EV Charger Installation Anxiety

[carguy55]

I hope I'm not duplicating another thread, but I have a question that may stop me from leasing a 2025 MME next week due to "charger installation anxiety". I have an almost fully populated 100-amp box that likely dates back to 1990. I'm hoping that an unused 30-amp dryer circuit can be used (perhaps with upgraded wiring) to power an EV charger throttled to a 24-amp output. Has anyone had a situation like this handled successfully under the Ford Power Promise/QMerit program? I don't really want to invest in a major rewiring of my house, but I need to be able to do some L2 charging at home as the EV charging infrastructure near me is lacking. Has anyone been able to get the Ford-provided Charge Station Pro installed by a QMerit contractor limited to provide 24-amp charging on an existing unused 30-amp circuit breaker?

Thanks,
CarGuy55

Sponsored

 

[iam-s-Hon]

I can’t speak to the install. But depending on your daily driving habits, distance and turnaround needs it’s possible to get by maxing out at 24 amps. I rarely need more; maybe returning from a road trip or a weekend of regional driving. I can usually get enough back overnight for the next drive and get to 90% the next day. Fwiw, I WFH and also charge some during sunny days using solar.

 

[carguy55]

I am retired, so I don't have an intense daily commute. However, I do need more capability than an L1 charger can provide for my usual forays (especially during the Michigan winters). I believe a 24-amp charger would do the job for me, but I also want to be able to get at least some benefit from the Ford Power Promise. I'm just hoping someone on this forum has travelled this road with the "Promise" before...

Enjoy,
CarGuy55

 

[Draco]

You will be more than fine. I run two EVs (Mach E and a Mini Countryman) on a single ChargePoint EVSE on a 48 amp circuit that I down rate to 30 amps - less heat and stress on my breaker box- never had either car come up short of a needed charge.

 

[JohnFoxeSheets]

I have a similarly packed 100 amp panel and while my installation pre-dates Ford's Promise program, I doubt you'll have any issues. If you do, get an electrician of your own. You'll love the car and wonder why you didn't got EV sooner! And yeah, if 24A charging is "all" you can get within Ford's program, no biggie - you'll be fine. (I have a 48A EVSE but honestly I rarely need that speed (I'm retired too.) Good luck and enjoy the car!

 

[Maquis]

Get a quote from a qualified, licensed electrician. They can do a load calculation and determine how big of an L2 that your service can power.

 

[davegram]

I hope I'm not duplicating another thread, but I have a question that may stop me from leasing a 2025 MME next week due to "charger installation anxiety". I have an almost fully populated 100-amp box that likely dates back to 1990. I'm hoping that an unused 30-amp dryer circuit can be used (perhaps with upgraded wiring) to power an EV charger throttled to a 24-amp output. Has anyone had a situation like this handled successfully under the Ford Power Promise/QMerit program? I don't really want to invest in a major rewiring of my house, but I need to be able to do some L2 charging at home as the EV charging infrastructure near me is lacking. Has anyone been able to get the Ford-provided Charge Station Pro installed by a QMerit contractor limited to provide 24-amp charging on an existing unused 30-amp circuit breaker?

Thanks,
CarGuy55

I used Qmerit to do my install recently. The only final answer on what you'll need to have happen will come from the contractors who give you a quote on behalf of Qmerit. You can start that process without giving the work a green light. I would consider reaching out to Qmerit before you purchase and having them connect you with the local third party contractor assigned. Get the job assessment from them. They will give you a quote. Remember that you can always turn down their quote and request a different contractor provide a quote. That way you know with certainty whether you can get by with your existing panel before proceeding.

 

[zvez]

I am retired, so I don't have an intense daily commute. However, I do need more capability than an L1 charger can provide for my usual forays (especially during the Michigan winters). I believe a 24-amp charger would do the job for me, but I also want to be able to get at least some benefit from the Ford Power Promise. I'm just hoping someone on this forum has travelled this road with the "Promise" before...

Enjoy,
CarGuy55

have you considered just using a 120v charger? It gives you around 3 mph charge rate.

 

[dalola]

I agree with Dave, in your case, you may be better off having the work done with a local electrician, and take the PP credit.

Of course, everyone's situation is different, but I think, in general, people over-emphasize the speed of L2 charging at home. I rededicated a 20A 240V circuit for my Emporium, and charge at 16A, getting about 15 miles of range per hour. My wife's commute is generally under 100 miles a day. It sounds like you will be just fine using your existing 30A circuit.

 

[RickMachE]

A Ford Charge Station Pro can easily be set to 24amps via the internal switches. The real question is whether your dryer wiring is good for a sustained 30amp load. Not a code guru, but the outlet needs to clearly be marked as "Max 24amps" if it's a 14-50 outlet that gets installed.

 

[david_quick]

I hope I'm not duplicating another thread, but I have a question that may stop me from leasing a 2025 MME next week due to "charger installation anxiety". I have an almost fully populated 100-amp box that likely dates back to 1990. I'm hoping that an unused 30-amp dryer circuit can be used (perhaps with upgraded wiring) to power an EV charger throttled to a 24-amp output. Has anyone had a situation like this handled successfully under the Ford Power Promise/QMerit program? I don't really want to invest in a major rewiring of my house, but I need to be able to do some L2 charging at home as the EV charging infrastructure near me is lacking. Has anyone been able to get the Ford-provided Charge Station Pro installed by a QMerit contractor limited to provide 24-amp charging on an existing unused 30-amp circuit breaker?

Thanks,
CarGuy55

I have a 60A sub panel in my garage. It powers my charger (40A) , 2 wall outlet circuits with 15 outlets on each, 12 led lights, the door openers, my 220 CNC mill, a 30A 110 RV circuit that my boat it plugged into. This was all permitted and professionally installed by a licensed electrician when the garage was built. The key is that not all that stuff is being used at the same time. You should be fine with a 24a charger.

 

[brianegge]

If your dryer is in/near your garage, they sell any number of splitter devices which let you share the single circuit. When you run your dryer, the EV charger turns off.

 

[Herbknowsit]

Guessing your utility company is DTE? Don't know if they mirror CMS but in my case, CMS paid for my ChargePoint charger with their EV program rebate. There was some paper work required and a few days wait and presto...check came out quick and I was able to buy the charger I wanted. (not saying I'd buy the ChargePoint again) I then shopped local electricians who have installed EV chargers and came up with a really good one (Aladdin) who did with my box , exactly what your's sounds like it needs. My charger is set at 32a and all is well. I think the electrician bill was @$550. Pretty short distance from box to garage wall installation location however.

 

[kdonnel]

Not through QMerit but I did hire an electrician who repurposed a 30 amp line previously used for a cooktop. In my case that line was located in the unfinished portion of the basement and I only needed 10-15 feet of 10/3 to extend the line to the garage.

I have been charging 2 EV off that 30 amp circuit at 24 amps for three plus years. At no point have I wished I had faster charging.

The great news is it only cost me $300.

 

[Maquis]

If your dryer is in/near your garage, they sell any number of splitter devices which let you share the single circuit. When you run your dryer, the EV charger turns off.

….”unused 30A dryer circuit….”
What would a splitter do on an otherwise unused circuit?

Sponsored