Choosing a Level 2 charger for your home can feel like a tie when two 50-amp stations sit only a few dollars apart. But the real decision here isn't just price; it's condition. One unit is an untested Emporia sold for parts, while the other is an open-box TCHARGE hardwire charger with UL, FCC, and Energy Star marks listed in its title.
Quick verdict
For most people, the TCHARGE is the better fit. It costs $124.95, just $4.96 more than the Emporia, and it's described as new open-box rather than 'for parts or not working.' The Emporia's $119.99 price only makes sense if you're ready to troubleshoot a unit the seller says may have a bad board.
At a glance
| Aspect | Emporia 50A | TCHARGE 50A |
|---|---|---|
| Price | USD 119.99 | USD 124.95 |
| Condition | For parts or not working, untested | New other / open box |
| Level / amperage | Level 2, 50A | Level 2, 50A |
| Standout details | 10kW rate, Wi-Fi, Type 2 connector, charging cable included | Home hardwire, UL Listed, FCC, Energy Star |
Where each charger wins
The Emporia wins on price and feature detail. It's 4% less expensive, and the description spells out a 10kW charging rate, Wi-Fi connectivity, a Type 2 connector, a protective function, and an included cable. Those details disappear, though, behind the 'untested' and 'for parts' condition.
The TCHARGE wins on condition and certifications. For $124.95, you're getting an open-box hardwire unit with UL, FCC, and Energy Star marks stated in the title. That's a much stronger starting point for someone who wants a charger that's ready to be wired into the home.
Product notes
Emporia Level 2 EV Charger 50A 240V Electric Vehicle Charging Station Untested
At $119.99, this Emporia station is the least expensive way into a 50-amp Level 2 setup, and it brings some real spec detail: a 10kW charge rate, Wi-Fi, a Type 2 connector, a protective function, and the charging cable plus heavy-duty hose. The material is ABS plastic, so it's a fairly standard lightweight enclosure. But the title says it all: untested, and the condition is 'for parts or not working.' The description notes the cable and hose look good but suspects a bad board. That makes this a project unit. Choose it only if you're comfortable opening the charger, diagnosing the board, and possibly sourcing parts. The low price is the draw, but the risk is that it won't charge anything until you fix it.
Level 2 EV Charger 50 Amp Home Hardwire, UL Listed & FCC & Energy Star
The TCHARGE charger is priced at $124.95 and shows up as new other, with the description noting open-box stock. The title leads with a hardwire design and carries UL, FCC, and Energy Star marks. For a home charger, that combination of certifications and open-box condition is more reassuring than an untested unit. The limitation is that the description is light on tech specs: it identifies a 50A Level 2 hardwire charger, but doesn't provide the charging rate, connector type, or Wi-Fi details you see for the Emporia. You're choosing it for the clean condition and certification marks rather than for a feature sheet. If your main goal is a single, straightforward 50A charger for the wall, the extra $4.96 is an easy call.
Final choice by use case
If you want a repair project and already have a plan for a possible bad board, the $119.99 Emporia gives you Wi-Fi, Type 2 connectivity, and a 10kW rating for the least cash. If you want a charger that's not sold as broken and you value the hardwire form factor and listed certifications, the $124.95 TCHARGE is the one to take home.
