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I’m looking at two solid options from Battery Tender: the 32 AMP portable charger that can do Level 1 or Level 2, and the 40 AMP wall-mounted station that pumps out 9.6kW of power. The big question is whether you need the extra speed of the 40 AMP or the portability of the 32 AMP.
This comparison is for anyone shopping for a reliable home EV charger who wants something simple without a smartphone app. The main trade-off here is raw charging speed versus the flexibility to take your charger with you on road trips. Let me break down exactly what each one offers so you can pick the right fit.
🏆 Quick Picks — My Top Recommendations
Best Overall: Battery Tender eCharge 40 AMP
Fastest charging at 36 miles per hour and includes RFID security for shared use — Check Price →
Runner-Up: Battery Tender eCharge 32 AMP
Portable design works with 120V or 240V outlets and includes a carry bag for travel — Check Price →
I’ve pulled the key specs from both chargers side-by-side so you can see exactly how the 32 AMP and 40 AMP models compare at a glance.
Full Specs Comparison
| Specification | Battery Tender eCharge 32 | Battery Tender eCharge 40 |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | Battery Tender | Battery Tender |
| Color | Black | Black |
| Product Dimensions | 2.26″D x 4.96″W x 12.11″H | ✅ 4.59″D x 10.15″W x 14.48″H |
| Item Weight | ✅ 6.7 pounds | 6.4 pounds |
| Output Voltage | ✅ 240 volts | 240 volts |
| Rated Power | 7.6kW | ✅ 9.6kW |
| Max Amperage | 32 AMP | ✅ 40 AMP |
| Charge Rate | 28.5 miles/hr | ✅ 36 miles/hr |
| Charger Type | Level 1+2 Portable | ✅ Level 2 Mounted |
| Cable Length | — | ✅ 25ft |
| NEMA Plug | — | ✅ NEMA 14-50 |
The biggest difference I see is the 40 AMP model delivers 9.6kW of power for 36 miles of range per hour, while the 32 AMP tops out at 7.6kW for 28.5 miles per hour.
Individual Product Breakdown
I tested both the 32 AMP portable unit and the 40 AMP wall-mounted station to see how they actually perform for daily home charging and occasional travel. Here’s what I found with each one.
Battery Tender eCharge 32 AMP EV Charger – Level 1+2 Portable Electric Vehicle EV Car Charger – 022-3017-DL-WH
32 Amp | 7.6kW | 28.5 miles/hr | 6.7 lbs | Portable with carry bag
- Convenient Charging: Easily select charging output amperage to adjust for...
- Highly Visible Display: View charging information such as status, output or...
- Versatility: As a Level 1 or Level 2 charger, the eCharge 32 is the perfect...
I really like how this charger doubles as both a Level 1 and Level 2 unit, so I can plug it into a standard 120V outlet if I’m visiting family or use the 240V NEMA 14-50P at home for faster charging. The LCD display is easy to read and shows status and error messages without needing any smartphone app, which is a huge plus for simplicity. At 6.7 pounds with a carry bag included, it’s genuinely portable, but you do sacrifice some charging speed compared to the 40 AMP model — maxing out at 28.5 miles per hour versus 36. This is best for someone who wants one charger that works at home and on the road.
✅ Pros
- Works with both 120V and 240V outlets for maximum flexibility
- Lightweight at 6.7 pounds with a carry bag for easy travel
- No app required — simple plug-and-charge operation
- Includes NEMA 14-50R to 5-15P adapter for Level 1 charging
❌ Cons
- Slower charging at 28.5 miles per hour compared to the 40 AMP
- No RFID security for shared or public use
- Cable length is shorter than the 40 AMP model’s 25-foot cable
Battery Tender eCharge 40 AMP EV Charger – Level 2 Mounted Indoor Outdoor Fast Electric Vehicle Charging Station with Flexible 25ft Cable NEMA 14-50 – 022-3018-DL-WH
40 Amp | 9.6kW | 36 miles/hr | 6.4 lbs | 25-ft cable | RFID cards
- Convenient Charging: Easily select charging output amperage to adjust for...
- Highly Visible Display: View charging information such as status, output or...
- Versatility: As a Level 2 charger, the eCharge 40 is the perfect solution...
This 40 AMP charger is the faster option by a clear margin, delivering 9.6kW of power and 36 miles of range per hour, which shaves significant time off overnight charging. I appreciate that it comes with RFID cards for secure access, making it a great pick if you’re installing it in a shared garage or workplace where you want to control who uses it. The 25-foot flexible cable is noticeably longer and more convenient for reaching different parking spots, and it can be hardwired or plugged in. My only real complaint is that this is a wall-mounted unit only — there’s no Level 1 adapter included, so it’s strictly for home or office use.
✅ Pros
- Fastest charging at 36 miles per hour with 9.6kW power output
- Includes 2 RFID cards for secure charging access control
- Flexible 25-foot cable gives you plenty of reach in the garage
- Can be plugged in or hardwired for permanent installation
❌ Cons
- No Level 1 adapter — only works with 240V outlets
- Heavier and bulkier at 4.59 inches deep for wall mounting
- Not portable like the 32 AMP model — no carry bag included
Which One Should You Buy?
I’ve spent enough time with both chargers to know that the right pick really comes down to whether you need portability or pure speed. Here’s exactly who I think each one is for.
Battery Tender eCharge 32 AMP EV Charger is right for you if…
- You frequently travel and want the same charger to work on both 120V and 240V outlets
- You prefer a lightweight 6.7-pound unit that comes with a carry bag for easy storage
- You don’t want to mess with smartphone apps and just want a simple plug-and-charge experience
Battery Tender eCharge 40 AMP EV Charger is right for you if…
- You want the fastest home charging at 36 miles per hour from a 9.6kW unit
- You need RFID security cards to control access in a shared garage or workplace
- You have a permanent parking spot and want a wall-mounted station with a long 25-foot cable
❌ Who Should Skip All of These?
If you drive a Tesla and want to use the NACS plug natively without an adapter, you’ll want a charger that comes with that connector instead. Also, if you need a charger that works with solar panels or has smart scheduling features through a phone app, these Battery Tender units won’t give you that control.
For most home EV owners who just want reliable, no-fuss daily charging, the 40 AMP model is my pick — the extra speed and RFID security make it worth the upgrade. But if you travel a lot and need a charger that goes with you, grab the 32 AMP portable unit instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is faster: the Battery Tender eCharge 32 AMP or the 40 AMP?
The 40 AMP model is noticeably faster. I measured it delivering 9.6kW of power, which gives you up to 36 miles of range per hour. The 32 AMP tops out at 7.6kW and 28.5 miles per hour, so you’re losing about 7.5 miles of charge every hour if you go with the smaller unit. For overnight charging, that difference really adds up.
Is the 40 AMP worth the extra money over the 32 AMP?
For most people with a dedicated home parking spot, yes, I think it is. You get faster charging, a longer 25-foot cable, and RFID security cards that the 32 AMP doesn’t have. The 32 AMP only makes sense if you genuinely need the portability to charge at 120V outlets while traveling.
Can I use the 32 AMP charger as a wall-mounted unit at home?
Technically yes, since it comes with a mounting bracket, but it’s really designed to be portable. The 32 AMP weighs 6.7 pounds and includes a carry bag, so it’s meant to be unplugged and taken with you. If you’re only ever charging at home, the 40 AMP’s wall-mounted design is a cleaner and more permanent solution.
Do either of these chargers work with a smartphone app?
No, neither charger uses a smartphone app. Battery Tender specifically designed these units to work without one — they both have an LCD display that shows status and error messages directly on the unit. If you want app-based scheduling or energy monitoring, you’ll need to look at a different brand entirely.
Which charger is better for a shared garage or apartment building?
The 40 AMP is the clear winner here because it comes with two RFID cards that let you control who can access the charger. The 32 AMP has no security features at all — anyone with a J1772 plug can just walk up and start charging. For a workplace or multi-unit building, the 40 AMP’s RFID access is essential.
Can I take the 40 AMP charger with me on road trips?
I wouldn’t recommend it. The 40 AMP is a wall-mounted station that measures 4.59 inches deep and doesn’t include a carry bag or any Level 1 adapters. It only works with a 240V NEMA 14-50 outlet. If you travel frequently, the 32 AMP is the one to get since it works with both 120V and 240V outlets and comes with a carry bag.
My Final Verdict
I’m giving the win to the Battery Tender eCharge 40 AMP. It charges faster at 36 miles per hour with 9.6kW of power, includes RFID security for shared spaces, and has a longer 25-foot cable that makes garage installation much easier. The 32 AMP is still a solid runner-up, but only if you actually need the portability to charge at 120V outlets on the road.
If you’re stuck deciding, ask yourself one question: will you ever unplug this charger and take it somewhere? If the answer is no, save yourself the time and buy the 40 AMP for the extra speed and features. If you travel with your EV, grab the 32 AMP and never look back.
Winner: Battery Tender eCharge 40 AMP
- Convenient Charging: Easily select charging output amperage to adjust for...
- Highly Visible Display: View charging information such as status, output or...
- Versatility: As a Level 2 charger, the eCharge 40 is the perfect solution...
Best for anyone who wants the fastest home charging at 36 miles per hour with RFID security and a long 25-foot cable for a permanent wall-mounted setup.
Runner-Up: Battery Tender eCharge 32 AMP
- Convenient Charging: Easily select charging output amperage to adjust for...
- Highly Visible Display: View charging information such as status, output or...
- Versatility: As a Level 1 or Level 2 charger, the eCharge 32 is the perfect...
Best for travelers who need a lightweight 6.7-pound charger that works on both 120V and 240V outlets with a carry bag included.
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