When you're shopping for ev charging equipment, the first fork in the road is permanent versus portable. Do you install a unit on a dedicated circuit, or keep a charger that can plug into existing outlets and go with you on trips? Two very different answers to that question are the TCHARGE unit and the VDLPOWER charger.
Quick Verdict
Choose the TCHARGE if you want a high-power unit for daily home charging. Choose the VDLPOWER if you'd rather have a flexible, plug-in charger with adapters for multiple outlet types.
Comparison Table
| Product | Listed Price | Power | Current | Connection |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TCHARGE Level 2 50A Hardwire | $124.95 | Level 2 | 50A | Hardwire |
| VDLPOWER Level 1 & 2 | $49.99 | Level 1 & 2 | 16A | NEMA 6-20 and NEMA 5-15 adapter |
Think about your parking situation first. The TCHARGE makes sense if you have a regular spot and want the charger to stay in one place. The VDLPOWER makes sense if you share a vehicle, travel a lot, or need flexibility from one location to another. The right choice depends more on your routine than on the hardware alone.
Where Each Product Wins
- TCHARGE wins on higher current, fixed installation, and compliance marks (UL, FCC, Energy Star).
- VDLPOWER wins on flexibility and dual-voltage charging.
Product Notes
TCHARGE Level 2 50A Hardwire
This is the permanent-home solution. The title says it all: a 50-amp EV charger designed for hardwiring into your home's electrical setup. It also carries UL, FCC, and Energy Star notations, which is a useful checklist when you're committing to a fixed installation. The listed price is $124.95, and the unit is described as new other/open box, so expect the box to have been opened rather than a factory-sealed retail pack. That makes it a good match for a dedicated parking spot where you don't plan to move the charger. If you already have or plan to install a dedicated circuit, the 50A rating gives you plenty of headroom for overnight charging. The main limitation is that a hardwired charger cannot travel with you; it's tied to the wall and won't plug into a standard outlet.
VDLPOWER Level 1 & 2 Charger
The VDLPOWER is the flexible, take-it-with-you option. It uses the J1772 plug connector, so it fits non-Tesla EVs, and the included NEMA 5-15 adapter lets you start with Level 1 charging from a standard household outlet. When a NEMA 6-20 outlet is available, you can switch to 16-amp charging at a 3.5 kW rate. The 20-foot cable gives you room to maneuver in a garage or driveway. This unit is listed as used, and the description notes it was bought in June and used for three weeks. The original packaging and manual are included, which explains the lower price. The trade-off is that 16A is below the TCHARGE's 50A rating, and it is not a hardwired, permanent installation. It also won't work directly with Tesla's proprietary connector unless you have an adapter.
Final Choice by Use Case
If you need a high-current home charger and you're okay with an open-box condition, choose the TCHARGE unit. If you want a travel-friendly charger for a J1772 EV and prefer the lower-priced model with the 20-foot cable, choose the VDLPOWER charger.
