DEWALT 40 Amp Level 2 EV Charger Review
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Review By
James Ndungu
- last updated 26/01/2026
The DEWALT 40 Amp delivers reliable charging with jobsite-tough durability. Its 25-foot cable reaches easily but feels rigid in cold weather. Smart app features work well, though the ultra-short power cord limits mounting flexibility. Built for outdoor use with excellent weather resistance, it’s a solid choice for homeowners prioritizing rugged construction and dependable daily EV charging.
The DEWALT 40 Amp Level 2 EV Charger is built with one clear goal: deliver reliable, jobsite-level durability to home EV charging.
Rated for up to 40 amps at 240 volts (9.6 kW), this wall-mounted charger promises up to 36 miles of range per hour, along with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity through the DEWALT app. It features a rugged NEMA 4X enclosure, a 25-foot cable, and CSA certification for indoor or outdoor installation.
While it sits on the higher end of the price spectrum, it backs that up with solid construction, strong safety features, and a 3-year warranty.
Power and Charging Performance
At 40 amps and 240 volts, the DEWALT delivers up to 9.6 kW of charging power. In real-world use, it consistently charges at around 40 amps when connected to a properly sized dedicated 50-amp electric vehicle charging circuit. That translates to roughly 9 kW per hour of energy delivered, which is more than enough to recharge most EVs overnight.
For daily commuting, this power level is ideal. Plug in during the evening, and by morning, the electric vehicle battery is topped off. Even larger battery EVs benefit from the 40A output, making it a strong balance between speed and residential electrical practicality.
The charger also allows adjustable current settings from 12A to 40A. That flexibility is helpful if you’re installing on a lower-capacity circuit or managing panel load constraints. It makes the unit adaptable for different home electrical setups.
The 25-foot UL-certified cable is a major advantage. It easily reaches across a two-car garage or driveway without repositioning the vehicle. The cable is heavy-duty and thick, which reinforces durability, but that thickness does make it somewhat rigid compared to more flexible premium cables.
DEWALT 48 Amp EV Charger
If you’re looking for faster charging from DEWALT, there is a 48 Amp version available. The DEWALT 48 A model boosts power delivery closer to 11.5 kW, enabling even quicker recharge times on compatible EVs, particularly useful if you drive long distances regularly or want maximum throughput from your home electrical system.
Quick overview:
- 40 A model: Balanced performance for most home installations with strong everyday charging speeds.
- 48 A DEWALT version: More powerful option for users wanting faster charging and maximum output from Level 2 at home.
Both chargers maintain the same rugged build quality and smart connectivity features, but the 48 A variant is worth considering if speed is a higher priority in your EV charging setup
Smart Features and Connectivity
The DEWALT 48 Amp EV Charger is one of the few smart EV chargers built to withstand harsh environments, after ofcourse the Grizzl-E, which we will discuss later, and even compare.
The DEWALT EV Charger App works with the 40A model and is available for both iOS and Android. It connects via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, giving users remote control over charging sessions.
Through the app, you can:
- Start or stop charging sessions
- Schedule charging during off-peak utility hours
- Monitor energy usage
- Track charging history
The first time you use the charger, activation is done through the app. After setup, daily operation becomes simple, just plug into the vehicle, and charging starts automatically.
Wi-Fi connectivity ensures remote monitoring from anywhere, while Bluetooth provides a reliable local connection if Wi-Fi signal strength is weak in the garage. The interface is straightforward and functional, though it focuses more on core charging controls rather than advanced energy management analytics.
For homeowners who want basic smart control without complicated network configurations, the DEWALT app performs well.
Safety and Durability
This is where the DEWALT charger stands out.
It is CSA certified and rated for both indoor and outdoor installation. The NEMA 4X enclosure and IP66 waterproof rating mean it can withstand rain, snow, dust, and harsh environmental conditions. This level of weather resistance is well above many budget chargers.
We had a pretty heavy rainstorm last month, the kind where water was pooling in the driveway. I was curious to see how the outdoor rating held up since I park outside sometimes. Zero issues. The NEMA 4X rating isn’t just marketing talk. The thing is sealed up tight. I’ve had it mounted outside for about three months now, and there’s no sign of moisture intrusion or corrosion.
Safety protections include:
- Overcurrent protection
- Overvoltage protection
- Overheating protection
- Overcharging safeguards
- Surge protection
The housing is rugged and reinforced, reflecting DEWALT’s brand reputation for durability. The rubberized, anti-slip charging gun feels sturdy in hand and holds up well to repeated use.
It is built in the U.S.A., which gives added confidence in manufacturing standards and compliance with U.S. electrical codes. For buyers prioritizing safety certification and robust construction, this unit delivers.
The charger is somewhat bulky, but that bulk serves a purpose. The housing design allows the thick 25-foot cable to wrap securely around the body for storage.
Installation and User Experience
The DEWALT 40A model comes prewired with a NEMA 14-50 plug. Installation is simple: secure the mounting bracket, hang the unit, and plug it into a properly installed industrial-grade NEMA 14-50 receptacle rated for continuous EV charging loads. We recommend heavy-duty options such as the Hubbell HBL9450A, which is built to handle sustained 40A charging without overheating or premature wear.
Because EV charging is considered a continuous load under NEC guidelines, the DEWALT 48 Amp EV Charger NEMA 14-50 outlet should be installed on a dedicated 50-amp branch circuit with appropriately sized conductors, typically 6 AWG copper.
The mounting plate installs quickly, about five minutes with basic tools. Here’s the catch, though. The power cord between the charger body and that 14-50 plug is ridiculously short. Like, six inches short. Your NEMA 14-50 outlet needs to be right where you’re mounting this thing, or you’ll have a problem. I had to shift my mounting position about a foot to the left because of this. A minor gripe, but worth knowing before you drill holes.
Once plugged in, setup through the app is simple. Connect to Wi-Fi, configure preferences, and begin charging.
The 25-foot charging cable provides excellent reach, but it is thick and somewhat rigid. In colder climates, this rigidity may become more noticeable.
The charging connector cradle can be tight. In some cases, removal of the connector requires a firm pull. This appears to be a plastic molding tolerance issue rather than a design flaw, and may vary by unit.
DEWALT also offers professional installation nationwide through its Qmerit partnership. That adds peace of mind for homeowners who prefer certified installation.
A 90-day return policy and 3-year limited warranty provide solid post-purchase protection.
The Little Things
There’s one feature I didn’t think I’d care about but ended up loving. The way the cable wraps around the charger body for storage is actually pretty clever. There’s a specific groove that keeps everything neat, and for someone who hates cable clutter, this was a win. My garage looks way more organized now.
The charging connector itself has a satisfying click when it locks into my car’s port. Sounds minor, but after six years of EV ownership, I’ve used chargers where you’re never quite sure if it’s seated properly. This one gives you clear tactile and audible feedback.
One annoyance: getting the connector out of the storage cradle sometimes requires a pretty firm tug. It’s not terrible, but my wife mentioned it felt stuck the first few times she used it. I think it’s just tight tolerances in the plastic molding. You get used to it, but it’s not as smooth as I’d like.
Compatibility
The DEWALT charger is compatible with all SAE J1772 electric vehicles. This includes major brands such as:
Tesla vehicles require a J1772-to-Tesla adapter, sold separately.
This universal compatibility makes it suitable for nearly every non-Tesla EV on the road today, and adaptable for Tesla owners with the correct adapter.
DEWALT 40 Amp Level 2 EV Charger VS Grizzl-E Smart EV Charger
When we first got our hands on the DEWALT 40 Amp Level 2 EV Charger, our immediate thought was that this is the Grizzl-E Smart competitor many homeowners have been waiting for. For years, the Grizzl-E has stood out for its rugged, industrial design and durability-focused build. With DEWALT entering the space, that long-standing advantage in toughness and construction finally has serious competition.
When comparing the DEWALT 40 Amp Level 2 EV Charger to the Grizzl-E Smart EV Charger, both deliver reliable 40 A charging for home use, but they take different approaches. DEWALT focuses on rugged build quality, simple plug-and-play installation, and user-friendly Bluetooth/Wi-Fi app control. In contrast, the Grizzl-E Smart pairs similar charging performance with broader connectivity options (including OCPP support) and an extra-tough aluminum enclosure.
Your choice between them often comes down to whether you value straightforward smart features and support (DEWALT) or advanced integration and rugged hardware (Grizzl-E Smart).
- Power: Both deliver up to ~40 A (≈9.6 kW) Level 2 charging, great for overnight home charging.
- Smart Features: DEWALT uses its own Bluetooth/Wi-Fi app (easy setup and basic controls). Grizzl-E Smart uses Wi-Fi with broader third-party/OCPP support (more flexible but potentially more complex).
- Durability: Both are built for outdoor use. Grizzl-E’s cast aluminum housing is slightly more rugged; DEWALT’s reinforced design is still very solid with a high weather rating.
- Installation: DEWALT’s prewired plug-in design is simpler for DIY installs if you have a NEMA 14-50 outlet. Grizzl-E offers both plug-in and hardwired options.
- Cable: DEWALT includes a 25 ft cable; Grizzl-E’s is typically around 24 ft, and both reach most driveways comfortably.
- Warranty & Support: DEWALT includes a 3-year warranty with 24/7 support; Grizzl-E often offers a 5-year warranty option.
Comparison Takeaway
Choose the DEWALT 40A if you want straightforward smart functionality, easier setup with Bluetooth/Wi-Fi app control, and strong brand-backed technical support. It’s generally more plug-and-play for home users who value a reliable charging ecosystem.
Choose the Grizzl-E Smart if you value open-protocol smart control (OCPP), potentially tougher aluminum housing, and the option to extend your warranty. It’s a strong option for those integrating chargers into broader home energy management or utility programs, or who prefer hardware flexibility.
Both chargers are solid Level 2 EVSEs at 40 amps, but DEWALT emphasizes ease of use and integrated app experience, while Grizzl-E Smart emphasizes rugged construction and flexible connectivity options.
Who Should Consider the DEWALT 40 Amp EV Charger?
This charger is ideal for:
- Homeowners wanting a durable, weather-resistant EVSE
- Users with an existing NEMA 14-50 outlet
- Drivers needing reliable overnight charging at 40 amps
- Buyers who value U.S.-based manufacturing and CSA certification
- EV owners who want simple app scheduling without complex setup
It may not be the best fit for those seeking maximum 48A hardwired performance or the most flexible cable on the market.
Final Verdict
The DEWALT 40 Amp Level 2 EV Charger delivers what the brand promises: durability, safety, and dependable performance. It consistently provides up to 9.6 kW of charging power, charges vehicles overnight with ease, and withstands outdoor conditions thanks to its NEMA 4X and IP66 rating.
While the short plug cord and rigid charging cable are minor drawbacks, and the price is on the higher end, the overall build quality, strong safety features, smart connectivity, and 3-year warranty justify the investment.
For EV owners who want a rugged, reliable, and well-certified Level 2 charger with smart functionality, the DEWALT 40A is a solid long-term choice.
Specification: DEWALT 40 Amp Level 2 EV Charger Review
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