Table of Contents
Introduction: My EV Charging Dilemma
When I brought home my first EV, the next big question was: how do I charge it at home reliably and efficiently? Relying on public chargers wasn’t an option for me — not only because they’re inconvenient, but also because Alberta winters make waiting outside for a charge a miserable experience. I knew I needed a Level 2 home charger, something hardwired, powerful, and reliable enough to use year-round.
After a lot of research and conversations with other EV owners, two chargers rose to the top of my list:
- Autel MaxiCharger Lite (hardwired version)
- Grizzl-E 48A (hardwired version)
At first glance, they seem to target different types of buyers. The MaxiCharger Lite is positioned as a smart but cost-effective EVSE with app control and modern looks. The Grizzl-E 48A is the Canadian workhorse, built tough to survive snow, ice, and sub-zero nights.
I decided to try both, compare them side by side, and figure out which one actually delivers the best experience in the real world. This review is my hands-on breakdown.
First Impressions
Autel MaxiCharger Lite
The Autel MaxiCharger Lite feels like it’s designed for homeowners who want smart features without breaking the bank. The hardwired unit has a clean, modern design with LED status indicators and a compact wall footprint. It doesn’t look industrial or clunky, which I appreciated since I planned to mount it inside my garage.
Out of the box, it felt more like consumer electronics than heavy machinery. Lightweight compared to other chargers I’ve handled, but still solid enough to inspire confidence.
Grizzl-E 48A
The Grizzl-E couldn’t be more different. When I unboxed the 48A hardwired version, the first thought that came to mind was: “this thing is built like a tank.”
It’s enclosed in a powder-coated aluminum case, heavy, rugged, and unapologetically industrial in design. No glossy plastic, no sleek curves — just pure durability. It feels like it could survive being dropped, snowed on, or whacked with a shovel without missing a beat.
Autel MaxiCharger Lite Hardwired
I had an electrician install the MaxiCharger Lite directly into a 60A breaker on my 240V service. Since it’s a hardwired model, there’s no NEMA plug — it connects straight into the panel wiring.
Setup was straightforward. After powering it up, I connected it to Wi-Fi through the Autel Charge app, scanned the QR code on the side of the unit, and within minutes it was ready to go.
Key installation notes:
- Requires professional installation (CSA-certified breaker and wiring).
- Current is adjustable through the app (up to 40A continuous on a 50A circuit, or 48A continuous on a 60A circuit, depending on setup).
- Clean and compact once mounted, with no dangling plugs or bulky adapters.
Grizzl-E 48A Hardwired
Installing the Grizzl-E was even more straightforward. It comes with a hardwire kit — heavy-duty terminal lugs that connect directly to the circuit. My electrician mounted it, ran conduit, and tied it into a 60A breaker.
Unlike the Autel, there’s no app setup required. Configuration is done via DIP switches inside the unit to set the maximum current (16A, 24A, 32A, 40A, or 48A). Once set, you just close it up, power it on, and it’s good to go.
Key installation notes:
- Also requires professional installation.
- No software setup — pure hardware configuration.
- Cable is thicker and heavier, but feels indestructible.
Charging Performance
Both chargers are 48A, 11.5 kW units when hardwired to a 60A circuit. In practice, that translated to about:
- ~55–60 km of range per hour of charging on my EV.
Autel MaxiCharger Lite
The MaxiCharger Lite performed well. Charging sessions were consistent, and the Autel app tracked kWh usage in real time. I could schedule charging during off-peak hours, get notifications when sessions ended, and even lock the charger to prevent unauthorized use.
What I liked:
- Smooth app experience, easy scheduling.
- Energy monitoring helped me calculate monthly charging costs.
- Adjustable current meant I could dial it down when testing on a smaller circuit.
What I didn’t like:
- Wi-Fi connection occasionally dropped, causing the app to miss session data based on reviews of others. However I didn’t experience I had zero problems.
- Cable was a bit stiff in cold weather, though better indoors.
Grizzl-E 48A
The Grizzl-E doesn’t have app integration (unless you buy the separate Smart version). But in pure charging performance, it was rock solid.
Grizzl-E 48A
The Grizzl-E doesn’t have app integration (unless you buy the separate Smart version). But in pure charging performance, it was rock solid.
Every time I plugged in, it delivered consistent current, no glitches, no interruptions. I tested it outdoors in -30°C, and it never failed once.
What I liked:
- Utter reliability — it just works, every single time.
- Thick, rugged cable that didn’t get brittle in the cold.
- No reliance on Wi-Fi or servers — purely local control.
What I didn’t like:
- No energy usage tracking without relying on the EV itself.
- No remote control or notifications.
Build Quality & Durability
- Autel MaxiCharger Lite: Sleek and modern, weather-resistant with NEMA 4 rating. Perfect for a garage installation, but I’d hesitate to mount it fully exposed outdoors in Canadian winters.
- Grizzl-E 48A: Absolute tank. NEMA 4 rated, waterproof, dustproof, and iceproof. Designed in Canada for Canadian winters, and it shows.
Smart Features vs Simplicity
Less to fail — no servers, no Wi-Fi, no app issues.
MaxiCharger Lite:
- App with scheduling, monitoring, and lock control.
- Firmware updates delivered over Wi-Fi.
- Smart integration for homeowners who like data.
Grizzl-E 48A:
- Zero smart features (basic version).
- All control handled by your car’s onboard charging software.
- Less to fail — no servers, no Wi-Fi, no app issues.
Living With Them
Day to day, I noticed a personality difference:
- With the MaxiCharger Lite, I felt connected to my charger. I opened the app daily to check stats, monitor costs, and adjust schedules. It felt like part of my smart home ecosystem.
- With the Grizzl-E 48A, I stopped thinking about the charger altogether. Plug in, walk away, wake up with a full battery. No distractions, no fuss.
Both experiences have value depending on your personality.
Price & Value
- Autel MaxiCharger Lite (hardwired 48A): Around $850–$1,000 CAD. You pay for the smart features and sleek design.
- Grizzl-E 48A (hardwired): Around $750–$850 CAD. Lower price, no app, but unbeatable durability.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Autel MaxiCharger Lite (Hardwired) | Grizzl-E 48A (Hardwired) |
| Max Amps | 48A (11.5 kW) | 48A (11.5 kW) |
| Circuit Requirement | 60A breaker | 60A breaker |
| Smart Features | Yes (app, Wi-Fi, monitoring) | No |
| Weatherproofing | NEMA 4 (garage/outdoor rated) | NEMA 4 (rugged outdoor) |
| Design Style | Sleek, modern | Industrial, heavy-duty |
| Adjustability | In-app settings, DIP switch | DIP switches |
| Best Use Case | Smart homes, data lovers | Harsh climates, reliability first |
My Verdict
If you want smart control, energy monitoring, and integration with your EV lifestyle, go with the Autel MaxiCharger Lite hardwired. It’s the more connected option and looks great in a modern garage.
If you value rugged reliability and cold-weather performance, the Grizzl-E 48A hardwired is unbeatable. It’s built for Canada, and it will keep working through the harshest winters without needing internet or updates.
For me? I kept the Autel inside my garage.
Related articles:
Best EVs in Canada 2025: Ford Mach-E vs Tesla Model Y vs Ioniq 5 vs Kona
