THE SHORT ANSWER
Pick the charger that matches your car and your rebate. In a Tesla household, the Tesla Universal Wall Connector is the simplest fit. For other EVs or a mix of cars, the ChargePoint Home Flex and Emporia are both strong, Energy Star certified smart chargers that can schedule overnight charging, which Richland's $300 rebate requires. Hardwired, each can deliver up to about 48 to 50 amps.
The three chargers at a glance
All three are popular, well-reviewed Level 2 chargers. The right one depends on your car, how you want to schedule charging, and whether you want to qualify for a rebate.
| Charger | Max power (hardwired) | Plug | Scheduling | Energy Star |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tesla Universal Wall Connector | Up to 48 A | Tesla (NACS), built-in J1772 adapter | Through the app or the car | Yes, per retail listing; check model |
| ChargePoint Home Flex | Up to 50 A (40 A on a 14-50 plug) | J1772 (NACS versions sold) | ChargePoint app | Yes |
| Emporia Level 2 | Up to 48 A (40 A on a 14-50 plug) | J1772 or NACS versions | Emporia app, time-of-use | Yes |
Which one fits your home
- Tesla in the garage, or mostly Teslas: the Tesla Universal Wall Connector. Built for the Tesla plug, with a built-in J1772 adapter for other cars.
- A non-Tesla, or a mixed household: ChargePoint Home Flex. Adjustable up to 50 amps, with an app for schedules and charging history.
- You want to track energy use: Emporia. Its app tracks cost per session, schedules around off-peak hours, and pairs with Emporia's whole-home energy monitor.
Rebate fit in the Tri-Cities
Richland's $300 rebate requires an Energy Star Level 2 smart charger that can schedule charging, set to charge overnight. ChargePoint Home Flex and Emporia are Energy Star certified, and retail listings show the Tesla Universal Wall Connector as certified too. Models change, so check your exact model on the Energy Star qualified list before you buy.
Benton REA's incentive needs a charger that can delay charging to a time Benton REA sets. All three can schedule.
Hardwired or plug-in?
A plug-in charger on a NEMA 14-50 outlet tops out at 40 amps. Hardwired, these chargers can run at 48 amps. Either way it's a new 240-volt circuit with a permit and inspection.
More amps only help if your car can take them and your panel has room. Many homes are happiest at 32 to 40 amps. See Is my panel big enough for an EV charger?
Quick questions
Sources, checked October 20, 2026
- Best Buy: Tesla Universal Wall Connector listing (Energy Star, up to 48A)
- Best Buy: ChargePoint Home Flex hardwired listing (Energy Star, up to 50A)
- Smart Charge America: Emporia Level 2 chargers (48A hardwired, 40A on NEMA 14-50, Energy Star)
- Richland Energy Services: residential EV smart charger requirements
Programs and rules change, so confirm before you buy.