Can anyone recommend a level 2 Home Charging Staton?

Ideas I have:

1. SPX - They told me the price is $729, but the wait time is 60 days. (max wait time)

2. Leviton - I have seen some on various sites for $999 including the kit.

Are these the best deals out there at the present time? Is there a place to get a level 2 charger cheaper and faster?

Thanks

I saw another person post about a Schneider Electric EVSE the other day for $750. Other's have reported them in the $700-$800 dollar range depending on the distributor.

http://www.munroelectric.com/silvereclipse/index.jsp?path=product&part=1769814

http://www.mynissanleaf.com/viewtopic.php?f=26&t=2630

These are the same ones I'm looking at; I will be doing upgrading the (included) Nissan EVSE to 220V regardless of what I do.
At current pricing, the SPX is a much better deal because it allow variable settings all the way up to 32A, making it more "future proof". However, I continue to believe that Leviton will (come to their senses and) lower pricing on their 16A (only unit), which is perfect for the 2011 (and 2012) Leafs. It's possible that EVSE manufacturers are either waiting for volume to kick in and/or taking advantage of the tax credit in effect until the end of this year. Either way, prices have to come down, so my suggestion is to WAIT and see where pricing goes.

Just click on the EVSEupgrade banner.... Good stuff... Good people...

depending on your ordinances for you city, just an FYI as far as I know the SPX is not UL certified.

Here are the EVSEs that are UL certified:
AV
ClipperCreek
Coulomb
Blink
Leviton
Schneider
Siemens

I may not have all the latest facts, but as far as I know, the main Leviton unit is only as high as 16 amp usage, all the other units run 30 amps max (if you are thinking about future charging upgrades). Also, depending on smart grid data or if/when your area will be going into it, Blink chargers (although more expensive) offer units that have wifi connectivity and are ready for smart grid infrastructure. AV also as a wifi connected unit, but its only available through their partner service of eVgo (DFW and Houston areas in Texas only).

Most of the units are standard price, ~1,000. I think at that point, go with the company and unit your like (for whatever reason, asethics, how you like the company, etc.).

As mentioned before, you can do the EVSE upgrade (clicking on the top banner) its a very cheap and reliable solution as well. So you do have many options.

Is there any downside to just ordering the AeroVironment EVSE? I haven't ordered it yet, but so far that seems like a reasonable option as well (just the EVSE -- I can have my own electrician do the installation).

TangoKilo said:

Just click on the EVSEupgrade banner.... Good stuff... Good people...

Click to expand...

This is the route I plan to take. Until they make an EVSE with TWO J1772 handles I can mount at the front of our two car garage, I will be fine.

Pipcecil said:

depending on your ordinances for you city, just an FYI as far as I know the SPX is not UL certified.

Click to expand...

http://www.servicesolutions.spx.com/FullDisplay.aspx?id=26&l=1 and click on the green Download PDF button.
The SPX spec sheet claims various UL "compliances" for their EVSE units.
I ordered one recently and was told it may be a 6 week wait, but then it arrived in little over one week. I haven't even had time to call my electrician yet!

This SPX EVSE looks slightly different than the one others have ordered.

What model number did you order?

garygid said:

This SPX EVSE looks slightly different than the one others have ordered.

Click to expand...

That one is the PowerExpress. (Big thread here: http://www.mynissanleaf.com/viewtopic.php?f=26&t=1442&start=60 ) The other SPX (curly orange cord) EVSE you've seen is the one that only Volt owners can buy. This one anybody can order and it's very cool...adjustable input amperages (12, 16, 24, and 32), plug in or hard wired, outdoor installable, plus it's transportable..a little bulky and heavy, but you COULD take it with you if you wanted to. All for $729, a bargain compared to a lot of EVSEs, and almost as cheap as a L1 EVSE + upgrade.

I just bought a AeroVironment level two charger off of eBay, supposedly new in box for $640, if this works out it will be a pretty good deal.

1. The "original" SPX Level 2 EVSE
http://www.servicesolutions.spx.com/FullDisplay.aspx?id=26&l=1

spec sheet (same info as the one for Power Xpress below):
http://www.servicesolutions.spx.com/pdf/SS10-283_evse_spcsht4.pdf

Apparently this is an old web page/site, perhaps showing what
was intended, or a prototype of the eventual product.

I was confused by the different appearance, and "controls".

-----------------
2. The SPX Power Xpress that is apparently what emerged:
https://www.homecharging.spx.com/volt/Display.aspx?id=25&menu=13
spec sheet (same info as the "older" one above):
https://www.homecharging.spx.com/volt/pdf/SS10-283_REVB.pdf

I just had a Schneider Electric EV2430WS installed. I have only used it once. It's quite simple and well finished. My electrical contractor bought it from a local electrical supply house (Austin, TX), $850. (Installation costs $850.)

Here is the total costs that I paid:

$640 for the AeroVironment charging station off of eBay, exactly like the Nissan dealers have

$126 for wire and 40a circuit breaker.

$225 labor for the electrician, $45 an hour for 5 hours.

The charger works great, had it installed today. Also, I don't have 200a service like the manual says I need, i just have 100a, but it still works great.

No inspection fees?

planet4ever said:

No inspection fees?

Click to expand...

Didn't have an inspector here either, probably a state to state thing.

TNleaf said:

planet4ever said:

No inspection fees?

Click to expand...

Didn't have an inspector here either, probably a state to state thing.

Click to expand...

More likely an "Oops! I forgot to get a building permit" thing.

nice to see these on ebay now

$640 is a good deal for an all weather unit, and being white it blends in to the outside decor of a home better than other units.

We got the AeroVironment unit and have been happy with it. It is pretty simple, but has withstood electrical storm intermittent power outages.

When considering the cost of the EVSE installation, remember to include the 30% federal tax credit; however, it can only be claimed if you buy the EVSE from the manufacturer or official distributors, not individuals.

It is likely that the IRS will not audit you in regards to an EVSE credit, but in case they do, you will have to produce the original purchase receipt with your name as the original buyer.

Just something to keep in mind