Choosing a charger: plug-in or hardwired, and what rebates require
A 240 volt plug or a hardwired unit, the networked and ENERGY STAR rules the rebates set, and the charger lists the utilities publish.
- Last checked: November 8, 2026
Last checked November 8, 2026
The short version. Two choices matter: how the charger connects (plug or hardwire) and whether it is networked. Rebates almost always want a networked Level 2 charger from their list. Buy the charger last, after you know which program applies. Part of the EV charger installation guide.
Plug-in or hardwired
| Plug-in | Hardwired | |
|---|---|---|
| How it connects | Into a 240 volt outlet, for example a NEMA 14-50 or 6-50, on its own circuit | Directly to the home's electrical system. No outlet. |
| Rated circuit, one popular model | Works with circuits rated 40 or 50 A. Delivers up to 40 A. | Works with circuits rated 20 to 80 A. Delivers up to 50 A. |
| Strength | Easy to move to another matching outlet. | Best choice for outdoor installation, per the maker. |
| Rebate notes | RMLD: no wiring inspection needed to plug into an existing 240 V outlet. National Grid pays for a 240 volt circuit or outlet. | Belmont Light: extra $250 for hardwired Wi-Fi equipment with Connected Homes. |
A plug-in charger is only as good as the outlet and the circuit behind it. A new 240 volt outlet is new wiring, so it needs its own circuit, a permit and an inspection. Only an outlet that already exists skips that work. See Level 2, amps and your panel and permits and inspections.
What each utility requires of the charger
| Utility | The charger rule, in its words | Brands it names |
|---|---|---|
| Eversource | A Wi-Fi compatible Level 2 smart charger that is 80 amps or less and listed on its Qualified Product List. Needed for rebates and for Managed Charging. | See its Qualified Product List |
| National Grid | For the R-2 smart charger rebate: listed on the State Appliance Standards Database for Massachusetts, or one of the models below, connected to Off-Peak Charging through the charger. | Acura Home Charging Station 48, Autel MaxiCharger AC Elite and AC Lite, ChargePoint HomeFlex, Emporia Classic and Pro Level 2, Honda Home Charging Station 48, Wallbox Pulsar Plus |
| Reading (RMLD) | Level 2 network-enabled charger at the residence. Level 1 not eligible. Wiring and installation costs not eligible. | None named |
| Belmont Light | Permanently installed, network- and/or telematics-enabled Level 2 (240 V). Hardwired Wi-Fi equipment for the extra $250 with Connected Homes. | Tesla Wall Connector (Generation 3), ChargePoint, Emporia, Flo Home X5, Wallbox Pulsar, Ford Connected Charge Station and Charge Station Pro |
| Wakefield (WMGLD) | A ChargePoint Home Flex, with a signed 3-year charging agreement. | ChargePoint Home Flex |
| Danvers Electric | AC Level 2, single or dual port. UL listed, ENERGY STAR certified. | None named |
What "networked" means
RMLD defines it in one line: the charger has the capability to connect to the internet and transmit and receive information. That connection is how a utility confirms you charged off-peak, or lowers the charger's output at peak times, as Wakefield's agreement allows. If you want a rebate, buy a networked unit and connect it. If you do not, a simple Level 2 unit still charges the car.
National Grid's Off-Peak Charging Program connects through the car or the charger and only reads your charging. Eversource's Managed Charging needs the charger or car to be on its eligible list.
ENERGY STAR and safety listing
ENERGY STAR key criteria for EV supply equipment, effective June 20, 2023, require each unit to be listed by a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory for safety, and cap the power it draws with no vehicle connected at 4 watts plus allowances for features like a network connection or a display. Danvers Electric asks for ENERGY STAR certified and UL listed chargers. The Department of Energy recommends safety-certified equipment, such as ENERGY STAR labeled products, installed by a certified electrical contractor.
The connector on your car
All commercially available EVs in the U.S. can charge on Level 1 and Level 2 using the J1772 connector, the Department of Energy says. Tesla vehicles use J3400 (NACS) and come with a J1772 adapter for non-Tesla chargers. Some Level 2 units are sold with a J3400 connector. ChargePoint lists its Home Flex with both J1772 and NACS connectors.
Before you buy: five questions
- Which utility is on my bill? The program and its charger list follow from that.
- Is the charger on the live list? Eversource, National Grid, Belmont and Wakefield all publish one.
- Plug-in or hardwired? Decide with the electrician, based on where the charger mounts and the circuit.
- What amps? Match the circuit and the car. See the amps guide.
- Does the rebate pay for the charger, the wiring or both? Eversource and National Grid pay toward wiring. RMLD, Wakefield, Belmont and Danvers pay toward the charger.
Common questions
Should I buy a plug-in charger or a hardwired one?
It depends on the wiring and the rebate. A plug-in unit goes into a 240 volt outlet, which ChargePoint says makes it easy to move to another matching outlet. A hardwired unit connects directly to the home's electrical system, and ChargePoint calls it the best choice for outdoor installation. Belmont Light pays an extra $250 for hardwired Wi-Fi equipment with Connected Homes. RMLD does not require a wiring inspection when the charger plugs into an existing 240 volt outlet.
Does my EV charger have to be Wi-Fi or networked?
For most rebates, yes. Eversource requires a Wi-Fi compatible Level 2 smart charger on its Qualified Product List. RMLD requires a Level 2 network-enabled charger and defines that as one that can connect to the internet and transmit and receive information. Belmont requires a network- and/or telematics-enabled charger. National Grid's charger rebate, for R-2 customers, needs equipment listed on the state appliance database or one of its named models.
What does ENERGY STAR certified mean for an EV charger?
ENERGY STAR certification for EV supply equipment requires safety listing by a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory and a cap on the power the unit draws when no car is plugged in: 4 watts plus allowances for features such as a network connection or a display. Danvers Electric requires its charger to be UL listed and ENERGY STAR certified.
Which charger brands qualify for Massachusetts rebates?
Utilities name them on their own lists. National Grid names Acura Home Charging Station 48, Autel MaxiCharger AC Elite and Lite, ChargePoint HomeFlex, Emporia Level 2 chargers, Honda Home Charging Station 48 and Wallbox Pulsar Plus. Belmont Light names Tesla Wall Connector Generation 3, ChargePoint, Emporia, Flo Home X5, Wallbox Pulsar and Ford charge stations. Wakefield pays only for the ChargePoint Home Flex. Eversource refers to its Qualified Product List. Check the current list before you buy.
Do Tesla owners need a special charger?
No. The Department of Energy says all commercially available EVs in the U.S. can use Level 1 and Level 2 equipment, and that all Tesla vehicles come with a J1772 adapter that allows them to use non-Tesla Level 2 equipment. Some Level 2 units are sold with a J3400 (NACS) connector, which Tesla vehicles use directly.
Is a Level 1 charger eligible for a rebate?
Not at RMLD, which says Level 1 chargers are not eligible. The other programs pay for Level 2 equipment or the wiring behind it. A Level 1 cordset comes with most EVs.
Buy the charger the rebate accepts.
Send a photo of your panel and tell us your utility. We check the wiring and the charger against the program before you buy. Or call (781) 210-8400.
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