Outside Charging

They already have, if you've been following along. The J-1772 cable assembly itself still costs between $150-$250, until that part falls in price, sub $500 EVSE's are unlikely. You can build one yourself in the $300 range, if your electrically gifted, and motivated. There are some people on the MNL forum who have made low cost DIY J-1772 controller boards that are open source, add in the J-1772 cable assembly, 30A contactor, case and you have yourself an EVSE.

My Nissan Leaf Forum • View topic - Open EVSE

 

http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs...H=REC-_-product-1-_-202978635-_-202978633-_-N before your outside plug would guaranty the plug was never live while you were plugging in the cable. The cord mitch672 linked has a nice big lump in the middle, securing the lump will be easier than securing the cord itself.

Here is a typical waterproof outlet cover http://tools.passandseymour.com/literature/pdf/LR_46452_WIU_CoverPB_fr.pdf

This brochure also recommends a nightlight outlet so you can see safely in the dark
http://www.legrand.us/passandseymour/ev-chargers/level%201/~/media/B24D4A907FB542FF9F50F1C584B5CA95.ashx Mind you, that would not work if you used the switch to deactivate the entire circuit.

http://www.amazon.com/Pass-Seymour-1595Ntltrwcc4-Receptacles-Interrupter/dp/B001H1GQRC

 

Everybody used to think HDMI cables had to cost $99. The product is brand-new, quantities are very low, and it is ripe for a price drop. If you want one, install the weatherized 240V outlet (maybe along with a 120), and wait until March or so for the ESVE unit. No point in having it now, unless you can take advantage of a government subsidy that dies in 2011.

 

I bought a Schnieder L2 from Home Depot, at the time they where $729 (HD has since increased the price to $799), and I got a $50 online discount coupon, so it was $679 + MA TAX (%6.25).

I had $950 of electrical work done, to bring a new 125A service to my garage on a 12 circuit panel, which is running the EVSE, an L6-20R receptacle for what will be the "backup EVSE" (Modified Nissan L2 unit done by EVSE Upgrade - Products ), and I had a 100A "camper style" outlet box put outside my garage for guests, with a 240V 50A outlet, a "tt-30", and a 120V 20A GFI outlet (all on their own breakers with the camper hookup), yes, I did more than I had to, but its now done, and I can get the %30 federal tax credit on my 2011 taxes now, which is nothing to overlook, since it covers the EVSE AND the electrical work, which adds up to $1629 or so, %30 of that is $488.70 back from uncle sam as a federal tax credit.

Yes, its worth getting the EVSE installed before the end of 2011, especially if you need electrical work done as part of it.

I might add that I am buying a Leaf, and for the Leaf, L2 charging is more than "nice to have", it can mean the difference on using the car or not, since L1 charging a fully depleted 23KW battery can take over 20 hours on 120V.

Still, even for the PiP, it is nice to have, especially with the %30 incentive out now, it might be renewed for 2012, or it might not, most likely it will, but you never know.

Photos of my install: [ame="http://s461.photobucket.com/albums/qq333/mitch672/2011%20EV%20work/"]2011 EV work pictures by mitch672 - Photobucket[/ame]

 

Camper outdoor outlet box, if anyone is interested, was only about $130 shipped:

This is the mfr who ships and makes the unit (in NY to boot, not China)
http://www.jamestownadvanced.com/Products/PowerOutlets/tabid/57/Default.aspx

this who I ordered it from, they just had Jamestown drop ship it to me:
http://www.rvparksupplies.com/p/503020AMPSMPOWER/

I'm also on "plugshare" as well: http://www.plugshare.com?charger=405

 

Our cars will arrive in March or April. If you have the 240V outlet ready, you can order an ESVE in 2 days and install it in about 30 minutes -- it just bolts to a wall and plugs in an outlet. If its outdoors, you might put a post in concrete or bolt it on an exterior wall, which takes longer.

I have a 110V outlet on the outside of my house. It's for our water heater. I bought a metal, weather-proof outlet cover at Home Depot for about $15. I'll post a picture if you want.

 

Is there also a tax credit for the home charger in addition to the PIP for 2012?

 

no, the EVSE %30 federal tax credit expired at the end of 2011