1 charging solution for EV owners.
Compatible NEMA 5-20 Outlets
These NEMA 5-20 outlets are compatible with the 16A Battery Tender NEMA 5-20p EV Charger, handling 16 amps of continuous charging current and delivering 2kW Battery Tender eCharge 16 AMP EV charger rated power without overheating or fire risk. They support 12 AWG wires and are built for durability, ensuring reliable performance with frequent plugging and unplugging.
16A Battery Tender EV Charger NEMA 5-20p Installation
The NEMA 5-20 outlet features three key terminals: Neutral (White Wire), Hot (Black Wire), and Ground (Green or Copper Wire) as shown in the 16A Battery Tender EV Charger NEMA 5-20p wiring diagram below:
For optimal safety and accessibility, we recommend installing the outlet 20-26 inches from the ground.
16A Battery Tender NEMA 5-20p EV Charger Circuit Wiring Diagram
As shown in our 16A Battery Tender NEMA 5-20p EV Charger Circuit Wiring Diagram below, we used a dedicated 20A single-pole breaker to secure the circuit, along with 12 AWG wire for both hot and neutral connections. This ensures stable power delivery and prevents voltage drops during charging.
Proper installation requires grounding and electrical bonding. The NEMA 5-20 branch circuit wiring follows a standard setup: L1 (Hot 1) to the breaker, N (Neutral) to the neutral busbar, and G (Ground) to the ground busbar.
A ground rod ensures proper earthing, while a ½ to 1-inch Schedule 40 conduit protects the wiring. Since the Battery Tender 16A charger uses a 5-20p plug, it must be connected to a dedicated 20A circuit to handle the increased amperage safely.
When installed correctly, this setup provides a faster and more reliable Level 1 charging solution for EV owners looking to reduce charging time without upgrading to 240V electric vehicle branch circuit.
Battery Tender eCharge 16 AMP vs. Other eCharge Chargers
Battery Tender eCharge 16 AMP vs. eCharge 32 AMP
The eCharge 16 AMP is a Level 1 charger limited to 120V, while the eCharge 32 AMP supports both 120V and 240V, allowing for faster Level 2 charging. The 32 AMP model offers greater versatility for users who need quicker charging speeds.
Battery Tender eCharge 16 AMP vs. eCharge 40 AMP
While the eCharge 16 AMP is designed for standard home outlets, the eCharge 40 AMP operates at 240V, delivering much faster charging speeds. The 40 AMP version is better suited for EV owners who require a dedicated Level 2 home charging setup.
Battery Tender eCharge 16 AMP vs. eCharge 48 AMP
The eCharge 48 AMP is a Level 2 charger with a higher amperage output (48A vs. 16A), significantly reducing charging time. However, the 16 AMP charger is more accessible and doesn’t require a special 240V installation, making it a more convenient choice for users relying on standard wall outlets.
There are no reviews yet.