Should you get a NEMA 14-50 receptacle or hardwired EVSE charger?

*TLDR: In most cases hardwiring is the preferred and recommended method*

HARD-WIRING

EVSE Hardwire charger example

Here at Smart Electrical Solutions whenever we are faced with this question we always tell people that we highly recommended hardwiring over an outlet because you will not only have fewer issues and have a faster charger but you will most likely also save money. Here are some of the reason I recommend the hardwired charger:

  • You will be able to get a faster charging rate as most level 2 hardwire chargers will charge at 48 amps (11.5KW) with a 60 amp breaker and some can even go as high as 80 amps of charging such as Ford and Lucid chargers (although these require emergency disconnects) , but with a receptacle you are limited to 40 amps (80% of the 50 amp breaker allowed for the receptacle).

  • A load calculation should always be done prior to installing a large load such as a car charger and for those with electrical services that do not have enough power available, there are load management meters available for hardwire chargers. Some companies such as Emporia makes their own (cheapest option but uses wireless signal which if you lose wi-fi your charging rate will become slow), Tesla partnered with Neurio and sell a hardwire version through their certified installers or SPAN Drive which needs to be programed with the SPAN load center.. These are my favorite types because they are dynamic and slow down based on available power in your panel, and for other chargers you might have to buy a 3rd party load management device such as Siemens or RVE DCC which work similar to a load shedding modules that just turn off power to your charger whenever the panels available power fall below a certain level, as they have CTs that are connected to the main wires in your panel and measure the current in real time, same with the dynamic load management meter mentioned above.

  • Many states or power companies offer rebates for EVSE when you opt into their programs which here in Connecticut at the moment both Eversouce and United Illuminating give $500 toward chargers in their qualifying list, and a few hundred dollars more toward new wiring upgrades for those needing a new service or panel.

  • The installation will be cleaner when wiring is hidden inside the wall entering from the back side of the charger. And most people that install NEMA 14-50 receptacles use it with their mobile charger that comes with the vehicle, but unlike the mobile charger the charging cord is attached to the unit so you can just coil around the charger on the wall once you are done charging instead of leaving it on the ground.

  • Most jurisdictions are following anything after the 2020 NEC (National electrical code) will require GFCI protection for any receptacles in the garage that measure 120 volts line to ground, therefore a NEMA 14-50 for a charger will require a GFCI breaker which will cost over $150 by itself depending on brand of breaker.

    (There have been discussions with new versions of the code coming up about asking for GFCI protection on the branch circuit wiring for a hardwire charger but as of now the device is the only thing that needs it to protect the homeowner while charging, and most level 2 chargers have that feature built into it which saves you money, but make sure to check the specs before purchasing one)

  • The GFCI is known to causes nuisance (false) tripping when used with certain ESVE. Some of them might have built-in GFCI protection already but the code wants owners protected at the first plug in point in case you have wet hands or the vehicle is wet. By using a hardwire ESVE with GFCI protection built-in you fulfill the code but if using the receptacle you have to do the GFCI breaker to pass inspection.

  • Most homeowners (and even electricians without proper EV certification) will install cheaper NEMA receptacles that fail and many times will melt, smoke or burn. Most regular 50A outlets are not meant for continuous loads and are meant for electric stoves, an EV rated outlet will cost $60+.

  • A 14-50 receptacle requires a neutral which is not required for most hardwired EV charger saving you on the cost of wiring.

NEMA 14-50 RECEPTACLE

EV charging mobile plug

  • If it ever fails it can be quickly swapped.

  • Most homeowner use the outlet with a mobile charger but for those with EVSE Level 2 chargers that come with a cord and plug, it can be taken to your new home when moving by just unplugging it.

  • Some people use the same receptacle for other purposes when not charging their vehicles.

  • The outlet does not require any setup and commissioning like most level 2 chargers.

 

SUMMARY

If planning to move in the near future and your panel is not overloaded then it might be better to install the NEMA 14-50 outlet and if you get faulty tripping all you have to do is reset the breaker. However if you are planning to be in the home for a while then definitely go with a hardwired charger, it will give you more peace of mind in the long run.

Saulo Queiroz