Affordable home charger recommendations?

[NavinRJohnson]

I rent a home that has a 220 outlet at the side of the house (outdoors, slightly recessed/covered). There's a large, old GE wall charger connected to it. The charger just failed and I need to buy something since the owner of the home doesn't want/need the charger anymore. What are people recommending/using these days? I'd prefer something semi-portable, affordable, reliable and fast.

This Siemen's unit isn't super portable, but just under $500: http://www.costco.com/Siemens-Electric-Vehicle-LVL-2-Universal-Charger.product.100295506.html

 

[jmueller065]

Personally I'd use a Clipper Creek unit: https://www.clippercreek.com/

You can find some of them (also portable) under $500 as well: https://store.clippercreek.com/residential

 

[WyrTwister]

The existing 240 VAC receptacle / circuit . How many amp is the circuit breaker ?

God bless


Wyr

 

[NavinRJohnson]

40 amp circuit. (The GE charger was only 30 amp so maybe I'll get a faster charge with a 40 amp charger?)

 

[jmueller065]

maybe I'll get a faster charge with a 40 amp charger?

Not really. The FFE can only charge at 6.6 kW which works out to about 240V @ 30amps (note that 240V @ 30 amps = 7.2kW).

 

[NavinRJohnson]

Great info - thank you!!!

 

[campfamily]

This is the one I have.

http://www.lowes.com/pd/GE-Wattstation-Wall-Mount-Level-2-30-Amp-Single-Electric-Car-Charger-Plug-In/3506910?cm_mmc=SCE_PLA-_-RoughPlumbingElectrical-_-RenewableEnergy-_-3506910:GE&CAWELAID=&kpid=3506910&store_code=1144&&kpid=3506910&store_code=1144&k_clickID=1839910d-8a48-482e-a8d3-96584499d834

Keith

 

[focussed]

I have been happy with my ClipperCreek. Just saw a Siemens on Costco, do check it out:

http://www.costco.com/Siemens-Electric-Vehicle-LVL-2-Universal-Charger.product.100295506.html

 

[NightHawk]

40 amp circuit. (The GE charger was only 30 amp so maybe I'll get a faster charge with a 40 amp charger?)

A 40amp circuit is what is normally used for a 30amp charging station, the electrical code requires the higher rated circuit for a 30amp load I believe. Its not supposed to be used at full capacity of 40amps.

 

[Pearl]

I installed a Bosch 30A EVSE when I purchased my C-Max Energi, knowing that one day I would want 6.6kW for my next EV. Perfect when I recently acquired my FFE.
http://www.evchargesolutions.com/Bosch-Electric-Car-Charger-18ft-p/el-51253.htm

 

[triangles]

If you are even remotely handy with electrical stuff you can make one relatively cheap. Open EVSE Store

 

[hybridbear]

I've had great success with my ClipperCreek unit and their warranty is longer than most others. ClipperCreek recently released a rugged lineup which might be worth the extra cost for you since you're installing it outdoors. This link takes you to the rugged one designed for a 40 amp circuit.

I would also recommend some of the DIY ones such as what triangles suggested.

Have you been looking for used ones on eBay? You might find a good deal that way.

 

[brogult]

@NavinRJohnson

Being an outdoor location limits your options. What type of plug is present?

If you have a 14-50 plug, this would be good:

https://store.clippercreek.com/residential?product_id=67

Or, if you like connected techie gizmos:

https://emotorwerks.com/index.php/s...p-evse-with-24-foot-cable/category_pathway-23

The Juicebox also is more easily portable (and stealable) and has a longer cord.

 

[shniestEV]

I'm not sure on code where you are at but I believe most outdoor installs by code should be hardwired and not plugged in.

However i'm from Canada and chargers i'm sure are more expensive here like everything else so I dont have much info for you on cheap 30amp charging options.

Myself i went with one of the new intelligent chargepoint home chargers once they became available in Canada and love it...
http://www.chargepoint.com/drivers/home/

Cheers,
Keith

 

[ATL-FFE]

An outdoor mounted EVSE needs to be hardwired for proper weatherproofing. Check your local code for provisions around outdoor use of plugs if it's allowed. It probably isn't.

You can install the EVSE indoors and run the supply to the car outdoors. The EVSE could use a plug in that case.

 

[Jamez]

I'm not sure on code where you are at but I believe most outdoor installs by code should be hardwired and not plugged in.

However i'm from Canada and chargers i'm sure are more expensive here like everything else so I dont have much info for you on cheap 30amp charging options.

Myself i went with one of the new intelligent chargepoint home chargers once they became available in Canada and love it...
http://www.chargepoint.com/drivers/home/

Cheers,
Keith

Hey Keith,
I just bought a chargepoint too (Hamilton area). We're installing it in a few weeks, but I'm installing it inside the garage with a 2" conduit pass through my basement allowing the cable to be hung outside the garage. Since the chargepoint is web enabled there's no reason to go into the garage to activate it. Can't wait to get it up and running.

Now I'm looking at what portable L1/L2 to get for the occasional times we're not at home or work

 

[shniestEV]

Since the chargepoint is web enabled there's no reason to go into the garage to activate it.
Now I'm looking at what portable L1/L2 to get for the occasional times we're not at home or work

The home version doesn't need activating just plug it in. I've also worked with the developers to get the app figured out in Canada. If you have any issues setting your utility rates let me know and I had them remove currency details as no matter what it would always show USD even though price was CDN.

As for L1 the FFE comes with one in the hatch...

 

[digitaldch]

I actually have the hard-wired version of the Siemens VersiCharge unit you pointed to at Costco and can wholeheartedly recommend it. Been rock solid for the last two years (...including the winter of 2014-15 when we had over 10 feet of snow here in the Boston area).

 

[edriver]

Here is the one I am planning buy. will connect to a NEMA 14-50 in my garage

http://www.homedepot.com/p/GE-EV-Charger-Indoor-Outdoor-Level-2-DuraStation-Wall-Mount-with-18-ft-Cord-EVDSWGH-CP01/205808537?cm_mmc=Shopping%7CTHD%7CG%7C0%7CG-BASE-PLA-D27E-Electrical%7C&gclid=CLSx1ayx5c0CFdhahgodyqcIiw&gclsrc=aw.ds

 

[scottt]

Here is the one I am planning buy. will connect to a NEMA 14-50 in my garage

http://www.homedepot.com/p/GE-EV-Charger-Indoor-Outdoor-Level-2-DuraStation-Wall-Mount-with-18-ft-Cord-EVDSWGH-CP01/205808537?cm_mmc=Shopping%7CTHD%7CG%7C0%7CG-BASE-PLA-D27E-Electrical%7C&gclid=CLSx1ayx5c0CFdhahgodyqcIiw&gclsrc=aw.ds

This is the one I have. VERY easy to install (did it myself). No issues with it at all.