A rugged, affordable UL-listed EVSE. But Home Assistant access is not out-of-the-box local: it requires Grizzl-E's paid OCPP add-on pointed at a self-hosted OCPP server, and default control runs through the Grizzl-E Connect cloud app. Good hardware, but the local-control story is more limited than the price suggests.
Standout: A rugged, affordable UL-listed EVSE; local Home Assistant control requires the paid Grizzl-E OCPP add-on and a self-hosted OCPP server, not the on-board page.
Notes last checked Aug 19, 2026.
Compatibility snapshot
Home AssistantpoorCloud-only or bridge-locked. "Works with HA" in name only, with no meaningful local control.
Apple HomenoneNo official support on this platform.
Google HomenoneNo official support on this platform.
AlexanoneNo official support on this platform.
Works offlinepartly / no
Setupeasy
Extra hub neededno
PowerNEMA 14-50 plug-in, 240V, up to 40A
Why it stands out
Rugged UL-listed metal EVSE at a reasonable price
OCPP 1.6 support (requires Grizzl-E's paid OCPP license) can point to a self-hosted OCPP server
Once OCPP is enabled, a community integration can read charge state/energy
Reasons to hesitate
Smart/scheduling features lean on the Grizzl-E Connect cloud
HA integration is unofficial
2.4GHz-only WiFi
Best for
Budget-conscious buyers wanting a tough charger with usable local monitoring
Privacy and local-control notes
Local control requires Grizzl-E's paid OCPP license pointed at a self-hosted OCPP server; out of the box, control runs through the Grizzl-E Connect cloud.
Home Assistant support: supported · integration path: Community OCPP add-on (requires Grizzl-E's paid OCPP license); default control is the Grizzl-E Connect cloud app.
Buying reality check
Price notes: Roughly $395-460 street for the Smart Avalanche depending on edition and retailer (apevchargers.com listed $395.99 when checked on 2026-08-19). Mid-range pricing. The Amazon listing read Currently unavailable on 2026-09-06 at a $479.99 last-seen price, above every other channel, so the buy button points at Grizzl-E direct.
Smart home gifts for EV owners: which chargers are local
A Q4 gift guide for the EV owner running Home Assistant, ranked by how much of the charger keeps working without a vendor cloud, with the 240V circuit and the connector question stated up front.
