My charger is in. Did I win? Am I first?

See the front page? :)

My charger is in. Did I win? Am I first?

To avoid any nastiness or any "time zone" silliness, we'll just call it a draw! LOL
WopOnTour

I think we're all winners Colin.

Congratulations! Its a great feeling isn't it. I love the charger, it is so much nicer than the old MINI E Clipper Creek model. Do you have a pic of yours?

Couple questions...

1. Is NJ included in any of the free home charging systems? I know NJ is included in the first group of Volt States.
2. What is the recommended wire gauge size for any of these chargers? What would be a better wire gauge for a customer who wanted to be proactive for the next generation of chargers?

465

Fifty minutes later this was attached to the wall. Yes, the wall is painted. (It's also plywood, since I'm in a seismic zone, an architect, and always interested in reducing the risk of the buildings going flat. That makes that wall of the 1930s garage a shear panel.)

It was amazing how fast the installers worked. If this was invoiced out at $1,200 then it was two guys for $600/hr. Not quite what my lawyer friends charge, but more than the guys in Detroit are getting to build the Volt.

Now I feel like I am on a countdown until either a) I get the car or b) my head explodes from the anticipation.

The green LEDs look like two eyes.

The Voltec is a 16A charger (20-amp breaker) so 12-ga is adequate. For the 32A chargers (40A breaker), use 8-ga minimum.

It does look like two eyes and the handle is like a nose and the whole thing a face. It keeps staring at me, asking "where is the Volt?"

Paint. Nice.

Actually, the wire gauge you want to use is a function of both the capacity it needs, and the distance from your breaker panel. The longer the run, the heavier the gauge should be. You should always refer to a good reference table. When in doubt, use the next physically-larger gauge wire (smaller gauge number). Or just hire a pro... beats burnin' down your garage! :-)

Well I have everything covered then.... I put in a 6-3 wire this is about 100 ft back to the panel, just before we sheet rocked so that I am prepared for anything and I also happen to be a career firemen, so if I burn it down, I'll be ready too.

Ha ha! Hilarious!! But I think with a dedicated circuit of #6 wire at 100', you should be in pretty good shape.

This is the table I use for wire sizing. As posted, it depends on the distance. The table is for a 2% voltage drop. Looks like 43k could have gotten by w/ #10 wire for a 20 amp circuit with a 100' run. #12 at 20 amps is only good for 70'.. With #6 wire at 100' he's good for 50 amps. ---it never hurts to build in some growth capability.


http://images5a.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp63386%3Enu%3D3387%3E%3A55%3E7%3C5%3E WSNRCG%3D3339347%3B%3B3347nu0mrj

Thanks George! I think that "Wiring Simplified" is the same book I have at home, but I had a heck of a time finding a chart like this online (quite surprisingly, I might add). I finally gave up and posted my general comment without a reference.

I agree, I lost this table for a while and could not easily find one online. As you can see, I've used it alot.

My charger was installed today. Looks lonely without a Volt next to it!

My charger was installed today. Looks lonely without a Volt next to it!
Congratulations to you too Robert. Yours also wound up under a rack I see. How long did it take them?

Very Good. Thanks for the chart. Since I've got the wire covered, any opinions on which 240V charging system? The SPX seems like Chevy's pick, but what about Coulomb and the others? I'd rather spend a little more money and have a high quality product with a quicker charging ability... If thats possible. And not to say the SPX isn't great, I just don't know.

I'd rather spend a little more money and have a high quality product with a quicker charging ability... If thats possible. And not to say the SPX isn't great, I just don't know.

I don't know about quality, but it's unlikly you'll find a charger that can charge a Volt any quicker. The Volt's limited to 3.3kW charging, which the SPX will do (as any other unit will as well). If you want to invest in the home improvement of a faster charger for a future EV (like a next year Leaf, or maybe another member of the Voltec family with a higher charge rate), then you'll want a charger with 30A or 40A capability.

Ok, So I understand this correctly. No matter why charger I buy or how many Kilowatts it can send down the line. The chevy volt, as of this moment, can't handle and more power then 3.3KW. Therefore, my charging time is limited to whatever time 3.3KW can charge???? So I guess regardless of my wire or charger, if I want a faster charge time, I either need a different vehicle or the next version of the Volt. YES???

The chevy volt, as of this moment, can't handle and more power then 3.3KW. Therefore, my charging time is limited to whatever time 3.3KW can charge????

That's certainly my understanding of it. I will cheerfully accept being corrected! The Leaf is exactly the same (with twice as big a battery). It's a bigger issue for them, and I've heard Nissan is changing to a 6.6kW charge ability next year, if not sooner.

That's all correct.

For an EREV like the Volt that only has a 10 kWh tank to fill, higher capability charging just doesn't make much sense. With 110V and 12A you can get a full charge in 8-10 hours. For this reason I've pretty much decided in the last 24 hours that I'm just not going to get any EVSE just yet (even though I'll have my Volt on Dec 1st). I was going to splurge and get a Clipper Creek CS-40 (much higher quality, looong track record in this industry) before the end of the year, to take advantage of the tax credits, but I realized it just doesn't make any sense.

I might do it next year when the EVSE market has settled out and we have a better sense of quality and how the products differentiate. I do think that the SPX unit is going to turn out to be a piece of crap. After many years and many purchases of electronics gear, one thing I've learned is: never buy the low-cost leader in a market segment.

Chris

Have you given up on getting one of the free chargers?

Jerry

Its hard to mess up a fancy extension cord.

Chris, have you given up on getting one of the free chargers?

Sort of. My situation is unique in two ways:
1. I'm in Atlanta and buying from DC. So I probably won't qualify anyway.
2. I won't install it in my current house anyway, since I expect to move in a few months.

That said, I've submitted myself into the SPX system and will see what they say when they get back to me. If they want to give me a free charger then I'll probably install it!

Ok, So I understand this correctly. No matter why charger I buy or how many Kilowatts it can send down the line. The chevy volt, as of this moment, can't handle and more power then 3.3KW. Therefore, my charging time is limited to whatever time 3.3KW can charge???? So I guess regardless of my wire or charger, if I want a faster charge time, I either need a different vehicle or the next version of the Volt. YES???The software within the charging control module (mounted in the RF corner of your Volt) will control the charge rate and currently limits this to 3.3kw maximum. So not including losses a ~10kw recharge would mathematically take about 3 hours. This is done to protect both the car's charger/battery from heat as well as permit a 20A breaker to cope with the maximum current.
The Leaf 240V charging is no faster as it also limits to 3.3kw maximum, but since it's usable battery capacity is roughly double, it will take about twice a long (depending on actual depth of discharge)


There is always potential for this 3.3 limitation to be altered at sometime in the future however.Hence the reason why a service of 30A or even 40A is "recommended"

HTH
WopOnTour

The EV Project was going to give me a charger to go with the Leaf I had reserved. I have not put in an order for the Leaf, so the EV Project couldn't start installation. I let GM put in the free charger (details on my blog) and the people from the EV Project have called twice to see why I didn't take them up on the free charger and installation.

It wasn't *totally* free, but it was only $80. The remainder, $1,200, they were picking up. Since the charger itself is $600 or so at the most, and one would hope they were getting a break on the retail price, they were going "pay" someone $700 for an hour of labor to install the charger. That seems steep.

(The permit cost in Santa Monica, CA was $280, which is waived since it is a green project.)

I finally got an email back from the folks at SPX. See the note below.

They say the units are not available so I sense a conspirancy by the CAB group to make us think they have these units in their garage but they really don't. Nice job with photoshop guys. :)

Jerry

Dear Jerry,

Thank you for your inquiry into the 240v home charging unit.

Currently, the charging units are not available. When we receive the charging units, the will only be available to customers with vehicle orders that have been confirmed and accepted for production. To help us to prioritize your order, could you please provide us with your order number.

Again, thank you for your interest in the home charging unit and we will be glad to contact you, once we have more information on availability of the units.


Thank you,

Jen Teeter
SPX EV Support Customer Service
Phone: 1-877-805-3873
Email: evsupport@spx.com

I was told by SPX, on the day after GM announced them as their supplier, that they had confirmed my order and would next be contacting an electrician to do the installation. I had expected no more than a couple of days between this notification and being contacted by an electrician, but perhaps something happened to put a hold on the process.
Jen did respond that she would need to determine whether I qualified for the free charger. I had thought that there would be quite a few people getting free chargers and don't expect that they've all been allocated yet, but since I don't expect to get delivery until the end of November, maybe I didn't make the cut?

465

Now I feel like I am on a countdown until either a) I get the car or b) my head explodes from the anticipation.

And I thought it was just me that has a hard time waiting.

I was just notified that I do NOT qualify for one of the free chargers. It seems that even though the Volt is being sold by the dealer next door and I expect to get the car around the end of November that I'm not in the correct market; sigh.
----------------------
"Hello Michael,
Thank you for your inquiry. Free residential charging stations from ECOtality are only available to Chevrolet Volt and Nissan LEAF owners in the designated markets for The EV Project: Arizona, California, Oregon, Washington, Texas, Tennessee and the District of Columbia. With the goal of developing mature charging environments, the Project proposes to deploy charging infrastructure in major population areas that include Phoenix (AZ), Tucson (AZ), San Diego (CA), Los Angeles (CA), Portland (OR), Eugene (OR), Salem (OR), Houston (TX), Dallas (TX), Fort Worth (TX), Corvallis (OR), Seattle (WA), Nashville (TN), Knoxville (TN), Chattanooga (TN), and the District of Columbia. This is a three year, federally funded project. " />



While your zip code is not within the boundary of The EV Project, you certainly will have the option of using our Blink Level 2 residential charging station through direct purchase from us for $1195 MSRP.

We appreciate your interest in the Blink unit. Please keep in touch with us and visit our websites to stay up-to-date on the process.

www.ecotality.com

www.blinknetwork.com"

The above correspondence was sent to me by 'info@ecotality.com'.

Michael would you mind forwarding the email address of the person that replied to you. I have gotten no feedback from www.ecotality.com and would really like to get in touch with them. Being in the Dallas area I think I do qualify.

Jerry

Also Michael consider filling in the "Location" field in your profile so we know what market you're in.

Profile updated to show market and previous posting updated to show the email address I received the notification from.

Silly question... I have a central vac rough-in inside my garage, right next to where I'd like to install my 220V charger.

It's basically a pipe on one side of the 2x4, leading up to a central vac plate on the garage wall.

My question is, if I run electrical conduit adjacent to that pipe, and install my 220V Voltec just above it, is that in violation of any code?

Seems like it wouldn't be especially since the central vac outlet is not in use and just a rough in, but I thought I'd ask.

Thanks.

You will be fine with that as long as the conduit is strapped so it doesn't flop around. Go ahead and hook the vacuum up also. My wife loves our whole house central vacuum. That was a tough install in our old home but I got through it...Wires inside either plastic or thin wall conduit can go anywhere above ground for sure. You do need IMC conduit for the drop from the roof to the meter if that conduit and weather head must support the pull of the feed line from the pole.

Thanks Maynard!

I'm just running a line from my circuit breaker, so hopefully this is an easy install. Good to know I can be using the central vac as well even if it's so close to the Voltec, as long as my wiring is in conduit.

I'd definitely like to hook that central vac system up at some point, it's just getting around to it that's the problem. My old house had it too and I loved it.

I just received my quotes from SPX today. The price for the Coulomb is $1412 (all of which is for labor, since the unit is free), and the price for the Voltec is $1778 ($1288 for labor + $490 for the unit). The electrician sent out by SPX to assess my electrical situation told me that installation would be simple.

The quotes seem excessive to me, since I read/saw that it should only take about 60-90 minutes for the installation. If this is the case, then the implied hourly rate is very high.

In addition, the electrician told me that the work required to install the two different types of units are equivalent. Thus (and this was confirmed by SPX), the hourly labor rates are for some reason different for installing the Coulomb and the Voltec.

Have any of you had similar experiences and/or heard any explanations for this?

Oh this charger installation is cool.I liked it!!

The quotes seem excessive to me, since I read/saw that it should only take about 60-90 minutes for the installation. If this is the case, then the implied hourly rate is very high.

In addition, the electrician told me that the work required to install the two different types of units are equivalent. Thus (and this was confirmed by SPX), the hourly labor rates are for some reason different for installing the Coulomb and the Voltec.

Have any of you had similar experiences and/or heard any explanations for this?

I talked to SPX about doing the "free" thing and found that installation was going to run in excess of $1,500 (long run from my box to where I needed to install charger) and the "free" unit (forget which one) was going to have to be hooked to the Internet (don't think so), I decided on a different route.

I live near Houston and had a local electrician run 8guage (suitable for 40 amp service) cable through my attic and install a sub box at the attic access over my car port. In this box he installed a 20 amp breaker and ran sufficient cable down the wall and installed the Voltec unit (which I ordered for the $490) on my wall, leaving me another circuit available possibly for future use. He charged me $685 for materials and labor. VERY reasonable in my estimation and the thing is working great. About 3.75 hours for a full charge from a depleted battery state.

And, as I understand, I may be able to get somewhere from 30 - 50% tax credit on this install. We'll see.

BE AWARE My adventure with SPX. Called and bought the Voltec unit as it was immediately available 3-5 weeks for the plug in unit for $795. My neighbor as well as myself are licensed electricians so easy job I have an existing 50 amp circuit in the carport to wire into. Opening the box the first paper a read told me if I self install or use my electrician the warranty on the unit is 12 months . If SPX authorized installers do it 36 months. So I get an estimated from SPX for the install. $461.60 to do a job that can be completed in 10 minutes with no permits and no parts. I am sending it back and will buy a unit from someone who is treating customers fairly. GM needs to know what is happening holding the warranty hostage for install money. I am disappointed.

To add at least one positive story to the thread. It took a while for things to happen (I'm sure in part because I wasn't clear what the best configuration would be for my circumstances), but I did eventually get the ChargePoint charger installed through SPX free of charge.

my SPX charger gets installed today, by my electrician. he's charging me $350 - so total cost is around $800 of which 30% ($240) will be a tax credit on my 2011 federal return.
Stuart #2209

To add at least one positive story to the thread. It took a while for things to happen (I'm sure in part because I wasn't clear what the best configuration would be for my circumstances), but I did eventually get the ChargePoint charger installed through SPX free of charge.
That is good news. Those of us in the Ecotality areas are still waiting for the program to start.

I am sending it back... I am disappointed.

Hi colinsmith,

As Chevrolet’s home charging partner, SPX’s goal is to ensure that Volt owners are provided competitively priced options for their 240 volt home charging upgrade. We must comply with GM program requirements and we have to meet all local safety and installation regulations. All work performed in your home must be safe, compliant, and inspected to all local electrical codes.

Based on national averages for services we are not always able to compete head-to-head on price with an independently operating electrician that you coordinate on your own. Our program provides a turn-key installation experience that adds value to you for the overall program management, which includes:

• DOE program support and documentation process for incentive reimbursements
• Extended warranty for 3 years on the hardware and installation services
• Local electrician who has been trained on the product and is certified to provide the specialized services to meet GM’s program requirements
• Management of the permit and inspection process that includes scheduling and on-site coordination
• Utility company coordination for installation services, second meters, and incentive reimbursement process management wherever applicable
• Post Installation customer support

You can choose your 240 volt charger and installation option based on your needs and requirements. We hope that you would recognize the overall value of the GM Volt program managed by SPX. We are disappointed that you are not interested in our services, but that is your choice. We continue to improve our quotation processes and pricing model to be more efficient and competitive for Volt customers.

Thanks for your feedback, and for your consideration of SPX’s installation services.

Barth
SPX EV Support

• Local electrician who has been trained on the product and is certified to provide the specialized services to meet GM’s program requirements
I think you meant to say: local electrician who has paid our fees to be trained and certified to hook up a couple of wires and give it a thumbs up!

Seriously though, an EVSE is a lot simpler than a dryer or electric range.

When I purchased my Volt the Sales agent contacted SPX for me just to make sure I qualified for the free 220v charger and I did. It included the charger and would cover instillation labor charge up to $1200. Later I called SPX to setup an instillation and they contacted a local authorized installer. The Electrician called the very next day and we made an appointment. He also told me that the charger would be a ChargePoint charger and no charge for instillation. At this point I was happy. Then came the inspection and my happiness disappeared. I have a 17 year old single story home. The Electrician tells me that there isn’t enough capacity in my homes electrics. I have a 100a system and he tells me the code requires 125a minimum now and that probably wouldn’t handle the charging system. 200a is what he recommends and the cost would be around $2200 to install. I swallowed hard but figured I would probably stay with EV vehicles and I didn’t plan to move and I guess the house needed upgrading anyway. Then came the PG&E inspection. They tell me that the line coming into my house is below code and that it would cost $700 to replace. So now my “Free Charger” now costs about $2900. The irony of this is that my home 16 years ago was advertised as a PG&E energy house.

17 years old and only 100 amp service? Are you in California? :-)

Hmm... Do you use a gas range, heater, and clothes dryer? Also, how many square feet are we talking about?

One option would be to have the ChargePoint installed (or other EVSE) and have it configured for 16 amps (instead of 32 amps) and installed on a 20 amp circuit. The Volt won't draw more than that anyhow and it shouldn't overload your service panel.

At least John Dillinger used a gun!

Yes I'm in California and we heat the house and cook our food on gas. The rest is electric. New homes in CA require 125ah now. I have about 1560 sq. ft. I'm now waiting on PG&E and the city to give the go ahead. No gun and no Vaseline.

Yes I'm in California and we heat the house and cook our food on gas. The rest is electric. New homes in CA require 125ah now. I have about 1560 sq. ft. I'm now waiting on PG&E and the city to give the go ahead. No gun and no Vaseline.
Well, if they don't give the "okay" definitely look into just using a 20 amp circuit (16 amp EVSE) instead of the 40 amp circuit (32 amp EVSE). There should be more than enough room for that.

What 220v chargers work at that level and how long would a full charge take?

The SPX/Voltec 220v charge requires 16 amps. The Volt charger (which is in the car itself) won't use more than about 3600 watts.

When I purchased my Volt the Sales agent contacted SPX for me just to make sure I qualified for the free 220v charger and I did. It included the charger and would cover instillation labor charge up to $1200. Later I called SPX to setup an instillation and they contacted a local authorized installer. The Electrician called the very next day and we made an appointment. He also told me that the charger would be a ChargePoint charger and no charge for instillation. At this point I was happy. Then came the inspection and my happiness disappeared. I have a 17 year old single story home. The Electrician tells me that there isn’t enough capacity in my homes electrics. I have a 100a system and he tells me the code requires 125a minimum now and that probably wouldn’t handle the charging system. 200a is what he recommends and the cost would be around $2200 to install. I swallowed hard but figured I would probably stay with EV vehicles and I didn’t plan to move and I guess the house needed upgrading anyway. Then came the PG&E inspection. They tell me that the line coming into my house is below code and that it would cost $700 to replace. So now my “Free Charger” now costs about $2900. The irony of this is that my home 16 years ago was advertised as a PG&E energy house.
One option would be to have the ChargePoint installed (or other EVSE) and have it configured for 16 amps (instead of 32 amps) and installed on a 20 amp circuit. The Volt won't draw more than that anyhow and it shouldn't overload your service panel.The problem is the Coulumb/Chargepoint CT2100 (as typically offered in the "free" program) is rated at 32 Amps when connected to 240V OR 16 amp when connected to 120V. AFAIK it cannot be configured (as suggested) to operate at 16A on 240V. Any electrician will "bound" by code and the electical specification label as affixed to the unit.

Therefore if you direct the installer to connect it to 240 Volts, electrical code will dictate that it will require a 40A breaker (32A + 125%) and hence your issues with your residential 100A service (and additional costs for increasing it) If you connect it to 120V you can use a 20A breaker but unfortuantely it wont really charge any faster than the 120V EVSE supplied with the Volt. (the 1.3kw maximum 120V rate is controlled via software in the Volts charging module)

So while going to the expense of increasing your main capacity would give you "room to grow" in the future, it's going to be expensive to the extent the "free" charger may not be your best choice. So if you are merely wanting faster (Level 2) charging at 240V the CT2100 isnt a very good choice for you (despite it's excellent energy monitoring features) and I would stongly urge you to consider a different EVSE such as the basic $495 Voltec charger instead as it is rated to permit 240V Level 2 charging (3.3kw max) with only a 20A breaker, dramtically reducing the cost of the installation in your case.

HTH
WOT

The problem is the Coulumb/Chargepoint CT2100 (as typically offered in the "free" program) is rated at 32 Amps when connected to 240V OR 16 amp when connected to 120V. AFAIK it cannot be configured (as suggested) to operate at 16A on 240V. Any electrician will "bound" by code and the electical specification label as affixed to the unit.

I've seen datasheets on several 240V EVSEs that allow field strappable amperage ratings on installation. I don't recall if the CT2100 happens to be one of them. As I recall the reason listed in those datasheets was specifically to allow installation with a lower amperage breaker.

YAMV

I've seen datasheets on several 240V EVSEs that allow field strappable amperage ratings on installation. I don't recall if the CT2100 happens to be one of them. As I recall the reason listed in those datasheets was specifically to allow installation with a lower amperage breaker.

YAMVWell not on the CT2100 that I seen (a while back now) but perhaps that's something they've added. Would make sense...
WOT

The problem is the Coulumb/Chargepoint CT2100 (as typically offered in the "free" program) is rated at 32 Amps when connected to 240V OR 16 amp when connected to 120V. AFAIK it cannot be configured (as suggested) to operate at 16A on 240V. Any electrician will "bound" by code and the electical specification label as affixed to the unit.

All Coulomb units I've ever seen are field strappable to a variety of maximum amperages. I doubt the CT2100 is any different.

All Coulomb units I've ever seen are field strappable to a variety of maximum amperages. I doubt the CT2100 is any different. But it is
Here is the installation instructions for the CT2100 (http://www.coulombtech.com/pdfs/CT2100%20Installation%20Guide.pdf) and the CT500 (http://www.coulombtech.com/pdfs/CT500%20Installation%20Guide.pdf)
On either unit there are no provisions for "strapping" or "dip-switching" to anything lower than 30 (CT500) or 32A (CT2100) on 240V
You simply have 2 choices
Connect to the 120V lugs for 16A (20A minimum breaker)
OR
Connect to the 240V lugs for 32A (40A minimum breaker)

What Coulomb/Chargpoint EVSE model have you observed can be adjusted as you state?
(as this upgrade path might be another option for Sguidero)
WOT

I feel your pain. Having said that, I went ahead and upgraded my service to 200A. If you plan to be in your house for awhile you'll probably need it sooner or later anyway. But I can see why you might not want to do that.

From what I understood from the inspector they like to see a circuit draw no more than 15% of total capacity but I think that's a preference not a code requirement. The Coulomb charger seems to be the 500T, whose specs indicate that it will operate only at 32A, which would be double that. However, sometimes they can work some magic and downgrade the unit with one of those legendary "secret codes". That's how the installers told me it works on the Blink -- the docs says 40A but the installer can call for a code that downgrades the unit to 16A. In that case you'd probably be OK. May not work like that with the 500T but it wouldn't hurt to ask, you don't have anything to lose. If the answer is "No" then as WOT says the Voltec charger would be the least expensive way to go, though the PowerXpress unit has a lot to recommend it for a few hundred dollars more. (With an adapter you could use this with a dryer plug.)

I wouldn't worry too much about making provision for the future other than running a heavier wire for at least 40A. Breakers are easy to switch out and you have to believe the charging units will come down in price.

DonC, what may I ask was the approximate cost for doubling up your service to 200A?
Of course it's very attractive to bring one's 240V capabilities up to at least 6.6kW as it has sort of become a "semi" standard with a few upcoming cars apparently moving to it. GM and Nissans original intentions of limiting to 3.3kw was to ease the pain of home installations in this emerging market. It certainly wouldnt help EV sales if the standard disclaimer was that you'd have to spend an additional $1-2K to upgrade your service to accept a 30A EVSE.

I wouldn't think a "code" could be used to configure this sort of thing as there would always be the risk that some sort of memory reset could result in it deaulting back to maximum. (hence the more typical "hard-wired" or "strapping" terms) But even being able to configure the EVSE for lower max output won't make much difference to a "rigid" electrician UNLESS the unit is shipped with a blank electrical specification tag that can be filled in, signed and applied by the installing electrician. (I've seen other "adjustable" electrical appliances installed in such a fashion, mostly industrial) But I'm not saying there wouldn't be other ways around this problem though...
;)
WOT

I feel your pain. Having said that, I went ahead and upgraded my service to 200A. If you plan to be in your house for awhile you'll probably need it sooner or later anyway. But I can see why you might not want to do that.

From what I understood from the inspector they like to see a circuit draw no more than 15% of total capacity but I think that's a preference not a code requirement. The Coulomb charger seems to be the 500T, whose specs indicate that it will operate only at 32A, which would be double that. However, sometimes they can work some magic and downgrade the unit with one of those legendary "secret codes". That's how the installers told me it works on the Blink -- the docs says 40A but the installer can call for a code that downgrades the unit to 16A. In that case you'd probably be OK. May not work like that with the 500T but it wouldn't hurt to ask, you don't have anything to lose. If the answer is "No" then as WOT says the Voltec charger would be the least expensive way to go, though the PowerXpress unit has a lot to recommend it for a few hundred dollars more. (With an adapter you could use this with a dryer plug.)

I wouldn't worry too much about making provision for the future other than running a heavier wire for at least 40A. Breakers are easy to switch out and you have to believe the charging units will come down in price.

I appreciate all your comments but now I’m even more confused. I’m still waiting on PG&E to get back to my Electrician. The main problem right now is an issue with my gas meter as it’s not in compliance with the new codes and if it doesn’t get a variance PG&E will not update the power cable to my house. At that point all this is mute. I’m able to charge the volt with the 110v charger but it’s tricky. Is someone using a hair dryer or a microwave oven etc..

We will see. This may take a while as I’m dealing with both PG&E and the City.

If everything goes bad and I can't update to a 200a box. What would my options be?

Not sure if people know. But If you install this your self or by own electrician you can get 2 year warranty of the unit. This is how. 1 Year through Manufacturer and one year thru American Express if you use it for purchase.

3 year via SPX isnt worth it if you have to pay $1500 for $200 installation.

Not sure if people know. But If you install this your self or by own electrician you can get 2 year warranty of the unit. This is how. 1 Year through Manufacturer and one year thru American Express if you use it for purchase.

3 year via SPX isnt worth it if you have to pay $1500 for $200 installation.

Yet, if you go to the Coulomb web site it shows a 5 yr warranty. More about my SPX woes after I have finished with them. :-(

My saga of getting a 240v charger for my house continues. After several e-mails and phone calls both PG&E and the City has Ok’d the instillation and I don’t have to move the gas meter. PG&E says it will take a couple more weeks and $700 to replace the substandard power cable to my house. I will be getting a 125a replacement for the 100a main electrical box and a separate 40a electrical box for the 240v charger. Maybe it will be installed by Christmas. :rolleyes:

Yet, if you go to the Coulomb web site it shows a 5 yr warranty. More about my SPX woes after I have finished with them. :-(

What I have heard is that it's 5 years if SPX does the installation, 1 year (or 2 if your credit card doubles it) if you handle the installation yourself.

When my CT500 EVSE died, they insisted that the SPX-chosen electrician be the one to call in to provision the swap. They said if I were to do it myself I would lose my five-year warranty, which I want to avoid in case the EVSE fails again.

Yes, it is a shame that GM "partnered " with SPX for charging stations. According to the SPX contract, he warranty is only until Dec 31 2013... 2 years & a couple months ( well below 5 or even 3yrs). I'm still in the mix, so can't yet divulge details... yet.

What I have heard is that it's 5 years if SPX does the installation, 1 year (or 2 if your credit card doubles it) if you handle the installation yourself.

Hi bitguru,

As you know the CT-500 charging unit is part of the Department of Energy incentive program and for Volt owners this charging unit can only be purchased and installed through the SPX Homecharging program. The warranty for the Coulomb unit purchased and installed through the DOE incentive program expires on 12/31/2013 for all Coulomb units, regardless of installation date.

Barth
SPX EV Support

As you know the CT-500 charging unit is part of the Department of Energy incentive program and for Volt owners this charging unit can only be purchased and installed through the SPX Homecharging program.

I'm with you so far.


The warranty for the Coulomb unit purchased and installed through the DOE incentive program expires on 12/31/2013 for all Coulomb units, regardless of installation date.

Barth
SPX EV Support

Hmm. If that's true then the person I was talking to on the phone was ignorant of this when she confirmed that my warranty was good for five years, which seems odd. (The reason I asked is because evidently there is a form that needs to be filled out to get the five-year warranty, and I had no recollection of filling out such a form. She said the SPX-designated electrician who handled the install had filed the paperwork on my behalf.)

Here's a link to that form (https://www.homecharging.spx.com/volt/pdf/coulomb_warranty.pdf) (PDF) and to the page (https://www.homecharging.spx.com/volt/Display.aspx?id=8) that where I found that link. What the form says is:


If you purchased the Five-Year Extended Warranty from Coulomb or one of it’s authorized
representatives you must register your Five-Year Extended Warranty with Coulomb Technologies, Inc.
(“Coulomb”) within twelve (12) months of product installation for the Five-Year Extended Warranty to
take effect. If your registration is not received by Coulomb within the prescribed time period, the Five-
Year Extended Warranty will be void and of no effect.


So perhaps I have not "purchased" the five-year warranty, nor has SPX on my behalf. That makes
sense, but if that's the case why did the representative I was talking to on the phone say otherwise?

Also, why would SPX bother to post that if it it's true that it doesn't apply to any current CT500 owner?

I bought my Volt last week in Houston, Tx. Where can I find information about getting either a free 240v charger and install, or a discounted 240v charge and install?