Grizzl-E Smart EV Charger Review
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Review By
James Ndungu
- last updated 24/03/2026
The Grizzl-E Smart Level 2 EV Charger (240V, 40A) is a budget-friendly smart EV charger with a rugged aluminum build, J1772 compatibility, UL-listed, Energy Star certified, and NEMA 14-50/6-50 plug support.
The Grizzl-E Smart EV Charger takes the tough, reliable design of the Classic model and adds smart features that actually save you money. It uses OCPP 1.6 technology to connect with apps like ChargeLab and the company’s own Grizzl-E Connect app. You get remote monitoring, scheduling, and energy tracking without giving up the rugged durability that made the original Grizzl-E Classic popular.
We first came across the Grizzl-E line while looking for a tough, off-road-ready EV charger, and it didn’t disappoint. We used the Grizzl-E Classic with our Jeep 4xe and can confirm it holds up better than most in harsh conditions. This charger isn’t the smartest option on the market, given that we now have AI-enabled, high-amperage EV chargers like the Autel MaxiCharger 80A EV Charger, but it’s perfect for homeowners who want a durable, smart charger at an affordable price. If you’re also looking for serious long-term value and flexibility, the Grizzl-E Smart delivers.
How It Compares to the Competition
The Grizzl-E Smart goes head-to-head with DEWALT EV Chargers, which offer similar rugged, weatherproof designs. DEWALT adds both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity, targeting customers who trust the American brand name and want extra safety features. Both options offer tough outdoor performance and intelligent charging management, so your choice might come down to brand preference and the specific features you need.
Grizzl-E Smart EV Charger Versus Other J1772 Chargers
The following chart compares key specifications (charging power, weight, operating temperature range, cable length, and warranty) of the Grizzl-E Smart EV Charger with other EV chargers using the same J1772 connector type (direct competitors).
The Grizzl-E Smart delivers 9.6 kW, placing it in the sweet spot among the J1772 chargers we have reviewed. Its biggest advantage is the NEMA 4-rated cast aluminum enclosure. Unlike the plastic housings of the Wallbox Pulsar Plus or Autel Home Smart EV Charger, the Grizzl-E is built for abuse and can even be power-washed. If you need raw speed over ruggedness, the Autel MaxiCharger 80A offers 19.2 kW, but it requires a heavy-duty 100A circuit, which can cost more than the charger itself.
Weighing 22.05 lbs, the Grizzl-E Smart is heavier than the J1772 EVcharger group average of 14.7 lbs. Its weight comes from heavy-duty relays and a metal frame. If you need a lighter or “travel-friendly” unit, the Wallbox Pulsar Plus is only 4.4 lbs. The Grizzl-E includes a security pin system, allowing you to lock it to the wall while still making it easy to remove for servicing or seasonal relocation.
Most chargers handle standard U.S. climates, but the Grizzl-E Smart is a Canadian-born “Winter King.” Its operating range is -22°F to 122°F, and its premium cable is thicker than most. This makes it durable if a car runs over it, but it can be stiff and hard to coil in cold temperatures. For the most extreme conditions, such as Arctic or desert climates, the Autel MaxiCharger AC 80 Amp EV charger offers a wider safety range of -40°F to 131°F.
The Grizzl-E Smart’s secret weapon is OCPP compliance. Unlike other J1772 chargers, which lock you into proprietary apps, the Grizzl-E lets you choose your software provider, like ChargeLab or AmpUp. This is great for rental properties that need third-party billing. However, if you want a polished, out-of-the-box experience, the Autel MaxiCharger AC 80 Amp EV charger, which comes with a proprietary Autel Home Smart app, is more intuitive for daily scheduling and real-time energy tracking.
For homeowners with solar, the Tesla Universal Wall Connector is the most sophisticated J1772 option for “Charge on Solar.” But for native J1772 fleet setups, the Grizzl-E Smart is a better choice; its rugged design and open-protocol software make it close to a commercial-grade station. If you need to manage two cars on one circuit without software and don’t like the Tesla brand, the Grizzl-E Duo (the 39.6-lb “Big Brother”) offers dual connectors and hardware-level load balancing that doesn’t rely on Wi-Fi.
Smart Features That Actually Save You Money
The Grizzl-E Smart charger connects to apps like Grizzl-E Connect or ChargeLab to help you save money on electricity. The biggest savings come from scheduling your charging sessions during off-peak hours when electricity is cheapest. In places with Time-of-Use rates, like California or Ontario, peak electricity can cost three to five times as much as off-peak electricity.
By scheduling EV charging during off-peak TOU hours with the Grizzl-E Smart EV Charger, we reduced our monthly EV charging costs by roughly 20% (Our TOU EV charging strategy)
Tracking Time-of-Use savings manually is complicated, but the Grizzl-E Connect app makes it easy by working with smart home monitors on our EV circuit to show exactly when and how much we’re saving with every charging session.
You can also earn money through Demand Response programs. Many utility companies will pay you $50 to $150 per year just for letting your charger slow down during times when the power grid is stressed. Programs like OhmConnect make this easy, and the credits show up right on your electricity bill.
Freedom to Choose Your Software
The Grizzl-E Smart uses OCPP 1.6J, an open standard for EV chargers. This might sound technical, but it’s actually one of the charger’s best features for protecting your investment.
Most smart chargers force you to use only the manufacturer’s app. If that company goes out of business or changes its terms, your expensive charger becomes a basic “dumb” charger overnight. The Grizzl-E Smart is different because it works with multiple third-party software providers like ChargeLab and ev.energy.
You can switch between apps in just minutes if you want different features or better pricing. Since the average Level 2 charger should last over 10 years, this flexibility protects your Grizzl-E Smart EV charger investment for its entire lifespan. Your charger stays smart no matter what happens with any individual software company.
Avoiding Expensive Electrical Upgrades
One of the smartest features is load balancing, which can save you thousands of dollars upfront. Many older homes have 100-amp or 125-amp electrical panels. Adding a 48-amp EV charger usually means upgrading your entire panel, which costs between $2,000 and $4,500.
The Grizzl-E Smart uses intelligent power sharing to avoid this problem. It automatically adjusts how much power it draws based on what else is running in your home. If your air conditioner or dryer turns on, the charger backs off to stay within your panel’s limits.
This technology can cut your total installation costs by more than 60% if your home has limited electrical capacity. You get a powerful Level 2 charger without the massive upgrade bill.
Flexible Installation Options
The Grizzl-E Smart works with your home’s setup. You can choose professional hardwire installation for a permanent solution, or go with the plug-in option using either a NEMA 6-50 or NEMA 14-50 outlet. This flexibility makes it easier to install, whether you’re in a new home or retrofitting an older one.
Setup Got Much Easier
When we first tested the Grizzl-E charger, the setup was frustrating. The third-party ChargeLab app had compatibility problems that made the experience harder than it should have been. Grizzl-E listened to feedback and built its own app, Grizzl-E Connect, which has completely changed the game.
The native Grizzl-E Connect app makes everything smoother. You can monitor your charging status, schedule sessions, and adjust settings without fighting with compatibility issues. What used to be a complicated setup is now straightforward and user-friendly. This improvement alone makes the Grizzl-E Smart a much better product than when it first launched.
Making the Most of Your Solar Panels
If you have a grid-tied EV charging set-up, the Grizzl-E Smart can work with energy management systems like Emporia to maximize your savings. Without this integration, you might sell extra solar power back to the grid for just five cents per kilowatt-hour, then buy it back at night for 25 cents.
Smart software fixes this problem by charging your EV directly with surplus solar energy during the day. Every kilowatt-hour you use from your own panels instead of the grid saves you 20 cents. If you have a typical solar surplus of 10 kilowatt-hours per day, that amounts to about $730 in extra savings each year.
NEMA 14-50R Outlet Installation for Grizzl-E Smart EV Charger
When I installed the NEMA 14-50R outlet for my Grizzl-E Smart EV Charger, the first thing I did was switch off power at the main panel, safety first. Then I added a dedicated 50-amp double-pole breaker to handle the load. Running 6 AWG feeder wires from the breaker to the outlet spot felt straightforward, but I kept the run short to avoid unnecessary voltage drop.
The outlet itself has four terminals: two hot wires carrying 240V, one neutral, and one ground. I carefully stripped each wire just right; too much exposed copper can be dangerous, and too little makes a weak connection. Tightening the screws firmly was key because loose connections can cause heat buildup and damage over time.
Mounting the outlet solidly to the wall gave me confidence it wouldn’t wiggle or pull on the wiring. I used proper strain relief clamps to keep tension off the wires, which is often overlooked but super important for safety and durability.
Once everything was wired up, I tested the outlet with my Grizzl-E charger. The charger fired up smoothly, no hiccups or tripped breakers. One thing I keep in mind: always follow local electrical codes and regulations. Trust me, cutting corners here is not worth the risk.
A quick pro tip from my experience: when working with continuous loads like EV chargers, double-check that your breaker and wiring are rated correctly for 125% of the charger’s max current, per NEC Article 625. It’s a small detail that protects your investment and keeps everything running cool and safe.
NEMA 14-50R Outlet Installation for Grizzl-E Smart EV Charger
Compatible NEMA 14-50 Outlets
These NEMA 14-50 outlets are fully compatible with the Grizzl-E Smart EV Charger, supporting a maximum current output of 40 amps on a 50A circuit breaker for continuous charging without risk of overheating or fire. These outlets can deliver 28-30 miles per hour at 40A of power, operating optimally between -30°C and +50°C (-22°F and 122°F), making them ideal for reliable Level 2 EV charging with the Grizzl-E Smart EV Charger. Designed for durability, they withstand frequent plugging and unplugging and are compatible with 6 AWG wiring, ensuring safe, efficient performance over time.
Grizzl-E Smart EV Charger Installation with NEMA 6-50 Outlet
The Grizzl-E Smart EV Charger offers customizable charging based on circuit breaker capacity. Follow the guidelines below for installation, wiring, and performance. Each section includes the charge rate and a diagram for reference.
40A Output Grizzl-E Smart EV Charger (50A Circuit Breaker)
The diagram below illustrates the correct wiring configuration for a 40A Grizzl-E Smart EV Charger with a NEMA 6-50R outlet. It requires a 50-amp circuit breaker and 6 AWG wiring to ensure safe and efficient operation. A conduit with an inner diameter of 3/4″ to 1″ is recommended for optimal wire protection. This setup supports a 9.6 kW power output and provides a charge rate of 28–30 miles of range per hour.
32A Grizzl-E Smart EV Charger (40A Circuit Breaker)
The diagram below demonstrates the proper wiring setup for a 32A Grizzl-E Smart EV Charger with a NEMA 6-50R outlet. It requires a 40-amp circuit breaker and 8 AWG wiring to safely handle the current. A conduit with an inner diameter between 3/4″ and 1″ is recommended for optimal wire protection. This configuration supports a 7.6 kW power output and delivers a charge rate of 22–25 miles of range per hour.
24A Grizzl-E Smart EV Charger (30A Circuit Breaker)
The diagram below outlines the installation of a 24A Grizzl-E Smart EV Charger using a NEMA 6-50R outlet with a 30-amp circuit breaker. It requires 10 AWG wiring, and the conduit should have an inner diameter between 1/2″ and 1″ for proper protection. This configuration supports a 5.7 kW power rating and delivers a charge rate of 15–18 miles of range per hour.
16A Grizzl-E Smart EV Charger (20A Circuit Breaker)
The diagram below illustrates the installation of a 16A Grizzl-E Smart EV Charger using a NEMA 6-50R outlet with a 20-amp circuit breaker. It requires 12 AWG wiring, and the conduit should have an inner diameter between 1/2″ and 1″ for optimal protection. This configuration supports a 3.8 kW power rating and delivers a charge rate of 10–12 miles of range per hour.
Recommended NEMA 6-50 Outlets for Grizzl-E Smart EV Charger
For optimal performance and safety, it’s crucial to use NEMA 6-50 outlets specifically designed for the Grizzl-E Smart EV Charger. These outlets are NEC-compliant and support adjustable amperage (16A to 40A) for a versatile charging experience. Depending on the circuit breaker, the maximum current outputs are: 40A with a 50A circuit breaker, 32A with a 40A circuit breaker, 24A with a 30A circuit breaker, and 16A with a 20A circuit breaker.
These outlets are compatible with 6 AWG, 8 AWG, 10 AWG, and 12 AWG wiring, ensuring efficient and reliable charging while minimizing the risk of overheating and maintaining smooth operation.
Grizzl-E Smart EV Charger Compatible Outlet Covers
Improve safety and energy efficiency with outlet covers for your Grizzl-E Smart EV Charger. These covers protect against electrical hazards, prevent tampering, and seal unused outlets to reduce energy waste.
Price Comparison
Grizzl-E Smart EV Charger Price Comparison
Grizzl-E Smart EV Charger vs. other J1772 chargers plotted by price and power output. Bubble size represents the EV Charger Price Index Rating™.
As shown in this interactive chart, the Grizzl-E Smart sits at the affordable end of the price range for J1772 chargers.
It delivers 11.5 kW of power and stands out for its all-metal, fire-resistant cast-aluminum enclosure, making it virtually indestructible. Unlike other budget chargers with plastic housings, the Grizzl-E is built for extreme environments, rated from -30°C to 50°C.
It also offers a flexible warranty choice at purchase (either 3 years or 5 years), ensuring long-term reliability without a high price tag.
Specification: Grizzl-E Smart EV Charger Review
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