Rent or buy

  • Thread starter Thread starter Txev84
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Txev84 said:
Would you rather rent a Level 2 charger if it came with free install or buy a Level 2 charger?
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I would rather buy one. Compared to the car they are not that expensive and if you get one with a plug its portable and can be moved if you do. Also a number of newer cars like the Mustang Mach -E come with a level 2 EVSE. If its a long term usage it is usually cheaper in the to purchase. In addition the costs of Level 2 chargers have been dropping. I purchased a UL listed GE unit for $300 from home depot over 8 years ago and its still going strong. Unless you have an older house with a small main panel It not that difficult to install a NEMA 14-50 plug. Even at $10 per month it would still have been cheaper to purchase the Level 2 EVSE. Of course everyone's situation is different.
 
All good points. I am thinking i would maybe want to rent for the following reasons. I move fairly often, ability to get new upgrades to better/newer units as technology changes, a lot of eletric things i own break it seems and id rather not have to buy another unit if something breaks during ownership, and cost of install at my house would be more expensive because of needing upgrade on panel.


Fastnf said:
I would rather buy one. Compared to the car they are not that expensive and if you get one with a plug its portable and can be moved if you do. Also a number of newer cars like the Mustang Mach -E come with a level 2 EVSE. If its a long term usage it is usually cheaper in the to purchase. In addition the costs of Level 2 chargers have been dropping. I purchased a UL listed GE unit for $300 from home depot over 8 years ago and its still going strong. Unless you have an older house with a small main panel It not that difficult to install a NEMA 14-50 plug. Even at $10 per month it would still have been cheaper to purchase the Level 2 EVSE. Of course everyone's situation is different.
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Txev84 said:
All good points. I am thinking i would maybe want to rent for the following reasons. I move fairly often, ability to get new upgrades to better/newer units as technology changes, a lot of eletric things i own break it seems and id rather not have to buy another unit if something breaks during ownership, and cost of install at my house would be more expensive because of needing upgrade on panel.



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If your moving often and you rent an EVSE then whose property does the wiring and plug left behind become. New owner or the renting agency. If you own the property is the renting agency going to want to pay for an install every time you move. They have to recover their costs. That could get expensive. If you rent then the landlord would have to give permission.

As far as I have seen there really haven't been significant up grades to EVSE's since I bought mine. I don't expect to be upgrading mine any time soon.
 
Txev84 said:
All good points. I am thinking i would maybe want to rent for the following reasons. I move fairly often, ability to get new upgrades to better/newer units as technology changes, a lot of eletric things i own break it seems and id rather not have to buy another unit if something breaks during ownership, and cost of install at my house would be more expensive because of needing upgrade on panel.
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Do you rent your household appliances? EVSE costs about the same as a good coffee maker. My electric things don't break very often.
 
Yea good points

I guess I was thinking if I could pay $20/month versus spending 1300 for unit and install, I’d do that


QUOTE="R P, post: 126261, member: 14023"]Do you rent your household appliances? EVSE costs about the same as a good coffee maker. My electric things don't break very often.[/QUOTE]
R P said:
Do you rent your household appliances? EVSE costs about the same as a good coffee maker. My electric things don't break very often.
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R P said:
Do you rent your household appliances? EVSE costs about the same as a good coffee maker. My electric things don't break very often.
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They only cost about $300. Just need to install a 1450R socket, about $50 if DIY and close to your panel.
 
I am not a DIY guy, makes sense. Quotes i got was 550 by electrican and Level 2 was 699.

What kind of Level 2 are you all using?
 
You can find 32 amp EVSE on Amazon starting at $295 and 16 amps for $160. I have provided links below. Either of these will get you at least 180 miles over night (10 hrs). That is going to easily cover the majority of peoples average driving needs. In addition most level one chargers can be run on 220 volt and will get you 130 miles over night.

https://smile.amazon.com/EV-Portabl...=1&keywords=EVSE+32+amp&qid=1616725723&sr=8-5

https://smile.amazon.com/Southking-...1&keywords=EVSE+16+amp&qid=1616725916&sr=8-25
 
Txev84 said:
I am not a DIY guy, makes sense. Quotes i got was 550 by electrican and Level 2 was 699.

What kind of Level 2 are you all using?
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Hey Tx - are you in the States? You can get back 30% of the EVSE and installation costs on next year's taxes (up to a max of $1,000). IRS form 8911 was renewed for 2021. My level 2 install was $1,400 total for EVSE and electrician, and I'll get back $420 next year at tax time.
 
amy stivens said:
Renting cars lets you enjoy a new experience each time, from sports cars to vintage models and extravagant limousines. For special occasions, I love limo hire London. It adds elegance and luxury to birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, and proms, making the events unforgettable. Even routine outings like corporate events or airport transfers become extraordinary with a limo. Renting lets you tailor each journey, ensuring a unique and memorable experience every time.
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The question is about renting a charger, not a car.
 
Txev84 said:
I am not a DIY guy, makes sense. Quotes i got was 550 by electrican and Level 2 was 699.

What kind of Level 2 are you all using?
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I use a Grizzle-e Avalanche. I hard-wired my charger as I only had a 30 amp circuit in the garage. Plus it's safer to hard-wire, and code at the time it was installed required an adjustable EVSE to be hard-wired.

I got my building permit, had it inspected and installed it my self. My local utility chipped in $600 in credits on my utility bill.

If the charger is not UL listed, I wouldn't buy it.

https://grizzl-e.com/products/grizzl-e-classic/
 
If you buy one, do some research and get a quality unit made by a reputable company. Don't buy the cheapest one on Amazon. It will be the highest electrical load that is demanded from your home's electical system, it needs to be built with well with quality components.

 
Txev84 said:
Would you rather rent a Level 2 charger if it came with free install or buy a Level 2 charger?
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It depends on your long-term needs. If you’re only planning on using a Level 2 charger temporarily or don’t have the budget for an upfront purchase, renting with free installation could be a great short-term solution. However, if you’re committed to electric vehicles in the long run, buying a Level 2 charger might be a better investment. You’ll have full control, no recurring costs, and it could increase the value of your property.
 
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