As Amazon Associates, we earn from qualifying purchases. This means we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you if you click through and make a purchase.
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Links on this page are affiliate links.
When comparing the lectron level 2 ev charger vs explorer level 1 2 nacs tesla, you are looking at two distinct tools for different vehicles. Both units are portable and built for outdoor use with IP ratings. The main difference lies in their connector type and power output. One uses the standard J1772 connector for most non-Tesla EVs, while the other uses the NACS plug for Tesla and newer models. You also need to consider if you need Level 2 only or Level 1 and 2 flexibility.
Connector Type
J1772
NACS
Max Amperage
40A
24A
Power Output
9.6 kW
5.7 kW
Charging Levels
Level 2
Level 1 and 2
Voltage Support
240V
120V and 240V
Cable Length
16 ft
20 ft
Choose the first if
- You own a non-Tesla electric vehicle with a J1772 port.
- You want the fastest possible charging speed from a 240V outlet.
- You primarily charge at home using a dedicated 240V circuit.
Choose the second if
- You drive a Tesla or a new NACS-compatible EV.
- You need to charge from a standard 120V household outlet occasionally.
- You want a single portable unit for both home and road trips.
Verdict
The Lectron 40A Level 2 charger is the better choice for dedicated home charging of non-Tesla vehicles due to its higher power output. The Explorer is the right pick for Tesla owners or those who need the flexibility of Level 1 charging on the go. Your vehicle's port and your typical charging environment should dictate your final decision.
Lectron Level 2 vs Explorer Comparison
Charging Speed
Edge: Lectron 40A Level 2 EV Charger
The Lectron 40A Level 2 EV Charger delivers a maximum power output of 9.6 kW at 240V and 40 Amps. This high output allows for significantly faster charging sessions compared to the Lectron Explorer. The Explorer operates at a lower maximum of 5.7 kW when using 240V power at 24 Amps. If your priority is getting maximum range added to your vehicle in the shortest amount of time, the 40A unit provides nearly double the power of the Explorer’s Level 2 mode. The Explorer is designed for flexibility rather than raw speed.
Connector Compatibility
Edge: Tie
Vehicle compatibility is the most critical difference between these two chargers. The Lectron 40A uses a J1772 connector, which works with all non-Tesla electric vehicles, including brands like Ford, Hyundai, and BMW. It is not natively compatible with Tesla vehicles without an adapter. The Lectron Explorer features a NACS connector, which is the standard for Tesla models and increasingly common in other brands like Chevrolet, Rivian, and Kia. If you drive a Tesla or a NACS-equipped vehicle, the Explorer is the only compatible choice. J1772 owners must use the Lectron 40A.
Voltage Flexibility
Edge: Lectron Explorer NACS Portable Charger
The Lectron Explorer offers greater voltage flexibility because it supports both Level 1 and Level 2 charging. You can plug it into a standard 120V household outlet for 1.4 kW charging or use a 240V outlet for 5.7 kW. The Lectron 40A is a Level 2-only charger that requires a 240V NEMA 14-50 outlet. It cannot operate on 120V power. If you need to charge at locations that only have standard 120V outlets, such as older homes or hotels, the Explorer is the more versatile tool. The 40A unit is strictly for 240V infrastructure.
Cable Length
Edge: Lectron Explorer NACS Portable Charger
Cable reach affects how easily you can park near an outlet. The Lectron Explorer comes with a 20-foot charging cable, providing extra reach for longer driveways or awkward parking spots. The Lectron 40A Level 2 Charger includes a 16-foot cable. While 16 feet is sufficient for most garages, the Explorer’s additional four feet of cable offers more convenience when outlet placement is limited. Both cables are designed for portability, but the Explorer provides slightly more physical range from the power source to the vehicle.
Weather Resistance
Edge: Lectron Explorer NACS Portable Charger
Both chargers are built for outdoor use with high IP ratings. The Lectron 40A is rated IP65, meaning it is protected against low-pressure water jets and dust. The Lectron Explorer is rated IP67, which offers a higher level of protection against temporary immersion in water and more complete dust sealing. The Explorer also lists a wider operating temperature range of -22°F to 122°F, whereas the 40A does not specify its temperature limits in the provided data. For extreme weather conditions, the Explorer’s higher IP67 rating provides better assurance.
Plug Types
Edge: Lectron Explorer NACS Portable Charger
The plug configuration differs based on the intended use case. The Lectron 40A uses a fixed NEMA 14-50 plug, which connects directly to standard 240V outlets found in many homes. It does not support other plug types. The Lectron Explorer features interchangeable plugs, allowing you to switch between NEMA 5-15 for 120V outlets and NEMA 14-50 for 240V outlets. This adaptability means the Explorer can be used in more varied environments, from home garages to public stations with different outlet standards. The 40A is dedicated solely to the NEMA 14-50 connection.
Which Lectron EV Charger Fits Your Needs
Tesla or NACS owner needing portability
Our pick: Lectron Explorer NACS Portable Charger
The Lectron Explorer features a native NACS connector, eliminating the need for adapters on Tesla and compatible vehicles. It supports Level 1 and Level 2 charging with interchangeable plugs for 120V and 240V outlets. The 20-foot cable and IP67 rating make it ideal for travel and outdoor use where flexibility matters most.
J1772 owner wanting maximum speed
Our pick: Lectron 40A Level 2 EV Charger
This model delivers 9.6 kW of power at 40 Amps, charging your J1772 vehicle significantly faster than the Explorer. It uses a fixed NEMA 14-50 plug for consistent 240V connection. The 16-foot cable and IP65 rating provide reliable home charging for brands like Ford, Hyundai, and BMW without needing voltage switching.
Driver needing versatile home and road charging
Our pick: Lectron Explorer NACS Portable Charger
You can switch between a standard 120V outlet and a 240V NEMA 14-50 outlet using the Click-to-Connect plugs. This dual-voltage capability allows you to charge slowly at home on Level 1 or quickly on Level 2. The 20-foot cable and wide operating temperature range ensure it works in various environments.
Lectron 40A Level 2 EV Charger
Best for: J1772 EV owners with 240V outlets
- Connector Type
- J1772
- Charging Level
- Level 2
- Amperage
- 40A
- Power Output
- 9.6 kW
- Power Plug
- NEMA 14-50
- Voltage
- 240V
This Lectron Level 2 EV Charger delivers 9.6 kW of charging power at 240V and 40 Amps. It uses a NEMA 14-50 plug and includes a 16-foot J1772 cable. The unit is ETL and Energy Star certified with IP65 weather resistance. You get fast charging for most electric vehicles, though Tesla owners need a separate adapter. It fits well in garages or driveways where a 240V outlet is available.
- 9.6 kW output at 40 Amps for fast Level 2 charging
- ETL certified for safety with overvoltage and short circuit protection
- 16-foot cable reaches most driveways without hardwiring
- IP65 rated for dust and water resistance
- 16-foot cable is shorter than the 25-foot option on the list
- J1772 connector is not natively compatible with Tesla vehicles
- You have a standard NEMA 14-50 240V outlet installed
- You drive a J1772-compatible electric vehicle like a Ford or BMW
- You want ETL certified safety features for home charging
- You drive a Tesla and do not want to buy a separate adapter
- You only have a standard 120V household outlet available
- You need a cable longer than 16 feet for your parking spot
Verdict: Lectron 40A Level 2 EV Charger offers high-speed charging for J1772 vehicles with a durable, weather-resistant build. It is the right choice for owners with 240V outlets who prioritize certified safety and fast refill rates.
Lectron Explorer NACS Portable Charger
Best for: Drivers needing both 120V and 240V charging flexibility
- Connector Type
- NACS
- Charging Level
- Level 1 and 2
- Amperage
- 24A
- Power Output
- 5.7kW
- Power Plug
- NEMA 5-15, NEMA 14-50
- Voltage
- 120V, 240V
The Lectron Explorer is a dual-voltage charger supporting Level 1 and Level 2 charging. It delivers 1.4kW at 120V and up to 5.7kW at 240V. The unit includes interchangeable NEMA 5-15 and 14-50 plugs for flexible outlet use. It features a 20 ft cable and IP67 rating for outdoor durability. This model suits drivers who need one portable charger for both home and travel.
- Switches between 120V and 240V using interchangeable plugs
- Delivers 17–20 miles of range per hour on Level 2
- IP67 rated for water and dust resistance
- Includes a 20 ft charging cable for extended reach
- Lower maximum amperage of 24A compared to the 40A on the Lectron Level 2
- Lower maximum power output of 5.7kW compared to the 9.6kW on the Lectron Level 2
- Heavier build at 13.3 pounds compared to the lighter Lectron Level 2
- You need to charge from standard 120V household outlets
- You want a single portable charger for home and road trips
- You require IP67 weather resistance for outdoor charging
- You need the fastest possible charging speeds available
- You prefer a lighter and more compact portable unit
- You only have access to 240V outlets and do not need Level 1
Verdict: The Lectron Explorer Level 1/2 EV Charger is a versatile dual-voltage unit for drivers who need to switch between 120V and 240V outlets. It fits those who prioritize flexibility and weather resistance over maximum charging speed.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | Lectron 40A Level 2 EV Charger | Lectron Explorer NACS Portable Charger |
|---|---|---|
| Connector Type | J1772 | NACS |
| Charging Level | Level 2 | Level 1 and 2 |
| Amperage | 40A | 24A |
| Power Output | 9.6 kW | 5.7kW |
| Power Plug | NEMA 14-50 | NEMA 5-15, NEMA 14-50 |
| Voltage | 240V | 120V, 240V |
| Cable Length | 16 ft | 20 ft |
| Weight | – | 13.3 pounds |
| Size | 40A NEMA 14-50 | – |
| Color | Black | Black |
| Model | LCHG-14-50-40A-BLK-US | LECHGL1/2NACS-12/24AUS |
Frequently asked questions
Which Lectron charger is better for Tesla owners?
The Lectron Explorer is the better choice for Tesla owners. It features a native NACS connector, so you do not need adapters. The Lectron 40A Level 2 uses a J1772 connector, which requires an adapter for Tesla vehicles. The Explorer provides direct compatibility for your vehicle.
Can the Lectron Explorer charge at 240V?
Yes, the Lectron Explorer supports 240V charging. It includes a NEMA 14-50 plug for Level 2 use at higher voltages. You can also use a NEMA 5-15 plug for Level 1 charging at 120V. This dual-voltage capability gives you flexibility depending on the outlet available.
Does the Lectron 40A Level 2 charger work with Tesla?
The Lectron 40A Level 2 charger does not have a native Tesla connector. It uses a J1772 connector type. Tesla owners must use an adapter to connect this unit to their vehicle. If you want direct plug-and-play compatibility, the Explorer with its NACS connector is the suitable option.
Is the Lectron 40A Level 2 charger portable?
Yes, the Lectron 40A Level 2 charger is designed for portability. It is a standalone unit that you can move between locations. It connects to a NEMA 14-50 outlet. While it is portable, it is dedicated to Level 2 charging only, unlike the Explorer which offers dual levels.
What is the difference in amperage between the two models?
The Lectron 40A Level 2 charger operates at a fixed 40 Amps. The Lectron Explorer offers variable amperage options. It can charge at 12 Amps or 24 Amps depending on the plug you use. The 40A model provides higher speed, while the Explorer offers adjustable speeds for different power sources.
Which charger is lighter to carry?
The Lectron Explorer weighs 13.3 pounds. The data does not list the weight for the Lectron 40A Level 2 charger. Both units are built for outdoor use and are portable. You should consider the Explorer if you need a specific weight specification for transport planning.
