Best EV accessories you should consider
Amazon-purchased accessories
- Inteset 21 ft 40 A J1772 EV Extension Cord (Amazon link)
- Why it’s good: Extends the reach of your charging cable, so if your home charger is slightly far from where you park, you won’t have to struggle.
- How it helps: Provides flexibility in parking positions; good for older garages or lots where charger plug is further from car. Car & Driver list extension/adapter cables among key EV accessories.
- Suitable for: EVs with the J1772 connector (which covers most non-Tesla EVs in North America & many global markets). If you drive e.g. a Hyundai Ioniq 5 or Kia EV6 (with J1772/CCS in your region) this works.
- Vizava EV Charger Cable Protector (Garage‑Door Pass‑Through) (Amazon link)
- Why it’s good: Protects your charging cable when it goes under a garage door or is subject to wear/damage.
- How it helps: Prevents cable insulation damage, keeps charging safe, extends cable life and avoids unexpected failures. Popular Mechanics highlighted “EV charger cable protector” among handy accessories.
- Suitable for: Any EV with a home charging cable. Works for Tesla (via adapter) or J1772 vehicles; especially useful if you plug in at home and the cable passes under a door or across a walkway.
- SAE J1772 ↔ Tesla Plug Adapter (Amazon link)
- Why it’s good: If you have a Tesla or a Tesla-style charger and want to plug a non-Tesla EV (or vice versa), this adapter lets you bridge connector standards.
- How it helps: Gives you more flexibility at charging stations with differing standards; adapts your vehicle’s connector to available infrastructure. Car & Driver note charging adapters as one of the top accessories.
- Suitable for: For instance, if you own a Tesla and want to plug into a J1772 station, or an EV with J1772 and have access to Tesla destination charger. Always check compatibility and safety!
- ELEGRP Level 2 Home EV Charger 40 Amp (J1772) (Amazon link)
- Why it’s good: A dedicated home Level 2 EV charger (240 V, 40 A) greatly speeds up charging compared to a basic Level 1 (120 V).
- How it helps: Reduces overnight charging time, gives you more range ready each morning, is smart-home/charged-time aware. SlashGear calls Level 2 home chargers a “huge difference” for everyday EV use.
- Suitable for: J1772-equipped EVs (non-Tesla primarily). In Europe you might have Type 2, so check plug/adapter. Good for EVs like Volkswagen ID.4, Nissan Leaf, etc.
- EVDANCE 21 ft J1772 EV Extension Cable (Amazon link)
- Why it’s good: Similar to #1 but another brand/model. More choice means you might find the length or amperage that suits your setup better.
- How it helps: Again, adds flexibility, convenience, ensures you don’t stretch/strain cable or park awkwardly.
- Suitable for: Same as #1 – J1772 EVs, home charging or portable charger situations.
Non-Amazon accessories (good options outside Amazon)
- go‑eCharger PRO CABLE 32A / 22 kW Wall Charger
- Why it’s good: A higher-end dedicated wall charger unit (32A / 22 kW) – very useful in EU/Hungary for faster at-home charging.
- How it helps: Cuts home charging time, supports higher power so you can top up more quickly overnight or between uses.
- Suitable for: European EVs with Type 2 or compatible plugs; e.g., Tesla Model 3 (with adapter), Hyundai Ioniq 5, Kia EV6.
- WALLBOX Pedestal Eiffel Stand for Wallbox Charger
- Why it’s good: If you have an outdoor charger or you don’t want to wall-mount, this pedestal lets you install a charger neatly without drilling into building.
- How it helps: Enables tidy installation in the driveway or parking spot, avoids messy cables and enhances durability.
- Suitable for: Any EV charger you install outdoors; useful for multiple EVs/households, especially in Europe where dedicated parking spots might be separate from garage.
- WALLBOX Pedestal Eiffel (CPB1)
- Why it’s good: A variant of #2 (different model) – gives alternative mounting/installation flexibility.
- How it helps: Provides options if you have different site conditions or want future-proofing if you change charger model.
- Suitable for: Same as above.
- OBO Bettermann WB WPR SPD eMobility Weather‑Protection Canopy
- Why it’s good: A weather-protection canopy for outdoor charging installations – helps protect charger unit from rain, sun, snow.
- How it helps: Extends longevity of your charger hardware, avoids weather-related damage, keeps your charging spot professional and safe.
- Suitable for: EV owners installing outdoors in places with variable weather (Hungary included). Any EV with home charging setup.
- Green Cell EV Stand eMobility Base
- Why it’s good: A base/stand for EV charger – maybe lower cost or easier to install than full pedestal; good for smaller spaces.
- How it helps: Provides charger stability, avoids cable dragging on ground, improves user experience.
- Suitable for: Compact installations; apartment parking with EV; any EV you own.
Comparison and recommendation
Amazon vs Non-Amazon
- Amazon items are often plug-and-play, shipped quickly, often cheaper in retail promotions, and have user reviews in one place. They are excellent for accessories (cables, protectors, adapters) that you can buy and install yourself.
- Non-Amazon items (wall chargers, pedestals, outdoor canopies) tend to be more specialised, higher cost, and may require installation/electrician work. They might offer better power ratings or regional compatibility (important for Europe/Hungary).
- If you want basic upgrades and convenience: go for Amazon accessories. If you’re setting up the foundation (charger installation at home) or have special requirements (outdoor mount, high power), then non-Amazon may suit better.
Which accessory for which car / use case
- If you drive a standard J1772-plug EV (e.g., Nissan Leaf, Chevrolet Bolt, many EU models with Type 2 adapter) then extension cords, cable protectors, home Level 2 chargers with J1772 are great.
- If you drive a Tesla (Model 3/Y/S/X) you might need adapters (#3) so that you can use non-Tesla charging stations or accessories.
- If you live in Hungary or Europe and have outdoor parking, items like pedestal, canopy, high-power charger matter more due to installation environment and local electrical standards.
- If you often park a little farther from your charger or share parking spots, the extension cords and stands help flexibility.
- If you’re just getting an EV and want to make sure your home setup is future-proof (for possibly a second EV or visitor EVs) then go with a high-power wall charger now and mount/stand set-up.
Summary — why these accessories matter
- They increase convenience: no more “my cable doesn’t reach” or “must park awkwardly”.
- They improve durability & safety: protect cables, protect charger units, avoid weather damage.
- They enhance charging speed/flexibility: especially home Level 2 charger means less waiting.
- They expand compatibility: adapters mean more charging station options.
- They future-proof your setup: stands, mounts and higher power units mean you’re ready for next EV.
Final thoughts
If I were to pick one must-have accessory for a typical new EV owner in Hungary, I’d pick the home Level 2 charger (non-Amazon high-power version) if budget allows — because charging speed and ease at home is foundational. Then I’d add a cable protector and extension cord (Amazon) to cover logistics. Finally, if outdoor installation is needed, invest in pedestal/canopy.
If your budget is smaller, start with the cable protector and extension cord — they cost much less but still improve everyday usability.