Emporia Pro EV Charger Review
Emporia Pro EV Charger offers 48A fast Level 2 EV charging with PowerSmart Load Management. Includes NEMA 14-50 plug or hardwire installation options, 25′ cable, and real-time energy optimization for efficient charging.
The Emporia Pro EV Charger is a high-performing, Level 2 home EV charger that combines fast charging, smart load management, and simple control in one product, It supports hardwired and NEMA 14-50 plug installations, charges up to 48 amps and includes a 25-foot cable with a J1772 connector.
We recommend the hardwired Emporia Pro Level 2 EV Charger for homeowners seeking maximum performance (up to 48A) and a clean, long-term setup. The NEMA 14-50 plug-in Emporia Pro Level 2 EV Charger is ideal for renters or anyone needing a quick, portable solution without permanent installation.
Emporia is a leading energy management company dedicated to enhancing home energy efficiency, and the Emporia Pro EV Charger is a prime example of this commitment. Previously, we ranked the Emporia Level 2 EV Charger as one of the best EV chargers for solar EV charging due to its ability to integrate with the Emporia ecosystem, including the Vue 3 Home Energy Monitor (sold separately with the standard Emporia Level 2 EV Charger), this integration allows homeowners to track energy usage, optimize charging schedules, and reduce costs, particularly for solar-powered EV charging.
The Emporia Pro EV Charger takes this a step further by including the Vue 3 Home Energy Monitor in the box and adding built-in PowerSmart Load Management technology. PowerSmart Load Management technology uses real-time home electrical load usage data from the Vue 3 to manage charging loads, adjusting the charging speed based on your home’s current energy use. As appliances turn on and off, the Vue 3 communicates with the Emporia Pro EV Charger to balance the EV charging load and prevent overloading the electrical panel, by leveraging PowerSmart Load Management technology and Vue 3 Home Energy Monitor integration, the Emporia Pro EV charger saves 10% to 20% on average of your EV charging bills on grid integrated systems.
Unlike other EV chargers, such as the Universal Tesla Wall Connector, which requires additional devices like a Tesla Powerwall for full dynamic load management, the Emporia Pro EV Charger integrates intelligent load management directly within the unit, making it a more budget-friendly option for homeowners seeking efficient EV charging without extra costs. While the Tesla Wall Connector offers bi-directional charging, allowing you to save 30% to 50% on your home energy bills by utilizing your vehicle’s battery, the Emporia Pro focuses on efficient EV charging and seamless solar system integration without bi-directional charging.
While Emporia states that you don’t need to upgrade your electrical panel to install the Emporia Pro EV Charger, we recommend confirming that your panel can support the required dedicated EV charger circuit breaker, and the Emporia Vue 3 Home Energy accessories which must be installed with the Emporia Pro EV Charger for dynamic load management. The plug-in Emporia Pro EV Charger needs a 50A breaker, and the hardwired Emporia Pro EV Charger requires a 60A breaker. You’ll also need enough space for the Emporia Vue 3 Home Energy Monitor, which includes the Vue unit, two 200A current transformers (CTs), a WiFi antenna, and wiring.
Since the Emporia Pro EV Charger appeals to homeowners looking for a more advanced setup, especially those interested in futureproofing their installation with solar EV charging – it’s crucial to check if your electrical panel has enough capacity for the EV charger circuit, Vue 3 system, wiring, and any additional solar accessories.
The diagram above shows a complete electrical panel layout featuring the Vue 3 Home Energy Monitor and solar system integration, designed to support the wiring and installation of the Emporia Pro EV Charger with solar EV charging integration. We recommend reviewing this layout with your licensed electrician before installation to ensure your electrical panel can safely accommodate the Emporia Vue 3 system, the dedicated Emporia Pro EV Charger circuit, and optional solar installation, while also meeting local code requirements.
Fast Charging at Home
The Emporia Pro EV Charger delivers up to 11.5kW of charging power. This means it can charge your electric vehicle up to nine times faster than a Level 1 EV charger. You can get about 35–40 miles of range per hour of charging depending on your vehicle and setup. This speed covers most daily driving needs in just a few hours, especially overnight.
The charger supports the following power levels:
- 240V / 48A – 11.5kW (Hardwired Installation)
- 240V / 40A – 9.6kW (NEMA 14-50 Installation)
- 208V / 48A – 10kW (Hardwired Installation)
- 208V / 40A – 8.3kW (NEMA 14-50 Installation)
To achieve 48 amps, you will need a dedicated 60A breaker and a hardwired setup. If you prefer plug-in use, the charger works with a NEMA 14-50 outlet and delivers up to 40 amps using a 50A breaker. This flexibility supports a wide range of household electrical systems.
Emporia Pro PowerSmart Load Management
One of the standout features of the Emporia Pro EV Charger is PowerSmart—integrated software that uses real-time electrical load data from the included Vue Energy Monitor. It adjusts the power supplied to the charger, ensuring that it uses the maximum available power based on your home’s electrical usage during each charging session. This dynamic adjustment helps optimize energy usage without overloading your electrical panel.
PowerSmart monitors energy consumption in real-time (3,000 times per second) and allocates only the available capacity, preventing any overloads. This makes the Emporia Pro EV Charger ideal for homes with limited electrical panel capacity or solar systems. By purchasing the Emporia Pro EV Charger with integrated PowerSmart load management technology, you can save over $1,000 compared to installing a separate load management device for your EV charger installation.
Here’s how it works:
- The Vue Energy Monitor is installed inside your main panel.
- It measures your home’s energy use 3,000 times per second.
- PowerSmart adjusts your EV charging rate based on available capacity.
- It prevents overloading, saving you from unnecessary panel upgrades.
With PowerSmart, you don’t need to spend thousands upgrading your electrical system. Instead, the charger safely uses unused energy from your home to deliver the maximum possible charge without risking a tripped breaker or power loss.
Emporia Pro Automated and Scheduled Charging
The Emporia app plays a crucial role in ensuring safe and efficient EV charging with the Emporia Pro EV Charger. During installation, an electrician can configure a minimum charge rate of the EV charger such as 20 amps to maintain a safe starting point for EV charging, this setting is secured with a PIN, giving the homeowner full control and preventing unauthorized adjustments. From there, the system automatically monitors available panel capacity in real-time using the Vue 3 Energy Monitor and adjusts the charging rate of the Emporia Pro EV Charger dynamically using PowerSmart load management technology scaling up EV charging when excess power is available and down when it’s not.
Beyond configuration, the Emporia app lets users set charging schedules to run during off-peak utility hours and provides real-time insights into home energy usage. It breaks down how much energy each appliance consumes—including the Emporia Pro EV Charger—and shows how often the charger is activated. When paired with advanced features like Time-of-Use or Solar-Only Charging, the app tracks and reports actual cost savings. For example, it can show how much you saved by charging during off-peak hours or using surplus solar power instead of drawing from the grid—helping homeowners make smarter, greener, and more cost-effective EV charging decisions.
Emporia Pro Safety and Compliance
The Emporia Pro meets all major North American safety standards:
- Underwriters Laboratories (UL) Certifications: UL 2594, UL 2251, UL 991, UL 817
- Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) Certifications: SAE J1772 and SAE J3400 standards
- National Electrical Code (NEC) Compliance: NEC 625 compliant for EV equipment
Emporia Pro Level 2 EV Charger Installation Notes
The Emporia Pro EV Charger is housed in a watertight NEMA Type 4 enclosure, making it suitable for both indoor and outdoor installations. This ensures protection from rain, snow, and dust, which is particularly important for outdoor setups.
Designed to operate in a wide temperature range of -22°F to 122°F (-30°C to 50°C), the charger performs reliably across various climates. Whether installed in a garage, carport, or outdoor charging station, you can depend on the Emporia Pro to provide consistent functionality, no matter the weather.
When installing the Emporia Pro Level 2 EV Charger, it’s essential to follow the installation requirements carefully to ensure safe, efficient charging. Below are key installation notes to guide you through the process:
Emporia Pro Electrical Panel Compatibility
The Emporia Pro Level 2 EV Charger is designed to work with both 240V and 208V electrical systems, offering flexibility based on your home’s electrical setup.
240V Electrical Systems: Most U.S. single-family homes use 240V systems, ideal for high-power appliances like EV chargers. With a 240V setup, the Emporia Pro EV Charger delivers a fast 11.5kW charging rate at 48A, making it perfect for efficient Level 2 charging. It’s common in modern homes and easy to verify with an electrician.
208V Electrical Systems: Commonly found in commercial or industrial settings, as well as in certain multifamily residential units (such as apartments or condos). It can also result from converting a three-phase electrical system to a residential configuration, often in areas with older infrastructure or specific commercial zones. If your home has a 208V Single Phase, 2 Wires (Two Hot wires + Ground wire), the Emporia Pro EV Charger will still function, but at a slightly reduced charging rate (10kW for the 48A hardwired setup). While less common in single-family homes, it’s worth verifying the system type in older or multi-unit buildings.
Emporia Pro Hardwired vs. Plug-In Installation
The Emporia Pro EV Charger comes in two configurations that can determine your installation options: NEMA 14-50 plug-in and hardwired.
- Hardwired (48A Setup): This installation method is ideal for homeowners who want a permanent solution with faster charging speeds (11.5kW at 240V / 48A and 10kW at 208V / 48A). A hardwired setup is usually the best choice if you don’t plan to move the charger and prefer a clean, fully integrated, and permanent installation.
- Plug-In (40A Setup): The NEMA 14-50 plug-in installation is ideal for renters or homeowners looking for a flexible, portable option. While it offers slower charging speeds than a hardwired setup (9.6kW at 240V / 40A and 8.3kW at 208V / 40A), it’s easy to install without professional wiring and can be relocated if needed.
Emporia Pro GFCI Requirements
The NEC requires a GFCI breaker for 6-50 or 14-50 outlets. Since the Emporia Pro EV Charger already has built-in GFCI protection, it may cause false EV charger circuit breaker tripping if installed on a circuit with additional GFCI protection at the breaker. We recommend consulting your electrician to determine the best installation method. If a GFCI breaker is necessary, we suggest the hardwired installation, as it doesn’t require GFCI protection like the NEMA outlet. Due to potential conflicts between NEC and UL requirements, your installer will ensure compliance with local codes.
Emporia Pro Charging Power Guide: Breaker Size vs. Output
To get the most out of your Emporia Pro Level 2 EV Charger, it’s crucial to match it with the right circuit breaker. This guide shows how different breaker sizes affect the charger’s maximum safe output at 240V. Use this to optimize your installation for safety and performance.
- 15A breaker → 12A max charge rate → 2.9 kW @ 240V
- 20A breaker → 16A max charge rate → 3.8 kW @ 240V
- 25A breaker → 20A max charge rate → 4.8 kW @ 240V
- 30A breaker → 24A max charge rate → 5.8 kW @ 240V
- 35A breaker → 28A max charge rate → 6.7 kW @ 240V
- 40A breaker → 32A max charge rate → 7.7 kW @ 240V
- 45A breaker → 36A max charge rate → 8.6 kW @ 240V
- 50A breaker → 40A max charge rate → 9.6 kW @ 240V
- 60A breaker → 48A max charge rate → 11.5 kW @ 240V
Emporia Pro Solar Integration
For homeowners with solar power systems, the Emporia Pro EV Charger is an excellent solar EV charger that integrates into one package of home management tools that allows solar-only EV charging and integrated grid and solar EV charging. Its built-in PowerSmart Load Management and Vue 3 Energy Monitor seamlessly integrate with your solar system, optimizing energy use and reducing costs in EV charging. In our guides below, you’ll find integration schematics to help connect the Emporia Pro EV Charger to your home solar system.
Emporia Pro Level 2 EV Charger Installation
When it comes to installing the Emporia Pro Level 2 EV Charger, homeowners have several installation options depending on their electrical system setup. Here are the four main configurations based on voltage and amperage, each designed to provide optimal performance for your EV charging needs.
240V / 48A Emporia Pro EV Charger Hardwired Installation
This installation method is ideal for homeowners with a 240V electrical system who have purchased the hardwired Emporia Pro EV Charger. With a 240V/48A setup, it delivers a fast 11.5kW charging rate, perfect for daily high-speed charging.
240V / 40A Emporia Pro EV Charger NEMA 14-50 Plug-In Installation
This installation method requires a NEMA 14-50 outlet and is ideal for homeowners with a 240V electrical system who have purchased the plug-in Emporia Pro EV Charger. The 240V/40A setup delivers a 9.6kW charging rate, offering a balance of convenience and fast charging.
208V / 48A Emporia Pro EV Charger Hardwired Installation
For homes with a 208V electrical system, the hardwired Emporia Pro EV Charger installation method provides a 48A setup, delivering a fast 10kW charging rate for efficient and high-speed charging.
208V / 40A Emporia Pro EV Charger NEMA 14-50 Plug-In Installation
This method is designed for homeowners with a 208V electrical system and a NEMA 14-50 outlet. The 240V / 40A setup offers a 9.6kW charging rate, perfect for users looking for flexibility with good charging speed.
Emporia Pro EV Charger Compatible NEMA 14-50 Outlets
We recommend using a high-quality NEMA 14-50 outlet for your Emporia Pro Level 2 EV Charger. It ensures safe, reliable power with a secure connection that meets all electrical standards.
Emporia Pro EV Charger Compatible Outlet Covers
We recommend adding an outlet cover to your plug-in Emporia Pro installation. It helps prevent contact with live parts, deters tampering, and keeps the setup clean and professional.
Emporia Pro EV Charger Compatible Pedestal
We recommend using a compatible pedestal for mounting your Emporia Pro charger. It provides a stable, standalone setup—ideal for outdoor or detached installations.
Final Thoughts
The Emporia Pro EV Charger is one of the smartest and most future-ready Level 2 home chargers today. It goes beyond simply charging your EV fast—it actively manages your home’s energy use with PowerSmart Load Management, saving you money and reducing strain on your electrical panel.
With both plug-in and hardwired installation options, it suits renters looking for flexibility and homeowners aiming for a permanent, high-performance setup. Plus, by including the Vue 3 Home Energy Monitor in the box, Emporia gives you a complete energy management solution that would cost hundreds more for a load management device.
Whether you’re looking to avoid costly panel upgrades, integrate with solar, or optimize charging based on your home’s real-time energy use, the Emporia Pro stands out. It’s an ideal pick for energy-conscious homeowners who want fast, reliable, and intelligently managed EV charging—without breaking the bank.
If you’re serious about efficient home charging that grows with your solar or smart home system, the Emporia Pro is a top-tier choice.
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