Grizzl-E Smart Review: The Metal Box, Now With WiFi

The same enclosure and cable as the Classic, with scheduling added and often a lower price.

Specifications

Specifications above come from Grizzl-E's published specifications. Treat pricing as approximate, since Amazon pricing moves.

What it does well

• It is often the cheapest way to get a genuinely heavy duty charger, and at around two hundred and fifty dollars it undercuts most plastic bodied competitors.
• Grizzl-E Connect gives scheduling and energy statistics, which is what turns a time of use tariff into an actual saving.
• The plug-in NEMA 14-50 design means it can be unplugged and taken with you, unlike a hardwired unit.
• Energy Star certification plus UL testing covers the usual rebate requirements.

Where it falls short

• Forty amps is the ceiling because it is a plug-in unit on a NEMA 14-50, and no plug-in charger can exceed that under the receptacle rules.
• Adding WiFi adds a failure mode. Owners who chose Grizzl-E for its simplicity should consider whether they actually want it.
• The app is functional rather than sophisticated, with none of the wider home energy integration Emporia offers.
• A 50 amp circuit and a NEMA 14-50 outlet still need an electrician, so the plug-in convenience does not remove the installation cost.

What owners report

Published owner reports carry over the Classic's reputation for build and cold weather behaviour, which is unsurprising given the shared enclosure and cable. The addition of scheduling gets positive mention from owners on off peak tariffs.

Connectivity reports are mixed in the usual way for garage mounted WiFi devices, with signal strength being the deciding factor rather than the charger. Owners with a weak garage signal describe the same reconnection issues that afflict every connected charger, and the fixes are the ordinary ones: a mesh node, a repeater or an access point in the garage.

Who it suits

• Anyone on a time of use tariff whose car does not schedule charging reliably.
• Buyers who want a metal enclosure and a long cable at the lowest possible price.
• Renters and movers who want a plug-in charger they can take with them.

Who should skip it

• People who specifically want a charger with no software.
• Owners of cars that accept 11.5 kW and want the full 48 amps.
• Anyone needing deep home energy integration, where Emporia does more.

Alternatives worth considering

Keep reading

• Grizzl-E Classic vs Smart
• Grizzl-E vs Emporia
• Smart charging and scheduling
• Grizzl-E Classic review
• Grizzl-E Duo Connect review
• Time of use savings calculator

This review draws on published specifications, manufacturer figures and the consensus of verified owner reviews. We have not tested this product ourselves, and we say so rather than implying otherwise. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

Common questions

Grizzl-E Smart or Classic?

Same enclosure, same cable, same current. The Smart adds WiFi scheduling, energy statistics and remote diagnostics, and is often the cheaper of the two. Take the Classic only if you actively want no software layer. Our comparison of the two covers the details.

Can the Grizzl-E Smart do 48 amps?

No. It is a plug-in unit on a NEMA 14-50 receptacle, and receptacle fed EV charging is limited to 40 amps continuous. Forty eight amps requires a hardwired charger on a 60 amp circuit. Our hardwired versus plug-in comparison explains where the line is and why.

Will WiFi work in my garage?

That depends on your house rather than the charger. Detached garages and concrete walls defeat plenty of connected devices. If your signal is marginal, plan for a mesh node or an access point in the garage, or choose a charger with a stronger antenna. Our WiFi setup guide covers the practical fixes.

Do I still need an electrician?

Yes, for the outlet. A NEMA 14-50 on a 50 amp circuit is licensed work in most jurisdictions and usually requires a permit. What plugging in saves you is the electrician returning to connect the charger itself, and the ability to unplug it and take it with you.

Is it eligible for the federal rebate?

Grizzl-E states that it is, and it carries UL testing and Energy Star certification, which are the usual qualifications. Eligibility also depends on your address and the current programme terms, so check our rebates and tax credits guide and confirm before purchase.

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.