240V EV-ChargeAmerica EVSE - (likely scam buyer beware)

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EDIT;
: Apparently difficult to get meaningful answers or working product from these folks. CAUTION!

Sounds like a reasonable price for a well-featured, 32 (or 40?) amp model L2 EVSE (as compared to a "basic" charge-only model).

In particular, the RF-ID to activate it means you could mount it outdoors and it would be "locked" to others.

However, I still have these Questions:

1. Does the "Plug-and-Play Design" mean that it comes with a standard type AC plug ready to plug into an existing wall socket (and, what type plug)?

2. Or, is this EVSE "listed" for hard-wired use only?

3. Can the user change the "max-current" setting, depending upon the circuit/breaker that the user will plug it into?

4. Does "any wall surface" mean that this EVSE is outdoor-use "listed"?

5. Does the "outdoor" use require hard-wiring?

6. If desired, can one disable the need for the RF-ID, so that the EVSE is "always" available?

7. Is this EVSE for 32A maximum out when used on a 40A circuit, or 40A max out when used on a 50A circuit?
 
garygid said:
Sounds like a reasonable price for a well-featured, 32 (or 40?) amp model L2 EVSE (as compared to a "basic" charge-only model).

In particular, the RF-ID to activate it means you could mount it outdoors and it would be "locked" to others.

However, I still have these Questions:

1. Does the "Plug-and-Play Design" mean that it comes with a standard type AC plug ready to plug into an existing wall socket (and, what type plug)?

2. Or, is this EVSE "listed" for hard-wired use only?

3. Can the user change the "max-current" setting, depending upon the circuit/breaker that the user will plug it into?

4. Does "any wall surface" mean that this EVSE is outdoor-use "listed"?

5. Does the "outdoor" use require hard-wiring?

6. If desired, can one disable the need for the RF-ID, so that the EVSE is "always" available?

7. Is this EVSE for 32A maximum out when used on a 40A circuit, or 40A max out when used on a 50A circuit?



1) Who cares- make you own
2) same as 1
3) I really doubt that
4)?
5) If it's outdoor rated it won't matter
6) Likely
7)?

Regardless I would wait for Leviton since they are an established MFG with a long-standing reputation. I would prefer to buy from a company that has been in business a long time and likely will continue to do so.
 
They quoted me $850. Now $650 :) Next month $450? :D

I am still looking for a low power basic basic model with just enough for the LEAF and a lower price.
They can skip the RFID, I need another key like I need a hole in my pocket :roll:
 
I would say this is nice to see what looks to be a very good unit. I like the smart meter technology so the power company can put you on an EV rate. Maybe at little cost upfront. I am happy to be getting the new touch screen Blink unit from the EV Project.

Does the "Plug-and-Play Design" mean that it comes with a standard type AC plug ready to plug into an existing wall socket (and, what type plug)? I would say YES to a drier outlet.

Does "any wall surface" mean that this EVSE is outdoor-use "listed"? I think it could be if water can't get inside.

Does the "outdoor" use require hard-wiring? YES you can not have it exposed to water.
 
Maybe we can get ChargeAmerica to answer these questions, instead of guessing?
I care about the real answers, that is why I posted the questions.

Their link
http://www.ev-chargeamerica.com
does not work on the Wii Opera browser.
It does work with the IE browser an a PC.
 
Link is working fine. They just don't have enough information - either about the product or the company. They seem to be a EV conversion company - getting into other related areas.

If someone calls and gets their specsheet that would be a good start.
 
garygid said:
Maybe we can get ChargeAmerica to answer these questions, instead of guessing?
I care about the real answers, that is why I posted the questions.

Their link
http://www.ev-chargeamerica.com
is still not working.


I don't think they come here to answer questions so I suggest calling them:)
 
Gonewild said:
I would say this is nice to see what looks to be a very good unit. I like the smart meter technology so the power company can put you on an EV rate. Maybe at little cost upfront. I am happy to be getting the new touch screen Blink unit from the EV Project.

Does the "Plug-and-Play Design" mean that it comes with a standard type AC plug ready to plug into an existing wall socket (and, what type plug)? I would say YES to a drier outlet.

Does "any wall surface" mean that this EVSE is outdoor-use "listed"? I think it could be if water can't get inside.

Does the "outdoor" use require hard-wiring? YES you can not have it exposed to water.


Don't expect any utility to use a third party device to meter any part of your service unless it was specifically designed, tested and approved. This is a too for the user to see their usage for reference.
 
Yes, the
www.ev-chargeamerica.com
site works with IE on a PC, not with Opera on the Wii.

I was hoping some other 2104-interested person here had already gotten the detailed specs.
 
Comes with a "Mounting Kit".

I have emailed them to ask my questions, and I included

8. What is in the "Mounting Kit"?

For now, I am assuming that at least one "RF-ID" is included, but ...
there are these additional questions to ask:

9. How much do extra (or replacement) RFIDs cost?

10. Can the EV2104 respond to more than one RFID?
(For easier multi-car charging.)
 
Sam FAQ sent to me from EV-Chargeamerica.com:

Hello,
I am interested in your EV2104 home EVSE, but I have a few questions.

Maybe you can email a Spec Sheet that answers all of them, or just note the answers and Reply. Please

-- EV-Charge America has a detailed technical "cutsheet" we can supply to you for your evaluation, if our answers below need to be supplemented.

1. Does the "Plug-and-Play Design" mean that it comes with a standard type AC plug ready to plug into an existing wall socket (and, if so, what type plug)?

-- No, you can't plug these units into a standard household outlet. They are 240 volt, not 120 volt and therefore not at all compatible. It is strongly advised, from a safety and fire hazard standpoint, not to ever attempt to use a 240 volt appliance with any type with of 120 volt outlet, or vice versa.

However, these units are designed to plug into a 240 volt wall outlet, (similar to a electric clothes dryer or air conditioner). This special type of 240 volt outlet should be available within approximately 12 inches of where you would like to install your Charge@Home unit.

Further, "Plug and play" means the unit just starts itself up and starts working. You don't have to program anything, configure anything, or take any special technical steps to get it working.

The new electric vehicles also have a standard 120 volt connection included that you can use if you need to charge at a location that does not have 240 volt fast charging service with a J1772 connector.

2. Or, is this L2 EVSE "listed" for hard-wired use only? -- Per above. At least, for right now, the national electrical code (NEC) rules and regulations states that it is against the law, and most local fire codes, to have a detachable cord (an extension cord) for fast charging, 240 volt service. That is why it is necessary to have a 240 volt outlet to plug the Charge@Home unit into, or you can wire the unit directly to the service if you don't think you'll be moving it later.

(Some are really wanting a "portable", plug-in EVSE, like the Leviton L2
models.)

-- Today, portable, detachable units are only allowed and available with standard, household 120 volt current, slow trickle-charge models. The Leviton model you cite is a slow-trickle charge unit that will take up to 18 hours to charge your vehicle, regardless of where it is plugged in.

3. Can the user change the "max-current" setting, depending upon the amp rating of the circuit or breaker breaker (15, 20, 30, 40, 50
amps) that the user will connect it to? (max current would then be 12, 16, 24, 32, or 40 amps)

-- It's recommended that you have a dedicated 40 amp double pole circuit breaker installed to support your EV charging. Anything short of that would be a significant sub-optimization of your vehicle's charging potential.

4. Is the EV2104 outdoor-use "listed"?

-- Yes

5. Does the "outdoor" use of the EV2104 require hard-wiring?

-- You can hard wire it if you like, per above.

6. If desired, can one disable the need for the RF-ID, so that the EVSE is "always" available? (for example, if I install in my private garage, using the RF-ID each time I charge, is an inconvenience.)

-- For safety purposes, it is recommended that an activation method be used to turn on the high voltage power only when it is needed. We do have other means of turning on the juice that does not require an RFID tag or smart card as an option.

7. Is this EVSE for 32A maximum output (when used on a 40A circuit), or 40A max output when used on a 50A circuit?

-- The former.



Steve, these units are available to ship today. We also accept credit cards to expeditite your order.

Dwight Dagenais

EV Charge America

702-204-7099
 
This is the part I like:

these units are designed to plug into a 240 volt wall outlet, (similar to a electric clothes dryer or air conditioner). This special type of 240 volt outlet should be available within approximately 12 inches of where you would like to install your Charge@Home unit.

Although I might need 30"
 
smkettner said:
This is the part I like:

these units are designed to plug into a 240 volt wall outlet, (similar to a electric clothes dryer or air conditioner). This special type of 240 volt outlet should be available within approximately 12 inches of where you would like to install your Charge@Home unit.

Although I might need 30"
I've seen that 12 inch number other places, including the PG&E website and a pitch I got from Leviton. I think it may be an electrical standard. Even 120v "cords" have the EVSE function which is built into them either right at the wall plug or within 12 inches of it.
 
On the EV2104 L2 (240v) EVSE:

Additional Questions, Please:
1. What type of 240v plug is on the AC-input 18-inch pigtail?
(6-40P, 15-50P, ... ?)

2. Will the EV2104 support two (or more) RFIDs?
(to support two (or more) users)

3. Assuming I cannot use a 40-amp breaker, and must use a 20-amp breaker, can I change the EV2104's "Max Current" setting to 16 amps instead of 32 amps?
(from 32 amps to 12, to 16, and to 24 amps)

4. What is in the mounting kit?
(wall bracket, wall socket, ... ?)

5. How much do extra (second-user, or replacemnt) RFIDs cost?

6. Is one RFID included?

Thanks, Gary
 
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