Which EVSE?

[WoodlandHills]

We often rent private homes (VRBO) when traveling and having the ability to plug into a 240v dryer circuit instead of using the 120v OU plug would mean using the EV and not the ICE for the trip. We could keep the low rated EVSE in the frunk along with the OU cord for road trips and be able to charge at a much faster rate than the OU, not as fast as the home 32a EVSE, but still a big Improvement. Most of the weekend rental homes have the washer and dryer in the garage so a 25' cord would work 95% of the time.

 

[ted99]

I went with the Juicebox kit. Hard wired to a 40 amp breaker for my i3. In future, the juicebox can supply up to 50 amps, with the correct cables. Juicebox takes either 240v. input OR 120v. input. If you are able to assemble the kit, you are also able to install a pigtail with plug for your primary supply, and adapters for others you might use, including one with a 20' 120v. plug. Size is about the same as a Clipper Creek. Mine works like a charm.

 

[jadnashuanh]

I went with the Juicebox kit. Hard wired to a 40 amp breaker for my i3. In future, the juicebox can supply up to 50 amps, with the correct cables. Juicebox takes either 240v. input OR 120v. input. If you are able to assemble the kit, you are also able to install a pigtail with plug for your primary supply, and adapters for others you might use, including one with a 20' 120v. plug. Size is about the same as a Clipper Creek. Mine works like a charm.

Just make sure that you have adjusted the box so that it doesn't announce it has more than 32A, or the installation will not meet code if your external supply is sized for 40A.

I thought about the JuiceBox, and it wasn't building the thing (I've put together numerous HeathKits, and been certified to solder stuff on missiles, so I know how to solder electronics!), but while it seems a nice product (and an EVSE isn't really all that complicated), if there were a problem, I felt better with a 'normal' commercial unit (ended up with a Clipper Creek unit). Plus, once I made the decision, I had a car in short order, and things would have had to wait if I did choose the JuiceBox. Where I live, 40A circuit was pushing things, and it is a logistical nightmare to even consider trying to rewire the panel for higher capacity (a townhouse condo).

There are a lot of units out there that work just fine...and, it's often just what's available to you at the best price. Most of them do not have extra bells and whistles, but if you want or need those, your choices become much more limited and the price can jump, sometimes considerably. The car will charge just fine without them, though!

 

[ted99]

You are right, of course. The Juicebox has two separate pots for adjusting the max current draw for 120V. and 240V. The 240V. pot has a default setting of 30 amp when rotated fully counterclockwise, so it's easy to adjust for the typical 40 Amp breaker. You are right that there aren't many parts in an EVSE: a low voltage power supply, a relay for connecting the input to the output, and a logic board for sensing the presence of a ground and a ground fault, and a J1772 cable (one of the most expensive items). The Clipper Creek packages all this in a very compact package. These huge wall-mounted boxes being sold seem to me to be just making a big box to help sell you on a high price. I am wondering if the high prices are a premium to cover jury awards for liability when someone does something stupid.

 

[jadnashuanh]

I think the high prices are more style points, and people just don't understand how little there really is inside one of these boxes...therefore, bigger MUST be better, and therefore worth more! I guess, if it was going to be visible to the community, having a box with the BMW style and logo on it might make a fashion statement, but it won't enable recharging the vehicle any more than a unit that cost a LOT less! There are some EVSE boxes that aren't very good looking, but assuming some corporate integrity, it will still work.