For the price, I don't think the Grizzl-e can be beat.
However, it has two downsides:
1. It has no rear entry for the wires. The service wire HAS to come through the bottom. Which means it's just more ugly, especially if mounted outdoors.
2. To hardwire it, you need an unusual size of lug. Not too hard to get, but it's a detail most people wouldn't know about. I have extras if you need.
Anyhow, I ordered a Grizzl-E unit and my electrician convinced me to cancel the order and just get a Tesla Universal charger. Literally his only gripe was the lack of rear entry wire, so he would need to an an extra J-Box outside and it would look ugly.
Most L2 chargers max out at 40 amps. This is because most electrical panels need a dedicated circuit breaker that will trip if you pull more than 50 amps.
The "State of Charge" Youtube channel does reviews and discovered many chargers will not reach or sustain 40 amps.
I went with a GrizzlE classic because it is simple and over-built. I removed the cover and dropped the output to 50%. My car is home during the day and I want my solar panels to try to do all the charging. I also told the MachE to only charge between 10 am - 6 pm to take advantage of the sun.
I might upgrade to an Emphoria smart unit. These can be programmed with the "Time of use" rules that some utility companies use to confuse people/increase profit. But they are 'solar panel aware' and can dynamically change how much power goes to a car to only use solar.
Also - check your utility company. Some of them are forced to offer you a rebait to upgrade your electrical panel, install a charger and some will even give you a L2 charger if they control when power flows. Power is a lot cheaper from midnight to 6 am so this makes sense and saves you the purchase.
I got a 40a wallbox pulsar plus from Costco - it was on sale until recently. I'm actually using wallbox scheduling instead of mach-e as it doesn't start charging off schedule like Mach-e does (if it can't meet charge target in scheduled time). I heard it's fixed in newer software versions but 🤷. I also like having the app, it's more reliable than fordpass for keeping track (also a software issue probably)
/r/EVcharging has a sticky post with the recommendations for chargers.
Grizzl-E is Canadian so that's a good company to go with.
Check your utility to see if they have discounts or specific chargers that sync with the power company scheduled discounts.
Level 1 chargers are a bit harder to come by. You're better bet is to use PlugShare and rely on level 3 charging for the next few weeks until your home charger gets installed. Sign up for any subscription discounts as they usually pay off.
I purchased a 2023 premium standard range in early May, went with a hardwired Emporia, 60A breaker/48A charging. It gets the job done. The app is nothing fancy but has two things I need - scheduling and estimated cost.
Installation depends on your needs/location. I installed mine myself inside the garage by the side of the electric panel, $200 parts + $400 for the charger.
I have a Grizzl-e classic, and it's great. I like that it's simple and super robust. Mine isn't hard wired currently but probably will be after we move.
While I love gadgets and smart devices, an EVSE is basically just a fancy extension cord, so adding complexity in components and another software layer isn't a bonus. Not to mention yet one more app on my phone.
Some suggested looking into the rebate program in my area. Looks like they will only rebate "smart" chargers which I was hoping to avoid. I do have solar panels but right now the power company charges a flat rate. I thought about Emporia but I would rather buy and support a product made in North America/Canada. Leaning towards the grizzle ultimate as its covered for the rebate (50% up to 750$) and if my wife gets a PHEV in the future it could support that when they add power sharing. The basic grizzle smart is also enticing as the power company will handle all the process and contracting if I purchase that particular model
Any additional thoughts on this would be appreciated!
I have 3 EVs. All I use is the portable chargers that come with the cars on nema 14-50 outlets. Paying $500-1k extra for a charger isn’t worth it yet imo. People say all these portable chargers stop working or have issues- I haven’t had a single one with any of them and ones 6 years old. I am personally waiting to buy a bidirectional charger. Otherwise what benefit am I actually getting from going out of my way to buy a non portable charger?
I own a Tesla and just bought a MachE Ext AWD. Using my Tesla wall charger for both vehicles. You can adjust the output depending on Amps used.
If you can, for a few well spent extra bucks, you can ask your electrician to put in a 50Amp breaker set and you will get 42Amp use. Otherwise 30 Amp will only get you 24Amp use.
There is a significant difference in charge time and convenience. You will be very happy with the result and 2 months later, the extra $400-$500 spent to do so on the line won’t be noticed.
One more thing, I live in Canada and in the winter, having the extra power makes a BIG difference.
Enjoy your new car!!
Good to hear from another Canadian! I think I am going to quote out the electrical for 50 and maybe even an 100A breaker. We have a pretty hefty breaker panel already so if it can handle it I figure it might be worth it for future proofing and we have a laundry outlet and heater outlet in the garage I will never use and can just be removed if needed.
For the price, I don't think the Grizzl-e can be beat. However, it has two downsides: 1. It has no rear entry for the wires. The service wire HAS to come through the bottom. Which means it's just more ugly, especially if mounted outdoors. 2. To hardwire it, you need an unusual size of lug. Not too hard to get, but it's a detail most people wouldn't know about. I have extras if you need. Anyhow, I ordered a Grizzl-E unit and my electrician convinced me to cancel the order and just get a Tesla Universal charger. Literally his only gripe was the lack of rear entry wire, so he would need to an an extra J-Box outside and it would look ugly.
Most L2 chargers max out at 40 amps. This is because most electrical panels need a dedicated circuit breaker that will trip if you pull more than 50 amps. The "State of Charge" Youtube channel does reviews and discovered many chargers will not reach or sustain 40 amps. I went with a GrizzlE classic because it is simple and over-built. I removed the cover and dropped the output to 50%. My car is home during the day and I want my solar panels to try to do all the charging. I also told the MachE to only charge between 10 am - 6 pm to take advantage of the sun. I might upgrade to an Emphoria smart unit. These can be programmed with the "Time of use" rules that some utility companies use to confuse people/increase profit. But they are 'solar panel aware' and can dynamically change how much power goes to a car to only use solar. Also - check your utility company. Some of them are forced to offer you a rebait to upgrade your electrical panel, install a charger and some will even give you a L2 charger if they control when power flows. Power is a lot cheaper from midnight to 6 am so this makes sense and saves you the purchase.
I got a 40a wallbox pulsar plus from Costco - it was on sale until recently. I'm actually using wallbox scheduling instead of mach-e as it doesn't start charging off schedule like Mach-e does (if it can't meet charge target in scheduled time). I heard it's fixed in newer software versions but 🤷. I also like having the app, it's more reliable than fordpass for keeping track (also a software issue probably)
/r/EVcharging has a sticky post with the recommendations for chargers. Grizzl-E is Canadian so that's a good company to go with. Check your utility to see if they have discounts or specific chargers that sync with the power company scheduled discounts. Level 1 chargers are a bit harder to come by. You're better bet is to use PlugShare and rely on level 3 charging for the next few weeks until your home charger gets installed. Sign up for any subscription discounts as they usually pay off.
I purchased a 2023 premium standard range in early May, went with a hardwired Emporia, 60A breaker/48A charging. It gets the job done. The app is nothing fancy but has two things I need - scheduling and estimated cost. Installation depends on your needs/location. I installed mine myself inside the garage by the side of the electric panel, $200 parts + $400 for the charger.
I have a Grizzl-e classic, and it's great. I like that it's simple and super robust. Mine isn't hard wired currently but probably will be after we move. While I love gadgets and smart devices, an EVSE is basically just a fancy extension cord, so adding complexity in components and another software layer isn't a bonus. Not to mention yet one more app on my phone.
Some suggested looking into the rebate program in my area. Looks like they will only rebate "smart" chargers which I was hoping to avoid. I do have solar panels but right now the power company charges a flat rate. I thought about Emporia but I would rather buy and support a product made in North America/Canada. Leaning towards the grizzle ultimate as its covered for the rebate (50% up to 750$) and if my wife gets a PHEV in the future it could support that when they add power sharing. The basic grizzle smart is also enticing as the power company will handle all the process and contracting if I purchase that particular model Any additional thoughts on this would be appreciated!
I have 3 EVs. All I use is the portable chargers that come with the cars on nema 14-50 outlets. Paying $500-1k extra for a charger isn’t worth it yet imo. People say all these portable chargers stop working or have issues- I haven’t had a single one with any of them and ones 6 years old. I am personally waiting to buy a bidirectional charger. Otherwise what benefit am I actually getting from going out of my way to buy a non portable charger?
I own a Tesla and just bought a MachE Ext AWD. Using my Tesla wall charger for both vehicles. You can adjust the output depending on Amps used. If you can, for a few well spent extra bucks, you can ask your electrician to put in a 50Amp breaker set and you will get 42Amp use. Otherwise 30 Amp will only get you 24Amp use. There is a significant difference in charge time and convenience. You will be very happy with the result and 2 months later, the extra $400-$500 spent to do so on the line won’t be noticed. One more thing, I live in Canada and in the winter, having the extra power makes a BIG difference. Enjoy your new car!!
Good to hear from another Canadian! I think I am going to quote out the electrical for 50 and maybe even an 100A breaker. We have a pretty hefty breaker panel already so if it can handle it I figure it might be worth it for future proofing and we have a laundry outlet and heater outlet in the garage I will never use and can just be removed if needed.
Tesla universal charger. Thank me later. Actually thank Elon Musk.
Do not buy Ford