Grizzl-E Review: The Best Budget Level 2 Charger You've Never Heard Of

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Every EV charger roundup mentions the same names: ChargePoint, Tesla, JuiceBox. But the Grizzl-E, made in Canada, consistently outperforms chargers that cost $200 more. It's not flashy, doesn't have an app, and that's exactly why it works.

Specs at a Glance

Spec	Details
Amperage	40A (on 50A circuit)
Output	9.6 kW
Cable	24 feet, J1772
Installation	NEMA 14-50 plug OR hardwired
Smart Features	None (Classic) / WiFi (Smart model)
Temperature Range	-22°F to 122°F (-30°C to 50°C)
Price	$399-$499

Why People Love This Charger

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Grizzl-E Classic 40A Level 2 EV Charger

Cast aluminum housing, 40A, NEMA 6-50, made in Canada, the budget bulletproof workhorse for outdoor installs.

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Built like a tank

The Grizzl-E was designed in Canada for Canadian winters. Operating range of -22°F to 122°F means it handles extreme cold and heat that kills lesser chargers. The NEMA 4 rating means it's genuinely waterproof, not just splash-resistant.

Grizzl e charger review best budget level 2 — practical guide overview — Grizzl e charger review best budget level 2

Durability champion: While other chargers fail in Minnesota winters or Arizona summers, Grizzl-E owners in extreme climates consistently report zero issues after 2-3 years of outdoor operation.

No subscriptions, no cloud dependency

The Classic model has zero smart features, and that's a feature. No app to crash, no cloud service to shut down, no WiFi to troubleshoot. Plug in the car, it charges. Done. If you want smart features, the Grizzl-E Smart model adds WiFi and app control for about $100 more.

Excellent value

At $399-$499, the Grizzl-E costs $150-$250 less than the ChargePoint Home Flex while delivering comparable charging speed (9.6 kW vs 12 kW). For most EVs with 32A onboard chargers, you won't notice the difference.

Money-saving move: If your EV's onboard charger maxes out at 32A (Chevy Bolt, Nissan Leaf, many PHEVs), the Grizzl-E's 40A output is more than enough. You'd be paying $200+ extra for the ChargePoint's 50A capability that your car can't even use.

The Tradeoffs

No adjustable amperage on the Classic. It's 40A or nothing. If your panel can't handle a 50A circuit, you'll need the Smart model (which can be dialed down) or a different charger.

Grizzl e charger review best budget level 2 — step-by-step visual example — Grizzl e charger review best budget level 2

40A max, not 48A. If you drive a Tesla or other EV with a 48A onboard charger, you'll charge slightly slower, about 25 vs 30 miles of range per hour. For overnight charging, this rarely matters.

Basic design. It's a box on the wall. No sleek Tesla aesthetics, no LED light ring. If garage design matters to you, this isn't winning any beauty contests.

Smart model upgrade: The Grizzl-E Smart ($499) adds WiFi connectivity, app-based scheduling, energy monitoring, and adjustable amperage (16-40A). If time-of-use rates matter to you, the $100 upgrade is worth it.

Who Should Buy the Grizzl-E

Budget-conscious EV owners who want reliability over features
Anyone in extreme climates (hot or cold)
Outdoor installations where weather-resistance is critical
EV owners with 32A onboard chargers who don't need 48A output
People who distrust cloud-dependent devices

See if the Grizzl-E matches your vehicle with our Charger Compatibility Checker. For estimating your electricity costs, try the Charging Cost Calculator.