Volchar, a player in the electric vehicle (EV) charging market, has unveiled its latest offering: a 9.6 kilowatt (kW), 240V outlet designed for residential use. This new charger boasts UV resistance and carries a NEMA 4 rating, providing maximum protection against harsh weather conditions.
The charger is designed for universal EV compatibility in the US, catering to a wide range of EV models, with the notable exception of Tesla vehicles. Despite this limitation, Volchar is confident that its durable, waterproof, and compact chargers will make a significant impact in the market.
This latest model is specifically tailored for home use, offering Level 2 charging capabilities for EV owners with power needs that can be met with this output level. It features a J1772 charging plug, enabling interoperable charging for popular brands such as Ford, Audi, Jaguar, and Chevrolet. Tesla owners can also utilize this charger with the appropriate adapter.
Volchar’s new EV charger is designed with user experience in mind, featuring a handle finished in premium comfortable rubber and a 25-foot cable that remains flexible even in extreme temperatures as low as -30°C.
One of the standout features of the new Volchar charger is its cost-saving potential. The charger can be configured to take advantage of different electricity rate plans, helping owners optimize their charging costs. This can be easily managed through the accompanying app, which also functions as a Smart Remote Control for the charger. Additionally, the charger supports voice commands through Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.
Despite its innovative features, the charger does have limitations, such as being restricted to 40 amps (40A) of input due to its NEMA 14-50 plug type. However, this has not deterred customers, as the charger is currently sold out on Volchar’s official website at its recommended price of $659. It is, however, available for purchase on Walmart’s website for $539.