Emporia EV Charger Level 2 vs Siemens VersiCharge Gen 3 — Which EV Charger Is Better?
Quick verdict: The Emporia EV Charger Level 2 wins overall — it delivers better value at $459 with equal or better charging speed. The Siemens VersiCharge Gen 3 is worth considering if you prefer the Siemens ecosystem.
At a Glance
| Feature | Emporia EV Charger Level 2 | Siemens VersiCharge Gen 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $459 | $549 |
| Max Power | 48A / 11.5kW | 48A / 11.5kW |
| Connector | J1772 | J1772 |
| Cord Length | 24ft | 20ft |
| WiFi/App | Yes | Yes |
| Energy Monitoring | Yes | No |
| Outdoor Rated | Yes (NEMA 3R) | Yes (NEMA 3R) |
| Warranty | 3 years | 3 years |
| UL Listed | Yes | Yes |
| Cost per kW | $40/kW | $48/kW |
Charging Speed
Both chargers deliver identical charging speed at 11.5kW (48A). In practice, this means:
| Vehicle Battery | Emporia Time | Siemens Time |
|---|---|---|
| 60 kWh (e.g., Tesla Model 3) | 5.2 hrs | 5.2 hrs |
| 75 kWh (e.g., Tesla Model Y) | 6.5 hrs | 6.5 hrs |
| 100 kWh (e.g., Tesla Model S) | 8.7 hrs | 8.7 hrs |
Since both chargers deliver the same power, charging time is identical. The decision comes down to features and price.
Important: Most EVs have an onboard charger that caps AC charging speed (typically 11-11.5 kW). If your car maxes out at 11 kW, both chargers will charge at the same rate regardless.
Build Quality & Installation
Emporia EV Charger Level 2:
- Mounting: Plug-in (NEMA 14-50) or hardwired
- Cord: 24ft — good reach for most setups
- Outdoor: Rated NEMA 3R — install it in a driveway or carport
- Warranty: 3 years
Siemens VersiCharge Gen 3:
- Mounting: Hardwired only — requires an electrician
- Cord: 20ft — good reach for most setups
- Outdoor: Rated NEMA 3R — install it in a driveway or carport
- Warranty: 3 years
Edge: Emporia. The plug-in option means easier DIY installation if you already have a NEMA 14-50 outlet. The Siemens requires an electrician for hardwired installation.
Smart Features
Both chargers offer WiFi connectivity and app control. Here is how the smart features compare:
| Feature | Emporia | Siemens |
|---|---|---|
| WiFi | Yes | Yes |
| App Control | Yes | Yes |
| Energy Monitoring | Yes | No |
| Load Management | Yes | No |
| Scheduling | Yes (via app) | Yes (via app) |
The Emporia’s energy monitoring is a standout — track exactly how much electricity your EV uses and what it costs per month. The Emporia also supports load management, which automatically adjusts charging power to avoid overloading your electrical panel.
Price & Value
| Metric | Emporia EV Charger Level 2 | Siemens VersiCharge Gen 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $459 | $549 |
| Cost per kW | $40 | $48 |
| Cost per amp | $10 | $11 |
The Emporia EV Charger Level 2 offers better value at $40/kW versus $48/kW. It is also $90 cheaper outright.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Emporia EV Charger Level 2 if you:
- Want to spend less upfront
- Value app control, scheduling, and energy tracking
- Need outdoor installation capability
- Want the flexibility of plug-in or hardwired installation
Buy the Siemens VersiCharge Gen 3 if you:
- Want the Siemens brand ecosystem
- Value app control, scheduling, and energy tracking
- Need outdoor installation capability
- Are OK with 20ft of cord reach
Frequently Asked Questions
Which charger is better overall, the Emporia EV Charger Level 2 or Siemens VersiCharge Gen 3? Emporia EV Charger Level 2 wins overall for most buyers. It offers better value per kW of charging power at $459.
Can I use either charger with any EV? Yes. Both use J1772 connectors, which are compatible with all non-Tesla EVs. Tesla owners need a J1772-to-NACS adapter.
Do I need an electrician to install these chargers? The Emporia can plug into a NEMA 14-50 outlet or be hardwired. The Siemens requires hardwired installation by an electrician.
Is the price difference worth it? The $90 price difference makes the Emporia more attractive for budget-conscious buyers. The Siemens justifies the premium with brand reputation and build quality.
{
"@context": "https://schema.org",
"@type": "FAQPage",
"mainEntity": [
{
"@type": "Question",
"name": "Which charger is better, the Emporia EV Charger Level 2 or Siemens VersiCharge Gen 3?",
"acceptedAnswer": {
"@type": "Answer",
"text": "The Emporia EV Charger Level 2 wins overall for most buyers at $459."
}
},
{
"@type": "Question",
"name": "Can I use either charger with any EV?",
"acceptedAnswer": {
"@type": "Answer",
"text": "Both chargers use standard connectors compatible with most EVs. Check your vehicle's connector type before purchasing."
}
}
]
}