WOLFBOX WE-40 (NEMA 14-50 Plug, 40 Amp J1772 Charger) Review

This is our WOLFBOX Level 2 EV Charger 40 Amp review.

I’m a certified EV charger installer and experienced tester of EV charging equipment, with years of hands-on experience in real-world usage and installation. My EV charger reviews focus on practical insights to help EV owners make smart choices.

Quick Take

The WOLFBOX Level 2 EV Charger 40 Amp is a powerful, feature-rich outdoor/indoor J1772 home charger delivering fast and efficient charging with smart controls. With Wi-Fi connectivity, RFID security, and a 25-foot cable, it’s designed for both indoor and outdoor use, providing versatile and reliable charging for most electric vehicles.

Product Overview

This Level 2 charger boosts charging speed by up to 7 times compared to Level 1 chargers, adding roughly 38 miles of driving range per hour. It supports up to 9.6 kW, 40 amps at 240 volts, ideal for most home installations with a NEMA 14-50 outlet. The charger’s smart EV charging features include app-based management, scheduling, and real-time monitoring to optimize charging sessions and reduce electricity costs by using off-peak hours.

Built with a rugged NEMA 4X-rated waterproof housing, it withstands harsh weather and outdoor conditions without compromising safety. The included 25-foot cable offers flexible reach, making it easy to connect to your EV in various parking setups.

WOLFBOX WE-40 Charger Wiring Circuit Diagram

Before we dive into the installation details, here’s a full wiring circuit diagram showing how we connected the WOLFBOX WE-40 charger to the electrical panel. This diagram illustrates the key parts of the setup, including the dedicated EV charger circuit breaker, the NEMA 14-50 outlet, the wiring size, and the EV charger grounding system.

Understanding the wiring helps make sure your installation is safe, meets electrical codes, and works correctly with the charger. You can use this as a guide if you’re planning a similar setup.

Installations

We installed the WOLFBOX WE-40 charger on a dedicated 240V EV charging circuit using a 50A breaker, which is the proper size for a 40-amp charger. We chose a standard 2-pole non-GFCI breaker because the WE-40 already includes built-in EV charging security features such as ground-fault protection (20–30 mA). Using a second GFCI device, like a GFCI breaker, can cause nuisance tripping, so we avoided that setup.

If you’re in an area where the National Electrical Code (NEC) requires GFCI protection for all 125V to 250V receptacles rated 50 amps or less, such as garages or outdoor locations, we recommend the WOLFBOX WE-48 (hardwired 48 Amp J1772 charger) or the WOLFBOX WE-50 (hardwired 50 Amp J1772 charger). These models are hardwired and don’t require GFCI breakers.

We installed a high-quality, non-GFCI NEMA 14-50 receptacle, which most inspectors approve for EV charging. For this, we recommend the Hubbell HBL9450A NEMA 14-50 Receptacle, a reliable and durable choice rated for 50 amps and up to 12,500 watts. Its robust construction meets CSA, UL, and E2186 safety standards, making it ideal for heavy-duty EV charger installations.

Deal

1 year ago

HBL9450A NEMA 14-50 Receptacle for Level 2 EV Charger Installation (Plug-In)

The HBL9450A NEMA 14-50 Receptacle offers excellent reliability and ease of installation for plug-in Level 2 EV charger setups. Its heavy-duty construction, compliance with strict standards, and user-friendly wiring design make it our top recommendation for residential and commercial use. For Level 2 EV charging, this receptacle delivers both safety and performance, ensuring long-term value.

★★★★★

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One common cause of wall plug overheating is a loose receptacle that no longer grips the plug tightly, so choosing a quality outlet like the Hubbell HBL9450A is important for safety and long-term performance.

For wiring, we used AWG 6-gauge copper conductors to connect the NEMA 14-50 outlet to the dedicated 50A breaker. 6-gauge copper conductors handle the WE-40’s continuous load, resist heat well, and provide a safer, longer-lasting connection. The WE-40’s 240V input cable is thick because it contains four large internal wires, matching these conductor sizes.

WOLFBOX recommends mounting the outlet 31 to 47 inches (800 to 1200 mm) above the floor. The charger’s input power cable is about 12 inches (300 mm) long, as shown in our WOLFBOX WE-40 wiring circuit diagram above.

After installation, we used a Fluke FEV150 EV Charging Station Analyzer to test the circuit’s performance. We were impressed to find that even when the charger is plugged in and the display is on, the WE-40 draws very little power (nearly 0 amps) just enough to keep the display and LED indicators awake. This means it uses almost no electricity while sitting idle on the wall.

My Experience with the WOLFBOX Level 2 EV Charger 40 Amp Charger

Installing the WOLFBOX 40 Amp charger was straightforward, thanks to clear instructions. However, the manufacturer’s guidance on using dedicated non-GFCI bipolar disconnects might be confusing for people in areas where local codes require a GFCI breaker for NEMA 14-50 installations or for all 125V to 250V receptacles rated 50 amps or less.

The charger plugged into a standard NEMA 14-50R outlet, and setup through the WOLFBOX App was intuitive and provided valuable information about charging status. The 4.3-inch LCD screen clearly displays the charging rate, voltage, elapsed time, and energy delivered, helping track charging sessions without opening the app.

Wi-Fi connectivity allowed me to easily adjust charging amperage before charging, schedule charging to avoid peak rates, and monitor the session remotely. The charger integrates well with Alexa and Google Assistant for voice commands, enhancing smart home compatibility. Sharing control among multiple household members was seamless, adding convenience.

Charging performance was solid and consistent, providing a steady 40 amps without overheating or interruptions, and accurate mileage tracking when you add your EV specifications in the WOLFBOX App. Compatibility with all J1772 vehicles is a plus, though Tesla owners will need a dedicated WOLFBOX J1772-to-Tesla adapter to use this charger.

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WOLFBOX

The RFID card feature adds an extra layer of security for shared or workplace charging environments.

Since we installed the WOLFBOX 40 Amp charger outdoors, we noticed a few minor user experience issues related to the display and temperature. The display is hard to see when the charger is idle, likely because it dims to save power. It uses very little electricity when not charging, but brightens automatically once charging starts.

Also, both the charger and the cable got quite hot when exposed to direct California sunlight and temperatures. The internal temperature reached around 115°F while charging. These issues can be easily avoided by installing the charger outdoors in a shaded area, using an EV charger enclosure, or mounting it on an EV charger pedestal with a protective cover when placing the WOLFBOX 40 amp charger outdoors.

Best For

This charger is ideal for EV owners seeking reliable, faster home charging with smart control features. It’s perfect for households with multiple EV users or anyone wanting to optimize energy usage and manage charging remotely. Its robust weatherproof design makes it suitable for both indoor garages and outdoor installations.

What Are the Best Alternatives to the WOLFBOX Level 2 EV Charger 40 Amp Charger?

Below are our top-rated 40 Amp J1772 home chargers that outperform the WOLFBOX WE-40 charger in key areas such as charging level, amperage, power output (kW), connector quality, cable length, voltage, and overall power input. These chargers also scored higher on our comprehensive expert scorecard, which evaluates each product on a 1–10 scale across categories including features, real-world usage, materials, durability, craftsmanship, design, monetary value, product value, brand reputation, and expert valuation.

Verdict

The WOLFBOX Level 2 EV Charger 40 Amp charger is a dependable, well-rounded home charger that combines fast charging, smart management, and durable construction. Its 25-foot cable, clear LCD, and smart home compatibility offer a modern and convenient user experience. For EV owners seeking efficient, secure, and flexible charging with remote control features, we highly recommend WOLFBOX. Their outstanding customer service responds quickly to feedback and actively improves products through timely firmware updates, staying engaged to ensure a great experience.

8.7Expert Score

The WOLFBOX Level 2 40 Amp EV Charger delivers reliable, fast charging with smart features and a durable design. Its long cable and clear display add convenience, while excellent customer support ensures ongoing improvements. Minor display and heat issues appear in direct sunlight but can be managed with proper installation.

Features

8.8

Real World Usage

8.5

Materials

8.8

Durability

8.7

Craftsmanship

8.6

Design

8.7

Monetary Value

8.7

Product Value

8.8

Brand Reputation

8.8

Expert Valuation

8.7

PROS

• Fast and efficient 40 Amp charging
• Durable, weather-resistant construction
• Long 25-foot charging cable for easy reach
• Clear, easy-to-read LCD display
• Smart home compatibility and remote control via app
• Built-in safety features including ground-fault protection
• Responsive customer service with frequent firmware updates
• Supports scheduled charging to save on energy costs

CONS

• Display can be hard to see when idle or in bright sunlight
• Charger and cable can get hot if installed in direct sunlight
• Some users may find the app features complex at first
• Requires mounting location consideration to avoid overheating