Home charger showdown
Which home EV charger should you buy?
Tesla, Lectron, Grizzl-E, FLO and ChargePoint compared on price, speed, cable, warranty and Canadian winters. Prices checked October 2026.
Our quick picks
Charger pictures are our own illustrations of each style, not product photos.
Side-by-side comparison
| Tesla Wall Connector | Lectron V-Box 48A | Grizzl-E Classic / Smart | FLO Home X5 / G5 | ChargePoint Home Flex | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Approx. price (CAD) | $815 | ★ Best in row~$490 | $500 – $600 | $1,145 – $1,450 | ~$700 |
| Power | Up to 48A / 11.5 kW | Up to 48A / 11.5 kW | 40A / up to 9.6 kW (Ultimate model goes to 48A) | 30A / 7.2 kW | ★ Best in row16A to 50A adjustable / up to 12 kW |
| Install type | Hardwired only | Hardwired (plug-in versions exist) | Plug-in (NEMA 14-50) or hardwired | Hardwired only | Plug-in (NEMA 14-50 or 6-50) or hardwired |
| Plug | NACS (Tesla); Universal version adds J1772 | J1772 (NACS versions also sold) | J1772 | J1772 | J1772 (NACS adapter for Tesla) |
| Cable | 7.3 m (24 ft) | ~6 m (20 ft) | 7.3 m (24 ft) | ★ Best in row7.6 m (25 ft) | 7 m (23 ft) |
| Smart features | Wi-Fi, Tesla app, scheduling, power sharing | Wi-Fi, app, LCD screen | Classic: none. Smart: Wi-Fi, app, scheduling | X5: Wi-Fi, app, scheduling, energy tracking | Wi-Fi, polished app, scheduling, Alexa and Google voice |
| Warranty | ★ Best in row4 years (residential) | Check current terms (Lectron lists 3 years on some models) | 3 years | 3 years | 3 years |
| Weather | Indoor / outdoor | IP55 dust and water rating | Built for Canadian winters (metal case; retailers list −30 °C and colder) | Type 4X aluminum case, −40 °C to 50 °C | Indoor / outdoor, ENERGY STAR |
| Best for | Tesla owners who want a clean, hardwired setup | Buyers who want the most features for the least money | Canadian winters and a simple plug-in install | Very cold garages and FLO network users | A polished app and the highest J1772 amperage |
| Our rating: Speed | |||||
| Our rating: Value | |||||
| Our rating: Smart features |
Specs come from manufacturer and Canadian retailer listings and change by model and region. Ratings are our editorial opinion. Always check the exact model’s spec sheet.
Send a photo of your panel. We install all five.
Tesla Wall Connector
$815 CAD · $945 for the Universal version that also has a J1772 plug
What we like
- Longest warranty of the five
- Native Tesla plug, no adapter
- Power sharing between units helps on tight panels
- Compact, tidy design
Watch out for
- Tesla has limited purchases to Tesla owners while supplies are tight
- Hardwired only, so no moving it to a new home
- A Model 3 or Model Y RWD tops out at 32A, so 48A is wasted on those
Our verdict: The default for a Tesla if you can buy one. Check stock and the owner-only rule first.
Tesla Wall Connector (Tesla Canada) →Lectron V-Box 48A
~$490 CAD · Lectron also sells cheaper 40A and Tesla-plug versions
What we like
- Lowest price for a 48A smart charger
- Wi-Fi, app and on-unit display
- Lots of variants (plug-in, hardwired, NACS)
Watch out for
- Confirm Canadian availability and a Canadian-accepted certification mark before you buy (we check this before install)
- Newer, smaller company than the others
- Shorter cable than most
Our verdict: The value pick, provided the exact model is certified for Ontario and in stock in Canada.
Lectron EV →Grizzl-E Classic / Smart
$500 – $600 CAD · Classic about $500, Smart about $600
What we like
- Designed and built in Canada
- UL and CSA certified
- Plug-in option keeps installation cheap and lets you take it with you
- Grizzl-E Club pays for charging in some cases (3¢ to 10¢ per kWh)
Watch out for
- 40A tops out below Tesla and Lectron 48A units
- Classic has no app or scheduling
- Warranty is 3 years, not 4
Our verdict: Our default recommendation for most Markham homes: tough, certified and inexpensive to install.
Grizzl-E Classic Connect →FLO Home X5 / G5
$1,145 – $1,450 CAD · G5 about $1,145, X5 about $1,450
What we like
- Rugged Type 4X aluminum case
- Rated from −40 °C
- Longest cable here
- Works with the FLO app you may already use for public charging
Watch out for
- Most expensive per kW of the five
- 30A is the slowest
- Showed as out of stock at some Canadian retailers when we checked
Our verdict: Worth it if you want the toughest enclosure or already live in the FLO app. Otherwise you pay more for less speed.
FLO Home (FLO) →ChargePoint Home Flex
~$700 CAD · US$699; Canadian retail about $709
What we like
- Highest amperage in its class (50A)
- Polished, well-reviewed app
- Adjustable amperage fits your panel
- Plug-in or hardwired
Watch out for
- Costs more than Grizzl-E or Lectron
- Shorter 23 ft cable
- Tesla owners need an adapter
- Not eligible for some third-party charging reward programs
Our verdict: The premium all-rounder. Pick it if app polish and 50A flexibility matter to you.
ChargePoint Home Flex →Picked a charger? Get it installed from $800
Fixed written price before any work starts. We reply within 2 business hours.
How to choose
Check what your car accepts
Many EVs take only 32A to 40A at home, so a 48A charger adds cost without adding speed.
Match your panel
A 48A charger needs a 60A breaker. Tight panels may need smart load management instead of a panel upgrade.
Plug-in vs hardwired
Plug-in units on a 14-50 outlet are cheaper and portable. Hardwired units go higher in power.
Connector
Most non-Tesla EVs use J1772. Tesla owners want NACS or an adapter.
Winter
Look for a metal or Type 4X case and a cold rating if the charger sits in an unheated garage.
Certification
Ontario inspections need a charger with a recognised mark (cUL, cETL or CSA). We check before we install.
See what the install itself costs on our Markham pricing page, how installation works, the panel upgrade vs EVEMS guide and the rebates and overnight rates. Out and about? Browse public chargers in Markham.
Frequently asked questions
▸Which home EV charger is best in Canada?
For most homes, a 40A unit such as the Grizzl-E is the best balance of cost, cold-weather toughness and easy installation. Tesla owners are best served by the Tesla Wall Connector. If you want the best app and fastest speed, the ChargePoint Home Flex is the premium pick.
▸Do I need a 48A charger?
Usually not. Many EVs accept only 32A to 40A at home, and a 48A charger needs a 60A breaker and heavier wire, which raises installation cost. A 40A charger on a 50A circuit is enough for most overnight charging.
▸Can I install a charger I bought myself?
Yes. We install chargers you supply as well as ones you ask us to source. The charger must carry a certification mark accepted in Ontario, and the ESA permit and inspection are included in your quote.
▸Does the charger brand change the installation price?
Slightly. The bigger driver is amperage and the distance from your panel. A simple install of a 40A charger usually runs $800 to $1,400 including the permit and inspection.
▸Do I need a Tesla to use the Tesla Wall Connector?
The standard Wall Connector has a Tesla plug, so non-Tesla EVs need an adapter. The Universal Wall Connector has a built-in J1772 adapter. Tesla has recently limited purchases to Tesla owners, so check at checkout.
▸Are plug-in or hardwired chargers better?
Plug-in chargers on a 14-50 outlet are cheaper to install and portable. Hardwired chargers allow higher amperage and are required for 48A. We recommend a properly rated outlet or hardwire, never a household extension cord.
Brand names are trademarks of their owners. We are not affiliated with or endorsed by these manufacturers. Prices and specs change; confirm with the seller.
Get a free quote for your charger
Tell us which charger you want in the notes, or ask us to recommend one. Prefer to talk? Call 1-647-547-4338.
