In this guide we have rounded up the best 48-amp EV chargers also known as 11.5 kW EV chargers for three-phase EV charger installations, 48-amp EV chargers are also known as 49 amps Level 2 chargers and are installed in residential and commercial set-ups where there are 208V electrical power supply or 240V electrical power supply to the electrical panel.
48-Amp EV chargers can deliver fast EV charging at 11.5kW, which offers fast and efficient EV charging compared to its single phase 40 amps EV charger that only delivers 7.4kW Level 2 E charging speeds.
In this comprehensive guide, we will list the best 48 amps EV chargers available today, their charging speeds, their smart EV charging features, and how to install them.
Table of Contents
Our Picks (Best 48-Amp EV Charger / 11.5 kW EV Chargers)
What Is the Best 48-Amp EV Charger?
The Emporia 48-Amp EV Charger stands out as the top choice in this category, offering a robust combination of high performance, advanced features, and affordability. With its reliable build and smart charging capabilities, it delivers exceptional value without straining your budget.
Best 48-Amp EV Charger
We’ve compiled a list of the Best 48-Amp EV Charger that offer a positive home and commercial EV charging experience when installed in three-phase EV charger installations including large apartments or condominium units parking lots with 240V three-phase power supply, where three-phase power supply is common in the United States.
#1 Emporia 48 Amp EV Charger
The Best 48 Amp EV Charger Overall
The Emporia 48-amp EV charger stands out by delivering faster Level 2 charging speeds due to its high maximum output of 48 amps on hardwired versions, ideal for fast EV charging.
Its preconfigured design simplifies installation, making it especially suited for high-powered setups, such as 11.5kW EV charging in three-phase electrical systems. This plug-and-play configuration reduces setup time, and power output adjustment errors during installations for optimal safety and performance., making it a preferred choice for those seeking powerful and efficient home or commercial charging solutions.
Despite being a budget 48 Amps EV charger, its build quality extends from its robust exterior design to the software aspects of the EV charger, to use the smart features of the EV charger you will need a functional mobile application, and that’s what Emporia Energy App offers extending its smart EV charging features from basic remote EV charging to more advanced features such as energy use analysis and actionable recommendations to help you save money, conserve energy, especially when charging on higher amperage Level 2 EV chargers.
Emporia Energy App is ideal for commercial fleet remote EV charging management if you are looking for a Level 2 EV charger for commercial purposes, it offers energy use analysis which is ideal for accountability, management, and actionability which is ideal for commercial settings.
And since most 48-Amp EV Chargers are installed in industrial settings, large apartment or condominium units where three-phase power is common in the United States, one issue arises, and that’s the issue of parking spots, the Emporia 48-amp EV charger features a 24 feet long cable that offers more reach and flexibility in different parking setups.
#2 Grizzl-E Ultimate 48 Amp EV Charger
The Best All-Weather 48 Amp EV Charger
You don’t need to spend big on a 48 amp EV charger especially if all you need are fast charging speeds and smart EV charging features, the Grizzl-E Ultimate 48 Amp EV Charger offers the best price/ performance values we’ve tested.
The Grizzl-E EV chargers have long been held as a staple among budget EV chargers, but the latest smart EV charging models have cemented themselves as one of the great home EV chargers, the Grizzl-E Ultimate 48 Amp EV Charger is one of the smart EV chargers that borrow their reliable Grizzl-E designs from the popular Grizzl-E classic, however, it offers supports for 240V three phase Level 2 EV charger installations on adjusted 48A power outputs on its hardwired versions.
As per our experience in EV charger installations, 48-Amp EV chargers are common in large apartments or condominiums units where three phase is common in the United States, in such cases we recommend the Grizzl-E Ultimate 48 Amp EV Charger for its ability to withstand abuse in such installations due to their durable aluminum outer casing that is IP67-rated to withstand harsh weather.
For parking lots and outdoor 48 Amp EV charger installations, we recommend the Grizzl-E Ultimate 48 Amp EV Charger, paired with two additional accessories from United Chargers to enhance safety: the Grizzl-E Heavy Duty Easy EV Plug and the Grizzl-E Outdoor Safety Lock.
This combination is more cost-effective than using a traditional lockbox or enclosure, especially for large-scale installations like fleet charging, commercial settings, or parking lots in workplaces, apartment complexes, or condominium units.
For such installation including parking lots and outdoor 48 Amp EV Charger installations, we recommend installing the Grizzl-E Ultimate 48 Amp EV Charger with two additional accessories bought together to improve the safety of your EV charger installations, all products from, United Chargers the company that makes the Grizzl-E charger, this includes the Grizzl-E Heavy Duty Easy EV Plug and the Grizzl-E Outdoor Safety Lock to improve the security for your Grizzl-E Ultimate 48 Amp EV Charger installation, it’s way cheaper compared to purchasing an EV charger lockbox/enclosure especially when purchasing lots of Level 2 EV chargers for fleets EV charging in a commercial setting or a parking lot in a workplace, large apartments or condominium units parking lots
The Grizzl-E Ultimate 48 Amp EV Charger is an adjustable power output EV charger, in order to get the 48 amps power output you need, you will need to purchase the hardwired version and install the Grizzl-E Ultimate 48 Amp EV Charger on a 240V three-phase electrical power supply circuit.
#3 Tesla Universal Wall Connector
The Best 48 Amp NACs EV Charger
We said the Tesla Universal Wall Connector is the best 48 amp NACs EV charger because when it comes to J1772 48 amps EV chargers we already have the Emporia 48-amp EV charger and the Grizzl-E Ultimate 48 Amp EV Charger leading, but when it comes to 48 amp NACs EV charger to charge your Tesla Cybertruck, or your Tesla Model Y/3/S the Tesla Universal Wall Connector is your go-to charger due to smart connect compatibility.
While the Emporia 48-amp EV charger and the Grizzl-E Ultimate 48 Amp EV Charger are the leading 48 Amp EV Charger that we tested they don’t offer better features when it comes to smart compatibility with Tesla models compared to the Tesla Universal Wall Connector that is able to communicate, connect and work together with the Tesla Cybertruck, or your Tesla Model Y/3/S effectively within a smart EV charging environment through the Tesla Smart app.
This doesn’t mean that other electric vehicle owners should buy the Tesla Universal Wall Connector to charge their J1772 electric vehicles, no, that is why we rated the Tesla Universal Wall Connector #3 in our list since it is also compatible with J1772 electric vehicles without needing an adapter.
In order to charge your electric vehicle with fast Level 2 EV charging speeds of 11.5kW and install the Tesla Universal Wall Connector in a 240V three-phase EV charger installation, you will have to adjust the amperage of the Tesla Universal Wall Connector to 48 Amps, with this installation we were able to charge our Tesla providing a range of 44 miles of range per hour of charge.
#4 Home Flex 48 Amp EV Charger
Best EV charger for future-proofing your EV charger installation.
In our list of the best 48 Amp EV chargers, the Home Flex 48 Amp EV Charger is the only option that offers adjustable power outputs up to 80 amps. EV owners who need a 48 Amp charger due to current vehicle limitations can purchase the Home Flex and set it to 48 amps, future-proofing their installation for higher power needs.
We recommend the Home Flex 48 amp EV charger not only due to its higher power output capabilities but also for its pricing for such power outputs and charging speeds, purchasing the Home Flex 48 Amp EV Charger gives EV owners the flexibility to match their charging setup to their specific electrical conditions, utility costs, and charging needs, balancing safety, cost, and efficiency.
ChargePoint Home Flex can charge any EV on the market, including Tesla, however when it comes to its ChargePoint® smart EV charging applications, J1772 EV owners would have superior smart connectivity compatibility compared to Tesla owners, who would otherwise get better smart connectivity compatibility for their Tesla through the Tesla Smart app.
Since the Home Flex 48 Amp EV Charger is an adjustable power output EV charger, to get the 48 Amps EV charger you have to select the hardwired Home Flex EV Charger since the Plug-in versions are limited to 40 amps EV charging.
#5 Autel MaxiCharger 48 Amp EV Charger
The Most Secure 48 Amp EV Charger
The Autel MaxiCharger Home EV Charger is the most secure 48 amps EV charger thanks to its optional start and stop RFID card functionality which can prevent unauthorized use, especially in large apartments or condominium units parking lots where three-phase EV charger installations are common.
The charger is also rugged and includes a 25ft long cable and can be installed in both indoor and outdoor EV charger installations since its enclosure is rated NEMA-4 making it suitable for commercial, large apartments, or condominium units parking lots where three-phase EV charger installations are common. It is Energy Star-certified and CSA-approved which means that a nationally recognized laboratory has tested the Autel MaxiCharger EV charger to meet safety and energy efficiency standards.
You can use the AUTEL Charge App to track, manage, schedule, and optimize charging sessions for smart EV charging features. Start EV charging anytime to take advantage of off-peak Electricity Rates.
The Autel MaxiCharger EV Charger features a front screen that appears to be a touch screen for smart EV charging, but it’s purely decorative and doesn’t offer interactive functions. For commercial installations, large apartment complexes, or condominium parking lots where a 48 Amp EV charger is needed, we recommend the MaxiCharger AC Elite EV Charger below, It comes with a functional 5-inch touch display, providing a better user experience for business applications – but at a premium price.
The Autel MaxiCharger EV Charger is an adjustable power output EV charger that can be adjusted to deliver 48 amps EV charging power output when installed in 240V three-phase power supply installations, however, only the hardwired version is capable of such high Level 2 EV charger installations.
#6 Enphase IQ 60 Smart 48 Amp EV Charger
Best for Energy Management System Integrations
The Enphase IQ 60 Smart 48 Amp EV Charger is a premium EV charger that is the advanced predecessor of the earlier Enphase HCS-60 48 Amp EV Charger that we all know as ClipperCreek EV Charger, the Enphase IQ 60 Smart 48 Amp EV Charger has the same build and looks as the Enphase HCS-60 48 Amp EV Charger however it comes with latest and advanced smart EV charging features being the latest Enphase EV charger to hit the market.
We tested the Enphase IQ 50 EV Charger, but only on single-phase installations and not on three-phase setups, so we can’t offer a direct comparison. However, the newer Enphase IQ 60 Smart 48 Amp EV Charger is expected to have updated features and more advanced internal components compared to the IQ 50 model.
The Enphase IQ 60 Smart EV Charger is best known for its unique software and unique EV charging products that can integrate directly with your residential, commercial, and industrial energy management system especially if you would like to integrate solar power into your EV charging set-up.
We installed the hardwired Enphase IQ 60 Smart 48 Amp EV Charger in a three-phase setup, and it delivered a consistent 11.5kW to our electric vehicle. During testing, we realized why the IQ 60 is priced higher than other chargers—it has exceptional build quality, featuring rugged hardware and a fully-sealed enclosure for weather protection. The 25-ft cable is flexible, and the J1772 plug has a compact, premium feel compared to other models like the Grizzl-E 48 Amp EV Charger.
The Enphase IQ 60 Smart EV Charger comes with adjustable power output configurations of up to 64 amps making it ideal for future-proofing your EV charger installations. To install the charger in a three-phase 240V EV charger installation for 48 amps power output you will have to purchase the hardwired Enphase IQ 60 Smart EV Charger.
48 Amp EV Charger Installation Options – NEC – US
The EV charger wiring diagrams below are for informational purposes only. Always consult a licensed electrician and adhere to local codes and regulations when performing electrical work.
To test the 48-amp EV chargers listed here, we set up a 240V three-phase system using hardwired installations—ideal for overnight charging and daily commutes with power outputs ranging from 7.6kW to 22kW.
48 Amp EV Charger Wire Size
We used 4 AWG copper wires to install the 48 Amp EV Charger per the NEC Table 310.15(B)(16) (formerly Table 310.16) table.
48 Amp EV Charger Circuit Breaker Size
We used 60 amps dedicated circuit breaker to connect the 48 Amp EV Chargers to the electrical panel using 4 AWG copper wires, as per the NEC 125% rule which states that the rating of an overcurrent device (breaker or fuse) should be at least 125% of the continuous load circuit
Hardwired 48 Amp EV Charger Installation – NEC – US
Our three-phase hardwired setup supported all 48-amp EV chargers in our tests, including the Emporia 48 Amp EV Charger, Grizzl-E Ultimate 48 Amp, Tesla Universal Wall Connector, Home Flex, Autel MaxiCharger, and Enphase IQ 60 Smart Charger. We utilized a 60-amp dedicated circuit breaker with 4 AWG wires, which accommodated these devices without needing additional changes to the electrical setup.
The wiring diagram below illustrates our three-phase hardwired 48-amp EV charger configuration, featuring the main electrical panel, a dedicated 60-amp breaker, and 4 AWG wiring, compliant with NEC standards for US installations.
Conclusions.
Selecting the best 48-amp EV charger ultimately comes down to understanding your specific needs and installation requirements.
The Emporia 48-Amp EV Charger is a standout option for those seeking a balance of performance, features, and cost-effectiveness. However, the Grizzl-E Ultimate 48-amp EV charger offers rugged durability for outdoor use, while the Tesla Universal Wall Connector provides seamless integration for Tesla owners and other EVs. Brands like ChargePoint also offer high-performance ChargePoint 48-amp chargers with unique features worth exploring. For tech enthusiasts, the Enphase IQ 60 48-amp EV charger and Autel MaxiCharger 48-amp EV charger offer cutting-edge smart features that can elevate your charging experience.
No matter which charger you choose, ensure it meets your power needs, is compatible with your EV, and complies with the National Electrical Code (NEC) for safe installation. Investing in a high-quality 48-amp charger and installing it as recommended by the National Electrical Code (NEC) will ensure faster charging times and a more efficient EV experience for years to come.
About the Author: James Ndungu
James Ndungu, founder and editor-in-chief of Electric Vehicle Geek, brings over five years of hands-on experience in Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) selection, permitting, and installation. He specializes in assisting businesses and homeowners in the United States with a seamless transition to electric vehicles.
As a certified EV charger installer and holder of advanced certifications, including the EVITP (Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Training Program), Diploma in Electric Vehicle Technology, and Diploma in Engineering Fundamentals of Electric Vehicles, I provide expert guidance and in-depth reviews on the latest EV charging equipment.
Last update on 2024-12-10 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
