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What charging station to buy for Prime?

Discussion in 'Prime Plug-in Charging' started by scm2000, Aug 13, 2017.

  1. scm2000

    scm2000 Active Member

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    oops... I asked this question over in the general Gen 4 forum... so it seems like it fits here better.

    I want to install a charging station in my garage for my new Prime Premium.... I see at home depot that there are several models to choose from there ranging in 300 to 400 dollars...

    My next door neighbor is an electrician and said he'd put one in if I buy it... but I'm wondering how to choose one... Anyone done this before have any advice?

    Thanks
     
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  2. john1701a

    john1701a Prius Guru

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  3. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    if you just want a basic charger, buy the cheapest you can find. used, if you don't mind, they all do the same thing.
    if you want things like data recording, remote phone apps and etc., that will take some work, since they are a little more money, and you want to get the one that will do what you want.
     
  4. scm2000

    scm2000 Active Member

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    Thanks..
    Now looking at capacity... it looks like it makes sense to install a 40 amp station, even though the prime only draws 20 amps max, because, for one thing.. I have friends that are buying Teslas and it would be nice to let them charge if they come over... and two.. for future cars I might buy.

    The question is... I'm seeing some advice to install a 50 amp circuit to cover 40 amps, rather than just a 40 amp circuit. Again.. I guess that will give me some headroom for future needs... Is that reasonable or should I just go for a 40 amp circuit?
     
  5. glenthompson

    glenthompson Junior Member

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    Proper design says to only use 80% of the circuit capacity for continuous use. If the charger truly draws 40 amps then a 50 amp circuit is required. Something like a stove or oven rarely draws its maximum amperage so the circuit matches the maximum draw of the device.

    Looking at installing a charger myself as I just bought a Prime Advanced to replace our old Prius. It's rare that I need to recharge that quickly so a lower power charger is fine.
     
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  6. ct89

    ct89 Active Member

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    I purchased the Clipper Creek unit
    LCS-20, 16 Amp Level 2 EVSE, 240V, with 25 ft cable 0708-00-002

    Looked seriously at some of the lower priced units but the wife didn't want any cheap crap plugged into her baby's precious electronics.
    You can debate whether the actual electronics of this "Made in the USA" unit are better but it made her happy and the unit has been rock solid since I installed it.

    1 hour, 50 minute recharge times have virtually eliminated cases where we find the car not fully charge for the next set of errands. I like level 2 charging much better.
     
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  7. Dm84

    Dm84 Member

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    I got a Chargepoint Home. I picked the 32 amp station for future proofing purposes. I like the way it integrates with the Chargepoint app.
     
  8. alexcue

    alexcue Active Member

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    ClipperCreek 50HCS here, charges my Prime in under 2hrs from HV territory. I just used my AmEx rewards points. It's a 40amp and it did need a 50amp breaker. Mine is hardwired since it's an outdoor install. Code required it here. Local Utility will refund me $500 of purchase price, so it only cost me the install. It's larger than required but it will future proof me a bit.
     
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  9. DavidA

    DavidA Prius owner since July 2009

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    eMotorWerks sold me the basic JuiceBox 40 (no interwebs) with an 18-foot cord for a bit less than the 24 foot standard model. I also bought the newer style locking bracket, since it is installed outside and under the back porch. Good unit so far, but the handle fits rather tightly in the Prime charging port. Got a 40A 240v breaker and run installed for that, plus a separate 20A 120v as a backup.
     
  10. Dudley1030

    Dudley1030 Active Member

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    No matter which one you end up buying, I highly recommend the longest cord available, which seems for now is 25'. I just installed a plug in from ClipperCreek. LCS-20P, Plug-in 16 Amp Level 2 EVSE, 240V, NEMA 6-50 plug, with 25 ft cable $395. I was debating getting the more expensive models-"Future proofing". But decided to go cheaper.The Wi-Fi communicating ones are a nice feature, however using the Entune app that's already built in is cheaper and gives all the info you really need. So, in my opinion, that is a waste of money to buy the Wi-Fi models. It does not utilize any more than 3.3 kW. So anything more is just a waste. I plan on having the Prime for at least 5 years or longer. If your planning on changing EVs soon and will need more power, then it might pay to get the more expensive variety. I chose the plug in version because I also have a welder and plasma cutter that can use a 220v 40 amp line. I use the same plug for all. I ran the electric myself, so install was cheap as possible--Yes, I adhered to the local codes. Be sure and check the dimensions of the wall unit. Some of them stick out quite a ways and could be problematic for some installs. One last important note: Most of the units are tested, but make sure they have a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory, such as Intertek (ETL mark) or Underwriter’s Laboratory (UL mark) for safety. Sort of the GoodHouseKeeping Seal of approval. You don't want your house to burn down!
     
    #10 Dudley1030, Dec 19, 2017
    Last edited: Dec 19, 2017
  11. fredonly

    fredonly Junior Member

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    Duosida s the least expensive, and they can be ordered up to 33feet long.
     
  12. amberlea

    amberlea Junior Member

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    I just saw that Chargepoint works with Alexa now!
     
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  13. Team ChargePoint

    Team ChargePoint Active Member

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    Correct! We have more information about this over in our main thread here!
     
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  14. Dm84

    Dm84 Member

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    Please get Google Assistant integration next.
     
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  15. markabele

    markabele owner of PiP, then Leaf, then Model 3

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    Wow, assumed it was both. What a huge oversight to not have both.