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Emporia vs Grizzl-E Classic: smart or simple EV charger?

Short version: Emporia if you want app scheduling, energy tracking or utility smart-charger rebates; Grizzl-E Classic if you want a tough, simple charger with no Wi-Fi to manage.

The Emporia is a Wi-Fi Level 2 charger rated up to 48 A hardwired. The Grizzl-E Classic skips connectivity entirely: a metal indoor/outdoor enclosure, a 24 ft cable, a NEMA 14-50 plug, and current you can set to 16, 24, 32 or 40 A.

By AlexUpdated 3 sources citedHow we choose

Based on U.S. Department of Energy · Emporia · United Chargers

White electric car charging at a station
Photo: smart-me AG / Unsplash

Which one should you buy?

Best smart option

Emporia Level 2 EV Charger, 48A (J1772)

App scheduling and up to 48 A hardwired, with a 25 ft cable.

  • Wi-Fi
  • 48 A max
  • 25 ft
Check price on AmazonRead why ↓
Best simple option

Grizzl-E Classic 40A

No Wi-Fi, no app: a metal enclosure and a current limit from 16 to 40 A chosen at install.

  • No app
  • 16–40 A
  • Metal case
Check price on AmazonRead why ↓

We don't list prices because they change daily; Amazon shows the current price and stock when you click. We earn a commission on purchases, which never decides a pick. How we choose.

The short answer: Emporia for scheduling, energy tracking and rebate eligibility. Grizzl-E Classic if your car already schedules charging and you want fewer things to break or update.
This is a focused guide. For the full category with every pick, read the best Level 2 home EV charger.

Emporia vs Grizzl-E: spec by spec

Swipe the table sideways to see both →

SpecBest smart optionEmporia Level 2 EV Charger, 48A (J1772)Best simple optionGrizzl-E Classic 40A
Max current48 A hardwired; 40 A on 14-5040 A max; 16/24/32/40 A settings
Wi-FiYes, app schedulingNo
Cable25 ft24 ft
EnclosureIndoor/outdoor ratedMetal, indoor/outdoor
Current settingSet in appInternal setting at install
RebatesSmart features often required by utility programsMay not qualify where networked chargers are required
Best forTime-of-use rates, data fansPlug-and-forget, outdoor installs
Price & stockCheck priceCheck price
Best smart option

Why pick Emporia Level 2 EV Charger, 48A (J1772)?

Compared with the Grizzl-E, Emporia’s difference is the app. You can schedule charging for off-peak hours, see how much energy each session used, and in some areas join utility demand-response programs.

Smart connectivity also matters for money: many utility rebates only cover networked chargers. Check your utility’s program before you buy, because the rebate can change which charger is cheaper.

If you hardwire it at 48 A, you need a 60 A circuit; on a 14-50 plug it charges at 40 A, the same as the Grizzl-E.

Great if you
  • Pay time-of-use electricity rates
  • Want energy tracking
  • Want to qualify for a smart-charger rebate
Skip it if you
  • Have poor Wi-Fi in the garage
  • Prefer no app at all
  • Car already schedules charging

Key specs

Max current
48 A hardwired; 40 A on NEMA 14-50
Connector
J1772
Cable
25 ft
Smart
Wi‑Fi app, scheduling
Voltage
240 V
Emporia Level 2 EV Charger, 48A (J1772)Opens Amazon; the live price and stock are shown there.
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Best simple option

Why pick Grizzl-E Classic 40A?

The Grizzl-E Classic is the charger for people who do not want another app. It has no Wi-Fi, so there is nothing to pair, update or lose connection to; it charges when you plug in.

Its adjustable current (16, 24, 32 or 40 A) lets an installer match it to whatever circuit you have, which helps in older homes with limited panel capacity. The metal enclosure is built for outdoor driveways.

Most EVs can schedule charging from the car’s own app, which covers the main thing you lose. What you can’t get is per-session energy tracking or rebates that require a networked charger.

Great if you
  • Want the simplest charger
  • Install outdoors
  • Have a smaller circuit to match
Skip it if you
  • Want charger-side scheduling or data
  • Need a smart-charger rebate
  • Want more than 40 A

Key specs

Max current
40 A, adjustable 16/24/32/40 A
Connector
J1772
Cable
24 ft
Enclosure
Metal, indoor/outdoor
Plug
NEMA 14-50
Grizzl-E Classic 40AOpens Amazon; the live price and stock are shown there.
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How to choose between Emporia and Grizzl-E

Both deliver real Level 2 speeds on a 14-50 plug at 40 A. The question is whether you want the charger itself to be smart.

Does your car schedule already?

Most EVs let you set charging times in the car or its app. If yours does, the Grizzl-E loses little.

Rebates

Check utility programs first. Some pay only for networked chargers, which could make the Emporia cheaper after rebate.

Garage Wi-Fi

A smart charger needs a stable signal where it is mounted.

Circuit size

The Grizzl-E’s lower settings fit smaller circuits; Emporia’s 48 A needs a 60 A hardwired circuit.

Emporia Level 2 EV Charger, 48A (J1772)Opens Amazon; the live price and stock are shown there.
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Emporia vs Grizzl-E: common questions

Is Grizzl-E a good charger?

The Grizzl-E Classic is a widely used, simple Level 2 charger with a metal enclosure and adjustable current up to 40 A. It lacks Wi-Fi.

Does Emporia charge faster than Grizzl-E?

Only if hardwired at 48 A and your car accepts more than 40 A. On a NEMA 14-50 plug both charge at 40 A.

Can I schedule charging without a smart charger?

Usually, yes, from your EV’s own settings or app.

Which is better outdoors?

Both are rated for indoor and outdoor use. The Grizzl-E’s metal enclosure is a point in its favor for exposed locations.

Do I need a permit?

Often for new circuits or hardwiring. Ask a licensed electrician about your local rules.

How we compared them

We compared manufacturer specifications for current settings, connectivity, cable length and enclosure, and the U.S. Department of Energy’s guidance on home charging and installation.

We have not hands-on tested these products; we compare published specifications, independent measurements and manufacturer documentation, and we update this page when models change. Read the full methodology.

What sources did we use?

  1. U.S. Department of Energy: Charging at home (accessed October 23, 2026)
  2. Emporia: EV charger (accessed October 23, 2026)
  3. United Chargers: Grizzl-E (accessed October 23, 2026)

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