Multiple Home Chargers

[Elmn8r]

Been lurking here a bit trying to learn as much as I can about the EV life and this forum has been a great resource. Never had an EV but currently have a GTPE that is scheduled to be built next week. I’ve also reserved the new EV Lightning and intend to purchase it as soon as they release it.

So I will have two EV’s that will need charging at home and I’m noodling thru my options. I intend to install the hard-wired version(s) of a charger to take advantage of 48 amp charging. I have an electrical contractor that I trust to do the install(s) as well. And finally, I have a big enough panel in the garage to handle two additional 60amp circuits if needed.

That’s the background. As I see it, the options I have are to install one charger and share with the two vehicles. Not a horrible scenario given the 48amp charge times, but I’d really like the convenience of not having to remember to swap the charger to the other vehicle and certainly don’t want to get up in the middle of the night to switch(taking advantage of the cheaper power rates of course).

Another option is to leverage the power sharing feature of the Juicebox 48’s. Run one circuit for both and let the chargers handle the load between the two. This seems ideal to me. BUT, in doing my research on which chargers to install, I really like the ChargePoint Home Flex better than than the Juicebox.

I don’t suppose anyone has any inside information about ChargePoint adding the power sharing capability?

Of course if I must have the ChargePoint as is, I can always run two circuits, one for each.

Ok, given all that, what am I missing? Other options/learnings/experiences on running two chargers?

One other note. With the Lightning’s capability to provide backup power to the house, anyone have insights into what has to be done electrically(admittedly I’ve done very little research on this to date. Just thought I’d ask) to the house to provide for that? Might as well have the electrician take care of that too while he’s doing the install

Finally, I don’t really want this to turn into a discussion about installing outlets buying other chargers or not using the provided Ford mobile charger. I’m pretty set on installing hard wired.

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[hybrid2bev]

Been lurking here a bit trying to learn as much as I can about the EV life and this forum has been a great resource. Never had an EV but currently have a GTPE that is scheduled to be built next week. I’ve also reserved the new EV Lightning and intend to purchase it as soon as they release it.

So I will have two EV’s that will need charging at home and I’m noodling thru my options. I intend to install the hard-wired version(s) of a charger to take advantage of 48 amp charging. I have an electrical contractor that I trust to do the install(s) as well. And finally, I have a big enough panel in the garage to handle two additional 60amp circuits if needed.

That’s the background. As I see it, the options I have are to install one charger and share with the two vehicles. Not a horrible scenario given the 48amp charge times, but I’d really like the convenience of not having to remember to swap the charger to the other vehicle and certainly don’t want to get up in the middle of the night to switch(taking advantage of the cheaper power rates of course).

Another option is to leverage the power sharing feature of the Juicebox 48’s. Run one circuit for both and let the chargers handle the load between the two. This seems ideal to me. BUT, in doing my research on which chargers to install, I really like the ChargePoint Home Flex better than than the Juicebox.

I don’t suppose anyone has any inside information about ChargePoint adding the power sharing capability?

Of course if I must have the ChargePoint as is, I can always run two circuits, one for each.

Ok, given all that, what am I missing? Other options/learnings/experiences on running two chargers?

One other note. With the Lightning’s capability to provide backup power to the house, anyone have insights into what has to be done electrically(admittedly I’ve done very little research on this to date. Just thought I’d ask) to the house to provide for that? Might as well have the electrician take care of that too while he’s doing the install

Finally, I don’t really want this to turn into a discussion about installing outlets buying other chargers or not using the provided Ford mobile charger. I’m pretty set on installing hard wired.

Ford has teamed up with Sunrun to make vehicle-to-home (V2H) technology available to people who buy an F-150 Lightning electric pickup truck. In a press announcement, Sunrun says it will “facilitate easy installation of the 80-amp Ford Charge Station Pro and home integration system.”

The home hookup is made possible by the 80 amp Ford Charge Station Pro, which is standard with the long-range version of the truck and optional with the standard range vehicle.


https://cleantechnica.com/2021/05/3...to-make-v2h-technology-a-reality-is-v2g-next/

 

[RickMachE]

The Lightning will require an 80 amp circuit, with a 100 amp breaker, for bidirectional flow. And a transfer switch. And... no one really knows what else it will need.

Have you tried to buy any chargers? You won't find any 48 or 50 amp chargers... ChargePoint Flex buying page below:

 

[hybrid2bev]

The Lightning will require an 80 amp circuit, with a 100 amp breaker, for bidirectional flow. And a transfer switch. And... no one really knows what else it will need.

You'll need an inverter too. To change the DC battery power back to AC for your house to use.

 

[Mach-Lee]

So I would maybe wait for more info on the Lightning, there will be a new 80 amp charger that supports bi-directional power transfer. This would require it's own 100 amp breaker presumably if you wanted to use that. Other hardware may be required too, hard to get details but I'm predicting there will be some kind of inverter/transfer switch box you'll have to install by your main panel with it.

The truck being larger is going to take more power to charge, so I'd definitely want the full 48 amps available at a minimum. If you only drive one of the vehicles per day, then the shared circuit can work, but if they both get driven (e.g. you and your wife) then you probably want two circuits unless you drive like 25 miles or less per day.

So up to you what you want to do, I'd tell the electrician to install the 60A circuit with plans for either sharing it or for a second 100A circuit. Now if you have less than 200A service you might not be able to have two car charger circuits without overloading. Buying a power-sharing EVSE would be a wise choice.

 

[ChasingCoral]

Been lurking here a bit trying to learn as much as I can about the EV life and this forum has been a great resource. Never had an EV but currently have a GTPE that is scheduled to be built next week. I’ve also reserved the new EV Lightning and intend to purchase it as soon as they release it.

So I will have two EV’s that will need charging at home and I’m noodling thru my options. I intend to install the hard-wired version(s) of a charger to take advantage of 48 amp charging. I have an electrical contractor that I trust to do the install(s) as well. And finally, I have a big enough panel in the garage to handle two additional 60amp circuits if needed.

That’s the background. As I see it, the options I have are to install one charger and share with the two vehicles. Not a horrible scenario given the 48amp charge times, but I’d really like the convenience of not having to remember to swap the charger to the other vehicle and certainly don’t want to get up in the middle of the night to switch(taking advantage of the cheaper power rates of course).

Another option is to leverage the power sharing feature of the Juicebox 48’s. Run one circuit for both and let the chargers handle the load between the two. This seems ideal to me. BUT, in doing my research on which chargers to install, I really like the ChargePoint Home Flex better than than the Juicebox.

I don’t suppose anyone has any inside information about ChargePoint adding the power sharing capability?

Of course if I must have the ChargePoint as is, I can always run two circuits, one for each.

Ok, given all that, what am I missing? Other options/learnings/experiences on running two chargers?

One other note. With the Lightning’s capability to provide backup power to the house, anyone have insights into what has to be done electrically(admittedly I’ve done very little research on this to date. Just thought I’d ask) to the house to provide for that? Might as well have the electrician take care of that too while he’s doing the install

Finally, I don’t really want this to turn into a discussion about installing outlets buying other chargers or not using the provided Ford mobile charger. I’m pretty set on installing hard wired.

The Charge Station Pro that will run your house off the Lighting is a 80A charger, requiring a 100A circuit. Since you are planning to have both I encourage you to plan to install a 100A circuit but for now just install a circuit with a NEMA 14-50 outlet. Use the Ford Mobile Charger that comes with the GTPE for now and then make long-term installations once you get the Lightning.

 

[Motomax]

You'll need an inverter too. To change the DC battery power back to AC for your house to use.

Also need an automatic disconnect so you don’t back feed to the grid.
Im assuming this is where sunrun comes in. It’s basically a home battery setup minus the home battery. Plus they will sell you solar at the same time haha.

 

[ChasingCoral]

Also need an automatic disconnect so you don’t back feed to the grid.
Im assuming this is where sunrun comes in. It’s basically a home battery setup minus the home battery. Plus they will sell you solar at the same time haha.

Correct but you won't need any of that until the Lightning arrives.

 

[SnBGC]

Been lurking here a bit trying to learn as much as I can about the EV life and this forum has been a great resource. Never had an EV but currently have a GTPE that is scheduled to be built next week. I’ve also reserved the new EV Lightning and intend to purchase it as soon as they release it.

So I will have two EV’s that will need charging at home and I’m noodling thru my options. I intend to install the hard-wired version(s) of a charger to take advantage of 48 amp charging. I have an electrical contractor that I trust to do the install(s) as well. And finally, I have a big enough panel in the garage to handle two additional 60amp circuits if needed.

That’s the background. As I see it, the options I have are to install one charger and share with the two vehicles. Not a horrible scenario given the 48amp charge times, but I’d really like the convenience of not having to remember to swap the charger to the other vehicle and certainly don’t want to get up in the middle of the night to switch(taking advantage of the cheaper power rates of course).

Another option is to leverage the power sharing feature of the Juicebox 48’s. Run one circuit for both and let the chargers handle the load between the two. This seems ideal to me. BUT, in doing my research on which chargers to install, I really like the ChargePoint Home Flex better than than the Juicebox.

I don’t suppose anyone has any inside information about ChargePoint adding the power sharing capability?

Of course if I must have the ChargePoint as is, I can always run two circuits, one for each.

Ok, given all that, what am I missing? Other options/learnings/experiences on running two chargers?

One other note. With the Lightning’s capability to provide backup power to the house, anyone have insights into what has to be done electrically(admittedly I’ve done very little research on this to date. Just thought I’d ask) to the house to provide for that? Might as well have the electrician take care of that too while he’s doing the install

Finally, I don’t really want this to turn into a discussion about installing outlets buying other chargers or not using the provided Ford mobile charger. I’m pretty set on installing hard wired.

I believe the ChargePoint Home Flex is able to power share because they are identical to their CPF50 (Fleet/multi-family) model. However, the CPF50 has another gateway box that connects to their cloud via cellular service which the owner has to pay a subscription fee to use. The power sharing is set up and managed in the cloud for the CPF50 (which is different compared to their CT4000 models which power share at the device itself).

So, CP isn't going to power share at your home in a practical way.

Juicebox has a good system and is your next best choice IMO. However, I do not know how easy it is to adjust the amp setting on the fly with that unit. Maybe someone else here has a JB and can help out here. If you can set it for 32A and use that most times then your Mach-E will be happier. For those rare times where you need faster charging then look for a unit that allows for easy and quick adjustments. If the JB makes it easy to change then that sounds like a great solution.

The ChargePoint Home Flex is not easy to change. It takes about 2-3 minutes to do with the app. Possible but not as convenient as it could be. Maybe that will change with an upcoming app release (hint-hint, wink-wink).

I know you didn't ask about other choices but I will tell you anyway.
The Wallbox Pulsar Plus has a 48A on the market. Not sure if they are shipping yet and if not it will be very soon. Those power share and I like their method better than CP or JB because you connect them with a data wire (CAT5 wire will work fine) and some dip switches settings in the box. They connect to your WiFi like the other brands but the power share is controlled at the device so it is super safe IMO. Their charge cord is very long....almost too long but for multiple vehicles at home the long cord will come in handy. Their app is super easy to change amp rates....just like the Webasto (Ford connected unit). That is a slider and the Wallbox is a dial but they work the same way pretty much.

The wallbox is in a black case and doesn't like direct exposure to the sun. If you need the EVSE out in the direct sun then ChargePoint is the best choice. If you have shade or shelter then the Wallbox will be okay.
Juicebox does okay in the heat. Much better than WB but not as robust as CP.

Not sure on the VTH set up. I think you need a sub panel at home that is able to switch power for emergency use with the Lighning. Probably the same as when a back-up generator is set up at home.

 

[ChasingCoral]

Been lurking here a bit trying to learn as much as I can about the EV life and this forum has been a great resource. Never had an EV but currently have a GTPE that is scheduled to be built next week. I’ve also reserved the new EV Lightning and intend to purchase it as soon as they release it.

So I will have two EV’s that will need charging at home and I’m noodling thru my options. I intend to install the hard-wired version(s) of a charger to take advantage of 48 amp charging. I have an electrical contractor that I trust to do the install(s) as well. And finally, I have a big enough panel in the garage to handle two additional 60amp circuits if needed.

That’s the background. As I see it, the options I have are to install one charger and share with the two vehicles. Not a horrible scenario given the 48amp charge times, but I’d really like the convenience of not having to remember to swap the charger to the other vehicle and certainly don’t want to get up in the middle of the night to switch(taking advantage of the cheaper power rates of course).

Another option is to leverage the power sharing feature of the Juicebox 48’s. Run one circuit for both and let the chargers handle the load between the two. This seems ideal to me. BUT, in doing my research on which chargers to install, I really like the ChargePoint Home Flex better than than the Juicebox.

I don’t suppose anyone has any inside information about ChargePoint adding the power sharing capability?

Of course if I must have the ChargePoint as is, I can always run two circuits, one for each.

Ok, given all that, what am I missing? Other options/learnings/experiences on running two chargers?

One other note. With the Lightning’s capability to provide backup power to the house, anyone have insights into what has to be done electrically(admittedly I’ve done very little research on this to date. Just thought I’d ask) to the house to provide for that? Might as well have the electrician take care of that too while he’s doing the install

Finally, I don’t really want this to turn into a discussion about installing outlets buying other chargers or not using the provided Ford mobile charger. I’m pretty set on installing hard wired.

Keep in mind that the Lightning has dual chargers. While the Mach E can only handle a 48A charger, the Lightning charger is almost twice that fast, so using a 48A charger on the Lightning will charge at half speed and won't provide backup power.

 

[methorian]

Been lurking here a bit trying to learn as much as I can about the EV life and this forum has been a great resource. Never had an EV but currently have a GTPE that is scheduled to be built next week. I’ve also reserved the new EV Lightning and intend to purchase it as soon as they release it.

So I will have two EV’s that will need charging at home and I’m noodling thru my options. I intend to install the hard-wired version(s) of a charger to take advantage of 48 amp charging. I have an electrical contractor that I trust to do the install(s) as well. And finally, I have a big enough panel in the garage to handle two additional 60amp circuits if needed.

That’s the background. As I see it, the options I have are to install one charger and share with the two vehicles. Not a horrible scenario given the 48amp charge times, but I’d really like the convenience of not having to remember to swap the charger to the other vehicle and certainly don’t want to get up in the middle of the night to switch(taking advantage of the cheaper power rates of course).

Another option is to leverage the power sharing feature of the Juicebox 48’s. Run one circuit for both and let the chargers handle the load between the two. This seems ideal to me. BUT, in doing my research on which chargers to install, I really like the ChargePoint Home Flex better than than the Juicebox.

I don’t suppose anyone has any inside information about ChargePoint adding the power sharing capability?

Of course if I must have the ChargePoint as is, I can always run two circuits, one for each.

Ok, given all that, what am I missing? Other options/learnings/experiences on running two chargers?

One other note. With the Lightning’s capability to provide backup power to the house, anyone have insights into what has to be done electrically(admittedly I’ve done very little research on this to date. Just thought I’d ask) to the house to provide for that? Might as well have the electrician take care of that too while he’s doing the install

Finally, I don’t really want this to turn into a discussion about installing outlets buying other chargers or not using the provided Ford mobile charger. I’m pretty set on installing hard wired.

Others have chimed in with the Lightning requirements/differences (for Bi-directional).

Just wanted to chime in that for Power Sharing, I highly recommend the Wallbox Pulsar Plus. I have had two installed since February and they work great!

Plus it seems they are actually in stock.

https://wallbox.com/en_us/pulsar-plus-48a

 

[SnBGC]

Others have chimed in with the Lightning requirements/differences (for Bi-directional).

Just wanted to chime in that for Power Sharing, I highly recommend the Wallbox Pulsar Plus. I have had two installed since February and they work great!

Plus it seems they are actually in stock.

https://wallbox.com/en_us/pulsar-plus-48a

Plus their app works pretty good, they have a long cord and the J1772 connector is premium grade and it can lock into the unit.
They don't like temps over 120 degrees though. Something to keep in mind....

Do you have a screen grab of the amp setting screen? It's pretty cool....

EDIT: I found my screen capture.

 

[RickMachE]

The JuiceBox 48 is very easy to change amps. Simply open settings and type in any number. I went from 48 to 32.

 

[SnBGC]

The JuiceBox 48 is very easy to change amps. Simply open settings and type in any number. I went from 48 to 32.

Cool. Thanks!
Screen shot?

 

[shutterbug]

I believe the ChargePoint Home Flex is able to power share because they are identical to their CPF50 (Fleet/multi-family) model. However, the CPF50 has another gateway box that connects to their cloud via cellular service which the owner has to pay a subscription fee to use. The power sharing is set up and managed in the cloud for the CPF50 (which is different compared to their CT4000 models which power share at the device itself).

I don't think you can power share ChargePoint Home Flex. It's app only allows for a single charger. So if you had 2 of them you'd have to set up 2 different accounts on 2 different cell phones.

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