Type S 40A Level 2 EV Charger Review
Fast, smart, and portable – the Type S 40A Level 2 EV Charger delivers up to 37 miles per hour with app control, adjustable amps, and a rugged build for safe indoor/outdoor charging.
This is my hands-on review of the Type S 40A Level 2 EV Charger also known as the CHARGEEV 40A Level 2 Charger – a smart, powerful home and portable Level 2 EV charger for EVs and PHEVs.
I’ve been involved in EV charging tech for nearly a decade, reviewing dozens of portable and wall-mounted chargers from major brands. I purchased and tested this Type S 40A Level 2 unit extensively at home and compared it against other popular 40A portable chargers, including the company’s own 16A Level 1 model.
NOTE – This charger is a Level 2 EV charger designed for faster home and public EV charging. If your EV or plug-in hybrid supports Level 2, you’ll see significant charging speed improvements compared to using a Level 1 charger. However, you’ll need a compatible 240V outlet (NEMA 14-50) protected by a 50A dedicated EV charger circuit breaker to take full advantage of the Type S 40A Level 2 EV Charger.
Summary
The Type S 40A Level 2 EV Charger is a well-designed, feature-rich portable EVSE built for serious home charging. It delivers up to 37 miles of range per hour (9x faster than Level 1), offers adjustable current (8A to 40A), and integrates with the Type S app for smart scheduling and cost tracking.
It also features a rugged, high-quality build that’s ready for both indoor and outdoor use. This makes it ideal for daily drivers who want flexibility, speed, and smart functionality without the need for hardwiring.
Based on our testing, the Type S 40A is one of the best portable EV chargers we’ve evaluated. However, top-performing models like the Webasto Go, Battery Tender eCharge, and Schumacher 16 Amp EV charger offer greater portability thanks to their dual-voltage capability.
Dual-voltage support allows users to charge from both 120V and 240V outlets, making those models more practical for travel or backup charging. While the Type S only supports 240V, it still stands out as the top single-voltage portable EV charger in our best home EV charger lineup. If dual voltage is a non-issue to you, the Type S 40A Level 2 EV Charger would stand on top of our portable EV chargers list in terms of design, and features.
Why You Should Consider the Type S 40A Level 2 Charger
If you want faster, smarter charging without committing to a wall-mounted, hardwired charger, this is one of the most compelling portable units available which we rated higher than the Lectron EV charger which has stood high in our list of best portable EV chargers for years. The Type S 40A Level 2 EV Charger plugs into any 240V NEMA 14-50 outlet and allows amp control from 8A to 40A, making it compatible with various power setups.
The real standout is the smart app (Type S Drive), which lets you monitor your session in real time, schedule charging to align with off-peak hours, or set a kWh cap using “Quantitative Charging” to help manage energy costs. You can even share access with others in your household or workplace.
Specs & Features
- Voltage: 240V (Level 2)
- Amps: Selectable: 8A, 16A, 32A, 40A
- Plug: NEMA 14-50 (no hardwiring required)
- Connector: J1772 (compatible with all EVs and PHEVs; Tesla requires an adapter)
- Cable Length: 25 feet
- App Control: Yes (Type S Drive App: iOS/Android)
- Smart Modes: Real-Time, Scheduled, Quantitative (kWh)
- Build: Heavy-duty casing with reinforced cage
- Weatherproof: IP55 rated
- Safety: UL-listed; includes overvoltage, overcurrent, overheating, surge, and grounding protection
- Firmware: OTA updates for new features and performance enhancements
Build Quality & Design
The Type S 40A Level 2 EV Charger has a sleek, modern look that sets it apart from the competition — which is expected, given its hefty price tag. Its build quality, design, and attention to detail make it feel more premium than other options like the Bokman 16A, Skysword II, BougeRV, Aimiler, or Lectron which compete in the same portable EV chargers market as the Type S 40A Level 2 EV Charger. The glossy black front panel almost looks like a full LED screen from a distance, while the back panel includes detailed printed information – such as specifications, safety warnings, certifications, and usage cautions – laid out in a clean, precise format that reminds you of an iPhone box.
Front design details are laid out in a clean vertical flow. At the top is the “CHARGEEV” branding, followed by a small LED display, mode and current indicators, a power icon, and a charging/fault light. At the bottom, bold “EV40” and “Type S” initials sit against a stylish gray background.
The charger feels solid in hand. At 12 lbs, it has real heft, and the rugged casing is built to handle bumps and weather exposure. It looks and feels like a high-quality unit.
The 25-foot cable is thick (0.636″ diameter), yet remains flexible and easy to manage. Impressively, the input cable is even thicker than the output — a rare sign of extra attention to safe power delivery.
The J1772 connector has a sturdy, grippy finish that’s easy to handle. The only minor downside is the thumb release, which feels a bit soft and could use more tactile feedback.
Ease of Use
The Type S 40A Level 2 EV Charger is genuinely plug-and-play. Just plug it into a NEMA 14-50 outlet and you’re ready to charge — no setup or tools required. The onboard LCD is clean and intuitive, making it easy to monitor the charging status and adjust amperage remotely.
Smart features come via the Type S Drive App, which adds real value. From remote start/stop and usage reports to scheduled charging and multi-user support, the app expands the charger’s functionality well beyond a standard portable unit.
For those looking to install a dedicated outlet, setup is straightforward. Our installation followed NEC guidelines as shown in the Type S 40A Level 2 EV charger wiring diagram below:
The Type S 40A Level 2 EV charger wiring diagram above illustrates a 50A circuit wired with 6 AWG copper (L1, L2, neutral, and ground) routed through ¾” conduit from the main panel to a NEMA 14-50 outlet. Key safety callouts include keeping wiring outside gutter posts, avoiding crossing wires over breakers, avoiding the active lugs in the panel, and complying with the 80% rule (a 40A charger requires a 50A breaker for continuous duty). The charger plugs directly into this outlet and delivers up to 9.6kW through its 25-foot J1772 cable.
Also included in the box is a wall-mount bracket and a storage bag, giving you flexibility for either a semi-permanent installation or fully portable use. Whether you’re a renter or a homeowner, the setup options make this charger as easy to install as it is to use.
Performance
At 40 amps, charging is quick. I consistently achieved 35–37 miles of range per hour on a mid-size EV. The amperage control is useful when you want to slow the charge (for solar setups or limited circuits), and the app makes it easy to track costs or schedule off-peak sessions.
Smart charging modes work reliably — Scheduled Charging ran perfectly overnight, and the Quantitative mode allowed me to pre-load just the energy I needed before heading out.
Advanced Safety
The Type S 40A Level 2 EV Charger is built with safety at its core. It meets UL standards and offers comprehensive protection features, including safeguards against overvoltage, overcurrent, overheating, leakage, and power surges. This full-spectrum safety system ensures reliable charging with minimal risk to your vehicle or home.
It’s rated IP55 for water and dust resistance, making it suitable for indoor or outdoor use. Whether installed in a garage, carport, or open driveway, it performs reliably – even in light rain or dusty environments.
What looks like a rugged outer case is the charger’s integrated body. The front panel is recessed within a raised edge, offering extra protection against drops or impacts—similar to a rugged phone case. This clever design shields the interface while maintaining a sleek look.
From the side, the charger shows off its weatherproofing details. Hidden screws and a ribbed housing design give it a structured, accordion-like profile, both stylish and functional. Rubberized gaskets at cable entry points seal out moisture and debris. These gaskets are thicker than the cables themselves but remain flexible thanks to a porous texture that allows movement without compromising protection.
The J1772 connector is attached securely with four screws after internal wiring is completed – no shortcuts here. Both the release button and connector body feature deep ridges for enhanced grip, making it easy to plug and unplug even with wet or gloved hands. A protective cap keeps the connector pins safe from dirt, rain, and corrosion when not in use.
How It Compares to Type S 16A Level 1 Charger
While both chargers share a rugged build and portable design, the Type S 40A Level 2 Charger is significantly more advanced, the EV charger delivers up to 9x faster charging via a NEMA 14-50 outlet and includes a built-in LCD screen, smart app control, and multiple charging modes for daily home use.
The 16A Level 1 charger, by contrast, supports both 120V and 240V charging using NEMA 5-15, NEMA 6-20, and NEMA 10-30 outlets, the EV charger lacks smart features but offers unmatched flexibility and value for travel, public charging emergencies, or homes without a dedicated 240V circuit.
If you need full-speed fast charging at home, go with the 40A. If you want budget-friendly, universal compatibility for trickle charging, the 16A is the better fit.
Customer Feedback
Verified buyers praise the Type S 40A Level 2 charger’s fast charging speed, reliable app connectivity, and robust build. Many noted how well it works for both daily use and as a semi-permanent wall-mounted unit. A few users expressed a desire for outlet adapters (like 6-50 or 10-30), but acknowledged the charger’s excellent cable quality, safety, and feature set made it a standout in its price range.
Who Should Buy This Charger?
- EV owners with access to a 240V NEMA 14-50 outlet
- Households with multiple EVs needing a shared, fast-charging solution
- Anyone who wants flexible charging, smart features, and portable convenience
- Users seeking a reliable, outdoor-capable Level 2 charger that doesn’t require
Recommended NEMA 14-50 Outlets
For optimal performance and safety, pair your Type S 40A Level 2 EV Charger with one of our recommended NEC-certified NEMA 14-50 outlets. The outlets listed below are rated for the 40A continuous load of your charger on a 50A circuit and are compatible with the required 6 AWG wiring.
Recommended Weatherproof NEMA 14-50 Outlet Covers
For all Type S 40A Level 2 EV Charger installations, we specify the use of a heavy-duty, weatherproof outlet cover. The models listed below have passed our rigorous testing for durability and environmental sealing.
Using a certified cover is critical to protect your NEMA 14-50 outlet from moisture, dust, and debris, which can lead to corrosion, short circuits, and accidents. These covers ensure the long-term safety and reliability of your charging equipment.
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