Open Source L2 EVSE

I may get one of these before the end of this year. Anyone use the federal tax credit for their EVSE? Looks like it expires at the end of this year.

 

Ok, I just ordered the EMW "JuiceBox Base Assembled". For my current and future needs, this looks to be the best value right now after lots of shopping around. It's not as cheap as first glance after you add up everything. EMW suggests their units are "3-4x" lower than other EVSEs, but when you add all the things you need to put this together, it's more like 1.5-2x cheaper, which is still a great deal.

This base unit sells for $149, but requires some soldering and it doesn't come with any input or output cords. So I paid $249 for the unit to be assembled by them with the custom input and output cords I bought. This unit can handle up to 60A, so this is certainly overkill for the PiP, but my next car(s) will likely be able to take advantage of this.

Here's the breakdown for what I got:
EMW JuiceBox Base Assembled with input/output cords: $249.00
Input Cable - 6-foot 14-50P: $49.00
J1772 plug & wire - 70A 25 feet: $229.00
Shipping: $19.62
Total (tax included, if any): $546.62

Unfortunately I have no 240V access in my garage, but the main panel is on the same wall outside the garage where I want 240V access. So I am having an electrician install a mini-panel in the garage with a NEMA 14-50R receptacle with a 60A breaker. The run should be just 12'' or less. The electrician agreed to do this for $145 parts and labor. So looks like $691.62 for everything. I plan to use the Federal 30% credit before this thing expires at the end of this year, so the final damage should come to $484.13.

It looks like my custom EVSE will take 2-4 weeks to deliver. I'll probably post pictures and my impression when I get everything installed.

 

still sounds like a great deal! the j1772 is still a killer, hasn't dropped at all.

 

I think a lot of it is the copper wiring. I'm getting a 25' 70A cable. Their 12' 32A option is $100 less and most of the sub $1000 Level 2 EVSEs out there come with a 30A cord or less.

Complete EVSE prices are coming down, but not that fast.

 

that's true. what is the diameter/gauge of the cable? sounds like a monster.

 

May be like an elephant trunk ?

 

Yes, they spec it as:
70A 25-foot cable -
-13mm^2 wires (AWG 6) for 2 hots & ground, 14 AWG for pilot
-24 lbs

 

whoa, that's gonna be like rasslin an anaconda!

 

Looks like the cable on this Clipper Creek has similar amperage ratings so the cable width will probably look similar:

 

huh, that looks a lot mike my 30a. unless i have a 60a and don't know it.

 

The picture I found above was for the ClipperCreek CS-100. Here is the manual on it: http://www.clippercreek.com/pdf/CS-100%20User%20Manual%2075A%20DLP%20091124%20v01.pdf

Their web page markets it as an 18kW charger at 240V, so this EVSE should be able to provide a vehicle up to 75 A. The specs don't seem to note what the cable is rated at, but I have to assume it can handle 75 A. Still, looks like charging with a gasoline station hose.

I looked up the spot price of copper last night, an it was $3.15/lb, so if all of the weight of this cord was attributable to copper, that would explain about $75 of the cost. Looks like copper is just one part of the high prices on these cords.

 

Side note.. one of my coworkers just bought a volt and she said GM is partnering with someone to offer L2 chargers that only cost $450.. Power Max™ 16A / 12' Cord | Bosch Electric Vehicle Solutions

 

This Bosch EVSE is one of the most affordable if you want an established manufacturer. If one doesn't want to take the risk with a small company, the Bosch is a great deal for charging the PiP at the fastest rate the vehicle will allow. But the EMW charger is still cheaper:

For $427 you can get a fully assembled basic charger from EMW - the Juice Box, also with 12 foot cord. After that, though, the Juice Box has the following advantages:
-comes with plug on input cable
-can charge at 32A vs. 16A with the JuiceBox (16A is more than enough at 240V with a PiP, but you'll want this for your next EV/Plug-in)
-portable
-for $20 more can get a 25' cable instead
-for $60 more can get a 70 A cable at 12' instead

 

They acquired SPX, and I've not heard good things about SPX's version. (Good number of failed units, some shortly after warranty expired)

Note that it's a 1-year warranty, unless you want to pay extra to have them install it.

 

it's good to see more and more options available!

 

......and more economic sustaining quality