Lectron Level 1 / Level 2 EV Charger Review

If you own an electric vehicle, one of the first things you’ll want is a reliable, versatile portable emergency charger.

The Lectron Level 1/Level 2 EV Charger is a portable option that works with virtually every J1772 EV on the market. It offers two charging speeds and two plug types, making it one of the most flexible charging solutions available at its price point. But is it worth your money?

Let’s break it down.

What’s in the Box?

Right out of the box, the Lectron charger feels like a practical, no-fuss product. You get a single unit that handles both Level 1 and Level 2 charging. It comes with a NEMA 5-15 plug for standard 120V household outlets and a NEMA 14-50 plug for 240V outlets, the same type used by dryers and RV hookups.

There’s no need to buy two separate chargers. Lectron bundles everything into one compact package, which is a smart move for drivers who want flexibility without the clutter.

Two Charging Speeds, One Device

The biggest selling point here is the dual-level charging capability. Here’s what that means in plain terms:

Level 1 charging uses the NEMA 5-15 plug and delivers 12 amps at 120V. This is the slowest option, but it works with any standard outlet in your home, garage, or even at a friend’s house. It’s great for topping off overnight when you haven’t driven far.

Level 2 charging uses the NEMA 14-50 plug and delivers 40 amps at 240V. This is where things get serious. At 40 amps, you’re looking at roughly 30 to 35 miles of range per hour of charging, depending on your vehicle. Most EV drivers will want to use this setting as their daily driver setup.

The ability to switch between both speeds in one unit makes this charger incredibly versatile. Whether you’re at home, visiting family, or parked at a campsite, you’re covered.

Compatibility

The Lectron charger uses a J1772 connector, which is the standard plug for non-Tesla electric vehicles in North America. That means it works seamlessly with popular models like the Chevy Bolt, Nissan LEAF, Ford Mustang Mach-E, Hyundai IONIQ 5, Kia EV6, and dozens of others.

Tesla owners aren’t left out either. With a J1772-to-Tesla adapter (sold separately), you can use this charger with any Tesla model. It’s worth noting that Lectron also sells its own Tesla-compatible adapters linked below, so getting set up isn’t complicated.

Deal

9 months ago

Lectron J1772 to Tesla Adapter Review

The Lectron J1772 to Tesla Adapter is compact, secure, and cost-effective. Its tight fit ensures stable charging, preventing arcing, voltage drops, and wear.

★★★★★

Check Price on Amazon

Portability

Unlike hardwired EV chargers, this charger is fully portable. It’s compact enough to toss in your trunk and light enough that it won’t weigh you down. That’s a huge advantage if you travel frequently or don’t have a dedicated home charging setup yet.

The cord length is practical for most parking situations, giving you enough reach without getting tangled up. Whether you’re charging in a garage, driveway, or parking lot, the design works well in real-world conditions.

For road trippers and people who split time between locations, this portability factor alone makes the Lectron a strong contender over fixed wall-mounted units.

Build Quality and Safety Features

The Lectron charger has a clean, straightforward build. It’s not flashy, but it feels solid and durable. The housing is built to handle regular use without showing excessive wear.

On the safety side, the charger includes built-in GFCI (Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupter) protection, which guards against electric shock. It also includes overcurrent protection and overtemperature monitoring to prevent damage during extended charging sessions.

The LED indicator light gives you a quick visual read on the charging status, so you always know what’s happening without needing to check an app.

No Smart EV Charging Features – Is That a Problem?

Here’s where the Lectron keeps things simple. (No smart EV Charging) There’s no WiFi, no Bluetooth, no smartphone app, and no scheduling features. What you see is what you get: plug it in, and it charges.

For some drivers, that’s a dealbreaker. If you want to schedule charging during off-peak hours to save on electricity costs, you’ll need to set that up through your vehicle’s built-in software instead. Most modern EVs support charging scheduling directly from their infotainment systems or mobile apps, so this isn’t as limiting as it sounds.

For drivers who just want something that works without a learning curve, the no-frills approach is actually refreshing. There’s nothing to set up, no app to download, and no connectivity issues to troubleshoot.

Who Is This Charger Best For?

The Lectron Level 1 / Level 2 charger makes the most sense for a few specific types of EV owners:

• New EV owners who want an affordable way to get started with home charging without committing to a permanent wall unit will find this an easy entry point.
• Renters and apartment dwellers who can’t install a hardwired charger will appreciate the plug-in design. As long as you have access to a NEMA 5-15 outlet or a NEMA 14-50 outlet, you’re good to go.
• Frequent travelers who need a backup charger they can carry in the car will find the compact, portable form factor hard to beat.
• Budget-conscious drivers who want dual-speed capability without paying premium prices for smart features they may never use will get strong value here.

Lectron Level 1 / Level 2 EV Charger Versus Other J1772 Chargers

The following chart compares key specifications (charging power, weight, operating temperature range, cable length, and warranty) of the Lectron Level 1/Level 2 EV Charger with other EV chargers that use the same J1772 connector type (direct competitors).