Level 2 or Level 3 Chargers for Prius Prime 2018

No level three charges
Juice box is really popular. But I don't think you need one as you can usually just charge it up with the included 120v charger

 

welcome!
if you want L2, get the cheapest you can find, unless you're looking for bluetooth, record keeping, wifi, phone app, and etc.

 

I know that the spec says 12A, but 12A x 240V = 2.9kW, not 3.3kW.

3.3kW is consistent with what my power meter shows. 3.577 kW at 239V and 15.01A:



I'm not sure I could explain the concept of "power factor" for alternating current loads other than to say that the amount of power (in watts) being transmitted may be different than the simple product of volts x amps.

The bottom line is that a Level-2 EVSE serving your Prime probably should be wired to a 240v circuit rated larger than 15-amps, if only to provide some cushion and prevent the circuit breaker from tripping. Also, because the Prime can present a full load for more than two hours while charging, it's worth noting that circuit breakers do not like to be run a full capacity for extended periods. They tend to get warm and die young.

A 20-amp circuit should not cost much more than a 15-amp circuit, the only difference being a few pennies per foot for the larger wire size.

All that being said, if you are installing a new circuit for your EVSE, larger (maybe even 50A or more) is usually better for the purposes of accommodating any future vehicle you may later acquire.

 

We're in the Twin Cities too. Randy's Electric did a fantastic job wiring our garage. We had 2 time-of-use meters installed (Dakota Electric's discount program) along with 2 lines, each 40-amp with NEMA 14-50 outlets, installed by them. That isn't cheap, but well worth it if you want a system to last with a convenient location.

JuiceBox Pro 40 is what we're using for both of our Primes. That's greater than what Prime can take advantage of. But if you want something to stand the test of time, being able to deliver more years later without upgrade, that's a choice to consider.

btw, it works great for warming the cabin while still parked in the garage, drawing electricity directly from the wall so you still have full capacity when you leave for work a few minutes later.

 

Infatuated with your You Tube channel, I've been inspired to purchase 2020 Prime XLE yesterday. Since your post about the JuiceBox Pro 40, do you have any new recommendations for Level 2 chargers, esp. if we want to "future proof"? The technology on this vehicle fascinates me, but it takes real world experience to bring it to life. Keep up the good work.

 

i wonder if o/p bailed when she found out there's no level 3 charging capability in prime

 

I'll break this into 3 possible ideas.

1) If you don't currently have a 240 volt outlet near your Prime, install a NEMA 14-50R or something similar. This will allow for 240v charging up to 40 amps if you ever need it. (which you most likely will)

2) Buy a high quality $$$ EVSE after you've done your due diligence like a ClipperCreek, JuiceBox, or similar. Do remember that your Prime can only take a maximum of 16 amps, so your charge up time will be slightly under 2 hours.

3) Buy or build a 240v adapter for less than $50 dollars to save huge money and charge your Prime using your current 120v Toyota OE EVSE unit, your charge up time will take 2:28 minutes. This method allows you to buy the best EVSE/Technology several years from now, when you really need it for your next car purchase.


Rob43