Grizzl-E Classic vs Clipper Creek HCS-50 — Which EV Charger Is Better?

Quick verdict: The Grizzl-E Classic wins overall — it delivers better value at $399 with equal or better charging speed. The Clipper Creek HCS-50 is worth considering if you prefer the Clipper Creek ecosystem.

At a Glance

Feature	Grizzl-E Classic	Clipper Creek HCS-50
Price	$399	$539
Max Power	40A / 9.6kW	40A / 9.6kW
Connector	J1772	J1772
Cord Length	24ft	25ft
WiFi/App	No	No
Energy Monitoring	No	No
Outdoor Rated	Yes (NEMA 4)	Yes (NEMA 4)
Warranty	3 years	3 years
UL Listed	Yes	Yes
Cost per kW	$42/kW	$56/kW

Charging Speed

Both chargers deliver identical charging speed at 9.6kW (40A). In practice, this means:

Vehicle Battery	Grizzl-E Time	Clipper Creek Time
60 kWh (e.g., Tesla Model 3)	6.3 hrs	6.3 hrs
75 kWh (e.g., Tesla Model Y)	7.8 hrs	7.8 hrs
100 kWh (e.g., Tesla Model S)	10.4 hrs	10.4 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, the Clipper Creek’s extra power won’t help.

Build Quality & Installation

Grizzl-E Classic:

• Mounting: Plug-in (NEMA 14-50) or hardwired
• Cord: 24ft — good reach for most setups
• Outdoor: Rated NEMA 4 — install it in a driveway or carport
• Warranty: 3 years

Clipper Creek HCS-50:

• Mounting: Hardwired only — requires an electrician
• Cord: 25ft — excellent reach for most garages
• Outdoor: Rated NEMA 4 — install it in a driveway or carport
• Warranty: 3 years

Edge: Grizzl-E. The plug-in option means easier DIY installation if you already have a NEMA 14-50 outlet. The Clipper Creek requires an electrician for hardwired installation.

Smart Features

Neither charger offers WiFi or app control. Both are simple plug-and-charge units.

Feature	Grizzl-E	Clipper Creek
WiFi	No	No
App Control	No	No
Energy Monitoring	No	No
Load Management	No	No
Scheduling	No	No

Price & Value

Metric	Grizzl-E Classic	Clipper Creek HCS-50
Price	$399	$539
Cost per kW	$42	$56
Cost per amp	$10	$13

The Grizzl-E Classic offers better value at $42/kW versus $56/kW. It is also $140 cheaper outright.

Who Should Buy Which?

Buy the Grizzl-E Classic if you:

• Want to spend less upfront
• Prefer simple plug-and-charge without apps or WiFi
• Need outdoor installation capability
• Want the flexibility of plug-in or hardwired installation

Buy the Clipper Creek HCS-50 if you:

• Want the Clipper Creek brand ecosystem
• Prefer simple plug-and-charge without apps or WiFi
• Need outdoor installation capability
• Need a longer cord (25ft vs 24ft)

Frequently Asked Questions

Which charger is better overall, the Grizzl-E Classic or Clipper Creek HCS-50? Grizzl-E Classic wins overall for most buyers. It offers better value per kW of charging power at $399.

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 Grizzl-E can plug into a NEMA 14-50 outlet or be hardwired. The Clipper Creek requires hardwired installation by an electrician.

Is the price difference worth it? The $140 price difference makes the Grizzl-E more attractive for budget-conscious buyers. The Clipper Creek justifies the premium with brand reputation and build quality.

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