I had my charger installation revised. to only include installation of the charger, all wiring and breakers are in-place. The cost given was $695. This to me is taking advantage of people. There are only three wires to connect; it can't take more than one hour to install. They are already charging you $721 for the charger and $49 to deliver it.
New technology, same story: car parts and labor has always been expensive. I don't find this unusual. Nor is anyone going to feel "sorry" for you right now. Now exhale.
Here is a $700 charger that plugs into a dryer outlet, almost ANY electrician should be able to install a dryer outlet. Electric Vehicle Charging Stations Products
That is quite high. Can you not pay hourly for actual work done? That is what I would expect if the breaker and wires were NOT in place.
I had mine done by a third-party electrician for $265, charger not included (wiring and breaker were needed).
If it makes you feel any better - multiple bids for a simple ev meter socket install (with the stucko already broken out) will run you around $1,300 so . . . are you saying the owner of the electrical contractor company (who may be paying overhead for the shop, a book keeper, workers comp insurance, liability insurance/bonds, utilities, trucks and other equipment, etc) is being payed too much ... or that the actual electrician is getting paid too much. I broke down the cost of our EVSE ... subtracting out the actual cost of the EVSE, and figured the labor was $1,300 - $1,400 ... in essence, the same as the cost to install an EV meter socket. Funny, isn't it . . . how WE want others not to blink at what WE earn ... but others? That's a different story. It's the nature of the free market system. .
Juts a note. A 240V "dryer outlet" is a 30A circuit. 240V "stove outlets" are rated at 40A. The product spec on the link shows 240V 40A. At this point I am not sure what is the current draw for charging, say a Leaf. But if it draws over 30A your 'dryer circuit will be "fried" - the circuit breaker protecting the dryer circuit will "pop". Keep in mind that it is the car's charger, which will define the maximum current draw during charging the battery, not the charging unit on the wall. The spec simply states that the device can handle a load of max. 40 Amps. This device will function fine on a 'dryer circuit' with a max load of say 24 -26 Amps. Again, the actual max current load will be defined by the car manufacturer and designed into the charger - which in order to match the battery - is in the car. However, there is a lot of reference to "dryer outlets" when talking about 240V EV charging- go figure!
In the case of the first generation LEAF, you'd be fine. The car's internal charger is limited to 3.3KW, which at 240V equates to a max draw of 13.75A. Well within tolerance of a dryer socket. But, as you state, just be aware that future cars may draw more, and your charger may provide it and you could get into trouble at that point. But for now? Fine...
And THAT is the essence of the free market system WITH an educated consumer base. When it becomes outrageous to contract work out, do it yourself. I'm glad you got the permit issued as they are primarily used to keep the DIYer from DIY and thus necessitating the need for the $600/hr electrician services. Good work. I'm dying to hear about your experiences with the Leaf. Good luck.
Your attitude is puzzling. Anyway, I'm glad he's doing it himself. Personal empowerment is what it's all about.
