Type S 16A Level 1 EV Charger Review
The Type S 16A Level 1 EV Charger supports 120V and 240V EV charging via NEMA 5-15, 6-20, and 10-30 outlets. Compact, weather-resistant, and adjustable, it’s perfect for home, travel, or emergencies.
This is my hands-on review of the Type S 16A Level 1 EV Charger, also known as the CHARGEEV 16A Level 1 Charger.
I’ve been deeply involved in EV charging tech for almost a decade, testing dozens of portable and home chargers—from budget models to premium options. I put the Type S Level 1 charger through its paces at home and on the road, comparing it loosely to other portable Level 1 charger (its main competitors) and the brand’s faster option, the Type S 40 Amp Level 2 charger, which I’ve also bought and tested.
NOTE – The Type S 16A Level 1 EV Charger supports 120V/240V operation with a maximum current of 16A. It comes with a pre-installed NEMA 6-20 plug for Level 2 charging on a 240V NEMA 6-20 outlet, a NEMA 10-30 adapter for Level 2 charging on a 240V NEMA 10-30 outlet, and a NEMA 5-15 adapter for Level 1 charging on a standard 120V NEMA 5-15 outlet – we will explain in detail all installation options and include wiring diagram – While other Level 1 EV chargers like the Lectron 16 Amp EV Charger allow upto 16 Amps Level 1 EV charging using the NEMA 5-15 outlet, the manufacturer recommends setting the Type S 16A Level 1 EV Charger charging current to 13A or lower to avoid overloading the 120V branch circuit.
Summary
The Type S 16A Level 1 EV Charger is a well-built, dependable portable charger that supports 120V and 240V operation, making it ideal for casual EV owners or those without access to a dedicated 240V circuit. It’s safe, user-friendly, and offers flexible load management with adjustable amperage and a generous cable length. While its charging speed is limited compared to higher-output Level 2 units such as the Type S 40A Level 2 EV Charger, it excels in voltage versatility, reliability, build quality, and everyday convenience. It’s an excellent choice as a backup charger or for drivers who rely on simple overnight trickle charging.
Why You Should Consider the Type S 16A Level 1 Charger
The Type S 16A Level 1 EV Charger is designed for EV owners looking for a simple, plug-and-play charging solution that works with both 120V and 240V outlets. Its adjustable amperage (6A to 16A) lets you fine-tune the charging rate to match your electrical setup – helping prevent circuit overload while optimizing charge time.
This versatility makes it a smart choice for use in apartments, garages, or even outdoor setups. With an IP55 weatherproof rating, it handles rain, dust, and harsh conditions with ease. The 24.6-foot cable provides generous reach, giving you the flexibility to park and charge from a wide range of outlet locations.
We especially recommend the Type S 16A for public EV charging emergencies or travel use, as it’s more compatible with a variety of voltage levels and outlet types compared to the Type S 40A Level 2 EV Charger. It’s also more budget-friendly, making it a practical backup or secondary charger for any EV owner.
Specs & Features
- Voltage: 120V Level 1 (NEMA 5-15)/ 240V Level 2 (NEMA 6-20, or NEMA 10-30)
- Amps: Adjustable from 6A, 10A, 13A to 16A
- Connector: Universal J1772 (Tesla users will need an adapter)
- Cable Length: 24.6 feet, tangle-resistant and flexible
- Safety: Overvoltage, overcurrent, overheating, and short-circuit protection — meets UL standards
- Indicators: LED lights for power, charging status, and errors
- Weatherproof: IP55 rated for indoor and outdoor use
Build Quality & Design
The Type S 16A Level 1 EV Charger is impressively built for its price point. The outer housing feels rugged and water-resistant, with clean seams and a compact footprint that makes it ideal for portable use. Its industrial-grade J1772 connector is solid and secure, while the 24.6-foot cable is thick enough to inspire confidence, yet remains flexible even in colder weather. Visually, it carries the same modern design language as the 40A model, giving it a premium look far above typical entry-level chargers.
Ease of Use & Compatibility
The Type S 16A Level 1 EV Charger is designed for ultimate flexibility and true plug-and-play convenience, it comes pre-installed with a NEMA 6-20 plug and includes adapters for NEMA 5-15 and NEMA 10-30 outlets, allowing you to charge from either 120V or 240V sources without any tools, setup, or electrician required.
Charging at 240V — NEMA 6-20 Outlet
The charger comes pre-installed with a NEMA 6-20 plug, designed for use with 240V NEMA 6-20 outlets commonly found in garages, workshops, or modern home installations. Using a 240V outlet enables faster Level 2 charging compared to standard 120V outlets.
We installed the NEMA 6-20 outlet using three-prong 12 AWG copper wire and a dedicated 20A double-pole circuit breaker to safely protect the EV charger branch circuit. This setup follows the wiring specifications shown in the Type S 16A Level 1 EV Charger NEMA 6-20 Wiring Diagram below:
With this configuration, the EV charger delivers charging speeds of up to 3.84 kW, significantly reducing overall charging time compared to the 120V NEMA 5-15 set-up.
Recommended NEMA 6-20 Outlets
For optimal performance, reliability, and safety, we recommend pairing your Type S 16A Level 1 EV Charger with one of the NEC-compliant, UL-listed NEMA 6-20 outlets listed below. These outlets are specifically rated to handle a continuous 20A load on a dedicated 20A circuit and are fully compatible with the required 12 AWG copper wiring.
Recommended
Charging at 240V — NEMA 10-30 Outlet
For homes with older electrical setups, the included NEMA 10-30 adapter allows you to connect to existing 240V NEMA 10-30 outlets, enabling Level 2 charging speeds without the need for rewiring. This adds greater flexibility and compatibility in retrofit scenarios.
We wired the hot–hot–neutral EV circuit using a 10 AWG solid copper conductor and protected it with a dedicated 30A double-pole circuit breaker, as illustrated in the Type S 16A Level 1 EV Charger NEMA 6-20 Wiring Diagram below. With this setup, the charger delivered power at up to 3.84 kW, enabling significantly faster charging compared to the 120V NEMA 5-15 set-up
Recommended NEMA 10-30 Outlets
The Type S 16A Level 1 EV Charger can safely operate on older NEMA 10-30 outlets using the included adapter. These outlets are typically installed on dedicated 30A branch circuits with 10 AWG copper wiring in a hot–hot–neutral configuration and protected by a 30A double-pole breaker.
Although the charger only draws 16A continuously, the 30A circuit provides ample capacity and exceeds the NEC-required 125% rating for continuous loads (which equates to 20A for a 16A load). This setup ensures safe and compliant operation on legacy 240V installations.
Charging at 120V — NEMA 5-15 Outlet
You can also use the included adapter to plug into any standard 120V NEMA 5-15 outlet for Level 1 charging. This option is ideal for overnight top-ups in apartments, older homes, or workplaces without dedicated EV circuits. These outlets are typically wired with 14 AWG copper conductors and protected by a 15A single-pole circuit breaker as shown in the Type S 16A Level 1 EV charger NEMA 5-15 wiring diagram below:
To avoid overloading the 120V branch circuit, the manufacturer (TypeS) recommends setting the Type S 16A Level 1 EV Charger’s charging current to 13A or lower when using a standard 120V NEMA 5-15 outlet for Level 1 charging.
Recommended NEMA 5-15 Outlets
The Type S 16A Level 1 EV Charger can also be used with a standard 120V NEMA 5-15 household outlet via the included adapter for convenient Level 1 charging. These outlets are typically wired with 14 AWG copper conductors and protected by a 15A single-pole circuit breaker.
Since the charger is capable of drawing up to 16A, which exceeds the allowable continuous load on a 15A circuit (NEC 210.20(A) requires a max of 12A for continuous use on a 15A circuit), the manufacturer recommends setting the charger’s output to 13A or lower when using a NEMA 5-15 outlet. This helps prevent tripped EV charger breakers and ensures safe, code-compliant operation, especially on older or shared circuits.
Performance
As a Level 1 charger, the Type S 16A Level 1 EV Charger is designed for slower, overnight charging – and it delivers exactly that. In testing, we averaged 4 to 5 miles of range per hour at 16A. While not meant for rapid refueling, it’s more than capable of topping off most plug-in hybrids or EVs overnight. The LED indicators on the unit are bright and intuitive, giving you quick confirmation of power, charging status, and fault conditions.
Portability
Weighing just a few pounds and roughly the size of a hardcover book, the Type S 16A is one of the most portable EVSEs we’ve tested. It’s easy to toss in a trunk or glovebox and comes with everything needed for flexible use on the go. Thanks to its 24.6ft long cable and wide outlet compatibility, it adapts well to public charging emergencies, hotels, and older garages – making it a great travel companion or backup unit.
Safety Features
Despite its small size and budget-friendly price, the Type S 16A charger is packed with advanced protection. It offers built-in safeguards against overvoltage, overcurrent, overheating, leakage, and grounding issues. It also carries an IP55 weather resistance rating, allowing it to operate safely in wet or dusty environments. These safety features make it ideal for unattended overnight charging and long trickle-charge sessions where reliability matters most.
How It Compares to Type S 40 Amp Level 2 Charger
The Type S 40A Level 2 Charger delivers significantly faster charging speeds and includes premium features such as a built-in LCD screen, Wi-Fi connectivity, and app-based controls – features not available on the 16A Level 1 model. While both units share a rugged, portable design, the 40A version is purpose-built for permanent home installation on a dedicated 240V circuit and uses a NEMA 14-50 outlet, making it ideal for drivers who need rapid charging and smart energy management.
In contrast, the Type S 16A Level 1 charger is a more affordable and flexible solution. It supports both 120V and 240V charging and comes equipped with a NEMA 6-20 plug for Level 2 charging, along with adapters for NEMA 10-30 (240V) and NEMA 5-15 (120V standard household outlet). This broader outlet compatibility makes it well-suited for public charging emergencies, travel, or as a backup unit for users who don’t have access to a dedicated Level 2 circuit.
Price-wise, the Type S 16A Level 1 charger is nearly 50% less expensive than the 40A model, putting it in the same price range as entry-level options like the Lectron Level 1 EV Charger. However, the Type S stands out by offering dual-voltage support, multiple plug types, and a better-built quality – delivering far more versatility at a similar price point.
If you’re looking for a reliable, easy-to-use charger that works across a wide range of outlet types without breaking the bank, the Type S 16A is a strong value pick. For those who prioritize speed, smart features, and home-based charging performance, the 40A model is the clear winner.
Customer Feedback
Before purchasing the Type S 16A Level 1 EV Charger, we noted that verified buyers consistently praised its reliability and solid build quality. Many highlighted the adjustable amperage settings and extra-long cable as standout, user-friendly features – giving us added confidence to proceed with testing. While the number of user reviews is still limited, overall satisfaction among verified purchasers remains high, particularly given its price point and category.
Who Should Buy This Charger?
- Road trippers and travelers seeking a portable, lightweight backup charger with broad outlet and voltage compatibility.
- Electric vehicle owners or drivers with smaller battery packs looking for safe, slow overnight charging without the need for a dedicated Level 2 circuit.
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