Picking a home EV charger can be complicated – there are dozens of different options that boast different benefits and ways they make charging easy. At Emporia, we’re making it easy: we have a couple of options for level 2 chargers that address all your charging needs without unnecessary complexity.
Our Classic and Pro chargers represent the perfect balance between functionality and user experience. The Classic is an award-winning charger that delivers reliable power for everyday use, while the Pro offers advanced features for those seeking more control over their home energy.
The Emporia Pro EV Charger has a sticker price of $599, while the Classic comes in at $429. In this article, we’ll explore the features between our two offerings, and find the right charger for your needs.
The key difference: PowerSmart
We estimate that about half of all US homes need an electrical panel upgrade to be able to handle a level 2 EV charger – which is the main reason we launched the Pro EV Charger. Thanks to built-in PowerSmart technology, you can charge your EV up to 9 times faster than a level 1 charger using your existing electrical panel and potentially save you thousands on possible electrical panel upgrades. If you have an old electrical panel, or an electrician has told you that your panel can’t handle a level 2 charger, the Pro is the right choice for you.
How does PowerSmart work?
PowerSmart uses real-time power readings from the Vue Energy Monitor device in your electrical panel to adjust the output of the Pro Charger keeping power use under your panel’s service limit. The Vue comes in the box with the Emporia Pro EV Charger, and can be installed by your electrician at the same time as your charger installation.
If you live in a home with a newer electrical panel (consult with your electrician, but this usually means 150 amp or above service to your home), the Classic EV Charger could be right for you. It’s our original, award-winning charger with industry-leading safety certifications and universal compatibility with any type of electric car. Plus, the Classic comes with Smart Scheduling technology so you can schedule charging times to avoid high utility rate periods and save money on your bill. If you’re on a time-of-use (TOU) rate plan, you can save significantly each month by using Scheduling.
The details: how Emporia chargers compare
In addition to PowerSmart, here’s how the Classic and Pro compare:
| Emporia Classic | Emporia Pro | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $429 | $599 |
| Cable Length | 25′ | 25′ |
| Installation | NEMA Plug or Hardwire | NEMA Plug or Hardwire |
| Charging Speed | Up to 48A | Up to 48A |
| Warranty Length | 3 Years | 3 Years |
| Smart Scheduling | ||
| Dynamic Load Management | ||
| Home Energy Monitoring | ||
| Solar Charging Integration | ||
| Peak Demand Management | ||
| ENERGY STAR Certified | ||
| NEMA Rated | ||
| UL Listed | ||
| Rear Entry Installation |
The Pro has a redesigned, modern look with a new rear-entry installation option. It comes bundled with our Vue Energy Monitor that gets installed directly in your electrical panel and enables PowerSmart technology.
NOTE: The Classic charger ships without a Vue Energy Monitor in the box like the Pro, which means it doesn’t come equipped with those advanced energy management features. However, you can always add a Vue Energy Monitor to your home down the road, and even contact our team to upgrade the firmware on your Classic charger to handle PowerSmart Load Management.
Both chargers offer many of the same features:
- A 25 foot cable to reach your car from almost anywhere
- NEMA plug and hardwire installation options
- Up to 48 amps of charging speed when hardwired (40 with a NEMA plug)
- ENERGY STAR certification, UL safety certification, and NEMA rating for safe outdoor use
- A 3-year warranty
- Smart Scheduling software to help you avoid charging during high electricity cost times each day
Energy management with the Classic vs. the Pro
As noted in the table, the Pro features upgraded home energy management functionality out of the box compared to the Classic. In addition to PowerSmart (unique to the Pro) and Smart Scheduling (comes with both chargers), here’s what other functionality you’ll get standard with the Pro charger:
Excess Solar Management
Do you have solar panels on your roof? You can configure your Pro charger to intelligently adjust charging times based on when you’re generating more power from your panels than your household is using. Essentially, you can charge your car directly with solar power, all automatically.
Here’s how it works: the Vue Energy Monitor gets installed in your electric panel, and provides real-time data about your solar production. When you set up Excess Solar in the Emporia App, you can automate your Pro charger to start fueling your car with that extra solar production, maximizing the benefits of your solar investment and saving you money on electricity instead of sending that power to the grid.
Peak Demand Management
Some utilities have “peak demand” pricing, which means that they charge an even higher rate if you exceed a certain amount of energy use during peak periods. The Emporia Pro EV Charger tracks home energy usage in real-time using the Vue Energy Monitor, and automatically adjusts to keep your total energy use below that peak threshold, saving you money by preventing costly peak demand charges.
In conclusion: two great options for level 2 EV charging
Whether you choose the Classic or Pro EV charger from Emporia, you’re making a smart investment in your home charging setup. The Classic offers award-winning performance at an accessible price point of $429, perfect for homes with newer electrical panels seeking reliable EV charging. Plus, if you want to add advanced energy management features like Excess Solar Charging and Time Of Use Management, you can always pair a Vue Energy Monitor with the Classic charger down the line.
For those needing more advanced energy management or homes with older electrical panels that can’t handle a charger installation, the Pro’s $599 price tag delivers exceptional value through PowerSmart technology, excess solar integration, and peak demand management. Both chargers reflect Emporia’s commitment to making home EV charging simple, efficient, and adaptable to your specific needs.
