240V Wall Outlet vs. Level 2 EV Charger

[TheVirtualTim]

Can anyone tell me, off the top of their head, what my choices are if I want to purchase an EVSE that can charge at up to 48amps?

I installed a a 240V NEMA 14-50 outlet in my garage an it works just fine using the included mobile charger. But I've only taken two trips with the car and I'm already tired of having to take down the mobile charger and pack it up. I think I want to leave it in the car and install something else permanently.

When the electrician came, I had him run the appropriate gauge wire so that if I want to upgrade my 50 amp breaker to 60 amps, I can easily do so.
So from what I've seen so far, my choices are:
1. Ford Connected Charger
2. Charge Point
3. Juice Box

Are there others that can do up to 48 amps? I only have to charge once or twice a week but if I'm going to install something permanent, I might as well get the most bang for my buck.
My understanding is that the 3 choices above are all on back order. Correct?

There are lots of them. Tom Moloughney has a YouTube channel and one of the things he does (more so than other EV vloggers) is review the various EVSEs.

See:

Edit: Hmmm... that was supposed to be a link to his playlist and instead it seems to get converted into a link to just one of the videos on the playlist. But if you go to his channel, look at the playlists, you should be able to find the rest of his reviews.

BUT... as for options.... Whilst you're mulling them over... check to see if your local electric utility offers any rebates for EVSEs. Mine does but *only* the EVSE you buy is on their approved list (Which for me ... was ChargePoint and Enel X JuiceBox EVSEs). It was a $500 rebate for me.

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[BMT1071]

I ordered a GTPE on 4/28. I'm having a 240V 50A outlets installed in our new home build and our daughter's garage in OH. I plan to use a ChargePoint Flex plug in. After researching both I still haven't decided on a NEMA 6-50 or 14-50 outlet. I know Ford includes a 14-50 plug in the MachE. For those of you that are not hardwiring your chargers, which outlet are you going with?? Thanks!

I purchased my CPHF directly from my utility since they offered an instant $250 rebate. They only carry the 6-50 plug version so that's what I have. I had the electrician run 6-3 cable and tape back the neutral. If I need a 14-50 outlet in the future it's an easy swap out.

 

[Killroy]

I think calling a EVSEs a charger is a bit of a misnomer because the hardware that does the charging is in the car. DC Fast Chargers being the exception.

The places that sell ESVEs add confusion by calling them chargers also.

ESVE's are just an extension cord with safety features wether screwed to the wall or the mobile ones. So, it's funny how much much $$$ it cost you for a safety extension cord.

 

[BMT1071]

I think calling a EVSEs a charger is a bit of a misnomer because the hardware that does the charging is in the car. DC Fast Chargers being the exception.

The places that sell ESVEs add confusion by calling them chargers also.

ESVE's are just an extension cord with safety features wether screwed to the wall or the mobile ones. So, it's funny how much much $$$ it cost you for a safety extension cord.

If I had a dollar for every automotive misnomer I've heard over the years I could just about pay for my MME. ??

 

[Bigfeets]

Per Ford's production estimate, I have six months to deal with my home EV charging issue. My garage has a 240v 10-30 dryer connection, which means it can handle 24amp EVSE (with a plug conversion). I was surprised to learn that the MME EVSE could handle non-adjustable 48 amps which requires a 60 amp circuit breaker and wiring. Using the Ford MME EVSE on my existing 240v 30 amp circuit would cause tripping the circuit breaker and/or overheating the wiring/connectors. On this thread, the only solution I've seen for faster home charging than the ordinary and slow 110v 16 amp connection, is to buy another EVSE that has an adjustable amp limit. They are available. 24 amp charging at home would be very appropriate in my circumstances. For me, the solution would be for Ford to make their EVSE, that comes with the MME, adjustable.

Does anyone know if this could be done with a software change? Does anyone know if Ford is considering such a thing. (Ford's charging station is extremely expensive and requires an electrician to add the new circuit box, breaker and wiring.)

 

[TheVirtualTim]

Does anyone know if this could be done with a software change? Does anyone know if Ford is considering such a thing. (Ford's charging station is extremely expensive and requires an electrician to add the new circuit box, breaker and wiring.)

Ultimately the charger used for AC charging is in the car. The EVSE doesn't *control* the charge rate ... but it does use signaling with the car to tell it what the maximum rate that a circuit can supply. Effectively it just sets a limit and the car decides what it will pull ... keeping things within the limits.

This means it should be possible for a software update to the car itself... where you can set the max charge rate at each charge location (such as your home).

Since we don't have this capability today, the only work-around (besides upgrading the wiring in your garage) is to get an EVSE that lets you set a limit that your wiring can handle.

Does your electric utility offer rebates on home charging? Mine did and the rebate, coupled with the federal tax credit, made getting a wall-mounted EVSE free.

 

[engnrng]

Per Ford's production estimate, I have six months to deal with my home EV charging issue. My garage has a 240v 10-30 dryer connection, which means it can handle 24amp EVSE (with a plug conversion). I was surprised to learn that the MME EVSE could handle non-adjustable 48 amps which requires a 60 amp circuit breaker and wiring. Using the Ford MME EVSE on my existing 240v 30 amp circuit would cause tripping the circuit breaker and/or overheating the wiring/connectors. On this thread, the only solution I've seen for faster home charging than the ordinary and slow 110v 16 amp connection, is to buy another EVSE that has an adjustable amp limit. They are available. 24 amp charging at home would be very appropriate in my circumstances. For me, the solution would be for Ford to make their EVSE, that comes with the MME, adjustable.

Does anyone know if this could be done with a software change? Does anyone know if Ford is considering such a thing. (Ford's charging station is extremely expensive and requires an electrician to add the new circuit box, breaker and wiring.)

I installed a 14-50 RV style outlet on a 50A breaker, use both the Ford EVSE and a 3rd party one rated at 32A, both work fine, nothing even getting hot.

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