Intelligent mobility solutions are the driving force behind shifting the way humans utilize methods of better transportation efficiency. Electric vehicles (EVs), and on a broader scale, autonomous vehicles, are key elements of this changing sector, and their reliance on battery charging from the electricity grid presents several key opportunities for blockchain technology:
Integrating Blockchain into the EV Ecosystem
1. Peer-to-peer EV charging – there are already a few charging station companies — one of the most notable being eMotorWerks through partnership with the Share&Charge network — that are utilizing blockchain technology to allow for a peer-to-peer network of their charging stations. Owners of home charging stations and commercial charging stations can earn money from their stations by allowing other EV drivers to use them as part of one centralized network through smart contract transactions. By increasing (and selling) access to electric vehicle charging stations, EV owners can collectively work together to decrease the range anxiety of other EV drivers.
2. Swapping of EV batteries – aside from charging stations, battery swapping stations is a second, quicker, solution for EV refueling. However, for EV owners, this technology is still in the blueprint phase, with several visions having been proposed (i.e. Elon Musk) on how it can be effectively implemented without repeat of failure (i.e. Better Place). An element of this form of refueling is the need for decentralized, accurate traceability in the transaction between EV owners and swapping stations. This lack of trust and desire for guaranteed immutability can prevent this method of EV refueling from advancing. Blockchain smart contract technology has the potential to better manage the transaction of accurate battery and price information between EV owners and swapping stations to help solve the mistrust issue which exists.
3. Recharging the electricity grid – Vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology is a process by which there is a bi-directional electricity flow between electric vehicles and the electrical power grid. Using this technology, EVs are able to return (sell) electricity back to the power grid in order to help assist with load sharing of the electricity network. Blockchain technology can help advance the V2G process by providing an accurate, secure and transparent method for EV owners to sell electricity from their at-rest-EVs back to the grid.
In 2010, EVBox, founded in the Netherlands, began laying the foundation for what would ultimately allow a successful expansion across Europe: Today, EVBox has the most charging stations installed around the world out of any charging station company – approximately 40,000.
In 2018, EVBox is planning to bring their talents to North America to sell the next generation of EV residential charging station products. They’ve dubbed their newest residential charger the “Elvi,” a one charger-fits-all model, the first of its kind in the EV infrastructure market. Check out what we here at EVSpace think makes the Elvi one of the most innovative charging stations out there:
For this article, we’ll focus on reviewing some of the more well known residential charging stations on the market, since the majority of EV charging actually occurs at the home, and not at public stations on the road, in parking garages, or at a place of business. When it comes to choosing the best private, residential charging station (EVSE) for your home, there are a few things to consider:
And with the multitude of charging station manufacturers out there, it’s easy to get lost in the details; it can get confusing when trying to choose between a good product from one that just gets the job done. To help simplify your search, we’ve included our review of what we believe are 5 of the better residential charging stations on the market today.
An excellent name for an excellent price, this Siemens EV charger simplifies the home charging experience with a product that’s as user friendly as it is reliable. Siemens does away with the fancy add-ons with this product to bring a sleek and simple charging station that’s easy to set-up (just plug it into a 240V socket) and even easier to operate.
ChargePoint is the largest charging station network in the US, and their flagship level 2 Home EV charger has been one of, if not their best, selling product. If you’re looking to become an EV geek, this home charger is Wi-Fi enabled (which means you can schedule charging, review charging data, and monitor charging status all via the ChargePoint app), is compatible with Nest (which can also allow you the track full home energy use), and can be voice controlled through certified Amazon Alexa products.
eMotorWerks is a relatively new company when it comes to manufacturing EV charging stations, but they have proven themselves as reputable and innovative as all the other big names in the industry, such as ChargePoint and ClipperCreek. They are all about control to the consumer – their JuiceBox products are Wi-Fi enabled for better monitoring of charging via their app; have voice command capabilities with Amazon Alexa; and are part of their own customer rewards program (JuicePoints) which will actually pay you for charging your EV.
ClipperCreek offers a large variety of home charging stations – we even wrote a whole article about it. So when we were trying to choose one of their products to feature here, we went with the simple, yet powerful – the HCS-40P. This charger works well with every EV on the market. It’s fast, durable, and very easy to set up (just plug in to a 240V socket, and you’re good to go)- and has one of the best safety ratings among all EV hardware products on the market.
With a standard cable length, save on the price for this powerful AeroVironment level 2 charger. The simple interface makes setup and use of this charger hassle free. AeroVironmment has been in the technology hardware business for over 40 years, and the quality of their products – and their customer service support – is second to none.
Again, its important to remember that the majority of EV charging occurs at your home – and not on the road – so choosing the right residential, private station will go a long way in ensuring you have the best means for charging to support your driving – adding one more connection to the labyrinth of the ever-growing EV infrastructure.
Georgia Power has a great rebate for putting in a home charger. It can cover close to half the cost of many of the chargers listed below. Here are the details:
Georgia Power Home EVSE Rebate Details:
Who does the rebate apply to? Georgia Power Customers
How much? Up to $250
What is covered? The purchase and installation of a Level 2, residential, 240 volt unit (personal parking spaces at multi-family complexes also qualify)
(See the bottom of this post for the link to the application)
With so many different chargers out there, the team here at EVSpace realized we need to make a basic product guide for the average consumer looking to buy a home EV charging station.
Here are two tables below – one for Hardwire stations and one for Plugin stations.
We curated this list with:
Some of the more common, main stream brands that have some reputation in the industry
Level 2, 30+ Amp home charging stations
Charging stations that can easily be purchased through your Amazon accounts
This is not meant to be a review of any of the stations, but it does let you know what customers are thinking on Amazon for these products.
Plugin
• Very easy to install by mounting the station to the wall and plugging into a NEMA rated outlet (for the stations we show you below, usually a 6-50/14-50 outlet, I.E. connected to a 50 Amp dedicated circuit, but check specific manufactures instructions on required plug)
• Can unplug from the outlet take with you. Not a permanent fixture in nature and allows flexibility to be mobile when needed
• Not rated for the outdoors
• Costs a bit more to buy relative to hardwire station, (but your install can be less if you have an existing NEMA rated outlet)
Cord rests on top of unit, comes with connector holster
Yes
3 Years
20
24
Yes, Via Smartphone
40 Amp, 240 Volt
No
Higher power at 40 Amps; Voice control management via Alexa, charge scheduling/timing, energy metering, WiFi connectivity, notifications, smartphone app, etc.
• A permanent install, where you run the hardwire conduit right into the unit
• Can be slightly less to buy than a plugin station but usually a costlier installation
• Usually rated to be placed in an outdoor environment
Cord rests on top of unit, comes with connector holster
Yes
3 Years
21
24
Yes,
Via Smartphone
75 Amp, 240 Volt
No
High Power 75 Amp; Voice control management via Alexa, charge scheduling/timing, energy metering, WiFi connectivity, notifications, smartphone app, etc.
Free custom skin — over 600 designs or create your own, User-friendly, segmented LED display shows if the vehicle is charging and for how long it has charged
Los Angeles County utility companies offer great rebates for putting in a home charger. The cost of many of the charging stations listed below would be covered entirely covered by these rebates. Here are the details:
Los Angeles Department of Water & Power (LADWP) Home EVSE Rebate Details:
Who does the rebate apply to? LADWP Customers
How much? Up to $500
What is covered? The purchase of a Level 2, residential, 240 volt unit (personal parking spaces at multi-family complexes also qualify)
Glendale Water & Power (GWP) Home EVSE Rebate Details:
Who does the rebate apply to? GWP Customers
How much? Up to $500
What is covered? The purchase and installation of a Level 2, residential, 240 volt unit (personal parking spaces at multi-family complexes also qualify)
Burbank Water & Power (BWP) Home EVSE Rebate Details:
Who does the rebate apply to? BWP Customers
How much? Up to $1000
What is covered? The purchase and installation of a Level 2, residential, 240 volt unit (personal parking spaces at multi-family complexes also qualify)
Pasadena Water & Power (PWP) Home EVSE Rebate Details:
Who does the rebate apply to? PWP Customers
How much? Up to $400
What is covered? The purchase and installation of a Level 2, residential, 240 volt unit (personal parking spaces at multi-family complexes also qualify)
South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) Home EVSE Rebate Details:
Who does the rebate apply to? Los Angeles County Residents
How much? Up to $250 (up to $500 for low-income residents)
What is covered? The purchase of a Level 2, residential, 240 volt unit (personal parking spaces at multi-family complexes also qualify)
(See the bottom of this post for the links to the applications)
With so many different chargers out there, the team here at EVSpace realized we need to make a basic product guide for the average consumer looking to buy a home EV charging station.
Here are two tables below – one for Hardwire stations and one for Plugin stations.
We curated this list with:
Some of the more common, main stream brands that have some reputation in the industry
Level 2, 30+ Amp home charging stations
Charging stations that can easily be purchased through your Amazon accounts
This is not meant to be a review of any of the stations, but it does let you know what customers are thinking on Amazon for these products.
Plugin
• Very easy to install by mounting the station to the wall and plugging into a NEMA rated outlet (for the stations we show you below, usually a 6-50/14-50 outlet, I.E. connected to a 50 Amp dedicated circuit, but check specific manufactures instructions on required plug)
• Can unplug from the outlet take with you. Not a permanent fixture in nature and allows flexibility to be mobile when needed
• Not rated for the outdoors
• Costs a bit more to buy relative to hardwire station, (but your install can be less if you have an existing NEMA rated outlet)
Cord rests on top of unit, comes with connector holster
Yes
3 Years
20
24
Yes, Via Smartphone
40 Amp, 240 Volt
No
Higher power at 40 Amps; Voice control management via Alexa, charge scheduling/timing, energy metering, WiFi connectivity, notifications, smartphone app, etc.
• A permanent install, where you run the hardwire conduit right into the unit
• Can be slightly less to buy than a plugin station but usually a costlier installation
• Usually rated to be placed in an outdoor environment
Cord rests on top of unit, comes with connector holster
Yes
3 Years
21
24
Yes,
Via Smartphone
75 Amp, 240 Volt
No
High Power 75 Amp; Voice control management via Alexa, charge scheduling/timing, energy metering, WiFi connectivity, notifications, smartphone app, etc.
Free custom skin — over 600 designs or create your own, User-friendly, segmented LED display shows if the vehicle is charging and for how long it has charged
Austin Energy has a great rebate for putting in a home charger. Here are the details:
Austin Energy Home EVSE Rebate Details:
Who does the rebate apply to? Austin Energy Customers
How much? 50% of your costs, up to $1,500
What is covered? The purchase and installation of a Level 2, residential, 240 volt unit (personal parking spaces at apartments also qualify)
(See the bottom of this post for the link to the application)
With so many different chargers out there, the team here at EVSpace realized we need to make a basic product guide for the average consumer looking to buy a home EV charging station.
Here are two tables below – one for Hardwire stations and one for Plugin stations.
We curated this list with:
Some of the more common, main stream brands that have some reputation in the industry
Level 2, 30+ Amp home charging stations
Charging stations that can easily be purchased through your Amazon accounts
This is not meant to be a review of any of the stations, but it does let you know what customers are thinking on Amazon for these products.
Plugin
• Very easy to install by mounting the station to the wall and plugging into a NEMA rated outlet (for the stations we show you below, usually a 6-50/14-50 outlet, I.E. connected to a 50 Amp dedicated circuit, but check specific manufactures instructions on required plug)
• Can unplug from the outlet take with you. Not a permanent fixture in nature and allows flexibility to be mobile when needed
• Not rated for the outdoors
• Costs a bit more to buy relative to hardwire station, (but your install can be less if you have an existing NEMA rated outlet)
Cord rests on top of unit, comes with connector holster
Yes
3 Years
20
24
Yes, Via Smartphone
40 Amp, 240 Volt
No
Higher power at 40 Amps; Voice control management via Alexa, charge scheduling/timing, energy metering, WiFi connectivity, notifications, smartphone app, etc.
• A permanent install, where you run the hardwire conduit right into the unit
• Can be slightly less to buy than a plugin station but usually a costlier installation
• Usually rated to be placed in an outdoor environment
Cord rests on top of unit, comes with connector holster
Yes
3 Years
21
24
Yes,
Via Smartphone
75 Amp, 240 Volt
No
High Power 75 Amp; Voice control management via Alexa, charge scheduling/timing, energy metering, WiFi connectivity, notifications, smartphone app, etc.
Free custom skin — over 600 designs or create your own, User-friendly, segmented LED display shows if the vehicle is charging and for how long it has charged
There are a lot of companies making electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSEs) today. However few, if any, can claim to have been doing so as long as ClipperCreek. Formed in 2006, ClipperCreek products have been widely regarded as the industry standard for charging station quality and performance.
I’ve personally been using ClipperCreek home charging products since 2009 and have never had a single problem with any of the ClipperCreek EVSEs that I’ve used. You really can’t go wrong if you choose a ClipperCreek EVSE for your EV charging needs, but deciding which one to buy may not be an easy decision.
That’s because, similar to ChargePoint, ClipperCreek has a very large product line to choose from, with options including different cable lengths, hard-wired vs plug in units, and even different types of plugs. However don’t despair; the purpose of this article is to help you understand the differences, and allow you to choose the product that best fits your needs.
Model Type
First, you need to understand the method of naming that ClipperCreek uses. All their product names use the same method – three letters, a hyphen, and two numbers. Example: HCS-40.
The first three letters describe the product line and the two numbers explain the amount of power the unit can provide. The product lines are as follows:
ACS: Level 1 (120v) units that are hard wired. These are most appropriately used in places such as workplace charging, overnight airport parking lots, and other public places where the car will be parked for many hours at a time. That’s because level 1 EVSEs are low power units, and take very long to fully charge an electric vehicle. Example – ACS-20:
PCS: Level 1 (120v) units that plug into a regular household outlet. The PCS-15 is basically the same as the portable level 1 EVSE that comes as standard equipment with most electric cars today. This EVSE is most suitable for occasional use, or daily charging of plug-in hybrid electric cars. Because it is a low power EVSE, it may not be sufficient for daily recharging of fully electric cars, unless the owner doesn’t drive more than 40 or 50 miles per day. Example – PCS-15:
LCS: Level 2 (240v) units that can provide between 16 amps and 24 amps. While these provide more than double, and in some cases even more than triple the power of a level 1 EVSE, they are still considered low-power supply equipment as compared to most level 2, 240-volt charging stations. LCS units are smaller than the higher powered HCS line of EVSEs, and are better suited to be used as portable chargers for that reason. Example – LCS-20:
HCS: The HCS line of EVSEs are ClipperCreek most popular units. These are all 240 volt, Level 2 stations that can be ordered in power levels ranging from 24 amps to 48 amps. They are physically larger than the LCS line, and are made to be hung on the wall, whether they are the hard-wired or plug-in model. Example – HCS-40:
Power Designation
As mentioned above, all of the model names have the three letters (ACS, PCS, LCS & HCS) followed by a hyphen and two numbers. The numbers represent the amperage of the circuit you need to install the unit on. For instance, an HCS-40 means the unit needs to be installed on a 40 amp circuit and an LCS-20 requires a dedicated 20 amp circuit.
However, as per the National Electric Code, electrical devices can only draw a maximum of up to 80% of the rated circuit, so to figure out how many amps the unit will supply to a car, you need to multiply the number in the model name by .8. For instance, the HCS-40 will deliver a maximum 32 amps. (40 x .8 = 32). ClipperCreek lists the amperage the unit will deliver in the product description, but it’s good to understand how the product names are given and how to figure out the power delivery if you don’t have access to the company website.
Pluggable or Hard-Wired?
Many ClipperCreek products come in both hard-wired and plug-in versions. If the model name has a “P” at the end, then it is a plug-in model, for instance, the HCS-40P. If there isn’t a “P” after the circuit rating number in the model name, then it does not have a plug, and must be hard-wired and permanently installed in place. Some of the HSC models also offer two different plug options, a NEMA 6-50 or a NEMA 14-50. This is mainly because some customers already have a 240v outlet in their garage, and these are the two most popular 240v outlet configurations. By offering both, the customer won’t have to have the outlet changed to use the EVSE.
Cable Length
Unlike many of their competitors, ClipperCreek makes this part of buying an EVSE easy. Every unit they sell comes standard with the longest cable allowed by code, 25 feet. Most other EVSE manufacturers offer a shorter-length cable as standard equipment sometimes as short as only 15 feet, and charge extra for a 25 foot cable. This is important to know if you are cross-shopping products. A 25 foot cable allows you the flexibility to charge your vehicle from various positions that are further away from the EVSE unit.
Since ClipperCreek offers so many models to choose from it can seem a little confusing at first, and I’ve had many new EV owners ask me which one they should purchase. The truth is you need to figure out which unit best suits your needs. What is the maximum power your EV can accept? If you have a plug-in hybrid EV you can probably manage just fine charging on a level 1 low power EVSE, but if you have a large battery, long range full electric car than you probably want to get a higher powered level 2 unit. Having the ability to recharge your car quickly will greatly improve its utility. That said, the HSC-40 is the most popular model that ClipperCreek sells. It can deliver 32 amps which is the maximum that most electric cars made today can accept.
However, if you are the kind of person that wants to make sure they are future-proofed and have the additional money in the budget to spend, the HCS-50 is a good choice as it can deliver 40 amps and will fully recharge virtually any EV while charging overnight. It will also cost a more to install because you’ll have to use a heavier gauge wire (6 gauge instead of 8 gauge), but you won’t ever have to worry about needing to upgrade in the future.
Connectivity
ClipperCreek doesn’t offer an in-house solution for WiFi connectivity for their products. However they have partnered with eMotorWerks to use their JuiceNet network. Available for customers that want ClipperCreek HCS-40, their most popular model, eMotorWerks upgrades the unit so it has WiFi connectivity, and utilizes the JuiceNet network. This allows the customer to monitor their charging session in real time, stop a charging session, limit the power delivery and offers access to energy consumption for all previous charging sessions. This allows the user to monitor exactly how much it costs to charge their car. This option costs $100 and the unit can be ordered directly from the eMotorWerks website.
Summary
ClipperCreek has been manufacturing electric vehicle charging solutions for over a decade and they have been widely regarded as the industry benchmark for quality products. They use high grade materials and components, do all of their manufacturing in the USA, and offer the widest variety of electric vehicle charging equipment available. There is a product for every EV charging need, you just have to decide which model fits your needs and budget the best.
So you’re about to buy your first plug-in car and you’re a little confused about the whole “home charging” thing – what it means, what equipment you should buy, and how to install everything. Perhaps you even took the plunge and purchased your plug-in car without even realizing you may need to install home charging equipment for your vehicle. Not to worry, choosing a charging station (also known as “EVSE,” or “electric vehicle supply equipment”) for your home isn’t really all that difficult.
Decisions, Decisions
There are a lot of home charging stations available out there to consider, but the first thing you to do is decide if you even need to purchase one. Every battery electric vehicle (BEV) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) comes with a portable 120v, level 1 EVSE. Tesla vehicles come with a Universal Mobile Connector (UMC) which serves as a portable level 2 EVSE. It can charge on a single phase, 120v & 240v, or three-phase 208v electric supply. If you purchased a Tesla, the supplied UMC is all you need for charging at your home. Simply have an electrician install a NEMA 14-50 outlet where you want to charge the vehicle at your home and you’re all set.
It’s not quite as easy if you have an electric car from any of the other manufacturers. As mentioned above, every EV comes with a portable 120v, level 1 EVSE. These units will charge your vehicle from a regular household outlet. However, since they only accept 120 volts, the amount of power they deliver is very low. A typical EV will charge at a rate of about 4 miles per hour while using a 120v portable EVSE. Therefore, even if you charge the vehicle overnight, you may only replenish 30 to 40 miles of range.
If you have a PHEV, that may be all you need. PHEVs have smaller batteries than BEVs, since they also have gasoline engines to provide additional range once the battery is exhausted. Many PHEV owners choose to use the level 1, 120v portable EVSE as their daily charger. If that suits your needs then that’s fine, but consider this first:
Have an electrician inspect the home outlet and circuit you’ll be plugging the 120v EVSE into. Often, especially on older homes, outlets in the garage don’t get much use and can be exposed to humidity, dust and other contaminants. The connections may be loose from years of use, and aren’t ready to be used for many hours every day, now under a high load. In most cases, the electrician will just inspect it and tighten the connections. It’s only a couple dollars for a new receptacle so you might as well ask them to replace it while they are there – that way, you know it’s new and ready for the task of daily home charging.
However it you have a BEV, or a PHEV with a larger battery, you will most likely opt to install a level 2, 240v EVSE. These units will charge your car up to six times as fast as the 120v level 1 portable EVSE will, depending on how robust your car’s onboard charging equipment is. Remember the actual charger is built into the car and that is what dictates how much electricity the vehicle will accept. The EVSE is simply a device to safely deliver the electricity to the car. When you plug the car in, the car communicates with the EVSE, asking it how much electricity it can deliver. Then the car calls for the most electricity it can accept, and the EVSE can safely deliver that amount.
Deciding which level 2 EVSE is the right one for you will depend on a couple things:
There are level 2 EVSEs that cost as little as $300 and some that cost as much as $2,000 and the more expensive one’s aren’t necessarily better.
There are features like WiFi connectivity that some of the newer EVSEs offer. This allows the owner to track their electricity use, remotely see how much energy the vehicle is taking, and calculate the real cost to charge the car.
Hardwired, or pluggable? Many EVSEs come in a hardwired version and a pluggable one. The hardwired units are permanently installed in your home and the pluggable units plug into a 240v outlet, just like an electric clothes dryer or range. The benefit of having a pluggable EVSE is you can take it to other locations like a summer home or a relatives house and plug it in there provided they have a 240v outlet to use
Some level 2 EVSE accept only 16 amps, while others can accept up to 80 amps. You need to check how many amps your car can accept to match it with an EVSE that can deliver at least as much. You should also keep in mind your next plugin car may accept more amps, so it’s prudent to consider installing one that will future-proof your garage. We at EVSpace believe that an EVSE that can deliver 40 amps is a good balance between cost and delivering the high power for larger battery electric cars.
Installation Cost. The cost to install a level 2 EVSE can be as little as a couple hundred dollars and as much as several thousand dollars. It all depends on your electric service and the location of where you want the EVSE installed. That’s why, before you even buy a level 2 EVSE, it’s probably based to have a professional inspection of your home’s electrical capabilities (see below).
Inspect, Then Connect!
We’ll finish up with the first thing you should do if you want to buy a level 2 EVSE, and that’s have a licensed electrician inspect your home.
Any level 2 EVSE that you purchase will require a dedicated 240v circuit of at least 20 amps. Most common EVSEs require a 40 amp dedicated circuit, and if you wanted to install a 40 amp EVSE, than you’ll need a 50 amp circuit. That’s because as per the electric code, the device cannot draw more than 80% of the circuit. This is for safety, so that the wiring and outlet doesn’t overheat and possibly cause a fire.
Some older homes don’t have the extra, unused capacity in their service panel to add the new circuit for the EVSE. If that’s the case, the owner needs to upgrade their service that can cost a few thousand dollars. If there is room, then there’s no problem, but you should know this before you buy the EVSE, or the electric car, for that matter.
So plan ahead, have a home inspection by a licensed electrician and you’ll know exactly what you’re in for before you get your electric car.
Next, be sure to check out our article detailing what to consider once deciding to purchase a home charging station (EVSE).
When Chevrolet held their concept debut of the Bolt at the 2015 North American International Auto Show, they had unveiled what was at the time the prospect of the first long range, all-electric vehicle aimed at mass production for the consumer class. EVs by in large had been far beyond my realm of enthusiasm – I was not in the market, both financially and passionately, for a Tesla, and the Nissan Leaf had diagnosed me with range anxiety when it came to the thought of driving a car powered solely by electricity from my home.
However, Chevy introduced a new intrigue into a new product, and also trailblazed an industry concept that would soon follow suit by other vehicle manufacturers: the idea of an all-electric-from-the-ground-up vehicle, advanced enough to go beyond 200 miles on a full tank, but affordable enough to market to the general masses. No longer did I see electric vehicles as a car of luxury, and no longer did I associate it to the notion of range limited, power restricted mobility. Of course, the development of the Bolt only marks the beginning in a line of committed all-electric long rangers: the Tesla Model 3, which comes out in 2018, and Ford’s first concept of a hundred-percent all-electric vehicle with a range of 250 – 300 miles, to be released in a few years.
It’s for these very reasons that I invested in purchasing a Bolt:
• Power: a 230 mile full range on a full electric charge, via a 60 KwH battery.
• Price: a tag of less than $38,000 (excluding rebates).
• Popularity: as a mass marketed EV, I could see Chevy geared at also developing a vehicle infrastructure focused on user control and experience.
From my research and eventual purchase, it’s clear that Chevy wanted Bolt owners to have full monitoring of their Bolt’s charging capabilities and status. With level 1 charging, Chevy has stated that the Bolt will gain about 4 miles per hour of charge; with faster 240v level 2 charging, the Bolt will gain about 25 miles per hour of charge; and with the super DC-fast charging (often mistakenly called level 3), and Bolt can gain upwards of 180 miles of range in an hour of charging.
The Bolt’s sleek interior specifications summarize this intake:
1. The Bolt dashscreen provides energy use details since the car’s last full charge, such as the total amount of energy used in KwH (and through what means), the amount of distance traveled, and the consumption average of energy at each mile.
2. The Bolt dashscreen also allows for a visualization of the car’s battery monitor
3. The dashboard behind the steering wheel presents the driver with a view of their EV range remaining, based on battery level
In addition, the myChevrolet mobile app allows me to remote start meBolt, monitor charge status of the battery, and view vehicle diagnostics (such as tire pressure) at any time.
With the development of the Bolt, Chevrolet has emerged as an early leader in mobility technology, in an industry that’s very much as well in its own early stages of advancement. We hope you utilize EVSpace to research not only the Bolt in the framework of all EVs on the market, but the many charging solutions, both products and installation services, that are also currently available to all EVs. We believe the Chevrolet Bolt is the beginning of a new type of mass market approach to EV consumption, and we hope to help you navigate the growing EV industry as a result of this new forefront in technology.
For those getting their first plug in car, the decision of which home charging station (EVSE) to purchase can be a daunting one. There are so many brands, options and power levels to choose from that the first-time buyer can easily become overwhelmed. The good news is that the EVSE market is beginning to mature and there are a few company brands (networks) that are emerging as industry leaders, offering high quality products at competitive prices.
One such company is ChargePoint. Although ChargePoint is more well known for their commercial charging products, they are quickly becoming one of the largest suppliers of home EVSEs as well. Let’s say, after doing some research, you’ve decided that you’re going to buy a ChargePoint Home EVSE. The next question is: “Which configuration is the right one for me?”
Hardwire vs. Plug In
The first decision to make is whether you want the EVSE to be hardwired (permanent installation attached to the wall) or do you want it to plug in (and thus be portable). That answer can be made for you if you plan to install the unit outdoors because the plug in version is not rated for outdoor use. Assuming you are installing it indoors, the reasons you may want the plug in version are as follows:
1) Relocation. If you’re planning on moving, you just unplug it and take it with you. There’s no need to call an electrician to disconnect it.
2) Ease of install. You simply need to have an electrician install a NEMA 6-20 or NEMA 6-50 outlet in the garage, depending on which home product you choose. You then simply hang the station on the wall and plug it in.
3) Portability. You can take it with you and use it at various locations, as long as there is the appropriate plug available. Some people who have summer or winter homes will install the outlet there, and take the plug-in EVSE with them when they visit. This saves the expense of having to buy two EVSEs
One thing to consider is although the price of the permanently-installed hardwired EVSE may be less than the cost of the pluggable unit, installation may cost more, so in many instances a pluggable unit can make sense.
Amperage
The next consideration is the power level. ChargePoint offers 32 amp and 16 amp versions of the Home EVSE, with the former supplying double the power as the latter. The 32 amp unit can supply up to 7.7 kW to the vehicle and the 16 amp version can supply up to 3.8 kW. It’s important to know what power your car can accept, so you can match that with the EVSE you purchase. For instance, a Chevy Volt can only accept up to 3.6 kW yet a Chevy Bolt can take up to 7.2 kW. So make sure you know what your EV is capable of accepting before purchasing an EVSE.
It’s important to note that you won’t damage the car by using an EVSE that can supply more power than the car can accept. That’s because the car always dictates how much power it gets, not the EVSE. When you plug in your EV, there is a communication process where the EVSE tells the car how much power it can deliver, and then the car basically says to the EVSE, “OK, we’re compatible, I’ll take x-amount of kW.”
This communication process ensures the connection is safe, and that the car gets the right amount of power. Another thing to consider is even though your EV today may only be able to accept 3.6 kW, your next EV may accept more. For that reason, we urge consumers to consider an EVSE that accepts no less than 30 amps. This will help to future proof your garage. Of course, there are financial considerations and the higher-powered units do cost a little more. Another consideration may be that your home’s electrical supply cannot support a higher amperage unit. Some older homes have less available circuits in their service panel, and it’s possible they simply cannot add the 40 amp, dedicated circuit necessary for the ChargePoint Home 32 amp EVSE. Always have a licensed electrician inspect your electric service before purchasing an EVSE, just to be sure you have the extra unused electrical capacity to add whichever device you choose.
Cable Length
Once you’ve decided whether to buy a plug-in or hard-wired version, as well as what level of power you want, the final decision is the how long of a cable you need. The 16 amp versions only come bundled with a 12 foot cable, although you can special order a longer cable. However, the 32 amp units have the option of either the 18 foot cable or the 25 foot cable. The 25 foot cable adds $50.00 to the cost. When deciding which cable length to order, you need to know where the EVSE is going to be located, and then measure how far it is to the charging port of your car in any parking spot you may use. Don’t forget to consider the location of the charging port on your vehicle and the fact that future EVs may have the port at a different location. If the 18 foot cable cannot reach most places you may park than it may be advisable to consider getting the 25 foot cable. A 25 foot cable should be able to reach just about any corner of any garage if it is properly located.
All of ChargePoint’s products are high quality and UL listed. ChargePoint has been a leader in the electric vehicle charging industry since 2010 so whichever ChargePoint Home unit you choose, you can do so with the confidence that you’ve made a smart decision. Another benefit of choosing a ChargePoint Home EVSE is the fact that it is a “smart EVSE.” Unlike most of their competitors, all of ChargePoint’s EVSE’s are WiFi connected, allowing the owner to access the ChargePoint Network monitoring portal. This allows the user to see, in real time, the power that is being delivered to the vehicle, and it also stores the electric usage so you can monitor how much energy the car is using and how much it costs to charge based on your local electricity rates.
The graph below depicts the cost of the various configurations available for the ChargePoint Home EVSE
