EV Chargers Compared

The comparison table

Tesla Wall Connector (Gen 3)

Price: $420 direct from Tesla · Max: 48A continuous (11.5 kW) · Connector: NACS (Tesla)

The pros

• Native NACS connector — no adapter needed for any Tesla. Just plug in.
• Best industrial design — looks at home on the side of a garage in a way most other chargers don't.
• Power sharing — install up to 6 Wall Connectors on a single circuit, they automatically split power. Great for multi-EV households or rentals.
• WiFi-connected — firmware updates, usage tracking, schedule.
• 24-foot cable on Gen 3, plenty for most garages.
• Tesla's warranty and service network — if it dies, Tesla replaces it.
• 48A continuous — full 11.5 kW that any current Tesla can accept.

The cons

• NACS-only — if you ever buy a non-Tesla EV that doesn't come with a NACS port (Ford, Hyundai, Kia from 2024+ have NACS, but most pre-2025 non-Tesla EVs use J1772 or CCS1), you'd need an adapter for them, not the other way around.
• Tesla app required for setup. Locks setup into a Tesla account.
• Hardwired install — no plug option. Permanent.
• Tesla's customer service. If you've dealt with Tesla support, you know.

Best for: Tesla-only households who plan to stay Tesla. The default choice and rightly so.

Tesla Mobile Connector

Price: $230 + adapters · Max: 32A (7.7 kW) · Connector: NACS

This is the cord that comes with the car. As of recent Model Y orders, Tesla no longer includes the Mobile Connector — you have to buy it separately. Check what shipped with your specific car.

The pros

• Portable — fits in the frunk, take it anywhere.
• Multiple plug adapters available — NEMA 14-50, 5-15, 6-50, etc.
• Costs less than a Wall Connector.
• Internal temperature sensor that cuts power if the outlet overheats (added after the recall — see why this matters).

The cons

• 32A max — you'll never get the full 48A speed even on a 50A circuit. ~30% slower than a Wall Connector.
• The cable is short — 20 feet. Tight in some garages.
• Requires a quality NEMA 14-50 outlet — see the outlets page.
• No smart features — no scheduling, no usage tracking, no app.

Best for: renters who need to take the cord with them, road-trippers, secondary "occasional" charging locations.

ChargePoint Home Flex

Price: $650-700 · Max: 50A (12 kW) · Connector: J1772 (Tesla needs a J1772-to-NACS adapter, free from Tesla)

The pros

• Works with everything — J1772 is the universal standard, every EV including Tesla can use it with the right adapter.
• Plug OR hardwire — flexibility on install. The "Flex" name is literal.
• Adjustable amperage — set 16/24/32/40/48/50A based on your circuit.
• ChargePoint app — actually well-built, shows energy use, schedules, costs.
• Built into the ChargePoint network — same app finds public ChargePoint stations.
• Solid build quality. The hardware feels premium.

The cons

• Tesla needs an adapter — small inconvenience, but it's the J1772 dongle that ships with your car.
• More expensive than Tesla's offering for similar capability.
• Bulkier physically than the Wall Connector.

Best for: households that may switch to non-Tesla EVs, renters who might bring it to a new house, anyone valuing future-proofing.

Grizzl-E (Classic and Smart)

Price: $450 Classic / $700 Smart · Max: 40A (9.6 kW) · Connector: J1772 (+adapter)

The pros

• Built like a tank — Canadian-made, NEMA 4 weatherproof rating, basically indestructible.
• Classic version has no electronics to fail — just an EVSE. Will probably outlast the car.
• Made in Canada — supports North American manufacturing, well-respected in cold climates.
• Dip-switch adjustable amperage.
• Plug or hardwire.

The cons

• 40A max, not 48A. ~15% slower than Wall Connector at full speed.
• The Smart version's app is meh — works, but not as polished as ChargePoint's.
• No power sharing between multiple units.

Best for: someone who wants charging that "just works" for a decade with no app drama, especially in harsh climates.

Emporia EV Charger

Price: $399 · Max: 48A (11.5 kW) · Connector: J1772 (+adapter)

The pros

• Best price-to-features ratio on the market.
• 48A capable — matches Wall Connector speed.
• Built-in energy monitoring — works with their Vue energy monitor for whole-home awareness.
• WiFi and app at this price point is rare.
• NEMA 14-50 plug standard — easy install if you have the outlet.

The cons

• Build feels less premium than the more expensive options. Plastic enclosure.
• WiFi setup can be finicky — read the install reviews.
• Younger brand — less track record than ChargePoint or Tesla.

Best for: budget-conscious buyers who still want 48A charging and energy monitoring.

Wallbox Pulsar Plus

Price: $649 · Max: 40A (9.6 kW) · Connector: J1772 (+adapter)

European design, very compact. Bluetooth + WiFi. The MyWallbox app is good. 40A limit. Cable is short at 25ft. Solid mid-tier choice.

Lectron V-Box / generic budget chargers

Price: $200-300 · Max: 32-40A · Connector: J1772 (+adapter)

Honestly, at this price tier you're getting a basic EVSE with no smart features and sometimes questionable build quality. For occasional use or as a backup, fine. For your primary home charger that you'll use 365 nights a year? Spend the extra $150 for a Grizzl-E or Emporia.

What about portable Level 2 EVSEs?

Tesla's Mobile Connector + NEMA 14-50 adapter is itself a portable Level 2 EVSE. Third-party alternatives that are slightly better:

• Lectron 40A portable ($250-300) — 40A capable vs Tesla's 32A, J1772 (needs Tesla adapter).
• Megear / Morec / Mustart portables ($150-250) — generic Chinese-made, 16-32A, mixed quality.
• Webasto TurboCord ($500) — premium dual-voltage 120/240V portable.

What you should not skimp on, ever

• The wire and outlet behind the charger. A $1,000 charger on a $5 outlet with undersized wire is a fire waiting to happen. Spend on the install first, the charger second.
• The breaker. Match the brand to your panel. Off-brand breakers from Amazon are a real fire hazard.
• The electrician. Cheapest quote often = newest electrician = highest chance of problems. EV-specific experience matters.
• Permits and inspection. The $200 you save by skipping permitting costs you $5,000 later when an insurance claim is denied.

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