Lectron 12 Amp EV Charger Review
Compact and WiFi-enabled, the Lectron 12 Amp EV Charger delivers 120V, 12 Amp charging with app control. Includes a 16 ft cord and NEMA 5-15 plug. Compatible with all J1772 EVs.
I tested the Lectron 12 Amp EV Charger at home using a standard 120V NEMA 5-15 wall outlet and a 120V solar generator.
Quick Summary: The Lectron 12 Amp Level 1 charger delivers reliable, overnight Level 1 EV charging with smart EV charging features packed into a compact, travel-friendly design.
- Charging is slow but consistent – we recommend it for overnight top-offs, renewable energy EV charging, or your Level 2 EV charger cheap back-up.
- The Lectron App adds meaningful functionality with scheduling, usage tracking, and charge caps.
- Its build quality and IP-rated protection make it a dependable portable solution.
In this review of the Lectron 12 Amp Level 1 charger, I discuss my experience with the 12 Amp EV charger, its key features, benefits, pros and cons, and who it’s best suited for.
Why You Should Consider the Lectron 12 Amp EV Charger
- Works with any J1772 EV (including Nissan Chevy, BMW, Honda, Ford, Hyundai, Porsche, Kia, and more J1772 EVs)
- App-enabled for Smart EV charging including scheduling and usage monitoring
- Ideal for overnight charging at 1.44 kW
- Compact and IP65-rated for outdoor/indoor use
- Compatible with standard 120V NEMA 5-15 outlets and portable solar generators
- Ideal for homes with low-capacity panels and only 15-amp circuits available for EV charging.
Lectron 12 Amp Level 1 EV Charger Specs & Features
- Connector: SAE J1772
- Plug Type: NEMA 5-15 (standard wall outlet)
- Amperage: 12A
- Voltage: 120V
- Output Power: 1.44 kW
- Cord Length: 16 ft
- Control Box Rating: IP65
- Handle Rating: Type 3R
- Smart App: WiFi + Bluetooth (Lectron App)
- Included Accessories: Carrying case
Lectron 12 Amp Level 1 EV Charger Build Quality & Design
This Lectron 12 Amp Level 1 EV Charger is a compact, solid build, portable Level 1 EV charger, its control box is weather-resistant, the connector handle is ergonomically designed, and the 16-ft cable is flexible enough for most setups – though we found it a bit short. The included carrying case is rugged and convenient for travel or trunk storage. I tested the 12 Amp EV charger indoors and during light rain and had no issues. While the IP65-rated control box gave me peace of mind, I wouldn’t leave it exposed long-term in harsh weather.
Lectron 12 Amp Level 1 EV Charger Ease of Use & Compatibility
We installed the Lectron 12 Amp Level 1 EV charger on a 120V 15A circuit wired with 14 AWG solid copper conductors (hot and neutral) and a 14 AWG copper ground to connect the dedicated breaker to the NEMA 5-15P, we used a dedicated EV charger single-pole 15A breaker as shown in the Lectron 12 Amp Level 1 EV Charger circuit wiring diagram below:
We also tested the Lectron 12 Amp Level 1 EV charger on our solar EV charging system, on a portable solar generator and the 12 Amp EV charger worked flawlessly, this type of EV charging circuit is suitable for homes with a low-capacity electrical panel, low power sources such as solar systems, or homes with a high electrical load, and can only dedicate 15 Amps circuit for EV charging loads, making the Lectron 12 Amp Level 1 EV charger one of the best low powered portable EV chargers for EV charging load management that work on a standard 120V wall outlet, solar EV charging systems, and a portable solar generator – worked flawlessly without generating excessive heat, voltage drops, or experiencing EV charging issues during our test.
Plug it in, connect it to your vehicle, and the charger begins immediately – compatible with every J1772-compliant EV and most Tesla/NAC vehicles with the adapter. The Lectron app connection process with the charger is intuitive, and the charging control is easy to manage remotely. At 16 ft, the cord is fine for front-driveway setups but may be short depending on your outlet placement. I used an EP Level 1 EV Charger Extension Cord that supports NEMA 5-15P/R connections to bridge the gap at home.
Diagram of a Level 1 EV Charger Circuit with a NEMA 5-15 EV Charger Extension Cord setup, showing the electrical panel, wiring components, and the connection to the EV charger
As shown in the wiring diagram above, the EP Level 1 EV Charger Extension Cord extends the reach of 15-amp Level 1 chargers like the Lectron. Available in lengths from 15 to 50 feet, it features 12-gauge copper wire which we recommend for long run 12 amps EV charger installations to avoid voltage drops, and NEMA 5-15P/R support for safe, weather-resistant charging indoors or out.
If you find the Lectron 12 Amp Level 1 EV Charger 16-foot cable too short for your setup, don’t want to use an extension cord, and want a 12-amp EV charger with the same charging speed – without the smart features of the Lectron EV charger – we recommend checking out the Schumacher 12 Amp EV Charger, which comes with a 20-foot charging cable. This extra length is especially useful for users who prefer not to rely on EV charger extension cords, which can lead to increased resistance, voltage drop, potential overheating, or reduced charging efficiency.
If you need to charge your Tesla Model S, 3, X, Y, or Cybertruck, we recommend using either the Tesla Wall Connector or the Tesla Universal Wall Connector. These chargers offer seamless compatibility with all Tesla models and full integration with the Tesla App – unlike using a J1772-to-Tesla adapter with the Lectron 12 Amp Level 1 EV Charger.
We recommend the Lectron 12 Amp Level 1 EV Charger to homeowners who use renewable energy sources such as solar EV charging, whose home electrical system is loaded with devices, or has low amperage such as 100 amps electrical panels, if that’s you and need the Lectron low amperage EV charger to charge your Tesla, the good news is that both Tesla chargers allow you to reduce the charging current to 12 amps, offer better compatibility with renewable energy sources and offer better integration with your Tesla and the Tesla App, making them a safe and flexible option for lower-capacity setups.
Lectron 12 Amp Level 1 EV Charger Performance
Don’t expect fast charging – the Lectron 12 Amp Level 1 EV charger is a true trickle charger. At 1.44 kW, it adds about 4–5 miles of range per hour, delivering 30–40 miles overnight. Performance is consistent and stable across multiple test outlets, including solar-powered setups. The charger also offers flexibility, allowing you to select between 8-amp or 12-amp settings based on your available electrical load on a 15-amp circuit.
Lectron 12 Amp Level 1 EV Charger Portability
This charger excels in portability. It’s lightweight, compact, and comes with a durable carrying case – ideal for drivers who need a reliable backup or frequently charge in different locations.
However, as a portable Level 1 EV charger, the Lectron 12 amp EV charger is limited to 120V outlets (NEMA 5-15), That said, if your home only has a 15-amp circuit and you’re shopping for a portable EV charger, we recommend considering the Lectron Level 1 / Level 2 EV Charger (12 Amp / 40 Amp) with dual charging plugs (NEMA 5-15 and 14-50).
The Lectron Level 1 / Level 2 EV Charger offers greater long-term flexibility than the Lectron 12 Amp Level 1 EV Charger, offering 12 Amps EV charging capabilities on standard 120V outlets (NEMA 5-15) Level 1 charging now and upgrade to 240V (NEMA 14-50) for Level 2 charging in the future after upgrading your home electrical system to support 50 Amps EV charging circuits that offer fast charging Level 2 EV charging capabilities without buying a second unit.
Purchasing the Lectron Level 1 / Level 2 EV Charger gives you the flexibility to plug into higher-powered NEMA 14-50 outlets, commonly found at RV parks and public charging locations. This makes it a more capable and versatile option compared to the Lectron 12 Amp Level 1 EV Charger, which is limited to standard 120V NEMA 5-15 outlets and slower Level 1 charging speeds.
Lectron 12 Amp Level 1 EV Charger Safety Features
The Lectron 12 amps EV charger Includes overvoltage, overcurrent, and short-circuit protection. The LED status indicator provides easy diagnostics at a glance which we found useful during installation, use, and maintenance. The IP65-rated box and Type 3R connector are built for safe outdoor use in mild conditions.
Smart Features & App Integration
The Lectron App (Available both on iOS and Android) provides:
- Real-time charging status
- Session scheduling
- kWh cap settings
- Usage analytics
Connection via WiFi or Bluetooth is reliable, though remote features require a solid network signal. I liked the remote start/stop, scheduled charging, and usage logs, which are uncommon in other Level 1 EV chargers. It connected easily over WiFi and Bluetooth.
Smart features & Lectron App integration of the Lectron 12 Amp Level 1 EV Charger make the charger one of the best EV chargers for budget-conscious EV owners looking to lower their EV charging costs, manage and monitor the electricity consumption, especially when charging their vehicles, and scheduling your EV charging to tap into off-peak sessions to lower your EV charging, the smart EV charging features also one of the best solar EV chargers due to its low power consumption especially for low capacity solar systems, allowing you to schedule EV charging when your solar systems are generating excessive energy.
Customer Feedback
Users praise the Lectron 12 Amp Level 1 EV Charger’s ease of use, reliable charging, and Lectron app smart EV charging features. Common compliments include its portability and the effectiveness of overnight charging. A few users just like us noted the 16-ft cord may require an extension for some garage setups.
Who Should Buy This Charger?
- Vehicles: Perfect for plug-in hybrids
- Apartment & Condo Residents: No installation required
- EV Owners with Short Commutes: Perfect for overnight top-offs
- Backup Charger Seekers: Small and reliable emergency option
- Solar Charger Users: Works well with solar generators at 120V
- Travelers: Lightweight and comes with a case
Lectron 12 Amp Level 1 EV Charger Compatible NEMA 5-15 outlet
After purchasing the Lectron 12 Amp Level 1 EV Charger, we recommend installing a high-quality EV charging NEMA 5-15 outlet rated for continuous EV charging. Below are some of the best NEMA 5-15 outlets that safely support 12-amp continuous loads and 14 AWG solid copper wiring required by the Lectron 12-amp EV charger – without melting, overheating, or causing charging issues. These outlets are ideal for ensuring long-term safety, durability, and code compliance when using the Lectron 12 Amp charger.
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