Autel MaxiCharger NACS Review: Tesla Charging, No Adapter

A NACS connector on a third party charger, which removes the adapter and the Tesla account at the same time.

Specifications

Specifications above come from Autel's published specifications. Treat pricing as approximate, since Amazon pricing moves.

What it does well

• A native NACS connector means no adapter, which is one less thing to lose, break or have stolen from a driveway.
• Twenty five feet of cable, which on a NACS car with a rear left charge port is often exactly what you need.
• NEMA 4X is a proper outdoor rating, dust tight as well as water tight.
• Independent of Tesla's account system, so charging data and scheduling live in a third party app rather than the car maker's.

Where it falls short

• One connector, one standard. A J1772 car in the same household will need an adapter, and adapters in that direction are the more awkward ones.
• As with the J1772 version, a genuine 50 amp continuous output implies a 70 amp circuit, so most installs run it at 48 amps on a 60 amp breaker.
• It does not offer power sharing, which is the feature a Tesla household with two cars would most miss.
• Hardwired, so moving house means an electrician at both ends.

What owners report

Published owner reports from NACS drivers focus on the relief of not using an adapter, which comes up more often than any technical point. Build quality and cable length draw the same praise as the J1772 version, which is unsurprising given the shared hardware.

The recurring caution is about future proofing. Owners note that the industry is converging on NACS but that J1772 vehicles will be on the road for many years, so a household planning to keep or buy a J1772 car should think carefully before committing to a single connector. That is a fair reading of where the standards currently sit.

Who it suits

• Tesla and NACS vehicle households that want to avoid the Tesla app and account.
• Anyone tired of an adapter hanging off the charge port.
• Outdoor installations needing a NEMA 4X enclosure.

Who should skip it

• Mixed households with both NACS and J1772 vehicles.
• Anyone who wants power sharing across multiple chargers.
• Buyers who might sell the NACS car and buy a J1772 one.

Alternatives worth considering

Keep reading

• NACS vs J1772
• Tesla Wall Connector vs universal chargers
• Connector standards chart
• Autel 50A J1772 review
• Tesla Wall Connector review
• Rebates and tax credits

This review draws on published specifications, manufacturer figures and the consensus of verified owner reviews. We have not tested this product ourselves, and we say so rather than implying otherwise. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

Common questions

What is NACS and does my car use it?

NACS is the connector standard Tesla developed and has opened to the industry, and most manufacturers have committed to adopting it. Whether your car has a NACS port depends on the model and year. Our NACS versus J1772 comparison and our connector standards chart explain which cars use which.

Can a J1772 car use a NACS charger?

Only with an adapter, and that direction is the more awkward of the two. If your household has a J1772 car now or is likely to, a J1772 charger with the Tesla supplied adapter is the more flexible arrangement. Our LENZ adapter coverage explains the limits.

Do I lose anything by not buying Tesla's own charger?

Power sharing, mainly. Tesla's Wall Connector links up to six units on one supply, and no third party charger at this price does that. Everything else, including charging speed, is equivalent. You also gain independence from Tesla's account system, which some owners prefer.

What circuit does it need?

For 48 amps, a 60 amp circuit, following the 125 percent continuous load rule. For a true 50 amps, a 70 amp circuit. Most electricians will commission it at 48 on a 60, which is the standard household arrangement. Our breaker size calculator covers the options.

Is it eligible for the federal rebate?

Autel states that it is, and eligibility generally depends on the charger being listed by a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory and on your address qualifying under the programme rules. Our rebates and tax credits guide covers the current requirements, and the programme rules are worth confirming before you buy.

Getting your own panel and load numbers ready for an electrician? The EV Home Charging Install Planner is the paid version of these pages: 8 printable worksheets you fill in with your own numbers, plus the full PDF, $29.