Why is EVSE so expensive?

OrchidMania

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Outside has a lot of complications, but please do not unplug and replug you EVSE from it's wall outlet any more than you have to. The more you do this, the less solid the connection between the outlet and your plug... and the more resistance and thus more heat and risk of fire.

At some point, you must have come across a 120 outlet that is really loose... If you draw a lot of current it will get hotter faster than an outlet that holds the pins tighter. You never want a loose EVSE outlet.
Husband agrees. Thinking of installing it hardwired. If I am not going to plug and unplug why have the extra cable??We just got a new panel with loads of space
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RickMachE

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Do you keep your evse plugged in all the time even when not charging? Wondering on the ghost power (If that’s the right term)
If you're wondering about something, you can look it up to not wonder anymore... ;)

My JuiceBox uses about 2kWh per month. For me, that's about 31 cents a month.
 

Rob S

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Aren't these like the major reasons of many things in life ($$/convenience)? Those 2 things alone are enough to not hardware. Most folks won't need anymore.
Personally, safety and not burning my house down because I wanted to save a few bucks would be a major reason for me. I just want to make sure I am not missing anything. Seen a lot of discussions about not wanting to spend $150 on a plug, when it seems like most of the ones that have burned are the cheap ones. I don't understand why you'd cheap out on a plug when you've already made a sizeable investment in an EV. Again, that's just my opinion. To each his own.
 

devmach-e

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breakers are not designed to last if frequently tripped. They fail if tripped too frequently. Should they trip frequently something is wrong and should be investigated.
Apparently they can be used as switches in this case. I brought up this issue a few months ago and it was explained that it is okay.
 

devmach-e

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I don't think the breaker is supposed to be used as a switch either. You can turn it on and off once in a while. I wouldn't do it daily.
Turns out you can use them as a switch. And in industrial settings, often done so.
 


mjs020294

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Installing an EV charger on the cheap is not smart. Anything that draws over 32 AMPs over several hours will generate a lot of heat. You really need a commercial outlet and EV/RV grade breaker to minimize the chances of failure.
 

Triggerhappy007

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You really need a commercial outlet and EV/RV grade breaker to minimize the chances of failure.
You meant industrial. But even Leviton says industrial on their cheap $10 outlet so buy a Bryant or Hubbell.
 

mjs020294

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I you go with an outlet get an RV outlet box. Then you can ensure the plug does not work loose form the outlet.
 

J5hort

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Why not use the mobile power cord that comes with the car? That and a NEMA 1450 and you are good to go. Do you really need an aftermarket or even the Ford connected charging station. Been using this setup on the MME daily driver for over a year. Keep it simple.
 

mkhuffman

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Why not use the mobile power cord that comes with the car? That and a NEMA 1450 and you are good to go. Do you really need an aftermarket or even the Ford connected charging station. Been using this setup on the MME daily driver for over a year. Keep it simple.
48 Amps. That's why. Faster is better.
 

OrchidMania

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hardwired is a really good way to go.
Yea but... Grizzl-E doesn't come in hardwire and really need the IP67 for exterior installaiotn. Would the tax credit be available on hardwire if my husband does the work (vs electrician) He is totally capable. . First he is installing a 120 outlet near my car as it has actualy been just fine for my driving habits...been using a super heavy duty extension cord a few times a month at night.
 

mkhuffman

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Yea but... Grizzl-E doesn't come in hardwire and really need the IP67 for exterior installaiotn. Would the tax credit be available on hardwire if my husband does the work (vs electrician) He is totally capable. . First he is installing a 120 outlet near my car as it has actualy been just fine for my driving habits...been using a super heavy duty extension cord a few times a month at night.
As long as he uses the correct wire gauge, I don't see any problem with him connecting a Grizzl-e via hardwire instead of plug.
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