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Eliminate the hassle of searching for a public charger with one of these electric vehicle chargers you can use right at home.

Plug-in electric and hybrid vehicles are seeing an increase in popularity with every passing month, but EV charging infrastructure is comparatively slow when it comes to meeting the new demand. Outside of metropolitan areas, chargers may be sparsely distributed, overcrowded, or just inconveniently located.

Luckily, the market for home charging solutions is quickly expanding, allowing hybrid and electric car owners to power up right at home. While home setups don’t typically charge as fast as dedicated stations, they make up for that in pure convenience. These chargers allow owners to plug in their electric cars during the evening, and come back to a sufficiently energized vehicle by morning time.

There are two basic types of plug-in charger available for sale in the United States: 120-volt “Level 1” chargers and 240-volt “Level 2” quick chargers. Many countries run on a 240-volt power grid already, and only need a basic cable adapter to quickly charge their cars.

The United States, however, is on a 120-volt grid, meaning it can take dozens of hours to charge a large battery. For faster performance, voltage and costs both increase. Level 2 charging requires specific outlets, fitting NEMA 6-20, 6-50, or 14-50 plugs. These may be found on dryer hookups in laundry rooms, or in some garages.

Outlets may also need to be custom-installed, or an electrician can hardwire the device to a home’s power line. Universal mount chargers are compatible with just about any modern electric vehicle, except for Tesla’s. A Lectron J1772 adapter will have to be purchased separately to fit their proprietary charging port.

480-volt fast chargers also exist, performing similarly to Tesla’s trademark Superchargers. The catch is that they have specific power requirements, demanding installation of a dedicated power line by experienced electricians. For these reasons, 480-volt chargers are much more likely to be found in commercial spaces than in private homes.

In addition to voltage, each charger has a specific amperage rating, or a few selectable amp settings. Generally, a higher amperage will charge a battery faster. However, small batteries won’t take as many amps as large ones. For instance, a Chevy Volt is limited to about 15 charging amps, while a Tesla Model S can take 80 on a 240-volt line. The Tesla will charge much faster on an 80-amp circuit than a 15-amp one, but the Chevy will take just as long with either. Be sure to consult your car’s manual for recommended energy specs.

Also be aware that electricity can be very dangerous in inexperienced hands. If you have any additional questions or concerns about the installation and charging process, it’s best to consult a professional electrician.

Popular Mechanics has picked these charging devices based on personal technical knowledge, as well as review input from publications like Consumer Reports, Inside EVs, and AutoGuide. We also selected a wide range of available features and prices to suit a variety of needs and budgets.

The JuiceBox has a lot going for it, with an adjustable 40-amp capacity, integrated cable storage, and a locking security mechanism. The box is app-controlled via built-in Wi-Fi, so there’s no need to mess with ethernet cables or SIM cards.

The app monitors battery status, gives estimated charge times, sets amperage, and schedules future usage. You can also pair the JuiceBox to an Amazon Echo device to easily activate it using voice commands in your home.

Power can be supplied by either a 14-50 outlet, or a hardwire kit option. The charger is also weatherproofed and includes a three-year warranty.

This 40-amp unit comes not only with a cutesy name, but with a convenient mounting kit to tidily stow its 24-foot cable on a garage wall. Both 6-50 and 14-50 plugs are available, along with white, black, and camo color options. It’s rated not only for weather resistance, but also fire resistance and surge protection.

The Canadian manufacturer provides a three-year service warranty. The Grizzl-E box comes with no display other than a single power indicator, but thankfully selects the correct amperage output automatically. Other automated features include a shut-off function in cases of extreme temperature, and one that allows it to resume charging once power is restored after an outage.

This wall-mounted box has a clean and modern look that is low profile enough to fit on any space where your car is parked. It is also weather-resistant, so you don't have to worry about it getting damaged in the rain or snow. The charging station also comes with an adjustable outlet that satisfies three different amperages.

The EvoCharge is manufactured in the United States, and includes a three-year factory warranty. The standard charging cable only spans 18 feet, but a 25-foot version is also available for an extra price. Another upgrade option is Wi-Fi connectivity, which allows the user to control charging remotely via the EvoCharge mobile app.

While still on the cheaper end of Level 2 chargers, this Morec device offers better amperage than many comparable models. The company claims it will charge eight times as fast as Level 1 models. It’s also weather-resistant.

The charger can plug into a 14-50 outlet, with a 6-50 version also available. Cable length is very long, with a button to switch between 16- and 32-amp modes.

Also on the housing is a small LCD display, which shows off current voltage, amperage, car battery level, charge time, and device temperature.

This rudimentary charging cable comes with a 240-volt dryer plug, as well as an adapter to fit it to any grounded 120-volt household outlet. Additional features are lacking, but it does come with a 25-foot cable in case you need to reach a long distance from your power source.

It’s also weather-resistant, which is something we want out of any long-term charging source. The only display is a control box with LED indicators to keep you updated on the charging status.

Current is limited at only 16 amps, which means bigger batteries will be slow to charge even with a 240-volt connection. This device would be best suited to lower range EVs and plug-in hybrids.

This Wallbox Pulsar packs plenty of features into a small package, including smartphone controls through both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. When not connected to a network, the base can auto-optimize charge settings.

Multiple versions of the Pulsar can even wirelessly sync to each other, allowing two or more vehicles to charge efficiently at once without the risk of tripping circuit breakers. It boasts a 40-amp max output, and can be throttled down to 16 amps. A more powerful 48-amp model is also available. The catch is that it’s hardwire only, requiring professional installation in just about every case.

The device is also weather-resistant and watertight, with a three-year manufacturer warranty.

The Shell Recharge comes with its own sleek and sturdy carrying case. Perfect for stowing away in a trunk, or frunk—that's a front trunk, if you're unfamiliar. It uses Level 2 charging through a 14-50 plug. For situations where no outlet is available, a 110-volt adapter is also included, but using it will result in slower charge times. The basic charger features a 32-amp capacity, with a 40-amp version also available at a slight premium. Both feature protection against overheating, voltage spikes, and all kinds of inclement weather.

The charger is packed with a few smart options, including scheduled charging and adjustable output. The user is able to set the device to either prioritize charging speed or battery longevity. Controls are placed near the plug end of the 30-foot cable, along with a small LCD screen showing off current output, battery status, estimated charging time, and device temperature.

This Lectron 240-volt cable is similar to other basic chargers, with one notable extra. It comes with a SAE J1772 adapter included, which gives it the ability to dock with any current Tesla models. With the adapter removed, it can also be used to charge most other plug-in vehicles.

As far as display goes it only has four rudimentary LEDs reading “power,” “connected,” “charging,” and “fault.” The charger is rated at 16 amps, likely making it slower than higher-rated 240-volt devices. 21 feet of cable gives a good amount of reach between a 10-30 outlet and the vehicle. The assembly is also made for operating temperatures ranging from -22 degrees to 122 degrees Fahrenheit.

This thin wall-mounted charger sports a sleek matte black finish.

The low-profile body does also mean that there are only a few LEDs for display options. The commercial version of HQ-150 can connect to the internet through either cable or an optional SIM card. The retail model, however, is missing this functionality.

Amperage peaks at 32, and can automatically adjust itself for smaller batteries. The body is weather- and heat-resistant, operating in temperatures from -22 degrees Fahrenheit all the way up to 122 degrees. If you purchase this product, Blink will throw in a one-year warranty, plus a $50 voucher that can be redeemed for use at one of their commercial fast charging stations.