Generac EV Charger Review: Level 2 Plus , Features, Installation & Buying Guide
If you are looking for a dependable home charging solution for an electric vehicle, the Generac EV Charger Level 2 Plus is worth considering. Generac is better known for backup generators and home energy systems, but the company also offers EV charging equipment designed for residential use.
As an Electrical Engineer with 15 years of experience in electrical systems maintenance, I look at EV chargers from more than just a feature list. Circuit requirements, charging output, installation method, protection, cable management, and long-term usability all matter when choosing a home EV charger.
This review covers the Generac EV Charger Level 2 Plus, including its charging capacity, installation considerations, compatibility, advantages, limitations, and whether it makes sense for your garage or driveway.
Generac EV Charger Level 2 Plus at a Glance
| Feature | Generac EV Charger Level 2 Plus |
|---|---|
| Charger type | Level 2 AC EV charger |
| Application | Residential EV charging |
| Charging voltage | 240V class |
| Maximum charging power | Up to about 11.5 kW |
| Maximum charging current | Up to 48A |
| Charging connector | J1772 |
| Installation | Hardwired installation |
| Charging speed | Up to approximately 30–35 miles of range per hour, depending on vehicle |
| Best for | Daily home charging and overnight charging |
| Vehicle compatibility | Most J1772-compatible EVs and plug-in hybrids |
| Brand | Generac |
| Product | Electric Vehicle (EV) Charger Level 2 Plus |
The exact charging rate ultimately depends on the vehicle's onboard AC charger. A 48A EVSE does not mean every EV will actually accept 48A.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
What Is the Generac EV Charger Level 2 Plus?
The Generac EV Charger Level 2 Plus is a residential Level 2 electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) designed to provide substantially faster charging than a standard 120V Level 1 charger.
A Level 1 charger can be convenient when daily driving is limited, but it may take many hours or even more than a day to replace a large amount of battery energy. A 240V Level 2 charger can deliver considerably more power and is much better suited to regular home charging.
The Generac unit is designed around higher-power residential charging, making it particularly interesting for EV owners who want to recover a significant amount of driving range overnight.
For buyers comparing premium residential charging equipment, the Generac EV Charger is also worth evaluating against other 40A and 48A Level 2 models.
Key Features and Specifications
The main attraction is its higher charging output. With support for charging at up to 48A, the charger can provide approximately 11.5 kW when connected to an appropriately sized 240V circuit.
1. Up to 48A Charging
A maximum output of 48A provides considerably more charging power than a typical 16A or 32A Level 2 charger.
At 240V:
48A × 240V = 11,520W
That is approximately 11.5 kW of charging power before accounting for normal charging losses.
Actual power at the vehicle can vary because the EV's onboard charger determines how much AC power it can accept.
2. Level 2 Charging
The Level 2 design makes this charger appropriate for drivers who use their EV every day.
For example, someone returning home with a partially depleted battery can plug in after work and allow the vehicle to charge overnight. This is generally much more practical than relying on a household 120V outlet.
3. J1772 Compatibility
The J1772 connector is widely used for AC charging in North America.
This makes the charger suitable for many electric vehicles and plug-in hybrid vehicles. EVs using a different inlet, such as Tesla's NACS connector, may require the appropriate approved charging adapter or a compatible charging arrangement.
Always verify compatibility with the specific vehicle before purchasing.
4. Hardwired Installation
The Level 2 Plus is intended for a dedicated electrical installation rather than treating an EV charger like an ordinary plug-in appliance.
For a maximum 48A continuous charging load, the circuit must be sized correctly under the applicable electrical code. Under NEC continuous-load rules, EV charging equipment is generally treated as a continuous load.
That means a 48A charging load normally requires a 60A branch circuit when configured for the full 48A output.
Electrical tip: Do not select the breaker simply by matching the charger nameplate. The complete circuit must be evaluated, including conductor ampacity, installation conditions, equipment ratings, disconnect requirements, and local code.
Generac EV Charger Charging Speed
Charging speed is one of the biggest reasons to upgrade from Level 1 charging.
| Charging Setup | Approx. Power | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|
| Level 1, 120V | 1.4–1.9 kW | Occasional charging |
| Level 2, 32A | 7.7 kW | Regular home charging |
| Level 2, 40A | 9.6 kW | Fast home charging |
| Level 2, 48A | 11.5 kW | High-speed residential charging |
Range added per hour varies by vehicle efficiency, battery condition, temperature, charging losses, and the vehicle's onboard charger.
For this reason, advertised miles-per-hour figures should be treated as estimates rather than guaranteed results.
If charging speed is your primary buying factor, compare the Generac EV Charger with other high-output residential units before making a final decision.
Installation Requirements
Installation is an important part of buying a high-power EV charger.
A full-power 48A configuration can place a substantial continuous load on a residential electrical panel. A qualified electrician should inspect the panel and determine whether the existing service has sufficient capacity.
Important items include:
- 240V electrical supply
- Correctly sized dedicated branch circuit
- Appropriate overcurrent protection
- Correct conductor size and insulation rating
- Proper grounding and bonding
- Suitable installation location
- Code-compliant cable routing
- Protection from physical damage and environmental exposure where applicable
The installation should follow the manufacturer's instructions and the current edition of the applicable electrical code adopted by your jurisdiction.
If your panel is already heavily loaded, an electrician may recommend a load calculation before installation.
Is It Good for Daily EV Charging?
Yes, a high-output Level 2 charger makes sense for many daily EV drivers.
Suppose you drive 40–60 miles during a typical workday. You may not need to recharge the entire battery every night. A higher-power charger can replace a useful amount of energy during a few hours while the vehicle is parked.
This is especially useful for households with:
- Long daily commutes
- Multiple EVs
- Larger battery packs
- Limited overnight charging windows
- Frequent highway driving
- Higher daily mileage
However, faster charging is not automatically better for every household. If your driving needs are modest, a lower-current Level 2 charger may provide enough capacity while reducing electrical infrastructure requirements.
If maximum charging speed is important to you, compare this model with other high-output home chargers in our fastest level 2 charger for home guide before choosing.
Generac EV Charger vs Level 1 Charging
The difference between Level 1 and Level 2 charging becomes obvious when daily mileage increases.
Level 1 charging typically uses a standard household receptacle and provides relatively low power. It can work for plug-in hybrids and drivers with very short daily trips.
Level 2 charging uses a 240V supply and can deliver several times more power.
For an EV owner who wants predictable overnight charging, Level 2 is usually the more practical long-term solution.
Who Should Buy the Generac EV Charger Level 2 Plus?
The charger is a strong candidate for homeowners who want high-power AC charging and have an electrical system capable of supporting the required circuit.
It is particularly suitable for:
- EV owners driving substantial daily mileage.
- Homeowners who want faster overnight charging.
- Users planning a permanent garage or driveway installation.
- Drivers who prefer a higher-output 48A charging solution.
- Households that want to avoid depending on public charging for routine energy needs.
Before ordering, check the vehicle charging capacity and have the electrical installation requirements confirmed.
Who Should Consider Another Charger?
This may not be the ideal choice for everyone.
A lower-cost 32A or 40A Level 2 charger can be perfectly adequate for a driver who only travels a few miles each day. Likewise, renters or people without a suitable dedicated 240V circuit may prefer a simpler plug-in solution if permitted by their electrical setup.
You should also compare cable length, connector design, warranty, smart charging features, weather resistance, app functionality, and installation cost rather than focusing only on amperage.
Where to Buy the Generac EV Charger
If you have confirmed that the Generac Electric Vehicle (EV) Charger Level 2 Plus matches your vehicle and electrical installation, check the current Amazon listing for availability and pricing before purchasing.
Prices and availability can change, so I recommend checking the current product page rather than relying on an old advertised price. Also verify the exact model number and included accessories before placing the order.
For more high-speed home charging options, see our fastest level 2 charger for home guide and compare charging amperage, installation requirements, and features side by side.
Final Verdict
The Generac EV Charger Level 2 Plus is a high-output residential EV charging option aimed at homeowners who want faster AC charging without relying heavily on public charging stations.
Its biggest advantage is the ability to support up to approximately 48A and 11.5 kW under the appropriate electrical conditions. That makes it substantially faster than Level 1 charging and suitable for many daily-driving situations.
From an electrical engineering perspective, however, the installation deserves as much attention as the charger itself. A 48A continuous EV load is significant, so the branch circuit, breaker, conductors, panel capacity, grounding, and installation environment should all be checked by a qualified professional.
For homeowners who already have the required electrical capacity and want a powerful permanent charging setup, the Generac EV Charger Level 2 Plus is a model worth putting on the shortlist.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Generac EV Charger Level 2 Plus a Level 2 charger?
Yes. It is a residential Level 2 AC EV charging system designed for significantly faster charging than a standard 120V Level 1 charger.
How many amps does the Generac EV Charger provide?
The Level 2 Plus can support charging at up to approximately 48A when installed and configured for maximum output. The actual charging current can be lower depending on the vehicle and configuration.
What size breaker does a 48A EV charger need?
A 48A EV charging load generally requires a 60A branch circuit under NEC continuous-load requirements, assuming the equipment is configured to draw the full 48A. The final circuit design should be confirmed by a qualified electrician.
Can I install this EV charger myself?
A hardwired high-current EV charger should be installed according to the manufacturer's instructions and applicable electrical code. Because the installation involves a substantial 240V continuous load, professional installation is the safer choice.
Is the Generac EV Charger compatible with Tesla vehicles?
Compatibility depends on the Tesla's charging inlet and the charging connector arrangement. A J1772-based charger may require an appropriate approved adapter for a Tesla vehicle. Always verify compatibility with your exact vehicle before purchase.
Is a 48A EV charger better than a 40A charger?
Not necessarily for every driver. A 48A charger can provide more charging power, but your vehicle must be capable of accepting it and your electrical system must support the required circuit. For many households, a 40A charger already provides plenty of overnight charging capacity.
Related Guides
- Grizzl E Level 2 EV Charger Review
- Lectron Level 2 EV Charger Review
- EVIQO Level 2 EV Charger Review
- Best EV Charger for Garage Installation
- Best EV Charger Under $300
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