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ApexCharger Mach 2 EV Charging Station Review
Not bad for a low-cost EV charging station.
Table of Contents:
For this review, I decided to take on a company that's relatively new to the EV charging scene — ApexCharger. Established in 2021, the company aims to offer reliable, affordable charging equipment paired with excellent customer service (it boasts of a 24/7 "dedicated customer support team" available via phone, chat, or email, and it has 4.6 stars out of 5 on Trustpilot). Based on that information, I'd expect ApexCharger to be able to provide decent products.
As a smart, safety-certified smart charger, the ApexCharger Mach 2 is one of the least expensive 48-amp units on the market at the time of my review. But is it as good as it sounds? Let's find out.
Misses
- Cable conflicts with NEC code
- Easy to overdraw the circuit
- Inadequate connector holster
Right out of the box, the ApexCharger Mach 2 comes with a slim-bodied unit and its 4 ¾-inch LED display panel, a 30-foot charging cable with a J1772 connector and a NEMA 14-50 plug, a NACS adapter, a 36-inch power cable, a remote connector holster, mounting brackets and hardware (including an anti-theft bolt & fittings), screwdrivers, 2 RFID cards, mounting templates, and an installation guide. The connector itself felt pretty good in my hand and comes with a nice rubber cap, leading me to believe that it's of good quality. The unit itself was made in China.
For safety reasons, I always recommend the professional installation of EV charging stations by a licensed and bonded electrician, especially when hardwiring. This can help prevent a dangerous electrical failure further down the line. My professional electrician of choice (and channel sponsor) is Qmerit, and if you follow that link, they'll waive the $150 installation deposit for you. With their skill and expertise, you can count on them to get the job done right the first time, in the safest way possible.
If you choose to install the plug-in version yourself, the unit will arrive ready to be mounted immediately. Starting out is as simple as using the mounting template to determine the unit's position and pre-drilling holes for connecting the mounting plate to a wall stud. The unit then slides into place over the mounting plate, where it can be secured. Use the provided screwdrivers to fasten the screws and anti-theft bolt.
Once you've installed your new unit, you can plug it into a nearby NEMA 14-50 outlet and prepare to charge. Just make sure that you're using an outlet that's made explicitly for electric vehicle charging — I can't tell you how often I see issues involving cheap outlets melting or burning out.
I do have to say, though — the screws and drywall anchors that come in the box are probably the thinnest, weakest screws and drywall anchors that I've seen provided with electrical charging equipment. They're like sheetrock screws and super small drywall anchors. You really don't want to run the risk of pulling on the cable and yanking the whole unit off the wall. Get yourself some better drywall anchors and really bolt the unit into place. It really can't get any smaller than this, because it's just the size of the end of the J1772 connector.
I wasn't impressed with the connector holster of the ApexCharger Mach 2, either. It's got to be one of the smallest, weakest connector holsters I've ever seen. It also comes with a rubber gasket and a set of stainless steel bolts and nuts, which you would never need if you're mounting it to the wall. You can't bolt something to the wall unless you have access to the backside, and even then, these bolts are too short to penetrate the thick plastic and the wall. It's more like I would expect to see in a commercial application on a metal post. Additionally, this connector holster doesn't match any of the images shown online or in the company's advertisements. If you’re looking for an all-around third-party connector holster and cable management system, I’d recommend picking up the Lectron connector holster instead.
The ApexCharger Mach 2 is intended to be installed using the included NEMA 14-50 plug (max 9.6 kW and up to 40 amps), but can be hardwired if you cut the plug (giving you a max of 11.5 kW of charging power and up to 48 amps). ApexCharger says that users can bring their car's battery from 10 to 80% state-of-charge in up to 2.5 hours, depending on the vehicle's efficiency.
The power is adjustable from 16 to 40 amps (48 amps in the hardwired version) via a button on the side of the charging station. However, this convenience comes with its own issue — one can simply click the button and switch the unit from 40 amps to 48 amps in the plug-in configuration. This is a huge safety concern, since the maximum current delivered by a NEMA 14-50 plug should not exceed 40 amps. The Mach 2's enclosure meets NEMA 6 and IP67 protection standards, meaning that it can handle inclement weather and even short-term submersion in water. The ApexCharger Mach 2 comes with a 5-year warranty, and is ETL and Energy Star certified.
Now, the ApexCharger Mach 2 is a smart charger, which can be paired with the company's Smart Life app via either Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. Just don't make the mistake I did and go to your app store and search for 'Apex EV'. There is an Apex EV app, but after struggling to make it connect to my unit and calling customer service, I was told that I had the wrong app. I was instructed to scan the QR code provided in the instructions to download the correct one. That's on me because it's clear in the instructions, but it's an easy enough mistake to make.
Once you've got the Smart Life app, you can pair the charger and start using it. It's a very, very basic app, and I ran into a few things that I didn't care for. You can't see how many kilowatt hours the Mach 2 has delivered in the current charging session (in the app or on the LED display, either), though the information is available later in the app's records. Sometimes, at least; after several hours of charging, the app later showed me that I'd had 0.0 kilowatt hours delivered to my Ford F-150 Lightning. You can set up delayed charging and charging on a schedule, but you can only set the times on the hour (i.e. you can set it to end at 11:00 PM, but not 11:30 PM).
The app does allow you to stop a charging session, and if you have the RFID cards set up for access control, you can prevent unauthorized users from charging. Outside of that, the Smart Life app isn't anything special. However, many people don't even use the app provided with their smart charger, so for them, it might not be a factor in their purchasing decision.
Key Specs of the ApexCharger Mach 2
- Charger: AC Level 2
- AC Connector: SAE J1772
- Power Input: Hardwired, NEMA 14-50 plug
- Rated Current: 48 Amps
- Adjustable Current: 6 – 48 Amps
- Maximum Power: 11.5 kW
- Dimensions (without cable): 9.84" x 9.84" x 3.5"
- Cable length: 30 ft
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
- Safety Certified: Yes
Testing
Testing is a huge part of my review process, since we can't always depend on a manufacturer's claims to meet our expectations in reality. Hardware or software issues, unexpected conflicts, and situations outside the designer's intended parameters can all impact how well an EV charging station performs over time. By testing potential problem areas, I aim to provide you with the knowledge you need to identify a device that best suits your needs before you open your wallet.
The Cable Deep Freeze Test
A stiff, frozen charging cable can be a nightmare for those of us who live in areas that see extreme cold. I coiled up the cable of the ApexCharger Mach 2 and put it into an industrial ice cream freezer over 24 hours, where it reached a temperature of -11° F (-23.9° C). The goal was to see how well it uncoiled and if I could maneuver it easily to hang it up on the connector holster. At 0.55 inches (13.9 mm), the Mach 2 has one of the thinnest cables on a 48-amp charger that I've ever reviewed, but it didn't perform as well as I expected. It's not bad, and it still passes, but it won't earn a top score in this test.
The Frozen Connector Drop Test
While I have the connector still nice and frozen, I went forward with the Frozen Connector Drop Test. I dropped it five times to ensure that it could withstand a few drops on a concrete floor when it's frozen, because you're likely to drop your connector. It's just going to happen from time to time. The ApexCharger Mach 2 survived the test none the worse for wear, so that's a pass.
The Cold Weather Startup Test
The last cold-related test involves making sure that an EV charging station will power up and charge a vehicle even during extreme cold. The Mach 2 plugged into my vehicle and delivered the expected amperage without issue. That's another pass.
The Extreme Heat Test
On the other side of the coin are consumers who live in areas with severe summer heat. My Extreme Heat Test simulates conditions that we might expect to see in such situations, in case a unit might shut off, overheat, or otherwise fail to deliver the expected amount of power to a vehicle. I put the ApexCharger Mach 2 under a heat lamp for two hours until it reached a temperature of 121° F (49.4° C), then plugged it into my Rivian R1S to charge for another two hours. The ApexCharger Mach 2 encountered no issues with recharging, even though it eventually reached a temperature of 152° F (66.7° C). It passed yet again.
The Automatic Restart Test
Finally, it was time for my Automatic Restart Test. In this test, I have the charger charging an electric vehicle. In this case, I used my Chevy Equinox EV, and I shut off power to the circuit to simulate a temporary power outage. I waited about a minute, then turned the power back on. What I wanted to see was that the charger would re-engage with the vehicle, as some electric vehicle chargers remain in a fault mode and don't start charging the electric vehicle again after a power interruption. And that's not good because you wake up in the morning and your vehicle is not charged. The Mach 2 re-engaged with the Equinox EV as expected, so it passed this test, too.
While the ApexCharger Mach 2 smart residential charging station isn't perfect and lacks some of the more advanced features of similar units on the market, it's still a good, solid EV charging station at an affordable price.
The ApexCharger Mach 2 is currently available for $319.33 on Amazon (as of the posting of this article). Check out the full review in my video for more information, and feel free to let me know what you think in the comments below.
ApexCharger Mach 2 EV Charging Station Review
Not bad for a low-cost EV charging station.
Table of Contents:
For this review, I decided to take on a company that's relatively new to the EV charging scene — ApexCharger. Established in 2021, the company aims to offer reliable, affordable charging equipment paired with excellent customer service (it boasts of a 24/7 "dedicated customer support team" available via phone, chat, or email, and it has 4.6 stars out of 5 on Trustpilot). Based on that information, I'd expect ApexCharger to be able to provide decent products.
As a smart, safety-certified smart charger, the ApexCharger Mach 2 is one of the least expensive 48-amp units on the market at the time of my review. But is it as good as it sounds? Let's find out.
Misses
- Cable conflicts with NEC code
- Easy to overdraw the circuit
- Inadequate connector holster
Right out of the box, the ApexCharger Mach 2 comes with a slim-bodied unit and its 4 ¾-inch LED display panel, a 30-foot charging cable with a J1772 connector and a NEMA 14-50 plug, a NACS adapter, a 36-inch power cable, a remote connector holster, mounting brackets and hardware (including an anti-theft bolt & fittings), screwdrivers, 2 RFID cards, mounting templates, and an installation guide. The connector itself felt pretty good in my hand and comes with a nice rubber cap, leading me to believe that it's of good quality. The unit itself was made in China.
For safety reasons, I always recommend the professional installation of EV charging stations by a licensed and bonded electrician, especially when hardwiring. This can help prevent a dangerous electrical failure further down the line. My professional electrician of choice (and channel sponsor) is Qmerit, and if you follow that link, they'll waive the $150 installation deposit for you. With their skill and expertise, you can count on them to get the job done right the first time, in the safest way possible.
If you choose to install the plug-in version yourself, the unit will arrive ready to be mounted immediately. Starting out is as simple as using the mounting template to determine the unit's position and pre-drilling holes for connecting the mounting plate to a wall stud. The unit then slides into place over the mounting plate, where it can be secured. Use the provided screwdrivers to fasten the screws and anti-theft bolt.
Once you've installed your new unit, you can plug it into a nearby NEMA 14-50 outlet and prepare to charge. Just make sure that you're using an outlet that's made explicitly for electric vehicle charging — I can't tell you how often I see issues involving cheap outlets melting or burning out.
I do have to say, though — the screws and drywall anchors that come in the box are probably the thinnest, weakest screws and drywall anchors that I've seen provided with electrical charging equipment. They're like sheetrock screws and super small drywall anchors. You really don't want to run the risk of pulling on the cable and yanking the whole unit off the wall. Get yourself some better drywall anchors and really bolt the unit into place. It really can't get any smaller than this, because it's just the size of the end of the J1772 connector.
I wasn't impressed with the connector holster of the ApexCharger Mach 2, either. It's got to be one of the smallest, weakest connector holsters I've ever seen. It also comes with a rubber gasket and a set of stainless steel bolts and nuts, which you would never need if you're mounting it to the wall. You can't bolt something to the wall unless you have access to the backside, and even then, these bolts are too short to penetrate the thick plastic and the wall. It's more like I would expect to see in a commercial application on a metal post. Additionally, this connector holster doesn't match any of the images shown online or in the company's advertisements. If you’re looking for an all-around third-party connector holster and cable management system, I’d recommend picking up the Lectron connector holster instead.
Key Specs of the ApexCharger Mach 2
- Charger: AC Level 2
- AC Connector: SAE J1772
- Power Input: Hardwired, NEMA 14-50 plug
- Rated Current: 48 Amps
- Adjustable Current: 6 – 48 Amps
- Maximum Power: 11.5 kW
- Dimensions (without cable): 9.84" x 9.84" x 3.5"
- Cable length: 30 ft
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
- Safety Certified: Yes
The ApexCharger Mach 2 is intended to be installed using the included NEMA 14-50 plug (max 9.6 kW and up to 40 amps), but can be hardwired if you cut the plug (giving you a max of 11.5 kW of charging power and up to 48 amps). ApexCharger says that users can bring their car's battery from 10 to 80% state-of-charge in up to 2.5 hours, depending on the vehicle's efficiency.
The power is adjustable from 16 to 40 amps (48 amps in the hardwired version) via a button on the side of the charging station. However, this convenience comes with its own issue — one can simply click the button and switch the unit from 40 amps to 48 amps in the plug-in configuration. This is a huge safety concern, since the maximum current delivered by a NEMA 14-50 plug should not exceed 40 amps. The Mach 2's enclosure meets NEMA 6 and IP67 protection standards, meaning that it can handle inclement weather and even short-term submersion in water. The ApexCharger Mach 2 comes with a 5-year warranty, and is ETL and Energy Star certified.
Now, the ApexCharger Mach 2 is a smart charger, which can be paired with the company's Smart Life app via either Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. Just don't make the mistake I did and go to your app store and search for 'Apex EV'. There is an Apex EV app, but after struggling to make it connect to my unit and calling customer service, I was told that I had the wrong app. I was instructed to scan the QR code provided in the instructions to download the correct one. That's on me because it's clear in the instructions, but it's an easy enough mistake to make.
Once you've got the Smart Life app, you can pair the charger and start using it. It's a very, very basic app, and I ran into a few things that I didn't care for. You can't see how many kilowatt hours the Mach 2 has delivered in the current charging session (in the app or on the LED display, either), though the information is available later in the app's records. Sometimes, at least; after several hours of charging, the app later showed me that I'd had 0.0 kilowatt hours delivered to my Ford F-150 Lightning. You can set up delayed charging and charging on a schedule, but you can only set the times on the hour (i.e. you can set it to end at 11:00 PM, but not 11:30 PM).
The app does allow you to stop a charging session, and if you have the RFID cards set up for access control, you can prevent unauthorized users from charging. Outside of that, the Smart Life app isn't anything special. However, many people don't even use the app provided with their smart charger, so for them, it might not be a factor in their purchasing decision.
Testing
Testing is a huge part of my review process, since we can't always depend on a manufacturer's claims to meet our expectations in reality. Hardware or software issues, unexpected conflicts, and situations outside the designer's intended parameters can all impact how well an EV charging station performs over time. By testing potential problem areas, I aim to provide you with the knowledge you need to identify a device that best suits your needs before you open your wallet.
The Cable Deep Freeze Test
A stiff, frozen charging cable can be a nightmare for those of us who live in areas that see extreme cold. I coiled up the cable of the ApexCharger Mach 2 and put it into an industrial ice cream freezer over 24 hours, where it reached a temperature of -11° F (-23.9° C). The goal was to see how well it uncoiled and if I could maneuver it easily to hang it up on the connector holster. At 0.55 inches (13.9 mm), the Mach 2 has one of the thinnest cables on a 48-amp charger that I've ever reviewed, but it didn't perform as well as I expected. It's not bad, and it still passes, but it won't earn a top score in this test.
The Frozen Connector Drop Test
While I have the connector still nice and frozen, I went forward with the Frozen Connector Drop Test. I dropped it five times to ensure that it could withstand a few drops on a concrete floor when it's frozen, because you're likely to drop your connector. It's just going to happen from time to time. The ApexCharger Mach 2 survived the test none the worse for wear, so that's a pass.
The Cold Weather Startup Test
The last cold-related test involves making sure that an EV charging station will power up and charge a vehicle even during extreme cold. The Mach 2 plugged into my vehicle and delivered the expected amperage without issue. That's another pass.
The Extreme Heat Test
On the other side of the coin are consumers who live in areas with severe summer heat. My Extreme Heat Test simulates conditions that we might expect to see in such situations, in case a unit might shut off, overheat, or otherwise fail to deliver the expected amount of power to a vehicle. I put the ApexCharger Mach 2 under a heat lamp for two hours until it reached a temperature of 121° F (49.4° C), then plugged it into my Rivian R1S to charge for another two hours. The ApexCharger Mach 2 encountered no issues with recharging, even though it eventually reached a temperature of 152° F (66.7° C). It passed yet again.
The Automatic Restart Test
Finally, it was time for my Automatic Restart Test. In this test, I have the charger charging an electric vehicle. In this case, I used my Chevy Equinox EV, and I shut off power to the circuit to simulate a temporary power outage. I waited about a minute, then turned the power back on. What I wanted to see was that the charger would re-engage with the vehicle, as some electric vehicle chargers remain in a fault mode and don't start charging the electric vehicle again after a power interruption. And that's not good because you wake up in the morning and your vehicle is not charged. The Mach 2 re-engaged with the Equinox EV as expected, so it passed this test, too.
While the ApexCharger Mach 2 smart residential charging station isn't perfect and lacks some of the more advanced features of similar units on the market, it's still a good, solid EV charging station at an affordable price.
The ApexCharger Mach 2 is currently available for $319.33 on Amazon (as of the posting of this article). Check out the full review in my video for more information, and feel free to let me know what you think in the comments below.
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