Which car manufacturer offers the best free electric vehicle charger?

Charging at home is a fundamental aspect for electric vehicle (EV) owners. While fast DC charging is effective, it cannot compare to the convenience of home charging, and it is also more expensive and less beneficial for the vehicle's battery. For this reason, most EV buyers prefer to charge at home whenever possible. Fortunately, many of these vehicles come with a home charger ready to use as soon as they park their new car in the garage. However, not all home chargers are the same; some are faster than others, and this significantly affects the charging process.

Below is a summary of the main EV manufacturers and the chargers they offer with their vehicles:

• Audi: All E-tron models include the Audi Charging System Compact. This charger can reach up to 11 kW if connected to a NEMA 14-50 outlet but only 1.2 kW with a standard 120V outlet. It has a cable length of 4.5 meters and a switch to select between 50% or 100% power.

• BMW: Offers the BMW Flexible Fast Charger compatible with 120V and 240V. It provides up to 9.6 kW on a 240V outlet and 1.2 kW on a 120V outlet, and it features a 6-meter cable.

• Cadillac: Includes the Dual Level Charging Cord, which charges at 7.7 kW on 240V and 1.4 kW on 120V, with a 25-foot cable that is IP66 certified for indoor and outdoor use.

• Chevrolet: Its Dual Level Charge Cord offers up to 7.7 kW on 240V and 1.4 kW on 120V, with a long 25-foot cable that is also approved for outdoor use.

• Ford: Provides the Ford Mobile Power Cord that supports up to 7.4 kW on 240V and 1.4 kW on 120V, with a 20-foot cable. Additionally, it noted that between October 2024 and January 2025, it will offer new buyers of the F-150 Lightning, Mustang Mach-E, or E-Transit a Ford Charge Station Pro that can provide bi-directional power.

• GMC: Similar to other GM vehicles, it includes a Dual Level Charge Cord compatible with both types of outlets and provides a maximum charging power of 7.7 kW.

• Hyundai: Offers a portable charger that supports only Level 1 charging at 1.4 kW, using a 120V outlet.

• Kia: The new Kia EV9 comes with a third-party charger, but other models like the EV6 do not include any charger, which is disappointing for consumers.

• Lucid: Its Lucid Air includes a mobile charging cable that offers up to 9.6 kW at 240V and 1.3 kW at 120V, with a 20-foot cable length.

• Mercedes-Benz: Includes a portable charging cable with adapters for 120V and 240V, although it does not specify the charging speeds.

• Nissan: Offers a mobile charger that only supports Level 1 charging at 1.4 kW on 120V.

• Polestar: Has a mobile charger that allows charging at 11 kW on 240V and 1.4 kW on 120V, with a 14-foot cable.

• Porsche: Includes a charger that offers charging speeds of 1 kW on Level 1 and 9.6 kW on Level 2, with a 15-foot cable.

• Rivian: Its portable charger supports charges of 1.2 kW on 120V and 7.6 kW on 240V, and has an 18-foot cable.

• Subaru: Provides a cable that only allows Level 1 charging through a 120V outlet.

• Tesla: Stopped including chargers with its vehicles a few years ago, which has generated discontent among its customers.

• Toyota: Models like the BZ4X come with a charger that allows charging at 7.6 kW on 240V and 1.4 kW on 120V.

• Volkswagen: Its 2-in-1 charger supports up to 7.7 kW on 240V and 1.4 kW on 120V, with a 20-foot cable.

• Volvo: Includes a mobile charger that supports up to 11 kW on 240V and 1.3 kW on 120V.

In summary, although many manufacturers offer similar chargers, Tesla stands out for not offering any at all, and Kia only provides a charger for a specific model. Therefore, it is advisable to consider the installation of an appropriate and professional charger at home to maximize the convenience of having an electric vehicle.