EVSE purchase & installation in 2017

Doing a search, you'll find a lot of outdated information. Too much has changed since plug-in rollouts began. So... let's start a new thread with facts relevant to 2017.

Since back in 2012, I have been recharging my Prius (originally a PHV, now a Prime) at home by plugging into a standard 120-volt outlet. In a few days, we will have 2 Primes in the household. That means capacity must be added to the garage so my wife and I can both recharge at the same time.

Taking advantage of faster recharging from 240-volt service and discounts from Time-Of-Use meters requires purchasing EVSE (Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment) chargers and running new power lines. The following documents what I have done so far...

We decided to get hardware as forward-compatible as possible. If we ever upgrade a vehicle in the future or a friend with an EV visit, we'll have a nice plug already available. We also get $500 per vehicle setup from our local electricity provider. So, why not?

Prime has a maximum draw of 3.8 kW (as observed when plugging into a public station). The charger we found with a Wi-Fi interface is capable of delivering 10 kW. That's plenty good. With a 200-amp service-panel in the garage, feeding each 40-amp charger with the needed 125% capacity requirement wouldn't be too much of an effort for an electrician. #8 gauge wire and 3/4 inch conduit is more expensive though. Smaller chargers wouldn't need sizes that heavy or large.

The cord for the outlet plug is only 12 inches. But having a line put in specifically for the charger shouldn't make that an issue. It won't be hardwired either. So if removable is ever needed, no big deal. The cord for the car plug is 24 feet, so that will reach anywhere in the garage and parked outside in the driveway.

JuiceBox Pro 40 is the EVSE we purchased. $599 each. I now have them mounted on the wall to confirm cord placement and internet connection are well suited for both of us prior to getting an estimate from the electrician. I also got meter boxes for each of the lines.

Progress updates & photos to follow.

Anyone else have a recent purchase & installation experience to share ?

 

240-volt charger setup, prior to having the wiring installed.




Convenient location for avoiding the cord from getting in the way.




Easy access having the charge-ort in back on the passenger side.

 

Nope. I back in, which provides more convenient access to the hatch and allows maximum room between the cars for both driver doors.

 

Location of the second charger before getting a 240-volt outlet.




Parked backward for maximum driver door space between Primes.