ShockFlo G1 vs ChargePoint Home Flex: How do they look?

Electric Cars
Updated On - March 7, 2024

We compare the ShockFlo G1 and ChargePoint Home Flex in our level 2 charger comparison series. By looking at features like compatibility, build quality, charging speed, and more side-by-side.

ShockFlo is a company that specializes in EV charging. One of their products is the ShockFlo G1, which is a portable charger for electric vehicles. Basically, you can keep it in your EV and charge it at level 2 using a 240V outlet anywhere you are. Comparatively, ChargePoint is not a portable charger and requires installation. There is no doubt that ChargePoint is a highly respected brand in the EV market and its Home Flex charger is one of the most rapid EV chargers that you can buy. In case you are interested, we have written an extensive review of ChargePoint Home Flex.

Now let’s get into details of ShockFlo G1 and ChargePoint Home Flex next to each other. Want to know about the best EV chargers, then we have written an article for that too.

Compatibility: ShockFlo vs ChargePoint

The ShockFlo G1 Level 2 EV charger is compatible with all EVs and plug-in hybrids that meet J1772 standards. If you are a Tesla owner, you need an adapter.

With ChargePoint Home Flex you get both options, J1772 and NACS (Tesla) connectors. This makes it more versatile for all EV types.

ShockFlo G1 is designed to use NEMA 14-50 outlets. This outlet is mainly used for high-power appliances and is suitable for 240-volt charging. This allows maximum current flow into your EV. But, if you are outdoors or travelling and don’t have the recommended outlet available, you will need an adapter to connect. You won’t get optimal charging speed if you do this.

Charging Speed: The Amount of Current it Delivers

Now, let’s compare the ShockFlo G1 vs ChargePoint Home Flex for charging speed.

The ShockFlo G1 portable EV charger comes in two models: the 32 Amp and 40 Amp model. The 32 Amp model gives about 7.7 kW of max power and the 40 Amp model gives about 9.6 kW of max power. To put it into perspective, let’s say we want to charge a Tesla Model 3 with an average efficiency of 4.1 miles per kWh. With that, you can expect approximately 31 miles of range added to your EV per hour. The 40 Amp model, on the other hand, will add about 40 miles of range per hour to your car. (note these are approximate calculations).

ChargePoint Home Flex is even faster. It gives up to 50 amps of power. Home Flex can accommodate circuit breakers with 20 to 80 amps. So it can be set to charge at different amperage levels, 16A, 24A, 32A, 40A, 48A, or 50A. Having this flexibility allows you to adjust the charging speed based on the electrical system capacity and acceptance rate.

At its highest setting of 50 amps, the Home Flex can deliver up to 12 kW of power. But, to get this, it must be installed on a 60-amp circuit. This is because electrical codes require that a continuous load (like an EV charger) only uses up to 80% of a circuit’s capacity.

Now back to our previous example, if you are charging a Tesla Model 3 with 4.1 miles per kWh approx. efficiency, we can calculate. You will generally gain about 50 miles of range per hour of charging given these conditions. Realistically, you should expect 40-50 miles/hour though.

Smart Features: What are Smart Functionalities?

EV chargers come with smart functionalities. One of which is the ability to set charging times at the least expensive time to save money.

How does this functionality work in ShockFlo G1? Let’s explore.

Well, it’s useful to benefit from lower electricity rates. There is a delay timer button. When you press this button, the charger will start charging only at specific times. You can set it for when electricity rates are lower based on your utility provider’s rate. The other way is through the EV itself. Many of today’s EVs have this feature. Basically you set the times that charging happens and car will only receive charge during those hours.

There are some other smart features for ShockFlo G1 like:

- Power management system – automatically cuts off power when fully charged
- Prevent overloading the household circuitry by monitoring voltage, temperature, and time

Let’s look at ChargePoint Home Flex now.

Home Flex and the ChargePoint app provide pleasant user experiences. You can manage and monitor your charging all the time. The charging session can be started or stopped through the app. Check how many miles are added to the car. There is a scheduling feature to take advantage of during off-peak hours.

You can set reminders so you remember to charge your car. By connecting the Home Flex to Amazon Alexa, users will be able to manage their charging with their voice. By asking Alexa, users can start or stop charging, find out if the car is plugged in, see how many miles have been added, and check the balance of their ChargePoint account.

The Home Flex uses WiFi for its smart features. Even if the WiFi is down or disconnected, the Home Flex will continue to charge the car. You can plug your car in if you need immediate charging too.

A LED indicator provides information about the charger’s status and any potential problems.

Cable Length

The ShockFlo G1 EV charger comes with a 20-foot cable, which gives it a great balance between portability and utility.

There’s a 23-foot charging cable with the ChargePoint Home Flex, which provides flexibility in parking locations.

Build Quality

ShockFlo G1’s build quality is robust and reliable and visually it looks like a rectangular case with rounded aesthetics with a wall bracket.

This charger comes with a substantial and relatively thick charging cord, which is important for handling the full 40 amps (in the case of the 40A model).

With IP67 water resistance, the charger casing can withstand rain and snow, making it suitable for outdoor use. However, it should not be submerged in water. It is designed to operate in a wide temperature range (-22°F to 122°F), ensuring versatility.

The G1 charger comes with a carrying case and a wall mounting bracket, adding convenience and protection when not in use.

ChargePoint Home Flex has a sleek and modern design. It’s durable because it’s made from high-quality materials. There is an LED light strip that provides visual feedback about charging status. It shows when the vehicle is ready to charge, if it is charging and if there is an error or fault.

Home Flex can be installed indoors or outdoors. Build quality withstands many weather conditions. It’s UL Listed for safety and ENERGY STAR® certified for efficiency, so you know it’s built to last.

Installation and Warranty

The ShockFlo G1 EV charger is designed with user convenience in mind, simplifying installation. Included in the package are a wall-mounting bracket and a carry bag, enabling users to install the charger at home or in a garage, as well as offering portability for travel.

In contrast, the installation of the ChargePoint Home Flex Level 2 EV Charger is a more intricate process that necessitates the expertise of a qualified electrician. This requirement is due to the hardwired nature of the installation, which must comply with all local electrical codes and ordinances. ChargePoint offers a comprehensive installation guide and a step-by-step installation video to help.

There is a 3-year limited warranty on both chargers, as well as a warranty for defective products.

Price

The ShockFlo G1 32 amp model is about $270 and the 40 amp model is about $350. The price range for ChargePoint Home Flex ranges between about $550 and $700.