Suggestions for a Level 2 home charger?

[phidauex]

I think for many people a simple "dumb" charger like the GrizzlE is the best bet, but one wrinkle to confirm is if your utility offers a savings or discount program that requires a particular model of charger.

For instance, Xcel Energy (CO and MN) has a program called Charging Perks that gives you a $150/yr bill credit in exchange for allowing Xcel to send your car a nightly charging schedule, rather than charging immediately when you plug it in. The schedule always guarantees you will hit your target charge by your morning departure time, it just might start at 11pm, or 2am, or whatever, based on the grid's current pricing and carbon intensity. For me, that is about 30% off on my annual charging costs, so is worth doing. https://nm.my.xcelenergy.com/s/residential/ev-charging/incentives/charging-perks

But, it requires you either have a car with connected features (BMW, Ford, and a few others), OR a charger with connected features (Emporia, Chargepoint and Wallbox). Since the Slate won't have integrated connectivity, participating would require one of these compatible chargers.

Now, these programs vary wildly around the country, some don't exist at all, and some exist but are a bad deal. But you might want to check with your utility first to see if they have a useful program, and if so, if it requires a particular charger.

 

[EJensen]

From Slate website: A Slate comes with everything you need to charge at home, no need to buy anything extra. With the included charging cable, you can charge using a regular household outlet. If you have access to a 240-volt outlet (the kind of outlet used for dryers, stoves and other appliances), you can charge faster with Level 2 charging. Many EV owners choose to purchase an optional wall-mounted charging station, which can add convenient features like cable storage and Wi-Fi connectivity, but you don’t necessarily need one to charge at home.

That's all true. I want the additional speed that comes from a level 2 charger. Also, I don't know whether the bare-bones unit that comes with the vehicle has the ability to limit the charge. All the aftermarket level 2 chargers I'm looking at give you the option to terminate charge at 80%, for example, which should help to extend battery life.

 

[EJensen]

I think for many people a simple "dumb" charger like the GrizzlE is the best bet, but one wrinkle to confirm is if your utility offers a savings or discount program that requires a particular model of charger.

For instance, Xcel Energy (CO and MN) has a program called Charging Perks that gives you a $150/yr bill credit in exchange for allowing Xcel to send your car a nightly charging schedule, rather than charging immediately when you plug it in. The schedule always guarantees you will hit your target charge by your morning departure time, it just might start at 11pm, or 2am, or whatever, based on the grid's current pricing and carbon intensity. For me, that is about 30% off on my annual charging costs, so is worth doing. https://nm.my.xcelenergy.com/s/residential/ev-charging/incentives/charging-perks

But, it requires you either have a car with connected features (BMW, Ford, and a few others), OR a charger with connected features (Emporia, Chargepoint and Wallbox). Since the Slate won't have integrated connectivity, participating would require one of these compatible chargers.

Now, these programs vary wildly around the country, some don't exist at all, and some exist but are a bad deal. But you might want to check with your utility first to see if they have a useful program, and if so, if it requires a particular charger.

Good point.

I'm a customer of Dominion Energy in Virginia. Turns out they have a similar program, although not as generous in the long term as yours. They offer a $125 rebate if I purchase a ChargePoint, Emporia, or Wallbox. After that, it's $40 credit per year to give them control over charge timing. It's still worth it, so I imagine I'll end up getting one of those three.

 

[sodamo]

From Slate website: A Slate comes with everything you need to charge at home, no need to buy anything extra. With the included charging cable, you can charge using a regular household outlet. If you have access to a 240-volt outlet (the kind of outlet used for dryers, stoves and other appliances), you can charge faster with Level 2 charging. Many EV owners choose to purchase an optional wall-mounted charging station, which can add convenient features like cable storage and Wi-Fi connectivity, but you don’t necessarily need one to charge at home.

Just using the Slate provided charger was my initial solution, but to use in the garage but that would require installation of a proper receptacle. Further research led me to the Emporia hardwired. Most likely I will make my 240 receptacle EV type with double duty for my welder in my tractorshed.

 

[The Weatherman]

Good point.

I'm a customer of Dominion Energy in Virginia. Turns out they have a similar program, although not as generous in the long term as yours. They offer a $125 rebate if I purchase a ChargePoint, Emporia, or Wallbox. After that, it's $40 credit per year to give them control over charge timing. It's still worth it, so I imagine I'll end up getting one of those three.

Regardless of what charger you choose to use, DO NOT use the existing 240 (dryer vent plug). These are not rated for the run time required to charge an EV. It should be replaced with an EV rated plug from a reliable source. Whether you do it or have an electrician do it. DO IT!

 

[EJensen]

Regardless of what charger you choose to use, DO NOT use the existing 240 (dryer vent plug). These are not rated for the run time required to charge an EV. It should be replaced with an EV rated plug from a reliable source. Whether you do it or have an electrician do it. DO IT!

True dat.

I'm going to hardwire via a new 60A breaker.

 

[Paul]

Installed a Grizzl-e about 3 yrs ago mostly because of the price point. Zero issues and it's worked well on a number of EVs at an Airbnb. Good sturdy metal box. Nothing fancy.

 

[pdxmotorhead]

From Slate website: A Slate comes with everything you need to charge at home, no need to buy anything extra. With the included charging cable, you can charge using a regular household outlet. If you have access to a 240-volt outlet (the kind of outlet used for dryers, stoves and other appliances), you can charge faster with Level 2 charging. Many EV owners choose to purchase an optional wall-mounted charging station, which can add convenient features like cable storage and Wi-Fi connectivity, but you don’t necessarily need one to charge at home.

I started out on lower range early EV's in 2016, 220V always makes thing better.. I was on my first tesla in 2020 when I installed a 50A Level2,, game changing charging. (I had no 220V outlets in my garage the dryer is on another floor level in my house.) The convenience of the level 2 charger is a win, I can off=peak charge the car from 20% to 90% < 4 hours..

I currently have the tesla "duel" wall unit, does NACS and J1772/CCS We have a Tesla Y and a 2016 Bolt with 136,000 miles on it. (It was a ride share car that GM had leased as part of a fleet in Southern cal and they re-furbished it with a New Battery, full paint correction, full service, new tires it cost $13K out the door with 100K miles on it.

Basically I'd never go back to anything less than level 2..

 

[jhevil]

Assuming I end up converting my reservation into a purchase, I will be installing a level 2 home charger. I'll do the install myself.

Based on a quick search, I'm interested in the hardwire/NACS version of the Emporia unit. I'd be grateful for the insights of anyone with experience with this unit or any of the competitors.

I will second the Emporia chargers. I will third the Grizzly chargers based on feedback from friends.

 

[EV Trek]

I already have a Chargepoint homeflex hardwired to charge my Equinox EV, I like keeping track through the app of how much electricity my EV uses. I will probably get an adapter for it to charge the Slate when I need to charge from a low charge level then switch to a level one plugged into an outside 120vac outlet to keep it trickle charged for battery conditioning or when I know I am not going to need it for a few days.

 

[Paul]

I think for many people a simple "dumb" charger like the GrizzlE is the best bet, but one wrinkle to confirm is if your utility offers a savings or discount program that requires a particular model of charger.

For instance, Xcel Energy (CO and MN) has a program called Charging Perks that gives you a $150/yr bill credit in exchange for allowing Xcel to send your car a nightly charging schedule, rather than charging immediately when you plug it in. The schedule always guarantees you will hit your target charge by your morning departure time, it just might start at 11pm, or 2am, or whatever, based on the grid's current pricing and carbon intensity. For me, that is about 30% off on my annual charging costs, so is worth doing. https://nm.my.xcelenergy.com/s/residential/ev-charging/incentives/charging-perks

But, it requires you either have a car with connected features (BMW, Ford, and a few others), OR a charger with connected features (Emporia, Chargepoint and Wallbox). Since the Slate won't have integrated connectivity, participating would require one of these compatible chargers.

Now, these programs vary wildly around the country, some don't exist at all, and some exist but are a bad deal. But you might want to check with your utility first to see if they have a useful program, and if so, if it requires a particular charger.

Another (not so smart option) and it depends if you have a dedicated meter, as I have for the garage with a charger. Legacy connection when it was a machine shop so no additional cost. Just switch the meter to time of day pricing and charge the EV only during those hours like 11-6 am. Can usually self-switch a smart meter via billing website. My KW rate is half off-peak, double peak.

 

[alegory575]

Assuming I end up converting my reservation into a purchase, I will be installing a level 2 home charger. I'll do the install myself.

Based on a quick search, I'm interested in the hardwire/NACS version of the Emporia unit. I'd be grateful for the insights of anyone with experience with this unit or any of the competitors.

Emporia is pretty solid, the app has tons of features and the NACS cable management is clean. If you hardwire it, just make sure you use a high-quality breaker that handles continuous loads without overheating. I actually had my tools out ready to DIY this exact unit, but the fear of messing up the torque settings on a 60A circuit got to me, so I called Wolf River Electric. They did it so quickly that it might be worth a shot for you too if you want zero stress.

 

[SL8action]

I've had a Grizzl-E Classic for 5 years, no issues. I like the metal enclosure as added protection from a fire if something does go bad.

 

[grp]

Assuming I end up converting my reservation into a purchase, I will be installing a level 2 home charger. I'll do the install myself.

Based on a quick search, I'm interested in the hardwire/NACS version of the Emporia unit. I'd be grateful for the insights of anyone with experience with this unit or any of the competitors.

If I need a L2 charger, I’ll probably go with the Emporia Pro (EP) because I only have a 100amp subpanel under my carport. If you’re not aware, the EP will adjust charging based on total load of the panel.

 

[Doctors Do Little]

I think for many people a simple "dumb" charger like the GrizzlE is the best bet, but one wrinkle to confirm is if your utility offers a savings or discount program that requires a particular model of charger.

For instance, Xcel Energy (CO and MN) has a program called Charging Perks that gives you a $150/yr bill credit in exchange for allowing Xcel to send your car a nightly charging schedule, rather than charging immediately when you plug it in. The schedule always guarantees you will hit your target charge by your morning departure time, it just might start at 11pm, or 2am, or whatever, based on the grid's current pricing and carbon intensity. For me, that is about 30% off on my annual charging costs, so is worth doing. https://nm.my.xcelenergy.com/s/residential/ev-charging/incentives/charging-perks

But, it requires you either have a car with connected features (BMW, Ford, and a few others), OR a charger with connected features (Emporia, Chargepoint and Wallbox). Since the Slate won't have integrated connectivity, participating would require one of these compatible chargers.

Now, these programs vary wildly around the country, some don't exist at all, and some exist but are a bad deal. But you might want to check with your utility first to see if they have a useful program, and if so, if it requires a particular charger.

Agree on the Grizz…hard to screw it up. It was a champ with my Lightning and still is on my X5. The vehicle’s management system controls the charging details- it just charges.