Hardwiring EVSE vs plug-in option

[RMoore]

I'm planning to order a ChargePoint Home Flex charger and have my electrician install it. I've read various threads and discussions of the merits of hardwiring vs having a NEMA 14-50 (or 6-50) receptacle installed. I'm sure I'm not capturing everything but my sense is that these are the main arguments for each approach.

In favor of the plug in approach:

• if there is a problem with the unit and it needs to be shipped back and replaced, one can just use the charger that comes with the MME. Also, no need to have an electrician come and disconnect the unit, then reconnect the replacement.
• if one needs to bring that charger to another location from time to time (e.g. vacation home) it is more portable (though I would think the unit that comes with the car would suffice).

In favor of hardwiring:

• provides the most secure connection electrically.
• can utilize a 60A circuit and charge at the fastest rate that the MME will allow.
• don't have to worry about dual GFCIs if for some reason it is required by an inspector when using a receptacle.

I'm reasonably handy with electrical work and have done a bunch of wiring in my house so would feel comfortable shutting the breaker and disconnecting the ChargePoint if it needs replacing. I also live close to work where I have free L2 charging (plan to be there probably 2x week starting this Spring) and given the amount I drive, that should suffice for the time it takes to replace the unit if there are problems with it (though that sounds unlikely).

Given my situation, I don't see any reason not to have the electrician hardwire the ChargePoint. Anything I'm missing?

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[RickMachE]

Nope.

 

[Neil4Real]

I don't think a plug in is better to take it to other locations, you hit the nail on the head that that is what the mobile charger is for. Other than what you said about if there is a defect with the hardwired, its a bit more trouble, if you move it is also easier to take your plugged in one and its a nice to have a 240v outlet dedicated to EV charging in today's time for selling it. It sounds like you're fine with all the cons of having it hardwired, so I say go for it!

 

[bruceski88]

I'm planning to order a ChargePoint Home Flex charger and have my electrician install it. I've read various threads and discussions of the merits of hardwiring vs having a NEMA 14-50 (or 6-50) receptacle installed. I'm sure I'm not capturing everything but my sense is that these are the main arguments for each approach.

In favor of the plug in approach:

• if there is a problem with the unit and it needs to be shipped back and replaced, one can just use the charger that comes with the MME. Also, no need to have an electrician come and disconnect the unit, then reconnect the replacement.
• if one needs to bring that charger to another location from time to time (e.g. vacation home) it is more portable (though I would think the unit that comes with the car would suffice).

In favor of hardwiring:

• provides the most secure connection electrically.
• can utilize a 60A circuit and charge at the fastest rate that the MME will allow.
• don't have to worry about dual GFCIs if for some reason it is required by an inspector when using a receptacle.

I'm reasonably handy with electrical work and have done a bunch of wiring in my house so would feel comfortable shutting the breaker and disconnecting the ChargePoint if it needs replacing. I also live close to work where I have free L2 e reasonable charging (plan to be there probably 2x week starting this Spring) and given the amount I drive, that should suffice for the time it takes to replace the unit if there are problems with it (though that sounds unlikely).

Given my situation, I don't see any reason not to have the electrician hardwire the ChargePoint. Anything I'm missing?

If you are reasonably handy you can just switch off the breaker, take the cover off, and disconnect the hardwired EVSE yourself. No need for an electrician. Always check for Voltage before working on it.

 

[RMoore]

I don't think a plug in is better to take it to other locations, you hit the nail on the head that that is what the mobile charger is for. Other than what you said about if there is a defect with the hardwired, its a bit more trouble, if you move it is also easier to take your plugged in one and its a nice to have a 240v outlet dedicated to EV charging in today's time for selling it. It sounds like you're fine with all the cons of having it hardwired, so I say go for it!

You raise a good point about possible benefits of having a 14-50 240V outlet as a selling point, though we don't have plans to move and I'm not sure it would make too much of a difference to a prospective buyer. That said, given that the wiring will be there, I would think it wouldn't be difficult to install an appropriate receptacle if we wanted to.

 

[capnhowdy21]

If you go the hardwire route you can get the 60a version, which would give you the 50a constant load. The MME can handle 48a. If you do a 14-50 nema. The max load is 40. SO it will charge ever so slightly slower. In my case it was going require running a bunch more wire and not worth. For most people I think the 14-50 is probably the way to go. Its good enough for charging and gives greater flexibility.

 

[RickMachE]

48/40 = a 20% improvement in charging speed if it ever was needed. In my case it was a no-brainer with a $500 rebate and a 30% tax credit meaning I paid almost nothing.

 

[capnhowdy21]

I think the difference is 11.52 kw vs 9.6 kw. I though I saw there is about a 10% efficiency loss on charging. So 10.37kw vs 8.64kw. So to charge 80kw of your 92kw battery. We are talking 7.71 hrs vs 9.26 hrs.

This is some rough table cloth math here. For most people its going to fall into the, it charges over night category. But make an informed decision and do what makes the most sense for you.

I probably would have hardwired if it didn't require running more cable to my subpanel, but it wasn't worth the extra cost. But if its the same cost for you, go for hard wiring.

 

[RickMachE]

Those are all 20% differences...

Get home from trip empty. 2 hours until an event. Do you want more power?

Or, have a Lightning...

 

[Maquis]

You raise a good point about possible benefits of having a 14-50 240V outlet as a selling point, though we don't have plans to move and I'm not sure it would make too much of a difference to a prospective buyer. That said, given that the wiring will be there, I would think it wouldn't be difficult to install an appropriate receptacle if we wanted to.

When you move, you can replace the 60A breaker with a 50 and install the 14-50 receptacle.

 

[RickMachE]

So can the new owner.

 

[AlpaChino]

I installed a 50amp outlet for a completely different reason. The ability to run more powerful appliances in the garage when I'm not charging the car. Came in very handy this winter to run a ceiling mounted heater when working in the garage.

 

[RMoore]

When you move, you can replace the 60A breaker with a 50 and install the 14-50 receptacle.

I was going to ask about that. Also, looking over some posts here it seems that a 60A circuit requires thicker gauge wiring than a 50A circuit--is that the case? That may mean hardwiring is more expensive than using a 14-50 receptacle since I imagine that the thicker wire will be more costly (will need 60-70 ft of wire to go from panel to garage).

 

[Ride_the_lightning]

I was going to ask about that. Also, looking over some posts here it seems that a 60A circuit requires thicker gauge wiring than a 50A circuit--is that the case? That may mean hardwiring is more expensive than using a 14-50 receptacle since I imagine that the thicker wire will be more costly (will need 60-70 ft of wire to go from panel to garage).

Yes, it requires thicker wiring.

 

[AKgrampy]

If I had the capacity I would have hard wired mine. I will be fine with the plug version for my intended use of just around town driving. Really just comes down to speed of charging you can live with. You just purchased a $50 -$60k car - the difference in wiring cost is not much compared to that.

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