Toyota-Leviton Charger Install

i think it's the price, but correct me if i'm wrong. i'm sure the charger will be fine. all the best!

 

It's the cost that I had a problem with. The electrical contractor they were using appeared to be gouging me on the permit fees. The city only wanted $140 for the permit, but they were quoting me a price of $575. Also, the $999 price is for a basic install, which apparently means if you have an existing outlet right near your service panel. They would've had to do a 24 foot run for me, which means the install now becomes a standard install, which jumps the price up $1289. Anything under 20 feet is considered basic.

Leviton did try to work with me on this, but they were stuck in the middle as it were. They did refund my $100 site visit fee without any grief.

I'm getting an EVSE from another source for a better price, and will have my electrician do the install.

 

It'a a great charger. I bought it off amazon and did the install myself. Bought it last year, so I recieved the tax rebate. Total cost for install including charger was $650. Really like the solid metal case and upgraded plug contector. On a busy weekend, I end of charging the car maybe 3 times a day.

 

This are NOT chargers, are EVSE (Electric Vehicle Support Equipment) and most of them come with a GFCI built in, not need for another before their connection to power line.

 

Well yeah Potatoe Patatoe, if it supplies voltage and current to charge a battery, it's a charger.
However, you are correct, you do NOT put GFCIs in series. Bad things will happen if you do. This is such a simple install that it amazes me what people are paying to have this done to them! If the panel has room, add a 220 breaker and wire directly, or add a socket. about 50 bucks worth of parts and a hour labor!

 

Theres nothing wrong with the charger.

Just Wait until you see their price quote........

Installed to them means hung on the wall. Wait till they hand you the bill for running a new 240 circuit to where you plan on hangin it.

 

Look into what? There is nothing special about the Leviton EVSE. It's just the one Toyota endorsed. They have to align themselves with someone to offer a support product for the car they made. Just like tires or anything else.

Do you expect Yokahama, or an independant tire shop, to install, mount, balance, and rotate tires on your car for free, because they are the tires Toyota endorses? Do you think OEM tires are the only tires "right" for the car. No .
Well neither is Leviton. And nobody is gonna run a circuit for free, but plenty of folks will rip you off doing it.

That is what anyone should be careful about. DIY is not for everyone, just dont get ripped off letting someone else do it.

 

It's really not that complicated. It's the equivalent of wiring up a new dryer or furnace circuit. Some of the EVSE's are hardwired in, and some use a standard heavy appliance socket.

One of the other problems I had with the Leviton install is that they only run a 20A circuit since their unit only pulls 16A. I wanted a 30A capable circuit in case I got an EV-only car. They wanted even more money for that.

 

I think the negativity is based on the issues of maintaining a nationwide network of independent installers, and the shenanigans that many might try.


I ran my own dedicated 120 V circuit for a part cost of $117 (GFCI breaker, outlet, weatherproof cover, 100 feet of Romex). I use the charger that came with the car. The permits another $100.

If I want fast charging, I can replace the breaker and outlet plug, for about $30. I can have my charger (EVSE) upgraded for $270... but for now, I'll wait to see if something cheaper comes along. I tried putting the cable in the trunk each time, and it's too much trouble, so I just keep the EVSE at home.

 

Their "exclusive price for the Prius Plug-in" was :

$1300 - L2 install with up to 100'
$80 - kit
$500 - permitting
- $100 permit
- $110 business license
- $200 drawing
- $90 travel to apply/get permit

I asked why $300 for the extra 25' of wiring, why the $110 for business license charge and why $200 for a simple drawing and they said they run a professional business. There was nothing more to say so I hung up. Leviton will not refund my $100.

Their installation may be acceptable but I think they jacked up the prices just for Toyota/Leviton.

So now I am thinking of running my own 240 and making the openevse. And I will even get a permit just because I can!

 

Why did you both need permits? Was that a condition of the electrician or something your city is doing to collect fees? We all know THAT'S going on in California these days, but if you're doing the work yourself…