Verdict
Head-to-head · Best Level 2 Portable EV Chargers

Lectron 40A J1772 Portable (Wi-Fi) vs Splitvolt 40A NEMA 14-50

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

The short answer

Lectron 40A J1772 Portable (Wi-Fi) comes out ahead by a narrow margin (4.2 vs 4.0). The gap is mostly about Owners who want an at-a-glance LCD and optional app scheduling at a mid-range price, and whose home outlet is close enough that a 16-18 foot cord reaches. — read the strengths below before deciding.

Lectron 40A J1772 Portable (Wi-Fi)
Higher ratedRanked #3 in Best Level 2 Portable EV Chargers
Lectron 40A J1772 Portable (Wi-Fi)
$259.99as of Jun 7

The Lectron 40A J1772 is a popular, affordable portable charger with a genuinely useful onboard LCD and, in the Wi-Fi version, app scheduling. TorqueNews called it a "fantastic value," EVchargerReviews.net scored it 3.5/5 and EV Adept buyers rate it 4.5/5. The catches are a short cord and a documented tendency to throttle below 40A when it runs warm.

Strengths
  • Full 40A / 9.6 kW output through a NEMA 14-50 plug
  • Clear LCD display shows live amps, voltage, energy in kWh, charge time and temperature
  • Wi-Fi version adds app monitoring and scheduling, with the app praised for simplicity
Watch-outs
  • Reviewers found it won't hold a full 40A above ~70°F, dropping to about 36A continuously
  • Cord is relatively short at 16-18 feet
  • Some users report it faults at the end of a session and needs a reset
Splitvolt 40A NEMA 14-50
Ranked #4 in Best Level 2 Portable EV Chargers
Splitvolt 40A NEMA 14-50
$255.54as of Jun 7

The Splitvolt 40A is the lightweight, low-cost, no-frills option, weighing just 7.7 lbs with a travel bag and charging at the full 9.6 kW. EV Adept scored it 5.9/10 and Industrial-Reviews praised it as a safe, easy-to-use, energy-efficient charger that simply lacks features. It's the pick for travel and tight budgets, not for smart-home charging.

Strengths
  • Very portable at about 7.7 lbs and ships with a travel bag
  • Full 40A / 9.6 kW NEC-safe charging with no installation required
  • IP55-rated, cETLus-certified weather-resistant enclosure
Watch-outs
  • No Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, app or scheduling of any kind
  • Shortest cord in the base version at about 16 feet
  • Some owners report the charger shutting down after a power outage

How they stack up

Lectron 40A J1772 Portable (Wi-Fi)

Splits the difference between the smart Grizzl-E Mini Connect and the bare-bones Splitvolt: it has an LCD and an optional Wi-Fi app like the Grizzl-E but a shorter cord than the MUSTART, and it throttles below its rated 40A when warm.

Splitvolt 40A NEMA 14-50

The lightest and usually cheapest option, ideal for travel, but the most basic: unlike the Grizzl-E Mini Connect and Lectron it has no app or scheduling, and its base cord is shorter than the 25-foot MUSTART and Grizzl-E cables.

Specs side-by-side

SpecLectron 40A J1772 Portable (Wi-Fi)Splitvolt 40A NEMA 14-50
Max Output40A / 9.6 kW40A / 9.6 kW
Cable Length16 ft16 ft (26 ft optional)
PlugNEMA 14-50NEMA 14-50
DisplayLCD (amps, volts, kWh, temp)
ConnectivityWi-Fi (Lectron app)None
ConnectorJ1772J1772
CertificationETL, Energy Star, FCC; UL 2251 handle
Warranty2-year1-year
Weight7.7 lbs
EnclosureIP55, cETLus certified
← See the full ranking of best level 2 portable ev chargers