Battery Tender eCharge 48 AMP EV Charger Review
The Battery Tender eCharge 48 AMP EV Charger is a high-capacity Level 2 electric vehicle charger, optimized for 240V power to deliver rapid charging. Designed for both indoor and outdoor use, this powerful charger is ideal for high-demand EV charging scenarios, ensuring fast and reliable power for your electric vehicle.
The Battery Tender eCharge 48 AMP EV Charger is the most powerful option in the Battery Tender eCharge EV chargers series, designed for fast and efficient Level 2 charging. With a 240V power input and a 48A output, this charger significantly reduces charging time for EV owners. It features NEMA 14-50P and hardwired installation options, ensuring flexibility for different setups. Built with high-quality materials, it is suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.
I wasn’t expecting much from the Battery Tender eCharge 48, but it turned out to be a solid Level 2 charger with a few standout features. At 11kW, it delivers up to 42.25 miles of range per hour, making it a great choice for home or workplace charging. The ability to switch amperage settings adds flexibility, which is especially useful when dealing with different circuit capacities.
The LCD display is a nice touch, providing clear charging status updates without needing an app. Speaking of which—no app required means fewer connectivity issues, and I appreciate the simplicity.
Installation is straightforward, whether using the NEMA 14-50 plug or a hardwired setup. Compatibility isn’t an issue either, as it works with most EVs using a J1772 plug. The included RFID cards add a layer of security, making it a great option for shared charging spaces.
Battery Tender includes everything you need in the box—mounting hardware, a charge plug holder, and even a three-year warranty. For a no-fuss, high-powered charger, the eCharge 48 does the job well.
Key Features of the Battery Tender eCharge 48 AMP EV Charger
The Battery Tender eCharge 48 AMP EV Charger operates on a 240V power input, delivering an output current of 48A. It supports NEMA 14-50P plug and hardwired installation, making it adaptable to various home charging setups. As a Level 2 charger, it provides faster charging speeds compared to lower-amperage models. Designed for both indoor and outdoor use, it offers durability and reliability for long-term performance.
Battery Tender eCharge 48 AMP EV Charger Installation
We installed the Battery Tender eCharge 48A EV Charger using both a NEMA 14-50P plug-in setup and a hardwired connection, ensuring a flexible and efficient charging solution.
For the NEMA 14-50P installation, we followed standard Level 2 EV charger wiring requirements to ensure safe and efficient power delivery.
The NEMA 14-50 outlet operates on 240V and is rated for 50 amps. However, for this installation, we recommend setting the EV charger to a continuous 40A when using a NEMA 14-50 outlet. This outlet features four terminals: two hot wires (L1 and L2), a neutral wire (N), and a ground wire (G), as illustrated in the 48 AMP Battery Tender eCharge EV Charger NEMA 14-50P wiring diagram below:
- Hot Wires (L1 & L2 – Black & Red Wires): These carry 120V each, creating a 240V circuit when combined. Each wire was connected to a dedicated 50A double-pole breaker in the electrical panel.
- Neutral Wire (White Wire): This allows the outlet to support 120V appliances if needed, but for EV charging, it typically isn’t used by the charger itself.
- Ground Wire (Green or Bare Copper): This provides a safety path to ground in case of faults, reducing the risk of electrical hazards.
To protect the wiring, we used 6 AWG copper conductors, rated for high current loads, and ran them through ¾ to 1-inch Schedule 40 conduit. The NEMA 14-50 outlet was positioned between 20 to 26 inches from the ground, ensuring easy access for plugging and unplugging the charger.
After securing the connections at both the panel and the outlet, we performed a voltage check before plugging in the charger to ensure proper wiring and functionality. This setup guarantees stable, high-power charging while maintaining compliance with electrical safety codes.
48 AMP Battery Tender eCharge EV Charger NEMA 14-50P Circuit Wiring Diagram
To power the charger, we ran a dedicated 240V, 48A circuit from the electrical panel, we used 6 AWG wires for the hot, neutral, and ground connections. A 60A double-pole dedicated circuit breaker was installed to handle the charger’s power draw safely. The wiring was enclosed in ¾ to 1-inch Schedule 40 conduit, protecting the conductors and ensuring compliance with safety standards as shown in our 48 AMP Battery Tender eCharge EV charger NEMA 14-50P circuit Wiring diagram below:
After securely mounting the NEMA 14-50 outlet, we conducted a voltage test to verify proper wiring. Once confirmed, we plugged in the charger, and it powered up seamlessly, delivering stable charging performance.
Battery Tender eCharge 48 AMP EV Charger Compatible NEMA 14-50 Outlets
To ensure optimal compatibility and performance, we recommend using the following NEMA 14-50 outlets with the Battery Tender eCharge 48 AMP EV Charger. These outlets meet the necessary electrical specifications and provide a reliable connection for safe and efficient charging.
Battery Tender eCharge 48 AMP EV Charger Compatible Outlet Covers
For added safety and protection, we recommend using the following EV charger outlet covers designed for the Battery Tender eCharge 48 AMP EV Charger. These covers safeguard the NEMA 14-50 outlets by preventing accidental contact with live components, deterring tampering, and enhancing the overall appearance of the charging setup.
48 AMP Battery Tender eCharge EV Charger Hardwired Installation
For the hardwired installation, we opted for a permanent connection directly to the electrical panel to maximize power efficiency, as illustrated in our 48 AMP Battery Tender eCharge EV Charger hardwired circuit diagram below:
To ensure stable power delivery, we used 4-6 AWG wires for the L1 and L2 hot connections, 6 AWG for the neutral, and 4-8 AWG for the ground. These wires were routed through a 1 to 1¼-inch conduit and securely fastened to prevent strain on the connections.
At the panel, we installed a dedicated 60A double-pole breaker, connecting the hot wires to their respective terminals, securing the neutral to the neutral busbar, and grounding the system properly. To enhance electrical safety, we verified the ground connection with a grounding rod and ensured all terminals were tightly bonded.
After a final system check, we powered on the charger. It delivered a steady 11.56kW output, ensuring consistent and efficient EV charging without any issues.
Battery Tender eCharge 48 AMP vs. Other eCharge Chargers
Battery Tender eCharge 48 AMP vs. eCharge 32 AMP
The eCharge 48 AMP delivers a higher output (48A vs. 32A), providing faster charging times. However, the eCharge 32 AMP supports both Level 1 and Level 2 charging, making it more versatile for various power requirements.
Battery Tender eCharge 48 AMP vs. eCharge 40 AMP
While both chargers operate on 240V and offer Level 2 charging, the eCharge 48 AMP provides 8 more amps, leading to slightly faster charge times. The choice between them depends on the user’s power capacity and charging needs.
Battery Tender eCharge 48 AMP vs. eCharge 16 AMP
The eCharge 48 AMP is significantly more powerful than the 16 AMP model, which is limited to Level 1 charging at 120V. The 48 AMP charger is ideal for users looking for high-speed charging with a dedicated 240V circuit.
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