Best Level 2 Charger

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chris5168 said:
I have a buddy that uses this and really likes it: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B018A6QK7C
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For these L2 chargers with 120v adapter, don't use the adapter unless your wall receptacle is decent.
These chargers stupidly sending 16A signal all the time. Not a problem for Leaf, which limits to 12A for 120v no matter what. Big problem for Clarity, which will trust the EVSE and draw 15A+.

Your wall receptacle is rated for 15A, so meh fine? Wrong. Your wall receptacle is rated for 15A short use but only 12A continuous (>3hrs). This is call the 80% rule for continuous use.

Not saying it will burn your house for sure, but YMMV. I have the duosida charger for L1, always feel nervous for the 140 degree hot plug.

Although, after the hv range fix software update, my Clarity seems to limit the current to ~13. Still over rated, but I'm comfortable with this 10 percent overclocking.

For L2 use, totally fine. The L2 plug is 6-20, which is 20A rated. Apply the 80% rule, you have exactly 16A ampacity.

If anyone have more questions on this charger, or anything lookes similar, AMA.

Update with link: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B07FGD5335/ The first review from Dan, that's me.
 
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Electra said:
I'm not saying the average is 1 star. I'm saying the amount of 1 star reviews should be considered before purchasing. When you click on the reviews, it gives you a breakdown of 1-5 star reviews. Click on the 1 star to read those reviews. Not everyone will have a problem, but more people may have problems when wi-fi and apps are involved.
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I've looked at the 1 star reviews before purchasing my ChargePoint EVSE, and the majority of users complained about having to register for an account, or weren't tech savy enough to use the features.

It had nothing to do with the quality of the unit itself.

I love mine, and like how the app can calculate my usage in both Dollars and KWh based on my local utility. It has the rates all figured out.

The only odd thing about the ChargePoint plugin version of the EVSE, the unit requires a Nema 6-50 versus the more common Nema 14-50 outlet. So, I simply future proofed my install by running 6 AWG cable along with a 50 amp breaker in the panel to allow me to change out the outlet in the future to a Nema 14-50 if I ever have the need.

Otherwise, the ChargePoint unit was very easy to install and setup. Again, highly recommended!
 
There's a lot of good choices out there today, it's much better than just a few years ago. I review charging stations for InsideEVs and the top rated ones I recommend are ClipperCreek HCS-40, the ChargePoint Home and the JuiceBox Pro 40 or Pro 32. It really depends on what you're looking for but these are the best built, best optioned and best selling units on the market today.

In my personal opinion, the JuiceBox Pro 32 or 40 have the best combination of value, performance, smart charging features, and quality on the market today. Plus, eMotorWerks is running a sale through the end of October and the JB Pro 40 is only $549 (usually $619). At this price, it's a way better deal than the competition. That said, ClipperCreek and ChargePoint have very good units also, and you won't go wrong with them either.

One note, the JuiceBox Pro 40 can deliver 40 amps, where the Clippercreek HCS-40 can only deliver 32 amps, like the ChargePoint Home. For a fair comparison, cross shop the JB Pro 32 with the two others.
 
Tom Moloughney said:
Plus, eMotorWerks is running a sale through the end of October and the JB Pro 40 is only $549 (usually $619). At this price, it's a way better deal than the competition. That said, ClipperCreek and ChargePoint have very good units also, and you won't go wrong with them either.
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One thing to strongly consider is the fact that the "Pro" model costs more because it supposedly has a wi-fi connection. When the wi-fi connection wouldn't hold, eMotorWerks was of little help in resolving it for me. (aside from sending a second unit that was DOA, and a third unit that stays on for about an hour before losing connectivity again). Still nothing but on-again, off-again. And it must by "my system" … (except that everything else in the house that's connected to the same network works just fine) … the buyer should beware.
 
bfd said:
One thing to strongly consider is the fact that the "Pro" model costs more because it supposedly has a wi-fi connection. When the wi-fi connection wouldn't hold, eMotorWerks was of little help in resolving it for me. (aside from sending a second unit that was DOA, and a third unit that stays on for about an hour before losing connectivity again). Still nothing but on-again, off-again. And it must by "my system" … (except that everything else in the house that's connected to the same network works just fine) … the buyer should beware.
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Sorry to hear about that. How old is the unit if you don't mind me asking? Also, All of the JuiceBox's have "Pro" in the name now, as they are all WiFi enabled. There's definitely a greater chance of having issues if you get a WiFi connected EVSE - of any brand. If you look at the Amazon reviews, the negative comments that WiFi units get are often connected to the WiFi functions. My JuiceBox is 4 years old and I've never had any issues, but I know there's people out there like you that have. It's disappointing to hear that customer service didn't help you better, though. However, the JuiceBox Pro 40 is rated slightly higher on Amazon than the ChargePoint Home, 4.6 to 4.7 out of 5 stars, so the majority of their customers seem to be happy with theirs.
https://www.amazon.com/JuiceBox-Pro...=1-4&keywords=juicebox+pro+40#customerReviews
 
Costco has the Juice Box 40 for $549 as well, until Oct. 28. I had originally planned on getting something cheaper, but I might spring for it. We love the Clarity so much that we can see getting another PHEV when we get a new car for my wife (~5 years). Hopefully they'll have more options than the Pacifica for bigger vehicles by then, and based on my reading the JuiceBox is more future-proof since it can do 40 amps and a bigger vehicle might be able to benefit from that.

Thoughts?
 
RogerB said:
Costco has the Juice Box 40 for $549 as well, until Oct. 28. I had originally planned on getting something cheaper, but I might spring for it. We love the Clarity so much that we can see getting another PHEV when we get a new car for my wife (~5 years). Hopefully they'll have more options than the Pacifica for bigger vehicles by then, and based on my reading the JuiceBox is more future-proof since it can do 40 amps and a bigger vehicle might be able to benefit from that.

Thoughts?
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Since you can order it directly from eMotorWerks for the same price, I suggest you do that. If for some reason you have a problem, you'll get the best response and quickest resolution if you are a direct customer. You don't want to deal with a third party with the return if needed. eMotorWerks has grown a lot in the past couple years, I think they've sold something like 15,000 JuiceBoxes now, and they've dramatically increased thier customer support team recently to support the growth. They still aren't perfect, but they are much better at handeling problems now than they were in the past.

I've heard of others having problems dealing with the middleman when there's an issue, and even some people reporting that they received a used unit when they ordered it from Amazon. (evidently a return that Amazon reboxed and shipped out as new) So, it's always best to get it directly from the manufacturer if you can, so if there's any issue all you have to so is deal with them.

As for the JuiceBox power, yes the Pro 40 can deliver up to 40-amps, while most competitors max out at 30-amps or 32-amps. ClipperCreek has some higher amperage offerings, and they are also good solid units, but they do cost more than the JuiceBox, and don't have WiFi connectivity and any reporting features like the JB does. However, if 32 amps is good for you, the JuiceBox Pro 32 is $60.00 cheaper at $489.00. Just something to consider.

Here's how the 32-amp (plug-in, not hardwired) competition looks today:
And the Juicebox Pro 40 is $549.00, so it costs less than the lower-powered 32-amp units from their most popular competitors.
 
No offense to eMotorWerks, but Costco is the king of customer service and refunds if anything goes wrong. Plus, they are right down the road. If the choice were between them and Amazon then I might be convinced, but not with Costco.

Do they really prioritize support? Why bother selling elsewhere if they are going to be treat those customers like second-rate citizens? If they want the benefit of being in other retail outlets, they should not differentiate. That really turns me off as a potential customer. I might have to rethink my decision.
 
RogerB said:
No offense to eMotorWerks, but Costco is the king of customer service and refunds if anything goes wrong. Plus, they are right down the road. If the choice were between them and Amazon then I might be convinced, but not with Costco.

Do they really prioritize support? Why bother selling elsewhere if they are going to be treat those customers like second-rate citizens? If they want the benefit of being in other retail outlets, they should not differentiate. That really turns me off as a potential customer. I might have to rethink my decision.
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I shouldn't have worded it like that, I can see how you would interpret it that way. What I meant to say, is if it's purchased directly from them, they are on control and responsible for everything (customer support call, sending out the replacement and prepaid shipping, etc) and they can do it with one phone call, so it happens quicker. I'm not familiar with Costco's return policy (you apparently are, and like it), but with some other resellers (of all products, not just the JB) it isn't always easy to return a product if there's an issue, that's all. Personally, when given the choice, I always buy directly from a manufacturer as long as it's the same price and not inconvenient, but that's just me. I don't even have a Costco membership. :) Good luck with whichever unit you choose!
 
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I have a new juice box pro 40 w/WiFi... has worked flawlessly right out of the box.... only had it a month but it sure is nice charging the Clarity in a bit over two hours....


Sent from my iPhone using Inside EVs
 
Tom Moloughney said:
I shouldn't have worded it like that, I can see how you would interpret it that way. What I meant to say, is if it's purchased directly from them, they are on control and responsible for everything (customer support call, sending out the replacement and prepaid shipping, etc) and they can do it with one phone call, so it happens quicker. I'm not familiar with Costco's return policy (you apparently are, and like it), but with some other resellers (of all products, not just the JB) it isn't always easy to return a product if there's an issue, that's all. Personally, when given the choice, I always buy directly from a manufacturer as long as it's the same price and not inconvenient, but that's just me. I don't even have a Costco membership. :) Good luck with whichever unit you choose!
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Costco takes back anything. I've seen someone return a half-eaten bag of dried mangos he said he didn't like and an empty bottle of drain cleaner he said didn't work. Plus, they extend the warranty of most purchases by two years.

Once I have it home, I don't see how dealing with eMotorWerks would be any different than if I bought it directly from them, other than returns. What other differences would there be?
 
Without getting into the “my EVSE can beat up your EVSE debate”, let me just add that ChargePoint has absolutely fantastic customer and technical service. It’s like the LL Bean of EVSE support. Unbelievably good.
 
Tom Moloughney said:
Sorry to hear about that. How old is the unit if you don't mind me asking?
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Not even a year old. And this is the third box … I'm either the unluckiest person on the planet or there's a problem with QC. After the third box, they've been of little or no help in resolving the issue. So I can't really attest to strong customer service, either.
 
I don't believe I've read any other poster report they have a Bosch EVSE. I put 60-amp/240-volt service into my garage right after Honda announced a 50-state Plug-In Hybrid (and 2-state Electric) would join the Fuel Cell Clarity. Then I bought a Bosch 40-amp plug-in unit last November because I've always liked Bosch products (even though I believe this EVSE is manufactured by someone else) and because I plan to buy Honda's first 50-state EV whenever they get around to selling one (I've written letters trying to convince Honda to sell the Urban EV in the US, not just Europe). This EVSE's only features are an on/off button and 3 LEDs, but charging has never been an issue.

upload_2018-10-27_2-5-48.webp
 
lessismore said:
I bought this one: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B077D5C86M

It's reliable so far. I actually had it installed outdoor, plugged into a 50 amp NEMA outlet (gauge 6 wire and 50 amp breaker). The EVSE only draws 32 amp though since Clarity charger inside the car only calls for 32. The EVSE can handle up to 40 amp, however.
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How is this holding up outdoors? The Amazon description is very interesting as it says don't use it in bad weather or even if it is raining. I have been charging with the OEM charger in heavy rain without any issues. Wondering if Mustart is just protecting themselves with those warning statements. Thanks!
 
SThomas219 said:
How is this holding up outdoors? The Amazon description is very interesting as it says don't use it in bad weather or even if it is raining. I have been charging with the OEM charger in heavy rain without any issues. Wondering if Mustart is just protecting themselves with those warning statements. Thanks!
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it's holding up well so far. I took some pictures after I came back from work. you can see my setup

14-50 NEMA outlet
6 AWG wire
50 amp breaker in main panel
 

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Is there a charger that shows the KWH usage on the box that has some direct info exchange with a phone app using bluetooth or NFI or some such. My garage is far enough away from my condo so that I do not get my wifi signal and I am not sure even some kind of range extender would work.

Because the electricity to the garage buildings is on the association's account not my condo owner's account, I have to keep track of how much I use so that I can reimburse the association for my usage.

Ideas?
 
MPower said:
Is there a charger that shows the KWH usage on the box that has some direct info exchange with a phone app using bluetooth or NFI or some such. My garage is far enough away from my condo so that I do not get my wifi signal and I am not sure even some kind of range extender would work.

Because the electricity to the garage buildings is on the association's account not my condo owner's account, I have to keep track of how much I use so that I can reimburse the association for my usage.

Ideas?
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You can use a Ubiquiti point to point to extend the WiFi range, or there are chargers that show the KWH on the unit itself but as I just painfully learned most are China made and poor quality... alternatively (if possible) you could install a 240v rated “killawatt” type device to monitor usage
 
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