The Autel Maxicharger Lite 50 is a powerful and feature-rich EV charger designed for home use. While it boasts impressive specifications and smart charging capabilities, its cold-weather cable performance raises concerns for those living in colder climates. This review delves into the key features, performance, and overall value of the Autel MaxiCharger Lite 50.
A Deep Dive into the Autel MaxiCharger Lite 50
Autel has established itself as a leading provider of EV charging solutions, and the MaxiCharger Lite 50 aims to continue that tradition. This 50-amp charger offers a compelling blend of power, features, and affordability, making it a popular choice among EV owners. However, as with any product, it’s crucial to examine both its strengths and weaknesses.
Key Features of the Autel MaxiCharger Lite 50
- Powerful Charging: The MaxiCharger Lite 50 delivers up to 50 amps (12 kW) of power, enabling fast and efficient charging for most electric vehicles. This charging capacity is sufficient for the majority of EVs on the market, maximizing charging speeds within the limits of most vehicle onboard chargers.
- Durable Construction: The charger boasts a NEMA-4 rated enclosure, ensuring its suitability for outdoor installation in various weather conditions. This robust build quality protects the internal components from the elements, ensuring long-term reliability.
- Smart Charging Capabilities: The MaxiCharger Lite 50 connects seamlessly to the Autel app via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or Ethernet, providing users with remote control and monitoring capabilities. This allows for scheduled charging, access control, and usage tracking.
- Power Sharing: This feature allows up to six MaxiChargers to share power from a single circuit, optimizing energy distribution and preventing overload. This is particularly beneficial for multi-family dwellings or shared charging scenarios.
- Access Control: The MaxiCharger Lite 50 offers access control through the Autel app and supports RFID cards for convenient user authentication. This ensures that only authorized individuals can utilize the charger.
- Affordable Price Point: Compared to the MaxiCharger Elite, the Lite version offers similar functionality at a lower price, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious consumers. The primary difference is the absence of the non-functional glass panel found on the Elite model.
Caption: The Autel MaxiCharger’s cable undergoing a cold weather flexibility test.
Cold Weather Performance: A Lingering Concern
Despite its numerous advantages, the MaxiCharger Lite 50’s cold-weather cable performance remains a significant drawback. Testing revealed that the cable, while improved from previous versions, still becomes stiff and difficult to handle in sub-zero temperatures. This limitation could pose challenges for users in colder climates, especially those requiring outdoor installation.
Overall Value and Recommendation
The Autel MaxiCharger Lite 50 offers a compelling combination of power, features, and affordability. Its robust construction, smart charging capabilities, and power-sharing functionality make it a strong contender in the EV charger market. However, the subpar cold-weather cable performance necessitates careful consideration for those residing in colder regions. If cold weather is not a concern, the MaxiCharger Lite 50 presents excellent value. For those in colder climates, exploring alternative chargers with better cold-weather cable performance is recommended. Autel continues to work on this issue and future iterations may address this concern. The Autel MaxiCharger Lite 50 is available with various connector options and can be purchased online and through authorized retailers.
