Choosing between the Grizzl-E Classic and the ChargePoint Home Flex is one of the most common dilemmas for new EV owners. Both are excellent Level 2 chargers, but they serve very different needs and budgets. In this detailed comparison, we’ll break down every aspect to help you choose the right one.
See our smart EV chargers guide. See our EV charging apps guide.
| Feature | Grizzl-E Classic | ChargePoint Home Flex |
|---|---|---|
| Max Output | 40A (adjustable 16/24/32/40A) | 50A (adjustable 16-50A) |
| Price | ~$349 | ~$699 |
| Smart Features | None (basic) | Full app control, WiFi, Alexa |
| Cable Length | 25 feet | 23 feet |
| Outdoor Rating | NEMA 4X (rugged) | NEMA 4 (weatherproof) |
| Warranty | 3 years | 3 years |
| Best For | Budget, simplicity, durability | Smart features, network, max speed |
The Grizzl-E Classic costs roughly half the price of the ChargePoint Home Flex. At around $349, it’s one of the most affordable Level 2 chargers that doesn’t compromise on build quality. The ChargePoint Home Flex, at approximately $699, commands a premium for its smart features and network integration.
However, the total cost of ownership includes installation. Both chargers can use a NEMA 14-50 plug, so installation costs are similar ($300-$600 for a new circuit). The price difference is primarily in the charger hardware itself.
| Cost Factor | Grizzl-E Classic | ChargePoint Home Flex |
|---|---|---|
| Charger Price | ~$349 | ~$699 |
| Installation | $300-$600 | $300-$600 |
| Total (typical) | $649-$949 | $999-$1,299 |
| Federal Tax Credit (30%) | Up to $1,000 | Up to $1,000 |
| Net Cost (after credit) | $0-$0 (often fully covered) | $0-$299 |
With the federal tax credit, the Grizzl-E is often fully covered, making it an exceptional value. See our EV charger rebates guide for complete incentive details.
Both chargers deliver reliable Level 2 charging, but the ChargePoint has a higher maximum output:
| Metric | Grizzl-E Classic (40A) | ChargePoint Home Flex (50A) |
|---|---|---|
| Miles of range/hour | ~30 miles | ~37 miles |
| Full charge (75 kWh battery) | ~7.8 hours | ~6.1 hours |
| Daily commute (40 miles) | ~1.3 hours | ~1.1 hours |
| Weekly charge (300 miles) | ~10 hours | ~8 hours |
For most daily driving, the difference is negligible—both chargers can replenish a typical day’s commute in under 2 hours. The 50A advantage of the ChargePoint matters most for owners of large-battery trucks and SUVs (Rivian R1T, Ford F-150 Lightning) who need faster turnaround times.
This is where the two chargers diverge dramatically:
The Grizzl-E is deliberately simple. For some users, this is a feature, not a bug—there’s no app to crash, no WiFi to configure, no firmware updates to worry about. It just works, every time.
Both chargers excel in build quality, but in different ways:
Grizzl-E Classic: Built like a tank. The housing is cast aluminum with a powder-coated finish. It’s rated NEMA 4X, meaning it can withstand extreme weather, dust, and even direct water jets. Canadian-made and tested in harsh conditions, the Grizzl-E is often chosen for outdoor installations in extreme climates.
ChargePoint Home Flex: Also well-built with an aluminum housing and NEMA 4 rating. The design is more refined and modern, with an integrated connector holster. While durable, it’s designed more for residential aesthetics than industrial ruggedness.
| Durability Factor | Grizzl-E Classic | ChargePoint Home Flex |
|---|---|---|
| Outdoor Rating | NEMA 4X | NEMA 4 |
| Housing Material | Cast aluminum | Aluminum |
| Temperature Range | -22F to 122F | -4F to 122F |
| UV Resistance | Excellent | Good |
| Vandal Resistance | High | Moderate |
Both chargers offer plug-in and hardwired options. The installation process is similar, but the Grizzl-E has a slight edge in flexibility:
For DIY-inclined users, the Grizzl-E is simpler to set up since there’s no WiFi configuration or app pairing required. See our installation guide for detailed steps.
If neither charger seems perfect, consider these alternatives:
For a complete ranking, see our best home EV chargers guide.
To provide a balanced perspective, we’ve compiled feedback from actual owners of both chargers across multiple platforms including Amazon reviews, EV forums, and Reddit communities.
Grizzl-E Classic owners consistently praise the charger’s ruggedness and reliability. One common theme in reviews is the “set it and forget it” nature of the charger—users report months or years of trouble-free operation without ever needing to interact with the device beyond plugging in their car. Many owners specifically mention the charger’s performance in extreme weather conditions, with several users in Canada and the northern United States reporting flawless operation at temperatures well below zero.
The most common complaint about the Grizzl-E Classic is the lack of smart features. Users who switch from a smart charger sometimes miss the ability to monitor charging remotely or schedule sessions. However, most budget-conscious buyers accept this trade-off given the significant price savings. A few users have noted that the dip switch amperage settings can be confusing initially, but the included manual provides clear instructions.
ChargePoint Home Flex owners overwhelmingly praise the app experience and network integration. The ability to see charging costs in real-time and track monthly spending is frequently mentioned as a favorite feature. Users who also use ChargePoint public stations appreciate having a single app for both home and public charging, with unified billing that simplifies expense tracking.
The most common complaints center around WiFi reliability, particularly for installations where the electrical panel is far from the home’s WiFi router. Some users have needed to install WiFi extenders to maintain a stable connection. A few users have also reported that the charger occasionally requires re-pairing with the app after power outages, though this seems to have been improved with firmware updates.
| Rating Factor | Grizzl-E Classic | ChargePoint Home Flex |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Satisfaction | 4.6/5 | 4.4/5 |
| Ease of Installation | 4.7/5 | 4.3/5 |
| Reliability | 4.8/5 | 4.3/5 |
| Value for Money | 4.9/5 | 4.0/5 |
| Smart Features | 2.0/5 | 4.7/5 |
| Customer Support | 4.2/5 | 4.4/5 |
Over a 5-year ownership period, the cost difference between the two chargers becomes more nuanced when factoring in electricity savings from smart scheduling:
| Cost Factor (5 Years) | Grizzl-E Classic | ChargePoint Home Flex |
|---|---|---|
| Hardware Cost | $349 | $699 |
| Installation | $400 (avg) | $400 (avg) |
| Federal Tax Credit | -$749 (30% of $749) | -$1,000 (max credit) |
| Net Hardware+Install | $0 | $99 |
| Electricity (no scheduling) | $4,800 ($80/mo) | $4,800 ($80/mo) |
| Electricity (with scheduling) | $4,800 (no scheduling) | $3,360 ($56/mo with TOU) |
| Subscription Fees | $0 | $0 |
| Total 5-Year Cost | $4,800 | $3,459 |
As the table shows, while the ChargePoint Home Flex costs more upfront, its scheduling feature can save significant money on electricity over time if you have a time-of-use rate plan. The Grizzl-E Classic has no scheduling capability, so you’d pay peak rates unless you manually start charging during off-peak hours or use a separate timer on your circuit breaker. Over 5 years, the ChargePoint could actually save you money despite the higher purchase price—assuming you take advantage of off-peak rates.
The choice between the Grizzl-E Classic and ChargePoint Home Flex ultimately comes down to your priorities and electricity rate structure:
Buy the Grizzl-E Classic if: You want the simplest, most durable, and most affordable charger. It’s perfect for homeowners who charge at night regardless of rates, or who live in areas with flat electricity pricing. The Grizzl-E is also ideal for rental properties, second homes, or commercial settings where smart features aren’t needed.
Buy the ChargePoint Home Flex if: You want maximum charging speed, detailed energy tracking, scheduled charging for off-peak rates, and integration with the ChargePoint public network. The Home Flex is worth the premium if you have a time-of-use electricity plan and will use the scheduling feature consistently. The long-term electricity savings can offset the higher purchase price within 2-3 years.
Both chargers are excellent choices that have earned their popularity in the EV community. Whichever you choose, you’ll be getting a reliable, well-built Level 2 charger that will serve you for years to come. For more options, browse our complete best home EV chargers guide or compare other top models like the Emporia Level 2 and Autel MaxiCharger.
The Grizzl-E Classic is better suited for extreme outdoor conditions with its NEMA 4X rating and cast aluminum housing. The ChargePoint Home Flex is also outdoor-rated (NEMA 4) but is designed more for residential aesthetics. Both can handle rain and snow, but the Grizzl-E is more rugged.
Yes! The Grizzl-E Ultimate is the smart version with WiFi, app control, and scheduling. If you already own a Grizzl-E Classic, you cannot add WiFi retroactively, but you can trade up to the Ultimate model.
The ChargePoint Home Flex can save more through its scheduling feature, which charges your EV during off-peak hours when electricity rates are lower. The Grizzl-E has no scheduling capability, so you’d need a separate timer or smart breaker. Over a year, scheduled charging can save $200-400 on time-of-use rate plans.
Yes, both use the J1772 connector, which is compatible with all non-Tesla EVs sold in North America. For Tesla vehicles, you’ll need a NACS adapter. Both chargers are also compatible with the J1772-to-NACS adapters that Tesla now includes with some vehicles.
Choose the Grizzl-E Classic for rugged durability, extreme-weather performance (-22°F), and lower price. Choose the ChargePoint Home Flex for higher output (50A vs 40A), app features, and utility program rebates. Both are excellent; the right pick depends on smart features versus raw durability.
The Grizzl-E Classic has no app — it’s a basic plug-and-charge unit. The Grizzl-E Ultimate adds WiFi with app-based scheduling and amperage adjustment. ChargePoint’s app is more mature, with utility demand-response integration the Grizzl-E lacks.
The Grizzl-E wins outdoors: its cast aluminum NEMA 4 enclosure handles wind-driven rain and snow from -22°F to 122°F. The Home Flex is also outdoor-rated (NEMA 3R with UL certification) but its plastic housing is less rugged in extreme climates.
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