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Domenick said:
I think the JuiceBox 40 is a better value and has a slightly higher output (9.6 kW), which could come in handy for a future vehicle. The Clipper Creek is solid but with fewer features.
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Looks like a good product and "future proof".

I do have a question that maybe you or someone else on this forum can provide an informed opinion (Maybe this question should go into a new thread). I'm debating the pros/cons of a "fixed" Level2 charging station vs. having a 240V outlet installed and purchasing a portable Level2 charger. Besides the Pro of being portable, the portable charger also seems to have the benefit that if it ever goes bad, I simply replace it without having to get an electrician involved. If a fixed charger goes bad, it would probably require an electrician to diagnose/replace. Am on correct in my thinking?
 
Jamas said:
Looks like a good product and "future proof".

I do have a question that maybe you or someone else on this forum can provide an informed opinion (Maybe this question should go into a new thread). I'm debating the pros/cons of a "fixed" Level2 charging station vs. having a 240V outlet installed and purchasing a portable Level2 charger. Besides the Pro of being portable, the portable charger also seems to have the benefit that if it ever goes bad, I simply replace it without having to get an electrician involved. If a fixed charger goes bad, it would probably require an electrician to diagnose/replace. Am on correct in my thinking?
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I went with the 240V outlet for my install for the main reason that I can take it with me when I move with minimal fuss.
 
Jamas said:
Looks like a good product and "future proof".

I do have a question that maybe you or someone else on this forum can provide an informed opinion (Maybe this question should go into a new thread). I'm debating the pros/cons of a "fixed" Level2 charging station vs. having a 240V outlet installed and purchasing a portable Level2 charger. Besides the Pro of being portable, the portable charger also seems to have the benefit that if it ever goes bad, I simply replace it without having to get an electrician involved. If a fixed charger goes bad, it would probably require an electrician to diagnose/replace. Am on correct in my thinking?
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Right. Plug in ones are much more convenient. Some people have had problems under warranty and had to send it in so I would not purchase a hardwired version.

Clippercreeks are the most reliable, but they don't have any smart features.
 
Jamas said:
Looks like a good product and "future proof".

I do have a question that maybe you or someone else on this forum can provide an informed opinion (Maybe this question should go into a new thread). I'm debating the pros/cons of a "fixed" Level2 charging station vs. having a 240V outlet installed and purchasing a portable Level2 charger. Besides the Pro of being portable, the portable charger also seems to have the benefit that if it ever goes bad, I simply replace it without having to get an electrician involved. If a fixed charger goes bad, it would probably require an electrician to diagnose/replace. Am on correct in my thinking?
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I put your question to @Tom Moloughney, our EVSE expert and here's what he said:

"Your point of serviceability is a big advantage of having a plug-in unit, especially if you buy a "smart charger" because they are much more likely to have some kind of problem that would warrant a return for a new replacement unit. Also, if you get a new one down the road, you don't need to hire an electrician again to disconnect the old one and install the new one. It's also easier to move it to a new location if you decide for some reason you want it in another location.
Also, for some reason, and this doesn't make sense, but quite often an electrician will charge less to install a NEMA 14-50 outlet than the will to install the EVS, even though it should cost less because they don't have to buy the $25 outlet.

Some people may say they have kids and are worried about them unplugging the EVSE and getting shocked in the meantime. I suppose it could happen, but the 14-50 outlets are designed to fit the plug really tightly, so you need to be pretty strong to be able to grab it and pull it out."
 
Some people may say they have kids and are worried about them unplugging the EVSE and getting shocked in the meantime. I suppose it could happen, but the 14-50 outlets are designed to fit the plug really tightly, so you need to be pretty strong to be able to grab it and pull it out."


If small children getting at a 14-50 plug are a problem put the plug at 5 feet. I doubt if a small child could reach it much less pull it out while an adult would have no problem removing it at that level
 
You could always throw a padlock on an outdoor receptacle, unless the child is adept with bolt cutters you should be fine.

iu
 
Electra said:
Right. Plug in ones are much more convenient. Some people have had problems under warranty and had to send it in so I would not purchase a hardwired version.

Clippercreeks are the most reliable, but they don't have any smart features.
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What sort of smart features are missing from Clippercreek, and are they necessary?
 
Jamas said:
What sort of smart features are missing from Clippercreek, and are they necessary?
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I believe it is simply a plug and play. There is no way to choose time, change amperage and no wifi controls or whatever else more versatile evse may have.
 
Jamas said:
What sort of smart features are missing from Clippercreek, and are they necessary?
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They have no internet connectivity at all. But given remote apps (like Blue Link) provide a lot of control, such features are often just duplicated with smart chargers. Unless you consider yourself a real battery geek/technophile such features are of questionable value.
 
Unless you want to add another app to monitor charging I would go with non WiFi. That what I have. I just set the charge rate (amperage) on the charger or adjust it in the car (High , Medium and Low). Then look at how long its going to take on the dash and forget about it. Blue link allows you to monitor it. If you want to the car lets you set the time it starts charging if that's important for time of use costs. Almost all the things that can be found on a smart charger can found or be adjusted in the car or on the blue link app ( though the blue link app I find to be just ok).
 
Fastnf said:
Unless you want to add another app to monitor charging I would go with non WiFi. That what I have. I just set the charge rate (amperage) on the charger or adjust it in the car (High , Medium and Low). Then look at how long its going to take on the dash and forget about it. Blue link allows you to monitor it. If you want to the car lets you set the time it starts charging if that's important for time of use costs. Almost all the things that can be found on a smart charger can found or be adjusted in the car or on the blue link app ( though the blue link app I find to be just ok).
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Saying the Blue Link app is just OK is being very kind. I find it to be pretty bad and buggy.
 
You are both correct bluelink is not great and for me, I have 2 more years free, I wouldn't pay for it. That said I don't need a a smart charger for a car that charging in my garage 15 feet from where I am (ok I live in a small house). If I am charging away from home with my evse it usually at a friend or relatives house on a road trip and I am there with the car and don't need any app. For me I am fine with out the wifi. If you need it most definitely get it.
 
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