In this blog, the host unboxes the MaxiCharger, shows its design and build quality, demonstrates the installation process, tests charging performance with different EVs, explores the companion smartphone app, and offers initial impressions on the benefits and drawbacks of the charger.

This post will summarize the key information from the video, focusing on the charger’s hardware, features, charging experience, and real-world performance. We’ll look at the pros and cons of the Autel Home MaxiCharger to help readers determine if it’s a good option for their home EV charging needs.

Unboxing the Autel Home MaxiCharger

The Autel Home MaxiCharger comes packaged in a fairly substantial cardboard box, with the charger unit protected in custom molded foam inserts. The packaging makes a good first impression, with the charger arriving undamaged after shipping.

Inside the box, the charger is encased in a smooth plastic shell that gives it some protection during transit. The J1772 charging plug has its own molded holster that keeps it securely in place.

Once unboxed, the MaxiCharger unit feels sturdy and solidly built. The housing appears to be made of brushed aluminum with some plastic components, giving it a premium look and feel.

The packaging also includes a wall mounting bracket made of thick steel. Mounting hardware includes heavy duty screws and custom wall anchors.

The charging cable itself feels thick and durable. It uses a nice chunky NEMA 14-50 plug that clicks securely into the base of the charger.

Overall, the unboxing experience reflects the premium branding of the Autel charger. From the custom foam inserts to the brushed aluminum housing, the MaxiCharger makes a good first impression with its build quality and packaging.

Charger Hardware Overview

The Autel Home MaxiCharger unit itself has an attractive, minimalist design. It features a rectangular base made of brushed aluminum with rounded edges. This gives it a nice high-end, Apple-esque aesthetic.

On the front of the base is a plastic holster which neatly stores the J1772 charging cable and connector when not in use. The cable feels thick and durable.

The top of the base has four indicator lights:

Power – indicates when the unit is powered on
Internet – shows WiFi connectivity status
Charge – illuminates when actively charging a vehicle
Bluetooth – indicates when paired to a smartphone via Bluetooth

There are no buttons on the unit itself. All controls and settings are handled through the smartphone app.

At the bottom is the NEMA 14-50 plug that connects to a 240V outlet. There’s a decent length of cord to provide some flexibility in positioning.

Overall, the hardware feels very solidly constructed. The materials used give it a premium look and feel, especially compared to cheaper plastic charger boxes. It seems built to withstand the elements and hold up over years of use.

Installation and Set-Up

The Autel Home MaxiCharger comes with everything you need for a straightforward installation and set-up. I was sent the hardwired version initially, so I had to request the plug-in NEMA 14-50 version which is what I needed for my garage.

The NEMA 14-50 plug connects directly to a 240V outlet, providing up to 50 amps of power. There’s a decent length cord which allows some flexibility on outlet location. The charger unit itself is compact and light enough for wall mounting. It comes with a mounting bracket and hardware if you want a permanent installation.

For my temporary setup, I simply placed the unit on a shelf near the outlet. I plugged it in and made sure the indicator lights came on. There’s a light sequence it goes through on startup as it runs diagnostics.

The J1772 connector plugs into the front of the unit, clicking securely into place. There’s a nice holster which stores the connector neatly when not in use. The J1772 is the standard for most EVs in the US, so I could plug directly into my test vehicle’s charge port.

For Tesla vehicles, the MaxiCharger includes a J1772 to Tesla adapter. This taps into the control pilot signal and enables the Tesla to communicate with the charger. I tested it on a Model 3 and it also worked perfectly, starting charging right away.

Overall, the whole installation process was quick and painless. Within about 10 minutes I had the unit powered on, connected to my vehicle, and charging at the full 40 amp rate. The well-designed cables and adapters make set-up a breeze.

Charging Experience

Plugging in the Autel Home MaxiCharger and trying it out with electric vehicles was straightforward. I first tested it by charging a Hyundai Ioniq 5. Connecting the J1772 plug that comes with the charger into the port on the Ioniq 5 was simple and quick. The charger immediately started delivering power to the vehicle, ramping up to between 9.2-9.4 kW, which is the expected rate from the 50 amp circuit I have installed.

The Ioniq 5’s charge port light turned green to indicate charging was active, and the Autel Home app showed the power delivery in real time. Charging started right away at maximum available power, with no delays or issues.

Next, I tried using a Tesla J1772 adapter to connect the charger to a Tesla Model 3. Again, plugging in was seamless, with the Model 3 initiating charging rapidly after connecting. The charge rate matched what I saw with the Ioniq 5, topping out between 9.2-9.4 kW from the Autel unit.

Overall, connecting and charging both vehicles was quick and hassle-free. The Autel charger delivered the expected power I have available in my home, with no problems initiating or maintaining the maximum charge current. Both the J1772 connector and Tesla adapter worked flawlessly.

Autel Home App

Downloading and connecting the charger to the Autel Home app was a straightforward process. I simply searched for “Autel Home” in the iOS App Store and downloaded the free app. After launching the app, I selected “Add Device” and followed the on-screen prompts to connect my Autel Home MaxiCharger via WiFi.

The Autel Home app provides detailed data and analytics on your charging sessions. You can view real-time charging stats like power draw, time remaining, and consumption. The app also compiles this data into graphs and charts to analyze charging history and costs over time.

I especially liked the scheduling features in the Autel Home app. You can set schedules to charge your EV during off-peak hours to minimize costs. The app will even automatically adjust charging based on your departure time to ensure the car is fully charged when needed.

Overall, the Autel Home app provides robust functionality and lots of data to optimize and analyze home EV charging. The app is well-designed and user-friendly. Connecting and managing my charger through the app was quick and intuitive. For homeowners looking to monitor charging habits and costs, the Autel Home app is a valuable companion to the MaxiCharger hardware.

Charger Performance Over Time

After using the Autel Home MaxiCharger regularly over several months, I’m happy to report it has held up well and delivered consistent charging speeds over time.

The overall build quality and durability of the hardware itself remains solid. Despite being moved around and plugged/unplugged frequently, the charger unit and cables still look and function like new. I haven’t noticed any wear or issues.

In terms of charging speeds, the Autel Home has stayed consistent at delivering the expected 9-10kW charging rate for my EV. I routinely see it pulling 9.2-9.5kW when charging my Hyundai Ionic 5. This aligns with the original charging speeds I observed when first unboxing and testing the unit.

The Autel app continues to provide detailed charging data session after session. The graphs and stats remain insightful for tracking charging performance over time. I can easily pull up historic charging curves and compare them side-by-side.

After several months of regular real-world use, I’m impressed with how the Autel Home MaxiCharger has held up over time. Both the hardware and charging speeds continue performing like new, giving me confidence in the long-term durability and reliability of this EVSE.

Pros of the Autel Home MaxiCharger

The Autel Home MaxiCharger has several advantages that make it stand out from other EV chargers on the market:

Well-Designed Aesthetic

One of the most noticeable pros of the Autel charger is its sleek, modern design. It features a brushed aluminum finish that gives it a premium high-tech look. The j1772 charging plug neatly tucks into a holster on the front of the unit when not in use, keeping the cables organized and out of the way. Overall, the aesthetic is clean, minimalist, and should fit in nicely in most home garage or driveway settings.

Sturdy, High-Quality Materials

Beyond just looks, the Autel charger is sturdily constructed from quality materials. The cables and housing feel solid and durable, inspiring confidence that this unit is built to last. Given that an EV charger will see daily use and exposure to the elements, it’s important that it can stand up to wear and tear over time. The hefty yet flexible cables and brushed aluminum casing point to a product made with longevity in mind.

Helpful Charging Data and Connectivity

Connecting to the Autel Home app provides useful charging data and remote monitoring. You can view real-time charging speed, time remaining, energy consumed, and total cost right from your smartphone. The app also allows you to set schedules, get notifications, and monitor usage over time. For those who want to optimize and analyze their EV charging patterns, the Autel charger provides helpful insight and conveniences.

Cons of the Autel Home MaxiCharger

The Autel Home MaxiCharger does have some drawbacks compared to other EV chargers on the market:

Higher price point than competitors – The MaxiCharger retails for $699, which puts it at the higher end of Level 2 home chargers. Many competitors like ChargePoint and JuiceBox offer similar chargers in the $400-500 range. The premium materials and sturdy build quality account for some of the extra cost, but it is still pricier than other options.
Limited cable length may require extension – The cable length on the MaxiCharger is 18 feet. For some home garage or driveway setups, an extension cord may be required to reach the vehicle’s charging port. This adds an extra component that could impact charging speeds. Other chargers have cable lengths up to 25 feet.
App has room for improvement in user experience – While the Autel Home app provides robust data and customization, the interface itself feels a bit clunky compared to competitors. The app can also be slow to load data at times. There’s room for smoother and more intuitive navigation within the app.

So while the MaxiCharger delivers premium materials and solid performance, the higher price, limited cable length, and just average app hold it back from being the perfect home EV charging solution. Consumers will have to weigh the pros and cons against their needs and budget. But for those who prioritize robust construction and sleek design, the MaxiCharger makes a compelling case.

Comparable Alternatives

The Autel Home MaxiCharger compares well against other top home EV chargers like Chargepoint, Juicebox, and Clipper Creek models. Here’s a look at how it stacks up:

Chargepoint Home Flex – The Chargepoint Home Flex has a similar sleek, modern design and offers customizable charging schedules through an app. It maxes out at 50 amps/11.5kW like the Autel. However, it doesn’t have an integrated cable or plug holster, and costs more at $650.
Juicebox 40 – The Juicebox 40 is comparable in power at 40 amps/9.6kW, but has a more basic utilitarian look. It does allow monitoring and scheduling through an app, and runs around the same $599 price point. Lacks the integrated cable management.
Clipper Creek HCS-40 – As a 40 amp model, the Clipper Creek HCS-40 matches up in charging speed. It has a rugged, no-frills design focused on reliability rather than tech features. There’s no app connectivity or scheduling. But it is a bit cheaper at $549.

The Autel stands out with its focus on design aesthetics and built-in cable management features. It doesn’t cut corners on allowing app connectivity and scheduling either. The power output matches up well with competitors, even besting some. And it comes in at a fair mid-range price point compared to the options.

For those wanting a reliable charger that looks great, charges quickly, and offers connected features, the Autel Home MaxiCharger is a leading choice in the market. It hits the sweet spot between price, performance and features.

Recommendation

The Autel Home MaxiCharger is a good option for EV owners who prioritize design and build quality in their home charger. Its brushed aluminum finish and sturdy construction give it a premium feel lacking in some competitors. For new EV owners still learning the ropes, the MaxiCharger’s robust companion app provides helpful stats and analyses to track charging sessions.

However, buyers on a tight budget may want to look elsewhere. The MaxiCharger commands a price premium for its sleek look and smartphone connectivity. More budget-focused alternatives like the ChargePoint Home Flex provide similar charging speeds and reliability at a lower cost.

The MaxiCharger is best suited for:

EV owners who appreciate quality design and materials
Those wanting a polished, tech-forward look for their charger
New EV adopters who value access to charging data and analytics through a companion app

It may not be the right fit for:

Buyers prioritizing value and lower upfront cost
Those less concerned with aesthetics and mainly seeking a basic, reliable charger

So in summary, the Autel Home MaxiCharger brings attractive styling and helpful smart features to home charging. But buyers should weigh the premium pricing against more affordable options that deliver largely similar core functionality.

Conclusion

After reviewing the Autel Home MaxiCharger over the past few months, I’m ready to give my final verdict. This charger has both strengths and weaknesses that are important to consider when making a buying decision.

On the positive side, the MaxiCharger has a sleek, well-built design that looks great in any garage. The brushed aluminum finish gives it a premium feel, and the charger holster neatly stores the J1772 plug when not in use. From a performance standpoint, the MaxiCharger reliably delivered the expected 9-10kW charge rate to my EV during testing. The charger stayed cool, even during extended charging sessions.

The MaxiCharger app provides granular data on charging sessions, including detailed charging graphs. This allows you to closely analyze the device’s performance. I also appreciated the ability to schedule charging times and monitor energy costs directly in the app.

However, the MaxiCharger does have some downsides to consider. The bulky charging cable could pose issues in cold weather conditions. The app is also a bit clunky to navigate. Certain features, like charge scheduling, require multiple steps compared to rival apps.

Overall, the Autel Home MaxiCharger is a solid home EV charger that looks great and delivers on performance. If you don’t need advanced app features and value robust design over all else, it’s an excellent choice. However, competing chargers may offer better smart features and more flexibility at a similar price point. As with any EV purchase, take the time to fully compare the pros and cons before deciding on the right charger for your needs and budget.