Level 2 Charger recommendation

[ezryder]

Does anyone have this charger here, and if so, does it actually work as described? (3-4 hours for a "zero to full" charge) http://www.amazon.com/Siemens-VC30GRYU-Versicharge-Electric-Flexible/dp/B00MFVI92S/ref=cm_cd_al_qh_dp_t

It is portable, too, which is a real bonus for visiting far-away friends.

 

[user 527]

Does anyone have this charger here, and if so, does it actually work as described? (3-4 hours for a "zero to full" charge) http://www.amazon.com/Siemens-VC30GRYU-Versicharge-Electric-Flexible/dp/B00MFVI92S/ref=cm_cd_al_qh_dp_t

It is portable, too, which is a real bonus for visiting far-away friends.

Not with the Spark EV's 3.3kW charger.

 

[ezryder]

Not with the Spark EV's 3.3kW charger.

That's what I figured. Seemed too good to be true. I thought maybe it would be for real because I looked at a JuiceBox model and it said it worked at 15 amps whereas this one says 30 amps.

 

[aviatorjames]

Probably not going to perform on the Spark EV as advertised.
The onboard charger sort of determines what rate you'll get.
But if you already have a NEMA 6-50 type receptacle, then it certainly is an easy install.

 

[ezryder]

Not sure on the 6-50. I rent a cottage behind someone's house, so I'm trying to get the owner to let me install a charger here. I looked at the meter and see it says "240v, 30A", but I haven't checked the plug. How can I tell if it's a 6-50?

Regardless, I'll have an electrician add an outside plug with a 6-50. Which seems funny, given it's a 30 amp charger and a 30 amp service at the house, but I don't know squat about electricity. Something tells me I will, once I get this car.

 

[cwerdna]

Probably not going to perform on the Spark EV as advertised.
The onboard charger sort of determines what rate you'll get.

This is why I keep pointing people to http://www.mynissanleaf.com/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=14728&p=332668#p332668 so that they distinguish between the EVSE (what the OP is actually looking for) vs. the on-board charger and understand where all the bottlenecks can be.

For AC charging, anything above a 16 amp 208/240 volt EVSE won't charge the Spark EV any faster than a 16 amp.

 

[NomadMac]

I'm happy with my free Bosch. Can't beat the price.
Did you not get that offer?

 

[ezryder]

I'm happy with my free Bosch. Can't beat the price.
Did you not get that offer?

Free is good, since it will be hardwired and I may move! Can you point me to the place where I need to go for the $500 rebate, or whatever? I had it bookmarked but can't find it! Thanks

 

[aviatorjames]

I was given the impression the $500 from Bosch is toward the purchase and professional installation...
i.e. it will not be totally free.

Since you are renting, your original plan might be best.
Getting a plug-in 240v EVSE that you can take with you when you move.

I think your landlord/lady should split whatever installation with you...
...since it will benefit him/her in the long run too!
(my mother rents out a cottage and has been asked by potential renters about EVSE)

Bottom line... a 240v EVSE (Level II) is essential for making any EV practical.
Hope all of this helps in your decision making process!

 

[ezryder]

Another question I have is on California building code... "Your local electrical code will probably require a hard-wired installation if you plan to situate the EVSE outdoors."

http://www.edmunds.com/fuel-economy/how-to-get-the-best-home-charger-for-your-plug-in-car.html

Anyone here install a plugin EVSE outside? Is there a code issue here? I'm in the SF Bay Area. This would kinda suck when I move someday. Which may not be too far off, though I don't really know for sure.

Also, do I need a permit? The house has 240v 30amp service right now.

 

[emv]

I was given the impression the $500 from Bosch is toward the purchase and professional installation...
i.e. it will not be totally free.

You don't have to have a Bosch installer, or any professional installer, do the work to get the discount. I did the work myself. In the OP's case, the landlady would undoubtedly want a licensed electrician to do it. I don't know about Cal but in Oregon by law all electrical work in a rental property must be done by a pro.

 

[ezryder]

Looks like that offer ended at the end of 2014, but maybe not.

 

[sparkchewbacca]

Called Bosch yesterday for my recently purchased 2015 model, the offer is still good. Emailed Latrice my info and a copy of my temp registration and she had it ordered immediately. It shipped the same day and is on its way via UPS ground. In total, it cost me $9.92 for the 16A model to cover tax and shipping. This spark has so many nice perks!

 

[ezryder]

Awesome! Do you know if they would offer this deal on a 30amp EVSE? I, personally, prefer to get something that I can grow into. but... for $10 I would go with the 16amp.

Thanks for the update!

 

[StevesWeb]

Awesome! Do you know if they would offer this deal on a 30amp EVSE? I, personally, prefer to get something that I can grow into. but... for $10 I would go with the 16amp.

Thanks for the update!

Many people, myself included, chose the 30A model and got $500 off, no worries.

 

[emv]

Awesome! Do you know if they would offer this deal on a 30amp EVSE? I, personally, prefer to get something that I can grow into. but... for $10 I would go with the 16amp.

Thanks for the update!

Many people, myself included, chose the 30A model and got $500 off, no worries.

Indeed, I got the 30 amp unit. Better for me now - the longer cord is nice to have and better for me later - at least I hope the Bolt has a 6.6 charger.

 

[ezryder]

Awesome! Do you know if they would offer this deal on a 30amp EVSE? I, personally, prefer to get something that I can grow into. but... for $10 I would go with the 16amp.

Thanks for the update!

Many people, myself included, chose the 30A model and got $500 off, no worries.

Indeed, I got the 30 amp unit. Better for me now - the longer cord is nice to have and better for me later - at least I hope the Bolt has a 6.6 charger.

Well, it's at least two years away, so who knows what the charger will look like then. IT'll have to be at least 6.6kwh for a 200 mile range battery, I'd say.

 

[StevesWeb]

IT'll have to be at least 6.6kwh for a 200 mile range battery, I'd say.

Definitely.

 

[NomadMac]

I already had a 20 amp outlet in my carport for my welder. My electrician friend put a cord on my Bosch and I hung it on the wall. Since I already have a 30 foot extension cord for my welder, I could the EVSE to another garage bay if desired.

I would have gone with a 30 amp charger for a little money out of pocket but then I would have had to spend a lot more money having a 30 amp outlet installed. As Jerry Brown said forty years ago, "I'm not a fiscal conservative, I'm just cheap".

IIRC, the Chevy website said you had to use a Bosch installer, Bosch site said you didn't. You don't.

 

[ezryder]

I already had a 20 amp outlet in my carport for my welder. My electrician friend put a cord on my Bosch and I hung it on the wall. Since I already have a 30 foot extension cord for my welder, I could the EVSE to another garage bay if desired.

...

IIRC, the Chevy website said you had to use a Bosch installer, Bosch site said you didn't. You don't.

This is exactly what I'm thinking of doing. I don't want to blow $1,000 on a Jesla; it's just too much money. If I can get this Bosh unit free, I'll have an electrician rig me up 40' extension cord, or whatever, with a (?) plug on it. 10-30, perhaps. Is this a reasonable idea? Can I buy a 40' welder extension cord? I can't imagine an electrician would chartge much to turn the Bosch into a portable unit. How heavy is it?