Leviton 48A vs Emporia 48A: Brand Premium or Feature Parity
Short answer
Both are 48 amp hardwired units delivering 11.5 kW, both are safety certified, and both do the job. Leviton is a long established electrical manufacturer with the distribution and contractor familiarity that comes with it. Emporia is considerably cheaper and adds strong energy monitoring. For a straightforward installation, the price difference is hard to justify on function alone.
At a glance
| Leviton Level 2 EV Charger, 48 A | Emporia Level 2 EV Charger, 48 A, J1772 | |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum output | 11.5 kW at 48 A | 11.5 kW at 48 A |
| Circuit required | 60 A dedicated | 60 A dedicated |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi |
| Energy monitoring | Basic | Detailed |
| Contractor familiarity | High | Growing |
| Price | Higher | Lower |
Choose the Leviton Level 2 EV Charger, 48 A if…
Choose Leviton if your electrician recommends it, if you want a brand with a long warranty history in residential electrical, or if it is what the local supply house stocks. There is real value in a contractor installing equipment they have installed many times, because commissioning quirks and warranty claims are simpler. That is worth something even though the specification is the same.
Check Leviton Level 2 EV Charger, 48 A on Amazon
Choose the Emporia Level 2 EV Charger, 48 A, J1772 if…
Choose Emporia if you want the same output and better energy reporting for around three hundred dollars less. It is a certified, widely installed unit and the saving is meaningful against a total installed cost. Whichever you buy, the circuit is the expensive and safety critical part, and it is licensed electrician work requiring a permit and an inspection in most jurisdictions.
Check Emporia Level 2 EV Charger, 48 A, J1772 on Amazon
Related
- Electrical safety and what needs an electrician
- Home EV charger installation guide
- Installation cost calculator
Comparison based on published manufacturer specifications and the general consensus of owner reports. We have not tested these products side by side. Confirm current specifications and prices before buying. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you.
We review them on their own too, in full detail: the Leviton 48 amp and the Emporia 48 amp.
Common questions
Does the brand of charger affect the installation cost?
Very little. The cost is dominated by the run length, whether the panel has space and capacity, whether the route is easy, and local labour rates. A charger that is twice the price does not make the wiring cheaper. The installation cost calculator on this site separates the two so you can see where your money is going.
What certification should a charger have?
Look for a listing from a recognised testing laboratory, commonly shown as UL or ETL listed to the relevant EV supply equipment standard. An inspector may reject unlisted equipment outright, and your insurer may take an interest after a fire. This is not a detail to compromise on to save money.
Does the warranty cover the installation?
No. A product warranty covers the unit and not the wiring, the breaker, the labour or any damage caused by an incorrect installation. That is another reason the installation should be done by a licensed electrician under permit and inspected, since an inspection record is useful evidence that the work was done to code.
Can I move the charger if I sell the house?
A hardwired unit is generally treated as a fixture and it is normally left, though this is a matter for the sale contract. If portability matters to you, a plug in unit on a properly installed outlet is the usual route, at the cost of a lower amperage ceiling. The hardwired against plug in page covers that trade.
Getting your own panel and load numbers ready for an electrician? The EV Home Charging Install Planner is the paid version of these pages: 8 printable worksheets you fill in with your own numbers, plus the full PDF, $29.
How this page was researched
Specifications come from manufacturer documentation, listed safety certifications and verified owner reviews. We do not perform hands-on product testing and never claim to. Figures are researched planning information, not professional electrical advice. Last reviewed 2026-08-17.