Non-Tesla EV Charger Installation: J1772, ChargePoint, Rivian and More
A non-Tesla EV charger installs the same way as any Level 2 charger: a dedicated 240 volt circuit, a correctly sized breaker, a hardwired unit or a 14-50 outlet, plus a permit. Most non-Tesla cars use the J1772 connector, and newer models are moving to NACS.
Most Tesla pages online assume a Tesla. If you drive a Rivian, an F-150 Lightning, an Ioniq or EV6, a Chevy Bolt or Equinox EV, or anything else, you need to pick a charger that matches your connector and your goals. We install the charger you buy, and this page explains how that choice affects the circuit.
Can a Level 2 charger be installed for a non-Tesla EV?
Yes, a Level 2 charger can be installed for any plug-in vehicle. The home circuit is the same 240 volt supply regardless of brand. What changes is the connector on the charger, J1772 or NACS, and the amperage your specific car can accept.
The electrical work behind the wall does not care what car you drive. It is a dedicated breaker, copper wire sized for the load and a hardwired charger or an outlet. The car's onboard charger sets the speed limit, so a car that accepts 32 amps will not use a 48 amp charger's full output.
Because of that, we ask for your vehicle make and model, and we suggest sizing the circuit with some headroom. Buying a 48 amp charger for a car that accepts 32 amps may waste some money, but a circuit sized for a bigger charger leaves you room for the next vehicle.
What is the difference between J1772 and NACS?
J1772 is the traditional North American Level 2 connector used by most non-Tesla cars, while NACS is the connector Tesla developed that many other automakers are now adopting. The wiring to the charger is the same, and adapters let J1772 and NACS vehicles use either type.
Many newer models from several automakers are being built with NACS ports, while older models and many current ones still use J1772. Some chargers ship with a J1772 connector, some with NACS, and adapters are sold for both directions. Check which connector your car has before you buy a charger.
For a home install, this is a purchasing decision more than an electrical one. We mount whichever charger you choose. If you are unsure, a J1772 charger with an adapter works for many drivers, and a NACS charger is a reasonable pick if your next car is likely to have that port.
Which charger brands do you install besides Tesla?
We install the charger you buy, including ChargePoint Home Flex, Wallbox Pulsar Plus, Emporia, Grizzl-E and units from other makers. We do not claim to sell these brands or to be authorized by any of them. We install the charger and follow its installation manual.
ChargePoint Home Flex is a hardwired or plug-in unit with an adjustable amperage setting, and the Wallbox Pulsar Plus is a compact hardwired or plug-in charger with Wi-Fi scheduling. Emporia and Grizzl-E units are popular lower cost options, and each has its own wiring and amperage settings.
Each manufacturer's installation manual sets the rules for breaker size, wire range, torque and mounting. We read it before we start. If a charger offers a plug-in or hardwire choice, we will talk through which fits your situation and what that does to the circuit.
What do I need to know for a Rivian or Ford F-150 Lightning charger?
A Rivian or Ford F-150 Lightning accepts a Level 2 charge on a dedicated 240 volt circuit like any other EV, but large battery trucks benefit from higher amperage. Ask which charging rate your truck supports, then size the breaker at one and a quarter times that amperage.
Big batteries mean long charge times at low amperage, so these owners often choose a 48 amp charger on a 60 amp breaker. The Ford Charge Station Pro for the Lightning is a hardwired unit that needs a specific circuit. If you already own a charger from your vehicle maker, bring the manual.
A truck with a large battery makes the panel question more important. A 48 amp continuous load is a lot for an older home with a big AC. We run the load calculation first. If the panel is tight, a load management device or an upgrade is better than a charger that trips the main.
What about Hyundai, Kia and Chevy EVs?
Hyundai, Kia and Chevrolet EVs charge on a standard Level 2 circuit, and many accept between 32 and 48 amps depending on the model. Check your owner's manual for the maximum AC charging rate, then pick a charger and circuit that match or slightly exceed it.
Popular models like the Hyundai Ioniq 5, Kia EV6, Chevy Bolt and Equinox EV all use a conventional Level 2 charger. Some of the older Chevy Bolt models accept a lower amperage, so a lower circuit size is fine. Your owner's manual and the charge settings in the car show the limit.
Many of these owners already have a mobile connector that came with the car. A mobile connector on a 14-50 outlet is an easy starting point, and a hardwired wall unit is a good upgrade. Either one needs a licensed install of the circuit.
Can you install a JuiceBox or Enel X charger I already own?
Yes, we can install a JuiceBox or Enel X charger that you already own, as long as the unit is in good working condition and we can follow its installation manual. Support for these products has changed over time, so confirm the unit's app and warranty status with the manufacturer.
Many Phoenix area homeowners bought JuiceBox units in past years, and searches for JuiceBox installation and hardwire installation are still common. The electrical install of a JuiceBox is a standard 240 volt circuit with the breaker size from the manual, and the unit can usually be hardwired or plugged in depending on the model.
We check the unit before mounting it. If the cable, housing or connector looks damaged, we say so. Connected features depend on the manufacturer's app and servers, and we have no control over those. A basic charger will still work as an electrical device regardless.
Should I buy a smart charger or a basic one for my non-Tesla EV?
Buy a smart charger if you want scheduling, usage tracking or load sharing, and a basic one if you want the simplest option. Both charge the car at the same speed, so the choice comes down to features, price and whether your utility offers incentives that require a connected unit.
Smart features include Wi-Fi scheduling, energy reports and some utility program integration. If your utility program requires a specific connected charger, check current terms with APS or SRP before buying. Scheduling can also be done from many cars' own apps, so the charger may not need to.
Whichever type you pick, the circuit is the same, and the permit and inspection are the same. We install it, test it and set the amperage in the charger. Contact us for a written quote.
What to Expect
- Vehicle make, model and maximum AC charging amps
- Connector on the car: J1772 or NACS
- Charger model you own or plan to buy and its manual
- Hardwired or plug-in decision
- Panel size and photos of the panel label
- Garage, wall or outdoor mounting location
Related Questions, Answered
- Can I Use a Non-Tesla EV Charger at Home for a Tesla?
- Can a Tesla Charge at a J1772 Level 2 Charger?
- How Do I Install a ChargePoint Home Flex?
- Can a Rivian or Ford Lightning Use a Home Level 2 Charger?
- How Do I Install a JuiceBox Pro 40 Charger?
- How Do I Install a Wallbox Pulsar Plus Charger?
All EV charger services: EV Charger Installation hub · EV charger service page
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my non-Tesla car need a special wiring setup?
No, a non-Tesla car uses the same kind of dedicated 240 volt circuit as any Level 2 charger. The differences are the connector and the amperage the car accepts. We confirm your car's maximum charge rate, size the breaker and wire to it and install the charger.
Can I use my Tesla Wall Connector with a non-Tesla car?
Sometimes, with an adapter, but compatibility depends on the car and the adapter. Tesla Wall Connector units use the NACS plug, and cars with a J1772 port need a compatible adapter. Check your car maker's guidance before buying, since the plug type is not the only factor.
Is a Level 2 charger worth it versus the cable that came with my car?
A Level 2 charger is much faster than a standard 120 volt outlet, which charges slowly. The cable that comes with many cars can also work on a 240 volt outlet when plugged into a 14-50, so a circuit with an outlet is the first step toward faster charging.
Can I install the charger myself and just have you do the panel work?
No, we do not split the job that way. The circuit, breaker and connection to the charger are one permitted system and the contractor is responsible for all of it. We install the complete circuit and mounting, and the permit and inspection cover the whole job.
What if my car manufacturer included a charger with the car?
Bring it. If it is a hardwire or plug-in Level 2 unit in good condition, we can install it on a dedicated circuit. If it is a portable mobile connector, a 14-50 outlet is the usual setup. Either way the circuit needs a permit and the correct breaker.
EV Charger Installation
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