If you drive a Kia Niro EV, choosing the right home charger makes charging simpler, faster, and less stressful. You save time by topping up overnight, avoid queuing at public stations, and can often lower charging costs by using off-peak hours. In this guide you’ll find chargers that work with the Niro EV’s J1772 port, from portable Level 1/2 units to faster Level 2 wall boxes.
Whether you want the fastest daily charging, the best value for long-term savings, or a compact travel option, these picks help you know what to buy and why it matters to your daily routine.
Top Picks
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Category |
Product |
Score |
|---|---|---|
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🏆 Best Overall |
96/100 |
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⚡ Best Performance |
94/100 |
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💰 Best Value |
89/100 |
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🎯 Best for Beginners |
86/100 |
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🚀 Most Portable / Travel Friendly |
83/100 |
How We Picked These Chargers
You want a charger that fits the Kia Niro EV and your daily habits. We weighed compatibility (J1772 support), charging speed and amperage, plug options (NEMA 5-15, 6-20, 14-50), cable length, safety and certifications (ETL/UL), user friendliness, portability, and real-world reviews.
We also considered price and value — a faster Level 2 charger can be worth the investment if it saves you time and reduces reliance on public charging, while a reliable portable unit gives you flexibility if you travel or need a backup.
EVDANCE 16A Portable Charger
If you need a charger that handles both overnight trickle charging and faster 240 V at home or on the road, this EVDANCE unit is a solid pick. It’s lightweight for a full EVSE, comes with a 25 ft cable so you’re not wrestling with reach in the driveway, and it supports both NEMA 5-15 (120 V) and NEMA 6-20 (240 V) outlets.
You can dial down the amperage for older outlets or crank it up to 16 A when you have a proper 240 V plug — handy if you’re waiting on a pro to install a dedicated Level 2 circuit. The LED indicators make it easy to see status and spot errors without digging through a manual.
Daily use looks like plugging in overnight to top up your Kia Niro EV, while for special situations — road trips, rental stays, or as an emergency trunk charger — the included bag and adapter make it convenient to carry and connect wherever you land. If you want a straightforward, portable solution that reduces your reliance on public chargers, this one earns a casual thumbs up.
What People Say
Users mention it feels sturdy, the LEDs are useful, and the included 120 V adapter plus storage bag make it an easy go-to for nightly charging or as a backup while you wait for a permanent Level 2 install.
Overall Sentiment: Positive
🗣️ J. Bowen
The charger seems sturdy with excellent indicator lights. It came with an adapter to connect to a 120 V household plug and works great on the 120 V plug; I plan to use a dryer-plug adapter for 240 V. Cold weather performance still to be seen, but so far it worked right out of the box.
🗣️ Larry B
After a flood I replaced my EVSE cable with this unit — it’s been working great for months. It feels well made, is a bit lighter than my previous cable, charges a Fiat 500e at 240 V without issues, and includes a zippered storage bag plus a 120 V adapter.
Energy Efficiency
At 16 A and about 3.84 kW on 240 V, you’ll get noticeably faster charging than basic 8 A Level 1 cords. On 120 V it’s slower (suitable for overnight top-ups), but the ability to switch amperage means you can match the charger to your outlet and avoid waste or trips.
Solves These Problems
This charger solves common annoyances: no home charger? You can plug into standard outlets until you get a pro-installed 240 V circuit.
Need emergency charging on the road? It’s compact enough to keep in the trunk and the bag keeps it tidy.
If you have older wiring, dialing the amperage down reduces the risk of tripping breakers.
Key Benefits
- Dual‑voltage use: 120 V for anywhere access, 240 V when available
- Portable 25 ft cable so you can reach awkward outlets
- Adjustable amperage helps avoid tripping weak circuits
- Clear LED indicators let you check status at a glance
- Comes with storage bag and adapters for travel or trunk use
Rating: 4.4 (total: 574+)
VDLPOWERVP Level 1&2 Portable Charger
If you drive a Kia Niro EV and want a single cord that covers nightly top-ups and faster 240 V charging without a permanent install, this portable VDLPOWERVP unit is very practical. You plug into a standard household outlet with the included NEMA 5-15 adapter for slow, overnight charging or use the NEMA 6-20 plug on a 240 V outlet to get up to 16 A (about 3.5 kW) for noticeably faster fills.
The 20 ft cable gives you the reach to park how you like, the control box has LED status lights, and built-in protections (leakage, lightning/overheat) mean you don’t have to baby it while it’s charging. For daily use it’s an easy overnight solution; for special situations — road trips, hotel stays, or as a trunk backup — it’s compact enough to carry and versatile enough to plug in almost anywhere.
If you want to rely less on public chargers and keep a simple, portable option in your car, this one makes a lot of sense.
What People Say
Owners commonly note the step up in speed on 240 V, the usefulness of the 20 ft cable, and the reassurance of safety features and clear LEDs; many keep it in the trunk as a dependable travel or emergency charger.
Overall Sentiment: Positive
🗣️ Eric Yeh
I’ve been using the VDLPOWERVP Level 1 & 2 portable EV charger for a few weeks now, and it’s exceeded expectations. The Level 2 charging speed (240V, 16A) is about 4x faster than my old Level 1 charger. The 20‑foot cable is plenty long, the build quality feels solid, and the control box has smart safety features (leakage and lightning protection) with clear LED indicators. Light and compact enough to travel with.
🗣️ Laena
I recently purchased a 2022 Kia Niro EV and was tired of long Level 1 times. With my 240 V NEMA 6-20 in the garage this charger cut the time dramatically — my car estimated 8 hr 30 min to full instead of a day. It’s simple to use, didn’t overheat, and includes a 110 V adapter when you need it. It also comes with a one-year warranty that can be extended on registration.
Energy Efficiency
On 240 V at 16 A you’re getting roughly 3.5 kW of charging power, which is several times faster than a typical 8 A Level 1 cord — that means fewer hours parked just to top up. On 120 V it’s slower and best for overnight fills, but the ability to switch between voltages helps you match charging speed to the outlet and avoid wasted energy or tripped breakers.
Solves These Problems
This charger fixes a few common headaches: no dedicated home EVSE? You can use standard outlets until you install one.
Need a reliable backup for trips? It’s portable and uses common plugs.
Want faster home charging without rewiring? Plug into an existing 240 V NEMA 6-20 and cut your charge time significantly.
Key Benefits
- Works on both 120 V (with adapter) and 240 V outlets so you can charge almost anywhere
- 20 ft cable gives flexible reach in garages and driveways
- Level 2 capability (16 A / ~3.5 kW) meaning much faster charging than basic Level 1 cords
- Built-in safety protections and clear LED indicators for peace of mind
- Compact and portable enough to keep in the trunk as a backup or travel charger
Rating: 4.7 (total: 187+)
BETUMODA Portable 16A EV Charger
If you own a Kia Niro EV and want a single, portable cord that handles both overnight top-ups and faster 240 V charging, this BETUMODA unit is worth a look. You can plug it into a standard 120 V outlet with the included adapter for slow, reliable overnight charging, or use a 240 V NEMA 6‑20 outlet to get the full 16 A capability for noticeably quicker fills.
The nearly 25 ft cable gives you flexibility in how you park, the 2.8-inch touch LED shows charge details and there’s a 1–12 hour delayed start timer so you can take advantage of off‑peak rates. Built-in protections (overvoltage, short-circuit, earth leakage) and an IP65 rating add peace of mind. It’s light enough to keep in the trunk for trips, but also simple to mount in a garage if you prefer a semi-permanent setup. If you want a portable, practical charger to rely on for daily nights and occasional travel, this one strikes a good balance between convenience and capability.
What People Say
Buyers often highlight the step up in charge speed on 240 V, the long cable, and the solid construction. Many keep it as a reliable trunk backup for trips or to use before a dedicated home EVSE is installed. A few mention the screen can be hard to read in bright sunlight and that amp changes sometimes require unplugging to reset.
Overall Sentiment: Positive
🗣️ SilverStare11
The charger has been 100% reliable for me. The display gives useful details (though it can be hard to read in bright daylight). Note: the charger’s speed settings don’t exactly match some cars’ interfaces — I set it to 13A for a Level 1 situation and it worked perfectly. The package also included a rubber cap for the gun and a carrying case, which I appreciated.
🗣️ Dawkem
I bought this as a backup and it outperformed my factory charger — a full recharge took about 8 hours instead of nearly 12. At the 16 A setting the readout showed ~12.4 A while charging. The cord feels heavy‑gauge and long, and it comes with a carrying case plus a wall bracket for mounting the controller.
Energy Efficiency
On 240 V at 16 A the charger delivers about 3.84 kW of power, which cuts charging hours compared with a typical Level 1 cord. On 120 V the 16 A setting gives roughly 1.92 kW, making it best for overnight top-ups.
The delayed start timer helps you shift charging to lower‑cost, off‑peak times to reduce running costs.
Solves These Problems
This charger handles common needs: no dedicated EVSE? You can use standard outlets or a 240 V plug until you install one.
Need a dependable travel or emergency option? It’s portable with a long cable and carrying case.
Want to avoid high off-peak rates? Use the timer to start charging during cheaper hours.
Key Benefits
- Works on both 120 V (with included adapter) and 240 V outlets so you can charge almost anywhere
- Adjustable current (8A, 10A, 13A, 16A) to match outlets and avoid tripped breakers
- Nearly 25 ft cable gives flexible reach in garages, driveways, or when parked away from an outlet
- 2.8-inch touch LED display and 1–12 hour delayed start timer for convenient control and off‑peak charging
- Comprehensive safety features (overvoltage, short‑circuit, earth leakage) and IP65 protection
Rating: 4.5 (total: 49+)
ELEGRP Level 2 EV Charger (40A)
If you drive a Kia Niro EV, this ELEGRP Level 2 charger is a very practical plug-and-play option. It delivers up to 40 A (about 9.6 kW or ~37 mi/hr) on a 240 V NEMA 14-50 outlet, so overnight top-ups and faster daily fills are easy. The 25 ft cable gives you plenty of reach in a garage or driveway, the 1–12 hour timer helps you shift charging to off‑peak hours, and the included wall mount plus carry bag make it convenient whether you keep it as a home unit or take it on trips. It’s ETL certified and uses PBE/LCR tech to keep charging cooler and safer.
If you want dependable, no‑fuss home charging without app-based features, this is worth considering.
What People Say
Owners praise the reliable 40 A performance, long 25 ft cable, and useful accessories (carry case and wall mount). Many find it fast and consistent for daily home charging; a few note it lacks smart app features but appreciate the simple plug-and-play setup.
Overall Sentiment: Positive
🗣️ Weimin Ye
I’m impressed with the build and portability. The charger comes in a neat case with a handle, includes a wall mount, and the 25 ft cable is sturdy. The 40 A performance and 1–12 hour delay timer let me schedule off‑peak charging, and I didn’t notice much difference compared with my home setup when charging to 80%.
🗣️ Amazon Customer
Great balance of performance and convenience — the 40 A cut charging time compared with Level 1, the 25‑foot cable makes placement flexible, and ETL certification plus the NEMA 14-50 plug give peace of mind. It’s portable enough for travel, though it lacks Wi‑Fi/app controls and isn’t as ruggedly sealed as some high-end units.
Energy Efficiency
At 240 V and 40 A the unit delivers about 9.6 kW (roughly 37 miles/hour of range for many EVs), which significantly shortens charging time versus Level 1 cords. The 1–12 hour timer helps you shift charging to lower‑cost, off‑peak periods to reduce running costs.
Solves These Problems
If you don’t want a hardwired EVSE, this charger gives you near‑hardwired speeds with a standard NEMA 14-50 plug. The adjustable current settings help prevent tripped breakers on smaller circuits, the long cable solves reach issues in awkward garages, and the portable design means you can bring it on trips or use it as a temporary home solution.
Key Benefits
- Fast Level 2 charging up to 40 A (plug-and-play with NEMA 14-50)
- 25 ft cable for flexible reach in garages and driveways
- Adjustable current levels (including settings down to 16 A) to match circuits
- 1–12 hour timer to shift charging to off‑peak rates
- ETL certified and PBE/LCR technology for cooler, safer charging
- Portable with carry bag and wall mount for home or travel use
- Universal J1772 compatibility with many BEVs/PHEVs
Rating: 4.9 (total: 15+)
EMPORIA Pro Level 2 EV Charger (48A)
If you drive a Kia Niro EV, this Emporia Pro is built to make home charging painless. It delivers up to 48 A and includes Emporia’s PowerSmart load management plus a Vue home energy monitor, so you can often avoid an expensive panel upgrade while still charging quickly. You can hardwire it or choose a NEMA plug variant, and the 25 ft cable gives you lots of reach in a garage or driveway. In daily use you’ll appreciate the app for scheduling off‑peak charging, tracking energy and cost, and seeing real‑time home consumption.
For special days when you need a faster top‑up before a long trip, the higher amperage and robust cable get the job done without fuss. If you want a hard‑working, app‑driven Level 2 charger that helps you manage home energy, this one’s worth a close look.
What People Say
Owners highlight the intuitive app, reliable PowerSmart load balancing, and the convenience of the included Vue monitor. Many report easy day‑to‑day charging, flexible installation options, and a durable 25 ft cable; a few mention installation quirks related to their electrical panel type.
Overall Sentiment: Positive
🗣️ Richard Dodd
Mine arrived well packed and the black finish looks solid. I had it installed outdoors (NEMA 4 rating is great) and ran a 60 A circuit — the app setup was straightforward, linking the Vue energy monitor took an extra trip from my electrician because my panel had bus bars, so check your panel first. The 25 ft cable is flexible and light, and it handled daily charging for my Mustang Mach‑E (about 70 miles/day) with no issues.
🗣️ Stephen
PowerSmart worked seamlessly the first time I powered it on — the app connected and let me control charging without hassle. The Pro unit is well built and I was able to draw full current without changing settings on the car. Emporia tech support was responsive when I had a setup question.
Energy Efficiency
PowerSmart and the Vue monitor let you charge when electricity is cheapest and automatically balance home loads so you don’t need a big panel upgrade. Over time that scheduling and visibility into usage helps lower charging costs and avoid wasted energy.
Solves These Problems
If your home panel is limited, the PowerSmart system steps in to intelligently adjust amps so you can still install a high‑output charger without an immediate panel upgrade. The app handles scheduling, solar integration and usage reporting, the long cable solves reach issues, and the weather‑resistant enclosure makes outdoor mounting straightforward.
Key Benefits
- PowerSmart load management to avoid costly panel upgrades
- Up to 48 A charging for faster daily fills and quick top‑ups
- Includes Vue home energy monitor for real‑time usage and cost tracking
- 25 ft cable for flexible reach in garages and driveways
- Options for hardwired or NEMA 14‑50 plug installation
- Weather‑resistant (NEMA 4) housing suitable for outdoor mounting
- App scheduling to automate off‑peak charging and save on energy costs
Rating: 4.8 (total: 27+)
FAQ
How Do I Know Which Charger Is Right For My Kia Niro EV?
You’ll want to start by confirming connector compatibility: most Kia Niro EV models in North America use the SAE J1772 inlet, so any J1772 charger will physically connect and work. After that, decide what matters most to you: portability and the ability to charge wherever you go, or a faster, dedicated home setup.
Look for ETL/UL certification or equivalent safety listings, a cable long enough for your parking position, selectable amperage if you need to match a weaker circuit, and a NEMA plug that fits the outlet you have or plan to install. If you drive a Tesla, remember you’ll need a J1772-to-Tesla adapter.
Finally, consider smart features like scheduling and energy monitoring if you want to optimize off-peak charging and track usage.
Can I Install And Use A Portable Level 1/2 Charger Safely At Home?
Yes, you can safely use a portable Level 1 or Level 2 charger at home if you follow a few basic rules. Make sure the outlet and circuit match the charger’s plug and amperage and follow the 80% rule—set the charger to no more than 80% of the circuit breaker rating.
For permanent or high‑amp Level 2 installs you should hire a licensed electrician to install a dedicated circuit or NEMA receptacle (for example NEMA 6-20, 14-50, etc.). Never use extension cords or shared circuits, use GFCI or RCD protection for outdoor plugs, and avoid exposing the connector or controller to severe weather unless the unit has an appropriate ingress protection rating.
Always read the manual, inspect the cable for damage before each use, and register the unit for warranty and support.
How Fast Will My Kia Niro EV Charge With These Home Chargers And What Practical Tips Should I Follow?
Charging speed depends on voltage and amperage: a Level 1 120V supply at typical 12–16A adds roughly 3–5 miles of range per hour, while a Level 2 240V charger at 16A (about 3.8 kW) will add considerably more—commonly in the range of about 12–25 miles per hour depending on your driving efficiency. Higher‑amp Level 2 units (for example 40A or 48A models) will charge much faster if your car and home circuit support that power.
For best results, schedule charging during off‑peak hours if your charger or utility allows it, set the charger to a lower current if you notice breakers tripping or if other heavy loads are running, keep the cable untangled and stored in its bag when not in use, and periodically check the lock/release mechanism on the handle so you don’t get stuck. If you want energy tracking or load management, choose a model with smart app features or energy‑management support.
What Buyers Prefer
You’ll mainly focus on charging speed and compatibility — making sure the unit supports your Kia Niro EV and whether you want a straightforward 16A charger or the Level 1/2 flexibility — along with portability and safety features like overcurrent protection and weather resistance. You’ll also weigh cable length, build quality, ease of use, and price, often choosing EVDANCE or BETUMODA for simple 16A portability or VDLPOWERVP if you want the added versatility of Level 1 and 2 charging.
Wrapping Up
Now that you’ve seen the options, pick based on how you use your Niro EV. If you want the most capable home charger with smart energy features and fast charging, consider the EMPORIA Pro for reliable 48 amp performance and PowerSmart management. If you need fast Level 2 charging without breaking the bank, the ELEGRP 40A box is a strong choice.
For a budget-friendly, versatile portable solution you can keep in your trunk, the VDLPOWERVP provides solid performance at $103.55. If you’re just starting with EV charging and want something simple and easy to use, the BETUMODA 16A unit is a good beginner pick at $119.99.
For travel and emergency top-ups, a lightweight portable like the EVDANCE ($159.99) gives you the flexibility to charge on 120 V or 240 V when available. Choose the one that matches your parking, budget, and how quickly you need to recharge — that will give you the best everyday experience with your Kia Niro EV.
| Product | Image | Rating | Charging Power | Cable Length | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EVDANCE Level 1&2 EV Charger |
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4.4/5 (574 reviews) | 16A, 3.84 kW | 25 feet | 7 pounds |
| VDLPOWERVP Level 1&2 EV Charger |
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4.7/5 (187 reviews) | 16A, 3.5 kW | 20 feet | 5.99 pounds |
| BETUMODA Portable EV Charger |
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4.5/5 (49 reviews) | 16A, 1.92 kW | 24.99 feet | 7.74 pounds |
| ELEGRP Level 2 EV Charger |
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4.9/5 (15 reviews) | 40A, 9.6 kW | 25 feet | 13.2 pounds |
| EMPORIA Pro Level 2 EV Charger |
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4.8/5 (27 reviews) | 48A, 11.5 kW | 25 feet | N/A |
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