Best EVSE for "public" use?

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Tracie F.

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I have an Airbnb in Colorado Springs and am adding a level 2 charging station inside the garage for guests to use during their stay. Any feedback on "best" charger for my situation?

I'm upgrading to a 200a panel w/ 50a outlet (or 60a hardwire?) for this additional load. Guests drive a variety of EV's but often Tesla. Many guests only stay for 1-2 days so I want the system to be as user-friendly and simple as possible. Anything complicated ends up being frustrating for some of them and anything not made well gets damaged eventually.

- I'm leaning toward hard-wired for max output but is the bump from 40a to 48a output worth the extra cost?
- Have you had warranty issues that required returning a hardwired unit?

So far, I'm considering these:

ChargePoint Home Flex $699
- Will it be difficult to add new users (and/or remove old users) on the app? Obviously only want the current guest to have access to changing settings. We do not utilize Alexa.

OpenEVSE Advanced Series 48A Kit Bundle $479
- Wifi access to settings? Does this only allow "pairing" for local individuals on the same wifi vs. remote access via an app? This may be a better fit than ChargePoint.

Grizzl-E Classic $374
- lower output than the others and no smart app (yet) but simplifies install & guest experience
- aluminum box will withstand accidental damage and optional lock prevents theft
- 40a output does not require hardwire

Any other units you think I should look at or things to consider about these three? Thanks so much, this is a lot to consume as a newbie :)
 
I don't have any information to add since I don't have an EV yet. I have seen a review on a Canadian made Flo G5 bollard and they are sealed units made of aluminum.

I want to congratulate you on the proactive thought to add a EV charge location. I use airbnb when traveling and the lack of charging would be an issue.
 
If your guests are not paying to charge their vehicle, then buying a couple of Grizzle EVSEs makes some sense. You can get one with a Tesla plug and one with the standard J1772 plug. Depending on your jurisdiction they will have to be hardwired to meet the electrical code.

One 60 amp circuit will be able to run two Grizzle EVSEs set at the 30 amp (24 amp continuous) setting.
 
marshall said:
If your guests are not paying to charge their vehicle, then buying a couple of Grizzle EVSEs makes some sense. You can get one with a Tesla plug and one with the standard J1772 plug. Depending on your jurisdiction they will have to be hardwired to meet the electrical code.

One 60 amp circuit will be able to run two Grizzle EVSEs set at the 30 amp (24 amp continuous) setting.
Click to expand...

It's a small home and guests are almost always in 1 car so no need for multiple chargers :)
 
Tracie F. said:
I thought max load was 80% so a 60a would be required for 48a output?
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The EVSE is limited to drawing 48 amps from a 60 amp circuit with nothing else connected to the 60 amp circuit.

There isn't that many electric cars that draw 48 amps.

You are the one running a business. So you have to decide if paying extra for a 60 amp circuit is going to make a difference. It's your call.
 
The OpenEVSE may not be legal in your jurisdiction due to the ability to adjust the amperage settings with WiFi.
 
marshall said:
you have to decide if paying extra for a 60 amp circuit is going to make a difference. It's your call.
Click to expand...

That question is really for people who have a Tesla3 (or other vehicle capable of 48a conversion). "I'm leaning toward hard-wired for max output but is the bump from 40a to 48a output worth the extra cost?" This is an amenity for guests. I'm looking for feedback from EV owners, not my own estimation of cost-benefit, so I'll rephrase. Does offering a 40a vs. 48a matter to the end user who can utilize 48a?
 
For overnight guests, anything at least 32 A (40 A circuit) would probably be useful since that can provide a lot of charging over an 8-hour period. The question then becomes should you get an EVSE with a J1772 connector (like the Grizzl-E) and a Tesla adapter, or get a Tesla EVSE with a J1772 adapter? I'm sure right now Tesla drivers are predominant, but that will change in the next few years as other auto makers make the EV push.
 
Puppethead said:
For overnight guests, anything at least 32 A (40 A circuit) would probably be useful since that can provide a lot of charging over an 8-hour period. The question then becomes should you get an EVSE with a J1772 connector (like the Grizzl-E) and a Tesla adapter, or get a Tesla EVSE with a J1772 adapter? I'm sure right now Tesla drivers are predominant, but that will change in the next few years as other auto makers make the EV push.
Click to expand...

Thanks! I was under the impression that all Tesla's come with the adapter needed to use non-proprietary chargers. Did I misunderstand?
 
Tracie F. said:
That wouldn't be an issue on a 60a circuit, would it?
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It wouldn't, but I don't think the electrical code makes that distinction. I believe that was one of the complains that a licensed electrician posted here a few couple months ago.

Anyhow, if your local jurisdiction follows the latest national electrical code, adjustable EVSEs are required to be hardwired and inspected. If the amperage is WiFi adjustable, then the end user has to be locked out. I don't think you car lock the WiFi out on a OpenEVSE and hardwiring it would be a pain in the rear end.
 
marshall said:
It wouldn't, but I don't think the electrical code makes that distinction. I believe that was one of the complains that a licensed electrician posted here a few couple months ago.

Anyhow, if your local jurisdiction follows the latest national electrical code, adjustable EVSEs are required to be hardwired and inspected. If the amperage is WiFi adjustable, then the end user has to be locked out. I don't think you car lock the WiFi out on a OpenEVSE and hardwiring it would be a pain in the rear end.
Click to expand...

super helpful, thank you! Sounds like one Grizzle is probably the answer. I was hoping for the ability to monitor it remotely (to determine usage, cost, potential insight if it's malfunctioning, etc.) since I'm 1800 miles away but that may not be possible.
 
One thing I like about the Grizzle is that it looks easy to replace the charging cable if necessary.

Also, some folks have asked about running the charging cable through a wall and leaving the EVSE body inside their garage. The Grizzle makes easy to do.
 
"since I'm 1800 miles away but that may not be possible" Have you considered just installing a 240 volt outlet instead.
 
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When I upgraded my service from 100 A to 200 A, I had a 50 A rated, NEMA 14-50 installed on the driveway side of house. My EVSE maintenance is replacement. So far, no problem.
 
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