My apologies for the forum fo paux.....

[Brandon]

..... but for some reason the search function is giving me an error so I cant search on my own.... But, can someone help me out with a link to the thread with the great write up on 240v chargers? Im torn right now between 3 and I really need to read what our community said about them.

Best to worst???:
Spx power express
GE
Schneider Electric

[quartzav]

I have the same problem with "what's New" tab as well as search. Somehow the web address when you click on the tab is wrong. You can go around by click on forum and go to each sub forum. The post about charger comparison should be a sticky in that sub forum. As to my opinion about the chargers, I would go with lowest cost ones since by the time you get another plug-in vehicle the EVSE will likely be cheaper at that time.

..... but for some reason the search function is giving me an error so I cant search on my own.... But, can someone help me out with a link to the thread with the great write up on 240v chargers? Im torn right now between 3 and I really need to read what our community said about them.

Best to worst???:
Spx power express
GE
Schneider Electric

[DonC]

There isn't a consensus as to which one will work because they'll all work. It's just sort of cost and looks and features. The SPX Power Express is luggable. The other two are hard wired. If you go the hard wired route the cheapest is the SPX Voltec which is not on your list (it's "downside" if there is one is that it won't accommodate higher charging than what the Volt currently uses). If you want something more portable then also look at the EVSE Upgrade.

[saghost]

..... but for some reason the search function is giving me an error so I cant search on my own.... But, can someone help me out with a link to the thread with the great write up on 240v chargers? Im torn right now between 3 and I really need to read what our community said about them.

Best to worst???:
Spx power express
GE
Schneider Electric

The search and new posts links still work, with a little help. If you go into the address bar and change 'php-bin' to 'forum', you'll get your results correctly. IE on one computer isn't showing the php-bin version for some reason, so I can't make it work, but both my home computer and my smart phone do.

[saghost]

I'm actually leaning towards having a 240 plug put in the garage and getting the upgraded Panasonic/Leaf charger, myself.

[MTN Ranger]

I had a 240V 30A breaker and receptacle installed for my SPX Power Xpress. I like the upgradability of the unit (24A setting used), it's transportable, small size and the straight cord. I got it for the introductory price in October. At the current price, I would have probably stuck with the Voltec unit.

[Brandon]

Thats the same thing I had done just last weekend. So, im wired with my receptacle waiting for the power express. But.... if the voltec will accomplish the same thing, I may just get it hard wired in by my electrician. With the receptacle already there, I cant imagine it would be too big of a job to use that wiring to hard wire the voltec in.

[Joule Thief]

Here's the thread I believe you are looking for:
http://gm-volt.com/forum/showthread....7665#post87665

As others have said, there isn't one "best" EVSE, it depends on your situation and needs. You need to decide a few things including:
1) your budget and how much you're willing to pay
2) whether or not you need outdoor capability
3) whether or not you need portability or transportability
4) whether or not you care about "future proofing" and want higher current capability to support faster charging for EVs you may buy after the Volt. The Volt only needs a 16A charger (technically it can really only pull 13.75A on a 240V circuit) with the 3.3kWh charger
5) warranty (varies from 1 to 3yrs and sometimes depends on whether you install yourself or have a it professionaly installed - i.e. SPX will give 1yr standard or 3yrs if you have them install it)
6) incentive programs (Blink, Coulomb Tech, Duke Energy, etc.) in your area, check with your local utilities co

A good website to research and compare EVSEs is http://www.pluginamerica.org/accessories

I went with the SPX Power Xpress (see link in my sig for details and DIY install), but I bought it when the price was only $750. At the current price of $950, I would instead opt for the Upgraded Panasonic Leaf EVSE. I would suggest taking your 3 options above and adding 2 more - the SPX Voltec and the Upgraded Panasonic. Here's a quick comparison of those 5 based on my criteria above:

SPX Voltec
1) $490 (cheapest by far)
2) indoor/outdoor
3) permanent hardwire only (not portable)
4) 16A max
5) 1yr standard warranty, 3yr w/ SPX professional installation

Schnieder EVlink
1) $799
2) indoor only (an outdoor version is available, but costs much more)
3) permanent hardwire only (not portable)
4) 30A max
5) 90-day return, not sure about warranty

SPX Power Xpress
1) $949
2) indoor/outdoor
3) transportable (plug-in use for indoor only, outdoor requires hard-wire installation) *I use mine outdoor with plug* **unit weighs about 14lbs so it is not ideal for portable use, but can be done and I do it everyday**
4) 32A max (note this unit is really only good to 24A w/o upgrading J1772 cable/connector to support 32A)
5) 1yr standard warranty, 3yr w/ SPX professional installation

GE Wattstation
1) $999
2) indoor/outdoor
3) permanent mount using NEMA 6-50 plug (not portable)
4) 40A max
5) 90-day return, not sure about warranty

EVSE Upgrade (Panasonic Leaf)
1) $1027 for new unit w/ Rev2 16A upgrade (recent price increase due to Nissan increase in core unit cost)
2) indoor/outdoor
3) portable and light weight (also features integrated anti-theft pad-lock on J1772 connector) - uses NEMA L6-20 plug - this is the best portable L2 option
4) 16A max
5) 1yr warranty

Hope this helps. I am also keeping an eye on the Siemens Versicharge coming out 'soon'? Supposedly it will support up to 70A and costs $1000 which IMO would be the best value per dollar.

-JT

[Brandon]

AH! There it is! Thats the exact thread I was looking for, thanks JT.