Which Home Charging Station Do You use?

[TomMoloughney]

Hi All,

I know many here have asked about which home charging stations are the best. I've done some reviews on various EVSEs and posted them here in the past. I just did another of the JuiceBox Pro 40, so I wanted to put the link here for anyone interested.

Also, please comment on this thread which EVSE you use for your i3, and what you like and dislike about it. This will help newbies decide which one they should choose!

https://bmwi3.blogspot.com/2018/04/ev-c ... pdate.html

Thanks!

[jadnashuanh]

I have a Clipper Creek 30A unit (before they bumped it to 32A). It's been working fine. I liked the idea that it was designed and built in the USA. At the time, the JuiceBox stuff had not achieved UL approvals. I couldn't scrounge enough panel power to go to their 50 (40A) unit...it was a stretch for the 40 (32A).

[alohart]

We have a 2014 JuiceBox kit. It was rated at 60 A, but many familiar with its components felt that passing 60 A would be unsafe. Fortunately, our i3 is limited to ~30 A, so we aren't pushing its limits.

This kit offered options like a tiny LCD that displays important charging information, a wireless remote, and WiFi. I chose the LCD and wireless remote options but not the WiFi option because our apartment parking space is far out of range of our WiFi base station. I can use the wireless remote to change the maximum charging current in 1 A increments, to set weekday and weekend charge starting and ending times, and to set the current date and time.

However, the most important feature for me, a retired software engineer, is its open-source software written in the C language which I know and its programming cable that allows me to load new software versions that I have written. I have installed software that better reflects our use of our JuiceBox.

Unfortunately, these options are no longer available for EV owners who park outside of the range of their WiFi base stations, so I feel fortunate to have bought our JuiceBox when it was still available in kit form.

[tonorc]

I installed (hardwired) a Chargepoint 30 amp unit purchased from Amazon. It seems to be well made, and the Chargepoint app on my phone also works with the public Chargepoint chargers that I use. The home charger is connected through wifi, and can be scheduled. Each charging session including public charging with Chargepoint records kWh used and cost based on entered utility costs, which makes it easy to keep track of charging costs per month. It is attractive looking in my garage with cool lighting that changes depending on if it is charging or in standby mode.

[dmann]

We bought the Clipper Creek HCS-50 (40 amp) in January. It is the plug-in model which is handy if you move residences. It provides more current then the i3 will accept, but thought it would be good for the future. The unit is not fancy and doesn't have a lot of the options other EVSEs have, but the price was reasonable. It is on sale right now for $200 off. It has been working fine with no problems. Very simple to use.

[engineear]

Siemans. No issues. Has 2-8 hour start delay. Can set to lower power levels so not to "fast" charge too often, if you believe that can be a problem in the long term. Removable if I decide to relocate. Long cable easily reaches the I3 and 2017 Volt.

[Manualrain]

Siemens, although it delay a bit but it works perfectly

[jadnashuanh]

FWIW, even when wired in, most any EVSE could have a plug attached for a very small price should you change your mind down the road. But, IMHO, having an EVSE installed will probably add to the resale price of the home, especially in a few more years.

[Nyken]

I'm using a Juicebox Pro 40. I have a Nema 14-50 outlet installed in the garage, with the Juicebox Pro plugged into it.

I consider the Nema 14-50 outlet to be the 'standard' for EVSE equipment. You would need a good reason NOT to install a 14-50 outlet.

The Nema 14-50 and the wire from the electric panel in the basement it is sized for 50 amps. The i3 will consume 32 amps max while charging. And the Juicebox Pro is limited to 40 amps max.

With EVSE equipment, you need to size the circuit breaker in your electric panel to the car max charging rate of your car +25% (the +25% is needed to protect an electrical circuit which is on continuously, like a car charger or an electric heater). In the case of the i3, this is 32amps x 1.25 or 40 amps.

So in my case, even though I have 50amps max at the Nema 14-50 outlet, I have a 40amp circuit breaker protecting this equipment. In the future, if I get a car which could charge at 40amps, I'd simply swap out the 40 amp circuit breaker for a 50 amp breaker.

[jadnashuanh]

Since the CB is protecting the wiring, not the device, if the WIRING is sized for 50A, you could install a 50A breaker, but that would allow a maximum of a 40A EVSE to be placed on it.

When designed, a device does not generally rely on the CB at the panel for its protection...if there is some required internally, they'll install a fuse or other protection IN it...again, the CB at the panel is to prevent the wiring going TO the device is not overloaded and potentially overheat and burn in behind walls, etc. There may be exceptions where the installation instructions call for it to be a dedicated circuit for the device, though. When you put a plug on the wall, it's always best to ensure that the wiring can handle anything designed to plug into that receptacle. For whatever reason, though, the 'dryer plug' is on exception to the rule, but then, someone may buy a new one that needs more power and not know the wiring won't support it.