Complimentary Toyota Homecharge (probably not).

Discussion in 'Gen 5 Prius Main Forum' started by Maturedriver, Apr 20, 2024.

  1. Trollbait

    Trollbait It's a D&D thing

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    Pretty sure any building codes are just calling for the wiring to where the EVSE would go, not the EVSE itself. It is that part which can drive up the install cost in existing homes.
     
  2. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    I don’t mind hardwired because I don’t care about the tech, just want to charge the car.
    One thing with higher amperage on ev’s is the plug and outlet getting dangerously hot
     
  3. Zeromus

    Zeromus Active Member

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    Oh I meant in the context of owning the prime. Since my house doesn't have hardwiring already, building codes for new construction don't matter to me. I would just hate to spend a LOT on something that only marginally improves my charging experience with the prime. To go a hardwire route, I could get a better EVSE for future proof purposes, but it would come at a significant up front cost that doesn't benefit me in the slightest. Whereas wiring for a dedicated 240v outlet, and then grabbing a plug in L2 EVSE would be cheaper, and I can always just have a hardwired higher end EVSE wired to the dedicated updated wiring behind the wall later anyway.

    I was being a bit specific to my scenario.
     
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  4. Trollbait

    Trollbait It's a D&D thing

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    Depending on where the service panel is, the cost of running the cable can easily overshadow the price difference between low and high amperage EVSEs.

    All the various speed EVSEs can be found in plug and hardwire versions. An outlet gives flexibility, but you would probably not be unplugging it until the car the is replaced.
     
  5. Hammersmith

    Hammersmith Senior Member

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    No kidding. When I was debating going HEV or PHEV this generation, one of the deciding factors about going HEV was the extreme cost for adding a 240V outlet to my garage(yes, I know I could have gotten by with 120V, but even there I was going to have issues - no outlets on the walls best for EV).

    My garage and service panel are on opposite ends of the house. In between the two points are the kitchen and a bathroom. Everything is finished spaces and there's a bedroom above the panel. Honestly, the easiest way to add a 240V line might be to go outside and put in a conduit along the foundation. I decided to not do it this go around, and to wire for 60A or 80A if I ever do in the future. More expensive wire, but much more future proof.

    If I ever build new, I'm going to consider mechanicals(including electrical) from day one of the designing.
     
  6. Zeromus

    Zeromus Active Member

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    It's on the opposite side of our home too, but its thankfully not a big house, and part of the basement is unfinished which makes it easier to run the wire for us through a bulkhead directly below the garage.

    But for us, 120v is more than sufficient for the prime, so we figured it isn't worth it. So ultimately, it just factored into the PHEV vs EV decision for us as well. Much more upfront cost, and I would rather do it over time. Another 2-3k CAD all in, is another 2-3k I'm not putting towards a car loan, and I don't want to effectively finance a charger that lets me charge a couple hours quicker. The electricity cost is so low for me that the recoup time on even better efficiency is absolutely insane. At a time where we're using savings to supplement parental leave with small children and the costs associated with small children like daycare, its just not worth it for us to make that investment when the L1 is more than enough for us.
     
  7. Maturedriver

    Maturedriver Junior Member

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    After writing to Toyota UK I have been informed that I am not eligible for the complimentary HomeCharge. A combination of that and the debacle over the rear door switches (what’s wrong with bloody door handles) I am questioning my decision to purchase a new Prius. I ordered a Prius Design and paid a deposit subject to a test drive. Since neither my car nor a demonstrator are likely be available until later this year, I think I will be cancelling.
     
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  8. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    tesla started the flush door handle trend i think. i hate them
     
  9. dbstoo

    dbstoo Senior Member

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    It's not new.

    Taken from the first hit on google.

    "
    We've seen flush-fitting door handles in numerous supercars such as the Porsche 911, Jaguar F-Type, Aston Martin DB11, Lamborghini Huracan and even the upcoming Audi e-tron GT.Aug 27, 2021"
     
  10. AndersOne

    AndersOne Active Member

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    At least the Prius has a mechanical fallback option (from the outside) - so they did not go all in stupid.
     
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  11. hill

    hill High Fiber Member

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    i'll betcha tesla was 1st - to implement 'self-presenting' flush handles that are 'motorized' .... w/ teeny downcasting curb ligting (model S only)
    ;)
    .
     
    #31 hill, May 2, 2024
    Last edited: May 2, 2024
  12. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    I like the handles on my bolt, large enough for gloves and the lock is a real button, so no issues with rain, snow or cold.
    Reliability seems good after 7 years of production