JuiceBox vs Grizzl-E | Which Should You Buy?
When you become an EV owner, purchasing the appropriate supporting infrastructure is highly recommended. First on the list is a Level 2 home charger.
This article compares the United Chargers Grizzl-E Smart EVSE and the Enel X Way JuiceBox 40 Level 2 charging systems.
At a Glance:
Both are Smart chargers that will charge an EV satisfactorily and at a similar rate.
Both devices are available in plug-in or hardwired form, requiring a single-phase connection.
The Grizzl-E produces a slightly higher (4%) charge rate and is offered with a longer warranty period (optional).
The Grizzl-E is substantially cheaper than the JuiceBox 40.
The JuiceBox can be enabled only to use renewable energy from the grid.
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🎖️ Editors Choice
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Primary Rating:
4.2
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Primary Rating:
3.8
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Common Features
Both offer a range of features that they have in common with each other:
Both are Smart devices, meaning each can be connected to a smartphone app, and charging schedules can be set to take advantage of Time Of Use (TOU) incentive schedules.
- If your state offers rebates to purchase a level 2 charger, each product will qualify. Also, consider the Federal EV charger tax credit may apply to you.
- Each device has a holster and cable management system for a J1772 plug or a Tesla adaptor.
This means that each device can be plugged into all EVs and PHEVs in North America (Tesla needs an adaptor plug supplied as standard equipment with the vehicle.)
Both products can be used with standard NEMA 14-50 or NEMA 6-50 electrical plugs or hardwired in (which requires a certified electrician.)
- When hardwired into the home, each requires a dedicated single-phase power supply.
- When used with the electrical plugs, each offers a degree of portability.
- Each is UL safety certified for UL America and Canada.
- Both charging systems are ENERGY STAR® certified by the federal government as energy efficient.
Notable Differences
A level 2 charger offered in the North American market must be able to charge a BEV or PHEV within specific performance parameters, failing which they won’t be competitive. Because of this, both devices have an extensive list of features in common.
The ratio between Voltage, Amperage, and Wattage is directly proportional (Amperage X voltage = watts.)
If the input Voltage or amperage is changed, it directly impacts the unit’s charging capacity. Both of these products will perform similarly if they access the same levels of electrical power.
Both devices operate most optimally at the following input circuit rating:
- Dedicated Single Phase
- 208-240 Volts
- 50/60 Hz
- 50 Amps
If the circuit amperage drops, each unit will continue to operate; however, the EV will take longer to recharge.
This begs the question – If they all have similar performance levels, how do you decide which one to purchase?
Let’s look at the differences between the two products.
The Power Equation
When you choose a level 2 EV charging system, there are three primary considerations that you must know:
- What is the output of the electrical circuits in the home that you will connect to?
- What is the charging output that your Level 2 charger generates?
- What is the charging rate that the EV can handle?
Each machine has an advantage in this regard.
JuiceBox 40
While it operates best at 240v, the JuiceBox 40 can accept a 110V power source.
This is not ideal from a charging perspective because it reduces the charging power by more than half and increases charging times by more than 200%.
At this level, it essentially operates as a Level 1 charger.
If a 110V power supply is all that is available, then at least the JuiceBox 40 will provide some benefit.
Grizzl-E Smart EVSE
The Grizzl-E Smart EVSE produces a charging output of up to 10kW at 40 amps. The JuiceBox 40 has a slightly lower output of 9.6kW at 40 amps.
The difference is only 4%; however, when charging from home, every second counts, and the difference will be noticeable over a long period.
Recovery Systems
The Grizzl-E Smart EVSE offers a more stable charging experience in locations prone to power outages.
This is because it has Power Outage Recovery technology that regularly checks a broken power supply, and when restored, the system restarts the charging process.
The JuiceBox 40 does not have this capability, and after a power outage is restored, the unit has to be restarted manually (via the mobile app).
Software Differences
While each device offers remote access through an app, the Grizzl-E Smart EVSE can be accessed by any OCPP (Open Charge Point Protocol) software.
OCPP is an open-source language that can communicate with any compatible EV chargers or CSMS (Charging Station Management Systems.)
The Charge Lab product is an example of a free-to-use, compatible smart OCPP app.
The benefit of this is that the user is not restricted by the functionality offered by the manufacturer’s app but instead can enjoy the continually expanding capabilities of third-party sourced software.
Ease Of Use
Both systems are straightforward to use; however, the JuiceBox 40 app makes it easy to adjust the unit’s settings and manually reset the system. With the Juice Box 40, these adjustments can all be made via the app.
The Grizzl-E Smart EVSE requires the cover to be removed, and settings for different input power supplies (amps) must be manually adjusted.
Temperature Ranges
For most locations, the temperature ranges that the charging systems can operate in are not a significant factor.
If it is to operate in extreme weather conditions, the JuiceBox 40 has a slight edge over the Grizzl-E Smart EVSE.
| JuiceBox 40 Amp | Grizzle-E Smart EVSE |
| -400F to +1400F | – 220F to +1220F |
Each Of The Products Dimensions
Neither product is large; however, the JuiceBox 40 has the advantage.
| Grizzl-E Smart EVSE | JuiceBox 40 | |
|---|---|---|
| Case Dimensions | 10.25 inches x 6.25 inches x 3.75 inches | 7.6 inches x 18.6 inches x 5.6 inches |
The benefit of the smaller size is that in a garage that is already full of tools, less wall space is needed to install the JuiceBox 40.
Each Products Casings Are Made From Different Materials
The casing that covers the charging systems is made from different materials.
JuiceBox 40
The JuiceBox 40 casing is made from polycarbonate and weighs 15 pounds.
Grizzl-E Smart EVSE
The Smart EVSE casing is cast aluminum, making it NEMA 4X Indoor/Outdoor Rated. At 19.93 pounds, it weighs slightly more than the JuiceBox 40.
Because it’s made from cast aluminum, it’s more impact-resistant than the JuiceBox 40. In addition, if placed in direct sunlight, the aluminum casing will not fade.
The Warranty Offered By Each Manufacturer
The warranties each manufacturer offers are one of the main areas where the Grizzl-E Smart EVSE is superior to the JuiceBox 40.
While both manufacturers offer a standard three-year warranty, an additional two years warranty can be purchased with the Grizzl-E Smart EVSE.
The additional 2 years (total 5 years) cost is only $100.00.
The Price Point Of Each Product
The manufacturer advertises the Grizzl-E Smart system as the lowest-cost charging system (per unit of power) available in America.
The cost of the Grizzl-E Smart EVSE is as follows.
- Option 1 – $449.00 (3-year warranty)
- Option 2 – $549.00 (5-year warranty)
The cost of the JuiceBox 40 is $649.00 (Free shipping)
Package Contents
The JuiceBox 40 is supplied with the following components:
| JuiceBox 40 | Grizzl-E Smart |
|---|---|
| A JuiceBox 40 Amp model | A Grizzl-E Smart EVSE Device |
| A 25-foot (40-amp) J1772 charging plug and cable. | A 24 ft. (7.2m) long J1772 charging plug and cable |
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A 2.0 ft (0.6 m) input cable with NEMA 14-50 plug or NEMA 6-50 plug. | A 2.0 ft (0.6 m) input cable with NEMA 14-50 plug or NEMA 6-50 plug |
| Alternatively, a 2.5 ft hardwire conduit & wiring | Alternatively, a 2.5 ft hardwire conduit & wiring |
| The JuiceNet App and online control dashboard to set up and monitor the charging station | A security pin |
| A guide to installing the unit | The mounting kit enables it to be stored on the wall. |
| A bracket to enable it to be mounted on the wall | One EasyEvPlug™ Holster and system to manage the cable for a J1772 or Tesla connector |
| A security lock and key can be used to control access to the unit |
Final Verdict
Both are premium products offering value for money and can provide years of uninterrupted service and charge at the same speed as each other.
United Chargers launched the Grizzl-E charger at a very competitive price point, and there are few motivations to opt for other chargers on the market.
For $200.00 less ($100.00 if the five-year warranty is selected) than the JuiceBox 40, the Grizzl-E Smart system will provide for all your EV charging needs.
This recommendation is not a reflection of the qualities of the JuiceBox 40 but simply a factor related to affordability.
What other reasons would favor a Grizzl-E Smart system?
If the location suffers from frequent power outages, the stability offered by the Grizzl-E Smart system would be beneficial.
If I was unsure about the technology, I’d opt for the reassurance that a five-year warranty provides. It only adds $100 to the price and still makes it cheaper than the JuiceBox 40.
Grizzl-E Smart EV Home Charging Station
- Adjustable power rating (16,24,32,40 Amp)
- 5-year warranty available
- Value for money
- Charging connector could be better
- Cable length
When would we buy a JuiceBox 40?
- If you only have a 110-volt power supply available and cannot upgrade the power supply (possibly due to limitations with the utility.)
If the state incentives covered the cost of the charging system, the ease of use would make it a more user-friendly product.
- If the device is used in a location with extreme heat or cold.
- If there were limited space to install the charging system, a JuiceBox 40 would be an easier fit.
Enel X JuiceBox Smart EV Home Charging Station
- Built-In WiFi
- Compatible With Home Devices
- Compact Size
- Internet Connection
- Supply Issues
