Clevercharge Smart EV Charger Quick Charge Review

Why It Matters

The charger’s low cost and OBD2‑driven intelligence make it an attractive option for home and fleet charging, while its safety gaps highlight areas where manufacturers must improve to meet evolving EV infrastructure standards.

Key Takeaways

• Clever Charge 40 A model priced at $399, 48 A at $449.
• Wi‑Fi smart charger reads vehicle OBD2 data for optimized charging.
• Tested successfully in extreme heat, cold, and power‑loss scenarios.
• Plug‑in version’s NEMA 1450 ground orientation differs from competitors.
• Lacks intelligent power sharing and temperature sensor in plug, limiting safety.

Summary

The video offers a condensed "quick charge" review of the Clever Charge Home EV charger, covering both the 40‑amp plug‑in model ($399) and the 48‑amp hard‑wired version ($449). It outlines physical dimensions, cable length, connector options (J1772 or Knack), UL‑type 4 enclosure, and Wi‑Fi connectivity, emphasizing the device’s ability to pull OBD2 data from the vehicle for smarter charging decisions.

Key specifications include adjustable output from 10 A up to the unit’s rated 40 A or 48 A, delivering up to 9.6 kW or 11.5 kW respectively. Installation is straightforward with a wall‑mount bracket, drywall anchors, and a unique “Clever Key” that interfaces with the car’s OBD2 port. The reviewer subjected the charger to extreme heat (120 °F), deep‑freeze cable pliability, a concrete drop test, and an automatic‑restart power‑loss test, all of which it passed.

During a month of real‑world use, the charger proved compatible with multiple EVs, including a Tesla using a J1772‑to‑Knack adapter, and logged session data in its companion app. The reviewer scored the 40‑amp unit 84 points (4.2/5 stars) and the 48‑amp unit 87 points (4.35/5 stars), noting strong multi‑vehicle management but critiquing the lack of intelligent power sharing and the absence of a temperature sensor in the NEMA 1450 plug.

For consumers and fleet operators, the Clever Charge offers solid performance and value at a sub‑$500 price point, but its safety and smart‑grid features lag behind some competitors. Buyers should weigh the robust OBD2 integration against the missing plug‑temperature monitoring and limited AI functionality when deciding if it fits their charging strategy.

Original Description

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40A NEMA 14-50 with J1772: https://amzn.to/43cQnUz

40A NEMA 14-50 with NACS: https://amzn.to/4nCasgL

Watch the full-length review: https://youtu.be/IaXCf2vBjrE?si=GXI2UJNq5OBZOv5m

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Chapters:

00:00 Intro

00:41 Unboxing

02:17 The CleverCharge's key features

03:38 Installation

05:26 Testing

06:29 Thoughts after using the CleverCharge

07:39 The ChargerRater scorecard for the CleverCharge

09:09 The CleverCharge hits and misses

10:12 Outro

Note: I earn a commission on sales from the above links.