Autel MaxiCharger Level 2 EV Charger (40A): features, specs and who it suits

The Autel MaxiCharger is a Level 2 electric-vehicle charger that plugs into a 240-volt NEMA 14-50 receptacle and delivers up to 40 amps. It is built for a garage, carport or driveway, with a long cable and a weather-resistant housing. This page explains what the figures mean and what to confirm before relying on it.

What Level 2 charging means

Level 1 charging uses an ordinary household outlet and is slow. Level 2 uses 240 volts, like an electric dryer or range, and typically adds range several times faster. Autel says the MaxiCharger gives about 40 miles (roughly 64 km) of range per hour of charging and describes it as up to seven times faster than a standard outlet charger. Real results depend on your vehicle's onboard charger, which can limit how much power it accepts.

Adjustable amperage

The charger offers 40A, 32A, 24A and 16A settings. A lower setting suits a circuit that can't support the full current, or a situation where you want to limit demand on the home. Many electrical codes expect a continuous load such as EV charging to use no more than 80% of a circuit's capacity, so the 40A setting normally assumes a 50-amp circuit. Check this with a qualified electrician.

Plug-in design and the NEMA 14-50 receptacle

Instead of being hard-wired, the unit has a 2.63-foot power cord that plugs into an existing NEMA 14-50 receptacle. Autel says this makes installation take about five minutes, and it means the charger can be unplugged and taken along if you move. The receptacle itself must be in good condition and correctly installed. If you don't already have one, an electrician needs to fit it. Follow local electrical codes and the manual.

A 25-foot cable

The charging cable is 25 feet (about 7.6 m), which helps when the charge port is at the far end of the vehicle or the charger is mounted a distance away. Autel says it stays flexible in cold weather, which in general is a common problem with stiff cables in winter.

Weather protection

The MaxiCharger carries a NEMA 4X designation. Under that standard, an enclosure is dust-tight and protected against rain, splashing, hose-directed water and damage from external ice formation, so it is suited to indoor or outdoor mounting.

App control and access

The Autel Charger app sets charging speeds between 16 and 40 amps and lets you schedule when charging starts and stops. Autel notes this can be used to charge during hours your utility prefers. An optional RFID card feature can restrict use to authorised users. Autel also lists automatic app updates, a 3-year warranty and a 24/7 customer hotline.

Who it suits

It suits home owners and renters with an EV or plug-in hybrid who have, or can add, a 240V NEMA 14-50 outlet near where they park. Because it plugs in, it is a good fit for people who may move.

What to check before you buy

• Your circuit: confirm the breaker, wiring and receptacle support the current you choose.
• Vehicle connector: check that the connector matches your vehicle's charge port, or whether an adapter is needed.
• Distance: measure from the receptacle to the port, including how the cable will lie.
• Mounting: plan where and how to mount it, and how to keep the cable off the ground.
• Wi-Fi: app features need a network connection at the installation spot.
• Local rules: check codes, permits and any building or landlord rules.

The short version

• A plug-in Level 2 EV charger for a 240V NEMA 14-50 receptacle.
• Adjustable at 40A, 32A, 24A and 16A.
• 25-foot flexible cable and NEMA 4X housing for indoor or outdoor use.
• App scheduling and optional RFID access control.
• 3-year warranty as listed by Autel.

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