Home L2 Charging: 40A versus 48A

[rinsmars]

I recently purchased a ChargePoint Home Flex with a NEMA 6-50 plug at list price. NEMA 14-50 model is out of stock in most places, delayed shipping and costing more.

Anyway, I'm torn between hardwire install with 240V/48A supply/60A Breaker (estimated range per hour of 36 miles) and plug-install with 240V/40A supply/50A Breaker (estimated range per hour of 30 miles). Would appreciate hearing from owners who have one of the 40A or 48A setups (doesn't have to be a ChargePoint EVSE) with their pros and cons. My chosen electrician has quoted $150 difference between hardwire and plug install; not enough to sway me one way or another; wire-run of 35 feet from breaker panel. I plan to carry the Ford-supplied EVSE w/cables in my frunk as I know the NEMA 14-50 plug is more prevalent across the country.

Thanks for any input you provide!

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[RickMachE]

Well, the difference, is, um, 20% more charge per hour.

48/40 = 1.2, i.e. 20% more.

If you install an outlet, what else will you use it for? Not the mobile charger, because you're not putting in the right plug. So what's gained by putting in an outlet?

As to cost, can't imagine why there's a $150 price difference.

Rarely do you need any more than 32amps. But, come home empty from a trip, and need to go back out, and you'll appreciate that extra 8 amps of charging capability.

https://www.chargepoint.com/drivers/home/chargepoint-home-flex

 

[Fordmaybe]

I did hardwire with 60 amp. Not that I need it today but add in another EV it’s possible that would need a little fast to swich over before bedtime

 

[SnBGC]

I would hardwire it on the appropriate 60A circuit and then tell the unit it is on a 40A breaker so it charges at 32A. Less thermal issues at 32A..

 

[rinsmars]

$150 cost difference is labor and cost of 4AWG wire vs. 6AWG

 

[Nklem]

I charge with 32 Amps and 24 amps. I have to upgrade wires to the Ford Connected charger to get 48. but assuming an 88 KW battery from 20% to 90%. 61.6 KWh and 10% for charger losses, that‘s 68 KW. 32A=8.85 hours, 40A=7 hours, 48A=5.9 hours. Your choice.

 

[RickMachE]

$150 cost difference is labor and cost of 4AWG wire vs. 6AWG

Ah, you implied it was the connections being made.

I would future proof and go with the higher capacity. That's what I did. I may add a Ford Lightning into the picture.

 

[dmastro]

The cost is nothing, especially over the long term. Why wouldn't you wire for higher capacity and charge a bit faster? As mentioned, you'll be prepared for other EVs with higher draws.

I put in a 60AMP / 48AMP draw Tesla charger and don't for a moment regret wiring to the highest capacity.

 

[RMoore]

I went back and forth on this issue as well and agree with hardwiring which is what I will have our electrician do. The cost difference isn’t that high (in my case it won’t matter since the higher cost is still below my power company’s subsidy). The only other downside, and this is minor, is that if for some reason the unit is defective and needs to be swapped, you’ll need to have the electrician do that unless you are comfortable doing it yourself. But I suspect that’s an unlikely event.

 

[Blue highway]

Go with the 60A 4Ga service. Small difference in cost, big difference in safety margin at your current charging needs and potentially some futureproofing. Your next EV will thank you.

 

[Mr. Toejam]

Go big! You may have 2 EVs in the future. Add a splitter and you can 2 cars from one outlet at decent rates

 

[Fordmaybe]

4 ga will not work with that unit

 

[generaltso]

You can use 6AWG with a 60A circuit. If you run 4AWG, you’re going to have to reduce it to get it to fit into the ChargePoint.

 

[robbinbadams]

4 ga will not work with that unit

You really don’t need 4 gauge to run at 48 amps. 6 gauge is ok up to 65amps which you will not approach. The Mach e will only take 10.5kw on the level 2 charger. That means the max current it will take at 240v is 43.75amps.

 

[Aye Aye Ron]

You can use 6AWG with a 60A circuit. If you run 4AWG, you’re going to have to reduce it to get it to fit into the ChargePoint.

Hey Guys if you do have to reduce a wire to get it to fit, use a ferrule to do this as giving the wire a 'haircut' to get it to fit can lead to really bad issues!

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