Lectron Level 1 EV Charger: A Comprehensive Review

The Lectron Level 1 EV Charger is a popular charging solution for electric vehicle (EV) owners who are looking for a reliable and portable way to charge their vehicles. Designed with ease of use in mind, this charger offers compatibility with all electric vehicles that adhere to the J1772 standard, making it suitable for a wide variety of EVs. In this review, we’ll explore the key features, specifications, performance, customer feedback, and weigh the pros and cons of the Lectron Level 1 EV Charger to help you make an informed decision.

Key Features and Specifications

The Lectron Level 1 J1772 Charger comes with several notable features that make it a standout option for EV owners seeking a portable and convenient charging solution. Here are the most important specifications and features:

Feature	Description
Connector Type	J1772
Compatible Devices	All J1772-compatible vehicles, including Ford, Rivian, Honda, BMW, Hyundai, Kia, Porsche, Nissan, Chevy, and more
Input Voltage	120 Volts (AC)
Current Rating	15 Amps
Power Plug Type	Type B – 3 pin (North American)
Cord Length	16 feet
Weather Resistance	IP65-rated for dust and water resistance
WiFi & App Connectivity	Yes, includes the Lectron app for remote monitoring and control
Portable	Yes, compact and ideal for road trips or use at home or work
Amperage Control	Adjustable amperage to control charging speed
Charging Range	Adds approximately 40-50 miles of range overnight
Product Dimensions	10.8 x 7.4 x 4.4 inches (Length x Width x Height)
Weight	5.5 pounds

Detailed Overview

1. Efficient Level 1 Charging: The Lectron Level 1 charger uses a NEMA 5-15 plug and provides a 15 Amp output, which allows you to charge your electric vehicle at a standard 120V AC outlet. This setup is ideal for home charging, especially for those who do not have access to a dedicated 240V Level 2 charger. The typical charging speed offers around 40 to 50 miles of range overnight, making it a practical option for daily commuters who don’t need rapid charging.
2. Wi-Fi & App Connectivity: A standout feature of this charger is its ability to connect to Wi-Fi and sync with the Lectron mobile app. Through the app, users can monitor their charging status, control charging remotely, and even adjust the amperage. This feature is particularly useful for tech-savvy EV owners who want to keep track of their vehicle’s charging progress and optimize charging times.
3. J1772 Compatibility: The Lectron Level 1 charger is compatible with all electric vehicles that use the J1772 connector, the most common standard for North American EVs. This means it can charge a wide range of EVs, including popular models from manufacturers like Ford, Honda, BMW, Nissan, Chevy, and more. If you own any J1772-equipped EV, this charger is a versatile choice.
4. Portability & Durability: One of the highlights of the Lectron Level 1 charger is its portability. Weighing just 5.5 pounds and featuring a 16-foot cord, the charger is easy to take with you on road trips, to work, or when visiting friends and family. Its IP65 rating ensures it is resistant to dust and water, allowing for safe use in various environments, whether at home, work, or on the go.
5. Adjustable Amperage: The charger features an adjustable amperage setting, which enables you to control the current for faster or slower charging. This is especially useful if you want to customize the charging speed based on the time available or the electrical capacity of your outlet.

Performance

The performance of the Lectron Level 1 J1772 Charger is impressive, particularly considering its affordability and portability. As a Level 1 charger, it is slower than Level 2 chargers, but it compensates for this with convenience and reliability.

1. Charging Speed: The charger adds about 40-50 miles of range per night, which is sufficient for most daily commuters. However, if you require faster charging, you may need to consider a Level 2 charger. The charging speed of the Lectron Level 1 charger is typical for home-based charging with a 120V outlet, and it provides a steady charge throughout the night without interruptions.
2. Ease of Use: Setting up the Lectron charger is simple. Plug it into any standard 120V AC outlet, and it’s ready to charge. The 16-foot cord provides ample flexibility for reaching the charging port of your vehicle, making it easy to use in most parking situations. The addition of Wi-Fi and app connectivity further enhances usability, giving you control over your charging process with a few taps on your smartphone.
3. Heat Management: One of the notable customer observations about the Lectron Level 1 charger is that it doesn’t overheat during operation. This is particularly important because overheating can be a safety concern with some lower-end chargers. The Lectron charger stays cool, even during prolonged use, offering peace of mind to users.
4. Compatibility with Various EV Models: The charger is compatible with a wide range of electric vehicles, including the 2023 Hyundai Ioniq 5, as mentioned by one of the customers. Whether you own a sedan, SUV, or crossover, this charger can provide a reliable solution for your charging needs.

Customer Feedback

The Lectron Level 1 J1772 charger has received largely positive reviews from customers. The majority of users find the charger easy to use, efficient, and well-built. Here’s a closer look at some customer feedback:

1. Positive Experiences:
   • Many customers have highlighted the charger’s compact design and portability, making it an excellent choice for road trips and other travel needs. The 16-foot cord is a favorite feature, providing just enough length to reach most vehicle charging ports.
   • The app connectivity is frequently praised, with users appreciating the ability to monitor and control their charging from anywhere. This adds a layer of convenience and control that is highly valued by tech-savvy EV owners.
   • Several customers have commented on the charger’s durability and ability to charge reliably without getting hot, even during long charging sessions.
   • Users also appreciate the charger’s flexibility with adjustable amperage, allowing them to control how quickly or slowly their vehicles charge based on their needs.
2. Negative Feedback:
   • A few customers have mentioned that the charging speed is slower than expected, especially when compared to Level 2 chargers. However, it’s important to note that this is a limitation inherent to Level 1 chargers in general and not specific to the Lectron model.
   • Some users have expressed concerns about the reliance on Wi-Fi for full functionality. If your Wi-Fi connection is unstable or slow, it may affect the performance of the mobile app and the ability to monitor or control the charger remotely.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Portable and Convenient: Lightweight design and 16-foot cord make it easy to use at home or on the go.
• J1772 Compatibility: Works with a wide range of electric vehicles.
• Wi-Fi & App Connectivity: Provides remote monitoring and control of the charging process.
• Safe and Reliable: IP65-rated for water and dust resistance, ensuring reliability in various conditions.
• Adjustable Amperage: Allows you to adjust charging speed based on your preferences and available power.
• Build Quality: Customers report that the charger is well-built and durable, capable of handling extended use.

Cons:

• Slower Charging Speed: As a Level 1 charger, it is slower than Level 2 chargers, which may be a drawback for those in need of faster charging.
• Wi-Fi Dependency: Some users may find it inconvenient to rely on a stable Wi-Fi connection for app-based monitoring and control.

Final Verdict

The Lectron Level 1 J1772 Charger is a solid choice for electric vehicle owners who prioritize portability, convenience, and ease of use. Its Wi-Fi connectivity, durable design, and adjustable amperage settings make it a versatile and user-friendly option for charging your EV at home or on the road. While the charging speed may be slower compared to Level 2 chargers, it provides enough range for most daily driving needs and offers reliable performance.

Check out our EV charger reviews below.

• Best Home EV Charger
• Best Level 1 EV Charger
• Best Level 2 EV Charger
• Best Extension Cord for EV Charging