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 vs ApexCharger ev charger, you find two portable Level 2 options. Both deliver 40 amps at 240V for 9.6 kW of power. They share the NEMA 14-50 plug for standard household outlets. The main difference lies in cable length and connectivity. Lectron offers a fixed 16-foot cable. ApexCharger provides a longer 25-foot cord with app control. You must decide which features matter most for your daily charging routine.
Cable Length
16 ft
25 ft
Charging Levels
Level 2 only
Level 1 & 2
Connector Type
J1772
J1772, NACS
Connectivity
not listed
Bluetooth, Wi-Fi
Display
not listed
2.4" LED
Choose the first if
- You prefer a simpler device without app requirements.
- You already own a J1772 adapter for Tesla vehicles.
- You want a charger with ETL and Energy Star certifications.
Choose the second if
- You need to reach outlets further away with a 25-foot cable.
- You charge a Tesla and want native NACS compatibility.
- You want to monitor charging status via a mobile app.
Verdict
Choose the Lectron if you prioritize certified safety and a straightforward, app-free experience. Select the ApexCharger if you need greater reach with its longer cable and native support for Tesla vehicles. Both units provide the same maximum charging speed for standard J1772-equipped cars.
Lectron vs ApexCharger EV Charger
Charging Levels
Edge: ApexCharger MACH 3 40A Portable
The ApexCharger MACH 3 supports both Level 1 and Level 2 charging, offering greater flexibility for different outlet types. You can use a standard 120V NEMA 5-15 outlet for slower charging or a 240V NEMA 14-50 for faster sessions. The Lectron 40A is strictly a Level 2 charger, requiring a 240V outlet to operate. If you frequently travel or only have access to basic household outlets, the ApexCharger allows you to charge anywhere. The Lectron is designed for dedicated home garages or driveways with existing 240V infrastructure. This dual-mode capability gives the ApexCharger a clear advantage in versatility.
Cable Length
Edge: ApexCharger MACH 3 40A Portable
Cable length significantly impacts convenience when parking your vehicle. The ApexCharger MACH 3 comes with a 25-foot cable, providing ample reach to connect to outlets that are not immediately next to your parking spot. The Lectron charger includes a 16-foot cable. While 16 feet is sufficient for many standard garages, it may require more precise parking alignment. If your outlet is located further away from your driveway or garage entrance, the extra nine feet on the ApexCharger makes setup easier. You will not need to stretch or rearrange your car as often with the longer cord.
Connector Compatibility
Edge: ApexCharger MACH 3 40A Portable
Connector compatibility determines which vehicles you can charge directly. The ApexCharger MACH 3 features a dual connector design, supporting both the SAE J1772 standard and the NACS port. This means it works natively with most electric vehicles, including Teslas, without needing extra adapters. The Lectron charger uses a standard J1772 connector. While this works with almost all non-Tesla EVs, Tesla owners must use a separate adapter to plug in. If you own a Tesla or plan to switch brands, the ApexCharger’s native NACS support removes the need for additional hardware.
Smart Connectivity
Edge: ApexCharger MACH 3 40A Portable
Smart features allow you to monitor and control charging remotely. The ApexCharger MACH 3 includes Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity, enabling you to manage sessions via a dedicated app. You can track charging progress and adjust settings from your phone. The Lectron charger does not list any wireless connectivity options in its specifications. It relies on physical controls or basic LED indicators for status. If you prefer to check charging stats or start sessions without leaving your car, the ApexCharger’s app support is a practical advantage. Lectron offers a simpler, hardware-only approach.
Safety Certification
Edge: Lectron 40A Level 2 EV Charger
Safety certifications ensure the charger meets strict electrical standards. The Lectron charger is ETL certified to the UL2594 standard and also holds FCC certification. It includes protections against overvoltage, overcurrent, and short circuits. The ApexCharger MACH 3 lists safety features like smart power management but does not explicitly mention ETL or UL2594 certification in the provided data. While it includes an LED display for live updates, the explicit third-party safety verification on the Lectron provides added assurance for some buyers. Both products appear robust, but Lectron’s documented certifications are a strong point.
Which Lectron or ApexCharger suits you
Tesla owners needing native support
Our pick: ApexCharger MACH 3 40A Portable
The ApexCharger MACH 3 includes a NACS connector, allowing direct charging for Tesla vehicles without an adapter. It also supports Bluetooth and Wi-Fi for app control. This dual-connector design eliminates the need for extra accessories, making it the practical choice for Tesla drivers who want a single, versatile charging solution.
Users wanting long cable reach
Our pick: ApexCharger MACH 3 40A Portable
The ApexCharger MACH 3 features a 25-foot cable, providing significantly more reach than the Lectron’s 16-foot option. This extra length allows you to park further from the outlet while still connecting your vehicle. The longer cord offers greater flexibility for driveways or garages where space is limited.
Buyers prioritizing safety certifications
Our pick: Lectron 40A Level 2 EV Charger
The Lectron 40A Level 2 EV Charger holds ETL certification under the UL2594 standard and is Energy Star certified. It also features IP65 rating for dust and water resistance. These specific safety and efficiency certifications provide peace of mind regarding electrical protection and weather durability for outdoor or garage use.
Lectron 40A Level 2 EV Charger
Best for: J1772 EVs with NEMA 14-50 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 power at 240V and 40 Amps. It uses a NEMA 14-50 plug for direct connection to standard household outlets. The unit includes a 16-foot J1772 cable, allowing flexibility in parking position. It carries ETL and Energy Star certifications. You will appreciate this setup if you need reliable, fast home charging for J1772-compatible electric vehicles without hardwiring.
- 40 Amp output at 240V for 9.6 kW charging speed
- 16-foot cable length for flexible parking placement
- ETL and Energy Star certified for safety and efficiency
- NEMA 14-50 plug connects directly to standard outlets
- 16-foot cable is shorter than the 25-foot cable on the competing MACH 3 charger
- J1772 connector requires an adapter for Tesla vehicles
- You have a standard 240V NEMA 14-50 outlet available
- You drive a J1772-compatible electric vehicle
- You want ETL certified safety standards
- You own a Tesla and prefer native charging without adapters
- You need a cable longer than 16 feet for your driveway
- You only have 120V household outlets available
Verdict: Lectron 40A Level 2 EV Charger fits drivers with J1772 vehicles and NEMA 14-50 outlets who prioritize certified safety and moderate cable reach. It is less suitable for Tesla owners or those needing extended cable length.
ApexCharger MACH 3 40A Portable
Best for: Tesla owners needing long cable reach
- Connector Type
- SAE J1772, NACS
- Charging Level
- Level 1 & 2
- Amperage
- 40 A
- Power Output
- 9.6 kW
- Power Plug
- NEMA 14-50
- Voltage
- 120–240 V
The ApexCharger Mach 3 is a portable Level 1 and Level 2 EV charger offering up to 40 amps. It delivers 9.6 kW on 240V via a NEMA 14-50 plug and 1.44 kW on 120V with an adapter. The unit includes a 25-foot cable and a 2.4-inch LED display. You can control charging through the display or via Bluetooth and Wi-Fi app connectivity. It supports both J1772 and NACS connectors.
- Delivers 40 amps and 9.6 kW on 240V for fast Level 2 charging
- Includes a 25-foot cable for extended reach
- Supports both J1772 and Tesla NACS connectors
- Features Bluetooth and Wi-Fi app control
- Backed by a 5-year warranty
- Smaller 2.4-inch LED display compared to larger screens on some competitors
- Higher weight and bulk due to the 25-foot cable length
- Requires a 240V NEMA 14-50 outlet for maximum 40A performance
- You need a portable charger with a long 25-foot cable
- You want app control via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi
- You own a Tesla with a NACS port
- You require a display larger than 2.4 inches
- You only have 120V outlets and need faster charging
- You prefer a charger without app connectivity requirements
Verdict: ApexCharger Mach 3 40A Portable EV Charger fits drivers who need a versatile, app-connected charger with a long cable for both J1772 and Tesla vehicles. It is ideal for home use where a 240V outlet is available.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | Lectron 40A Level 2 EV Charger | ApexCharger MACH 3 40A Portable |
|---|---|---|
| Connector Type | J1772 | SAE J1772, NACS |
| Charging Level | Level 2 | Level 1 & 2 |
| Amperage | 40A | 40 A |
| Power Output | 9.6 kW | 9.6 kW |
| Power Plug | NEMA 14-50 | NEMA 14-50 |
| Voltage | 240V | 120–240 V |
| Cable Length | 16 ft | 25 ft |
| Connectivity | – | Bluetooth, Wi-Fi |
| Intended Use | – | Outdoor |
| Dimensions | – | 2.34 × 3.79 × 9.15 inches |
| Size | 40A NEMA 14-50 | Portable |
| Color | Black | Offblack |
| Model | LCHG-14-50-40A-BLK-US | ApexCharger Mach 3 |
Frequently asked questions
Which EV charger is best for Tesla owners?
The ApexCharger MACH 3 is the better choice for Tesla drivers. It includes a native NACS connector, so you do not need a separate adapter. The Lectron model only features a J1772 connector, which requires an additional purchase for Tesla compatibility. This makes the ApexCharger more convenient for daily use with Tesla vehicles.
Does the Lectron charger have an app for control?
The product data does not list app connectivity or smart features for the Lectron 40A Level 2 EV Charger. It appears to be a basic unit focused on certified safety and straightforward operation. If you require remote monitoring or scheduling via a smartphone, the Lectron model does not provide these capabilities based on its specifications.
How long is the cable on the ApexCharger?
The ApexCharger MACH 3 comes with a 25-foot cable. This length provides extra reach for vehicles parked further from the outlet. The Lectron charger does not specify a cable length in the provided data, so you may need to verify its reach separately. The longer cable on the ApexCharger offers more flexibility in placement.
Can I use the ApexCharger on a standard 120V outlet?
Yes, the ApexCharger MACH 3 supports Level 1 charging. It includes a NEMA 5-15 plug for use with standard 120V household outlets. This allows for slower charging when a 240V outlet is unavailable. The Lectron charger only supports Level 2 charging and requires a 240V NEMA 14-50 outlet for operation.
What is the charging speed of these Level 2 chargers?
Both chargers deliver 40 amps at 240V, resulting in 9.6 kW of power. This speed is suitable for overnight charging for most electric vehicles. The Lectron model is dedicated to Level 2 charging, while the ApexCharger can also operate at lower speeds on Level 1 if needed. Both provide consistent power output for home charging.
Is the ApexCharger suitable for outdoor use?
The ApexCharger MACH 3 is intended for outdoor use. Its portable design and connector options make it versatile for various home charging scenarios. The Lectron charger is also designed for home installation with a NEMA 14-50 plug. Both units are built to handle standard residential charging environments, though specific weather resistance ratings are not detailed in the data.
