1. Attachments are working again! Check out this thread for more details and to report any other bugs.

EVSE purchase & installation in 2017

Discussion in 'Prime Plug-in Charging' started by john1701a, May 28, 2017.

  1. john1701a

    john1701a Prius Guru

    Joined:
    Jan 6, 2004
    12,747
    5,243
    57
    Location:
    Minnesota
    Vehicle:
    2017 Prius Prime
    Model:
    Prime Advanced
    Doing a search, you'll find a lot of outdated information. Too much has changed since plug-in rollouts began. So... let's start a new thread with facts relevant to 2017.

    Since back in 2012, I have been recharging my Prius (originally a PHV, now a Prime) at home by plugging into a standard 120-volt outlet. In a few days, we will have 2 Primes in the household. That means capacity must be added to the garage so my wife and I can both recharge at the same time.

    Taking advantage of faster recharging from 240-volt service and discounts from Time-Of-Use meters requires purchasing EVSE (Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment) chargers and running new power lines. The following documents what I have done so far...

    We decided to get hardware as forward-compatible as possible. If we ever upgrade a vehicle in the future or a friend with an EV visit, we'll have a nice plug already available. We also get $500 per vehicle setup from our local electricity provider. So, why not?

    Prime has a maximum draw of 3.8 kW (as observed when plugging into a public station). The charger we found with a Wi-Fi interface is capable of delivering 10 kW. That's plenty good. With a 200-amp service-panel in the garage, feeding each 40-amp charger with the needed 125% capacity requirement wouldn't be too much of an effort for an electrician. #8 gauge wire and 3/4 inch conduit is more expensive though. Smaller chargers wouldn't need sizes that heavy or large.

    The cord for the outlet plug is only 12 inches. But having a line put in specifically for the charger shouldn't make that an issue. It won't be hardwired either. So if removable is ever needed, no big deal. The cord for the car plug is 24 feet, so that will reach anywhere in the garage and parked outside in the driveway.

    JuiceBox Pro 40 is the EVSE we purchased. $599 each. I now have them mounted on the wall to confirm cord placement and internet connection are well suited for both of us prior to getting an estimate from the electrician. I also got meter boxes for each of the lines.

    Progress updates & photos to follow.

    Anyone else have a recent purchase & installation experience to share ?
     
    ruby and priuscatprimeguy like this.
  2. Cave Arnold

    Cave Arnold Member

    Joined:
    Apr 20, 2014
    64
    60
    0
    Location:
    Lehigh Valley, PA
    Vehicle:
    2017 Prius Prime
    Model:
    Prime Advanced
  3. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

    Joined:
    May 11, 2005
    107,571
    48,862
    0
    Location:
    boston
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Base
    i went with a 30 amp capable back in 2012 for future needs.
     
  4. john1701a

    john1701a Prius Guru

    Joined:
    Jan 6, 2004
    12,747
    5,243
    57
    Location:
    Minnesota
    Vehicle:
    2017 Prius Prime
    Model:
    Prime Advanced
    240-volt charger setup, prior to having the wiring installed.

    [​IMG]


    Convenient location for avoiding the cord from getting in the way.

    [​IMG]


    Easy access having the charge-ort in back on the passenger side.

    [​IMG]
     
  5. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

    Joined:
    May 11, 2005
    107,571
    48,862
    0
    Location:
    boston
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Base
    you'll have to run prime two overhead, that's what i did, cause my wife parks the hycam on the right.
     
  6. john1701a

    john1701a Prius Guru

    Joined:
    Jan 6, 2004
    12,747
    5,243
    57
    Location:
    Minnesota
    Vehicle:
    2017 Prius Prime
    Model:
    Prime Advanced
    Nope. I back in, which provides more convenient access to the hatch and allows maximum room between the cars for both driver doors.
     
    bisco likes this.
  7. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

    Joined:
    May 11, 2005
    107,571
    48,862
    0
    Location:
    boston
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Base
    i would, but i'd probably hit the side of the garage.:oops:
     
    Raytheeagle likes this.
  8. Raytheeagle

    Raytheeagle Senior Member

    Joined:
    Jul 1, 2016
    11,251
    15,474
    0
    Location:
    Bay Area, California
    Vehicle:
    2019 Prius Prime
    Model:
    Prime Plus
    That might be due to the floor being out of flat and messing with your perception ;).

    Or at least give you an excuse(y).
     
    bisco likes this.
  9. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

    Joined:
    May 11, 2005
    107,571
    48,862
    0
    Location:
    boston
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Base
    i need as many as i can get. it might be from shivering, and can't keep the wheel steady. 48 degrees today. happy memorial day, glad our cookout was saturday.:unsure:
     
    Raytheeagle likes this.
  10. Raytheeagle

    Raytheeagle Senior Member

    Joined:
    Jul 1, 2016
    11,251
    15,474
    0
    Location:
    Bay Area, California
    Vehicle:
    2019 Prius Prime
    Model:
    Prime Plus
    74 and sunny here:)!

    The hydrangea finally rounded into form:

    IMG_0430.JPG

    No signs of cold for many months out here;).

    Memorial Day tidings from the "Best Coast"(y)
     
    tucatz and bisco like this.
  11. KCobby

    KCobby Member

    Joined:
    Aug 7, 2008
    229
    74
    0
    Location:
    NYC area
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Advanced
    Always envious of a clean looking garage...oh, and the kayaks. Oh, and the prime...
    Congrats on a nice looking setup!

    Been there, done that. I have to back down the driveway into the garage where I live.

    My wife said the cursing afterwards was worth recording.
     
    #11 KCobby, May 29, 2017
    Last edited by a moderator: Mar 22, 2018
    bobh27513, ruby, john1701a and 2 others like this.
  12. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

    Joined:
    May 11, 2005
    107,571
    48,862
    0
    Location:
    boston
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Base
    it's house hunters day in cali, my wife and i are watching, and i'm trying to do some mind control.:sneaky:
     
    Raytheeagle likes this.
  13. Raytheeagle

    Raytheeagle Senior Member

    Joined:
    Jul 1, 2016
    11,251
    15,474
    0
    Location:
    Bay Area, California
    Vehicle:
    2019 Prius Prime
    Model:
    Prime Plus
    Let me know if you need more pics of lush landscaping or whatever might help (y)!
     
    bisco likes this.
  14. john1701a

    john1701a Prius Guru

    Joined:
    Jan 6, 2004
    12,747
    5,243
    57
    Location:
    Minnesota
    Vehicle:
    2017 Prius Prime
    Model:
    Prime Advanced
    Location of the second charger before getting a 240-volt outlet.

    [​IMG]


    Parked backward for maximum driver door space between Primes.

    [​IMG]
     
    ruby and Raytheeagle like this.
  15. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

    Joined:
    May 11, 2005
    107,571
    48,862
    0
    Location:
    boston
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Base
    time for an epoxy floor!(y)
     
  16. MNdriver

    MNdriver Senior Member

    Joined:
    Dec 7, 2016
    549
    577
    0
    Location:
    Minnesota
    Vehicle:
    2017 Prius Prime
    Model:
    Prime Advanced
    I pulled into my garage a little while ago and I got closer than normal to the wall in front. (Actually, closer to the crap leaning against the wall.). The car balked and a huge BRAKE message appeared on the Jumbotron monitor. Cool!
     
    Dudley1030, Prius from Dad and bisco like this.
  17. Prius from Dad

    Prius from Dad Senior Member

    Joined:
    Oct 5, 2012
    724
    1,115
    0
    Location:
    Toms River, NJ USA
    Vehicle:
    2017 Prius Prime
    Model:
    Prime Premium
    I put a line of tape on the floor of the garage and I line it up with the middle line of the rear view camera. It keeps me straight and I don't hit anything. ;):) Also I put a piece of tape cross ways to let me know when I'm in far enough, better than hanging a tennis ball from the ceiling like my Dad did.
     
  18. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

    Joined:
    May 11, 2005
    107,571
    48,862
    0
    Location:
    boston
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Base
    i need that.
     
    Prius from Dad likes this.
  19. Prius from Dad

    Prius from Dad Senior Member

    Joined:
    Oct 5, 2012
    724
    1,115
    0
    Location:
    Toms River, NJ USA
    Vehicle:
    2017 Prius Prime
    Model:
    Prime Premium
    It takes a little trial and error to position the tape right but I have no fear of backing into the garage now.
     
    bisco likes this.
  20. ruby

    ruby Member

    Joined:
    Nov 13, 2008
    130
    78
    0
    Location:
    NJ
    Vehicle:
    2017 Prius Prime
    Model:
    Prime Advanced
    I always park so close that the cacophony of beeps (and the big red BRAKE warning) greets me daily. Our garage is a little undersized and it's the only way both cars fit.

    I drew an arrow on the garage wall to line up with the edge of the right hand side mirror. Works perfectly for me.
     
    Prius from Dad likes this.