Before purchasing your Emporia EV Charger, there are a few key things to confirm, from the right connector for your vehicle to your home's electrical setup. This checklist will help you arrive at the right purchase decision.
Which Connector Does Your Vehicle Use?
Emporia offers both J1772 and NACS models. Choosing the correct one upfront means you can plug in and charge without an adapter.
J1772
The J1772 is the standard Level 2 charging connector for most EVs and plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) in North America. If you drive a non-Tesla EV purchased before 2025, you almost certainly have a J1772 port. The Emporia J1772 model connects directly with no adapter needed.
NACS
The NACS connector is becoming the new industry default. All Tesla vehicles use NACS natively, and most major manufacturers are transitioning to it starting in 2025. If you drive a Tesla or a newer EV, check your owner's manual to confirm. The Emporia NACS model connects directly without an adapter.
Not sure which connector your vehicle has? A quick check in your owner's manual or an online search for your vehicle's make, model, and year will confirm it.
Using an adapter: If your charger model doesn't match your vehicle's port, a compatible Level 2 AC adapter may work — but verify the adapter is rated for Level 2 AC charging (not DC fast charging) and is compatible with both the charger connector and your vehicle's inlet. Tesla-to-J1772 adapters are available directly from Tesla's online store.
Pre-Purchase Checklist
Once you've confirmed your connector type, verify the following before completing your purchase:
1. Installation type
Decide between a plug-in (NEMA 14-50 outlet) or a hardwired installation. Consult a licensed electrician to determine which is best for your setup. If local codes, rebate programs, or higher-capacity needs apply, hardwiring is typically required.
2. Vehicle's maximum charge rate
Know your EV's maximum Level 2 charge rate. Emporia chargers are adjustable from 6A to 48A, so the charger can be configured to match your vehicle's capacity.
3. Electrical panel capacity
Check whether your home's electrical panel can support the added load. If capacity is limited, PowerSmart (included with Pro, paid upgrade for Classic) can help you avoid a costly panel upgrade.
4. Charger location
Select a location based on proximity to your electrical panel and where your vehicle is parked. An electrician can help optimize placement to minimize wiring costs.
5. Solar integration
If you have solar panels, the Pro charger includes solar optimization out of the box. Classic owners can add this by pairing with a separately purchased Vue energy monitor.
Electrical Requirements
Both the Classic and Pro EV Chargers comply with National Electrical Code (NEC) requirements, which mandate that breakers be sized at 125% of the continuous load:
Plug-in (NEMA 14-50): Supports up to 40A charging. Requires a dedicated 50A breaker and at least 6 AWG copper wiring. Use only industrial-grade outlets rated for EV applications — standard residential outlets can overheat under sustained high-current loads.
Hardwired: Supports up to 48A charging when connected to a 60A breaker. Requires permanent wiring directly to a junction box. Professional installation is required.
Conversion: Plug-in to hardwired conversion is possible for both Classic and Pro NEMA models.
GFCI Breakers — Important: The Emporia EV Charger has built-in GFCI protection. Do not install an external GFCI breaker on the circuit. Redundant GFCI protection will cause nuisance tripping that interrupts charging and requires a manual breaker reset.
For hardwired installations, always use a standard non-GFCI breaker. For NEMA plug-in installations, your local code may require a GFCI breaker on the outlet circuit — if this applies to you, flag it with your electrician before installation.
Will This Work Outside of the US?
The Emporia EV Charger is designed for North American electrical systems only.
The charger operates on split-phase power (120V/240V), which is standard in North American residential and light commercial setups. It is not compatible with international electrical systems where the line-to-neutral voltage is 240V.
The charger can operate on two lines of a three-phase 208V system, but this is not ideal and may reduce performance. If you are outside of North America or are unsure about your electrical system, consult a qualified electrician before purchasing.
Note: Emporia is evaluating international models but has no near-term development plans.
Do I Need a Qualified Electrician?
Emporia highly recommends professional installation by a licensed electrician. For full guidance on what to expect from the installation process, see the Setup and Installation section.
Emporia offers a network of certified installers experienced with our products. To find one near you, visit emporiaenergy.com/installation-services.
Feedback and Suggestions
This knowledge base is continuously updated to provide the most helpful guidance for Emporia customers. If you found this article unclear or have suggestions for improvement, please contact our Customer Support team.