[Chip]

Not sure if this particular forum slot is the best place for this question, but if it needs to be moved...By all means do so.
Anyway, I was curious as to how many forum members were current or previous EV owners and already had their "at home" charging gear purchased, installed, and in use.What could those same folks provide in the way of help / info. to help those of us who don't not make a mistake that might be avoided with some good info. from experienced EV owners in the setting up of charging equipment? Please share any info. you can think of to help ease us ICE owners over to the moving Electon world!

 

[Enzeder]

This is tough to answer because there are so many variables. For example: home owners vs. renters vs. apartment dwellers, solar charging, time-of-use billing, etc. And so much is changing with things like vehicle to home (V2H). You'd (the generic "you") be better off asking about a specific situation and use case. Otherwise it's a bit like someone asking which car should I buy.

I had a Bolt, and now have an ID.4. I've never needed to go from empty to full overnight, so any Level 2 (L2) changer would work for me. I own my house so it was easy to add a plug. A plug limits me to a 40 amp charger, but as I said that's not been a problem for me. Perhaps if I bought a Lightning or Silverado with their massive batteries I'd get a hardwired unit that can charge at more than 40 amps, but that's use case specific.

I have a friend that lives in an apartment, but has free L2 chargers at work and that's worked for him for years.

Once V2H cars have been around for a few years and chargers and switches catch up, then It might be time to switch my charger.

 

[Neromancer]

My wife and I between us have owned 3 Chevrolet Volt's and a Chevrolet Bolt EV. I'm one of the founding members of our local EV association. 5 years ago we built a new home. Full electric (no gas). Heated with an air source heat pump and a hybrid heat pump water heater. We have 38 solar panels (9.5KW) in a net metered setup. I have a two car garage with a 100A pony panel with two 40A circuits for 32A L2 EVSE's (7.7KW) on either side.

In our garage we had installed two NEMA 14-50 plugs (same used for an electric stove). Lots of EVSE's that work with these. Currently we are running a Chargepoint Home (got a great earth day deal a few years ago) and a Grizzl-e EVSE (great value for the money and made fairly local to us). The Grizzl-e can technically charge up to 40A but we have a 40A circuit installed so I used the internal switch to turn it down to 32A (80% breaker load required by code).

We are looking to have the Blazer EV replace the Volt. The only other gas things I own are a snow blower and a motorcycle. And currently thinking of ways of going electric with both (wish Energica sold motorcycles in Canada).

 

[BlazCraz]

My wife and I between us have owned 3 Chevrolet Volt's and a Chevrolet Bolt EV. I'm one of the founding members of our local EV association. 5 years ago we built a new home. Full electric (no gas). Heated with an air source heat pump and a hybrid heat pump water heater. We have 38 solar panels (9.5KW) in a net metered setup. I have a two car garage with a 100A pony panel with two 40A circuits for 32A L2 EVSE's (7.7KW) on either side.

In our garage we had installed two NEMA 14-50 plugs (same used for an electric stove). Lots of EVSE's that work with these. Currently we are running a Chargepoint Home (got a great earth day deal a few years ago) and a Grizzl-e EVSE (great value for the money and made fairly local to us). The Grizzl-e can technically charge up to 40A but we have a 40A circuit installed so I used the internal switch to turn it down to 32A (80% breaker load required by code).

We are looking to have the Blazer EV replace the Volt. The only other gas things I own are a snow blower and a motorcycle. And currently thinking of ways of going electric with both (wish Energica sold motorcycles in Canada).

✅⚡ Nice setup. Thanks for sharing! I'd have an ⚡ motorcycle if I wasn't so old.

 

[kindofblue]

We've had a '15 and now a '17 Volt and got a Tesla MY AWD last spring.

We moved into a new home last August that already had 1 240 14-50 in the garage so we only needed to add a second. Both are on 40amp breakers and that speed is plenty for our needs. We're using both the Volt (120-240v) and the Tesla OEM chargers and have had zero issues with both.

We also have a Mach e on order to receive later this fall. We'll sell the Volt when it comes in and probably the Tesla when the Chevy comes in. While we've had a good experience with the Volts I still have memories of a POS Chevy Blazer we got in 1996. It went through 3 alternators in 6 months. While they were covered under warranty its reliability came into question so after the 3rd replacement we traded it in for a '99 Ford Explorer.

 

[nino31302]

Anyone have any experiences with a charger mounted outdoors? Have a detached garage but its pretty small for cars and we usually park outside with no issues. There is a fuse box in the garage, and I was thinking of mounting a charger right on the outside of the garage when the time comes. There is a small overhang so it would be covered some, but being in SE Michigan, it will get cold and snowy outside some days.

 

[Neromancer]

Anyone have any experiences with a charger mounted outdoors? Have a detached garage but its pretty small for cars and we usually park outside with no issues. There is a fuse box in the garage, and I was thinking of mounting a charger right on the outside of the garage when the time comes. There is a small overhang so it would be covered some, but being in SE Michigan, it will get cold and snowy outside some days.

Before my current house I lived in a house without a garage and charged my Chevrolet Volt daily with no issues outside. We had a hard wired L2 EVSE that is outdoor rated. Worked with no issues. Just make sure you have a well positioned holster that keeps the elements out of the plug socket. You can also wire a plug outdoors but it needs to be in a in-use weather proof cover.

 

[Blazerdad2022]

I've owned the following EVs

Gen1 Volt
Gen1 Bolt
21 Tesla M3 LR

Selling my Tesla and going to a Blazer EV or a Mach-e just depends on the supply and demand of the unit

House has 1 meter using a (Time of Day) service to charge off hours to get the lower rates

I also will be keeping my L2 Charger that is 48amp for my new vehicle, just get an adapter for it

Just wait for the gas prices to come back down to "what is normal" the EV world may or may be not as hot... Though it could stay hot because people are tired of the flux in gas prices... Just depends...

 

[Flapjacks]

Anyone have any experiences with a charger mounted outdoors? Have a detached garage but its pretty small for cars and we usually park outside with no issues. There is a fuse box in the garage, and I was thinking of mounting a charger right on the outside of the garage when the time comes. There is a small overhang so it would be covered some, but being in SE Michigan, it will get cold and snowy outside some days.

We have a two car garage with a 40A charger installed for each bay, and a third 40A charger installed outside. The two indoor Charger are connected to 14-50 outlets and the outdoor charger is hardwired. All 3 units are enel-x juicebox 40’s. I primarily use the outdoor charger for my Bolt, and it has worked without issue through rain and snow in the Seattle area.

We also have solar installed (9.5kW) in a net metered setup and a geothermal heat pump.

 

[Chip]

This is tough to answer because there are so many variables. For example: home owners vs. renters vs. apartment dwellers, solar charging, time-of-use billing, etc. And so much is changing with things like vehicle to home (V2H). You'd (the generic "you") be better off asking about a specific situation and use case. Otherwise it's a bit like someone asking which car should I buy...

I don't think so. General info. ranging from what chargers worked for you as well as what chargers didn't, or that failed while in service would all be useful. Additionally, if your home is not new or that your desired charging location has wiring that you had a question about, it would be interesting to know what you did to answer your own questions about that aspect. I know it is always a good idea to consult a qualified electrician in this regard, but it is also worthwhile for those of us who have not made any inquiries of this nature to know what goes into upgrading or installing required upgraded panels, wiring, and or other misc.equipment.

 

[Flapjacks]

I don't think so. General info. ranging from what chargers worked for you as well as what chargers didn't, or that failed while in service would all be useful. Additionally, if your home is not new or that your desired charging location has wiring that you had a question about, it would be interesting to know what you did to answer your own questions about that aspect. I know it is always a good idea to consult a qualified electrician in this regard, but it is also worthwhile for those of us who have not made any inquiries of this nature to know what goes into upgrading or installing required upgraded panels, wiring, and or other misc.equipment.

Just for some additional info: any 240V outlets being installed should be protected by a gfci breaker, in case someone wants to plug in a 240V welder or something, even if the charger has built in gfci protection. Hardwired chargers with built in gfci protection don’t require a protected breaker. The gfci breakers take up more room in the panel than a standard double pole breaker.

 

[Neromancer]

Just for some additional info: any 240V outlets being installed should be protected by a gfci breaker, in case someone wants to plug in a 240V welder or something, even if the charger has built in gfci protection. Hardwired chargers with built in gfci protection don’t require a protected breaker. The gfci breakers take up more room in the panel than a standard double pole breaker.

GFI compounded with GFI is generally not a good idea. Many GFI's (especially class A GFCI's) have a self test function that could trip an up stream GFI.

 

[Flapjacks]

GFI compounded with GFI is generally not a good idea. Many GFI's (especially class A GFCI's) have a self test function that could trip an up stream GFI.

I understand and had the same concern, but the code here requires that the outlet be protected in the event that the charger is removed. I had the same question for the electrician and the inspector.

 

[Neromancer]

I understand and had the same concern, but the code here requires that the outlet be protected in the event that the charger is removed. I had the same question for the electrician and the inspector.

If the AHJ is requiring GFI protection then I would use a 30mA equipment level protection breaker and not a 5mA Class A GFCI for the circuit. Many EVSE's use a 20mA RCD for it's GFI. By using a 30mA GFI breaker it should help prevent false trips and will be compliant with the code.

Below is an example. They are often called GFEP breakers and usually have an orange test button instead of a white one.

Siemens 50 Amp Double Pole Type QE Ground Fault Equipment Protection Circuit Breaker QE250

Siemens ground fault equipment protection circuit breakers provide protection to equipment from damaging line-to-ground fault currents. This circuit breaker will detect line-to-ground faults and de-energize

www.homedepot.com

 

[Enzeder]

I don't think so. General info. ranging from what chargers worked for you as well as what chargers didn't, or that failed while in service would all be useful. Additionally, if your home is not new or that your desired charging location has wiring that you had a question about, it would be interesting to know what you did to answer your own questions about that aspect. I know it is always a good idea to consult a qualified electrician in this regard, but it is also worthwhile for those of us who have not made any inquiries of this nature to know what goes into upgrading or installing required upgraded panels, wiring, and or other misc.equipment.

Got it. Here are some general tips:

Keep your car in a temp controlled environment (doesn't have to be human level comfortable). Batteries do better when they aren't too cold, or even too hot.
Get at least 100 amps to your charger. Most cars now can use 60 amp service, and many can use 100 amp service. Keep in mind the service must be 25% bigger (or more) than the expected charger draw. If your garage is detached, you'll probably want more capacity if you operate tools, etc. I really hope 100 amps is future proof enough. I'm assuming you're charging a single vehicle at a time.
Look for UL ratings on your charger. The ClipperCreek unit I have is UL listed and has been reliable and trouble free. Not sure about ETL or other labs - but it's worth checking out a charger's certifications.

 

[ngiovas]

I have a 100 amp sub-panel installed in my 3-car garage that has multiple 220 outlets connected for woodworking equipment (only use one at a time). I was originally thinking of using one of these outlets for an EV charger, but now I am thinking of running a separate line from the main panel that can handle 60 amps or more so I can protect myself for future upgrades. What is the largest amperage / fastest home charger available right now? What brands of chargers do people have experience with?

Also, in the past, GM has offered to cover up to $1500 for the installation of a home charger. I wonder if they will do this again. If they do, I would leverage this to run new wiring dedicated to a charger.

 

[Enzeder]

I have a 100 amp sub-panel installed in my 3-car garage that has multiple 220 outlets connected for woodworking equipment (only use one at a time). I was originally thinking of using one of these outlets for an EV charger, but now I am thinking of running a separate line from the main panel that can handle 60 amps or more so I can protect myself for future upgrades. What is the largest amperage / fastest home charger available right now? What brands of chargers do people have experience with?

Also, in the past, GM has offered to cover up to $1500 for the installation of a home charger. I wonder if they will do this again. If they do, I would leverage this to run new wiring dedicated to a charger.

Can you provide more specifics? Will you have more than one EV (charging at the same time)? Will you arrive home late with a very low state of charge and need to leave early with a full charge? The $1500 incentive probably won't last forever, so might be worth taking advantage of.

Currently, I know the Ford Lightning (long range only?), Lucid Air, and some Teslas can use 19 kW L2 chargers (and maybe others). I would assume the Hummer EV and long range Silverado will also take 19 kW and I'd expect future cars with large packs (maybe 100 kWh+) to take 19 kW.

Not sure about the pack in the Blazer yet, but I'd guess ~90 kWh ± 5.kWh. With an 11kW charger (draws 48 amps) you should still be able to do a 100% charge in less than 9 hours, and a 50% charge should take less than 5 hours. Do they allow any of the $1500 to go towards the charger, or does it have to be wiring only? Maybe cover the cost of a good charger and wiring/installation this time around and see what comes down the pike...

 

[TaroBaapsG35]

Currently have 2022 Model 3 LR, and 90% of charging I do is at home currently until I can use the free charging at work.

Home is setup with a 14-50 outlet connected to Tesla Mobile charger giving me ~32miles/hour; so 20-80% charged in approx 7 hours. Max range I've been able to get on full charge down to 5% is 315 miles with approx 17 miles remaining. Range loss of 20miles vs 100% expected of 350.

Plan is to utilize same 14-50 outlet for both Tesla and the Blazer and possibly install another outlet in main garage (currently 14-50 is installed in side garage).

I hope the 290 miles estimate is utilizing a 90kw battery, so ~85-88kw usable. My brother's MYP can hit 220-250 on full charge vs estimated 303.

 

[ngiovas]

Can you provide more specifics? Will you have more than one EV (charging at the same time)? Will you arrive home late with a very low state of charge and need to leave early with a full charge? The $1500 incentive probably won't last forever, so might be worth taking advantage of.

This will be our only EV for the time being but we may have two in the future. I want the ability to fully charge the battery from very low overnight. That's why I was thinking of hardwiring a 48 or 50 amp unit.

My understanding is that GM only covers the cost of the wiring and electrician. They will not apply the $1500 promotion to the charger itself. With that said, I would likely max out the wiring so that I can easily upgrade in the future. As of today, I think the Emporia charger is the best bang for the buck at $450 (sometimes less) and 48 amp hard wired charging. I won't actually order anything until we are closer (likely once the order is placed for the Blazer). Available chargers could change in the next year.

 

[BlazCraz]

This will be our only EV for the time being but we may have two in the future. I want the ability to fully charge the battery from very low overnight. That's why I was thinking of hardwiring a 48 or 50 amp unit.

My understanding is that GM only covers the cost of the wiring and electrician. They will not apply the $1500 promotion to the charger itself. With that said, I would likely max out the wiring so that I can easily upgrade in the future. As of today, I think the Emporia charger is the best bang for the buck at $450 (sometimes less) and 48 amp hard wired charging. I won't actually order anything until we are closer (likely once the order is placed for the Blazer). Available chargers could change in the next year.

ngiovas: I agree. There's a good chance I'll go with a hardwired Emporia as well since it looks really good to me for the money. Not going to do the actual setup until I've ordered my car.