Why I paid SPX to install a Level 2 Charger

[kns]

I am an electrical engineer with over 10 years of hardware R+D experience, who has wired a home addition, replaced a main electrical panel and built several dozen computers for myself, friends and family. So why did I pay SPX to install a Level 2 charger?

Despite the above background I was wary of the potential risks of connecting a $40k computer and high energy battery to a high energy circuit. The lowest of several estimates by licensed electricians to install a new dedicated branch circuit to an appropriate enclosed NEMA socket at the desired location was $330.

At the time, the best price I could find for 15-20 AMP Level 2 chargers was of the order of $500 and the best price I could find for a 30-40 AMP Level 2 charger was of the order of $1000. Those chargers each came with a one year parts warranty. The higher power charger would do nothing for my Volt but might be useful for my next EV.

After I qualified for the Coulomb Technologies free equipment program, SPX sent their electrician for a site survey and then provided an estimate of $1300. After I called SPX and explained that I had obtained estimates considerably below that, they came back with an estimate of $800 to install a free CT-500 capable of delivering 32 AMPS. That price included a three year equipment and labor warranty.

So my options were, in order of increasing personal preference:
1) self-install a 15-20 AMP charger with a one year warranty at total cost ~ $500
2) self-install a 30-40 AMP charger with a one year warranty at total cost ~$1000
3) have a local electrician install a 15-20 AMP charger with a one year warranty at a total cost of ~ $830
4) have a local electrician install a 30-40 AMP charger with a one year warranty at a total cost of ~ $1330
5) have SPX install a CT-500 with a three year parts and labor warranty at a total cost of $800

It is unfortunate that other SPX customers have reported on this site various negative experiences in their dealings with that company but I am happy to report that my dealings with them went very smoothly.

Additional value received from the CT-500 includes access to http://www.mychargepoint.net/ where I can download a variety of usage reports and can locate public charge stations registered with that network. I am also mindful that my usage data will be combined with that of others for the purpose of advancing the grid-to-EV interface.

KNS

[MrEnergyCzar]

Yours went smoothly and was cheaper because you told them what your electrician could install it for.. I had one put in at work for $275 and at home for $500 by electricians. At home they put a 60 Amp subpanel for 2 level 2 chargers to allow for future growth... the video of my charger is in the signature below...

MrEnergyCzar

[wa1gzy]

SPX represents SHOCKING EXPLOITATION!
SPX quote for level 2 install following an on site survey was $1357. Local licensed master electrician installed same for $165.00 in just under one hour! Other local electrician quotes ranged up to $195.00.
Caveat emptor!

[kns]

SPX represents SHOCKING EXPLOITATION!
SPX quote for level 2 install following an on site survey was $1357. Local licensed master electrician installed same for $165.00 in just under one hour! Other local electrician quotes ranged up to $195.00.
Caveat emptor!

I am curious about whether your installation is hard wired or with a plug/socket, what make/model EVSE you had installed, the duration of the EVSE's warranty and whether or not the warranty includes labor in case removal/re-installation become necessary. Thank you in advance for sharing that information.

I didn't feel that the price I paid was unreasonable once I realized that the increment paid for access to high end equipment and a better warranty than I had seen anywhere else.

KNS

[wa1gzy]

The level 2 240 volt (15 amp) charger was ordered from SPX for about $520 (including shipping) but installation quote was $1357! The charger was installed for $165.00 by a local licensed electrician, mounted on inside garage wall next to the breaker box and hard-wired (no plug) through flexible conduit into a new double circuit breaker. My previous post point is that both the SPX survey and resulting outrageous quote were for the same installation service and location. As "punishment" for my disloyalty, SPX reduces my warranty from 3 years to one year on the charger!

When they phoned me weeks later to inquire when I would like them to install the unit, I had them affirm the bid was not a gross error. SPX expressed dismay and felt their pricing was fair but would investigate! ! Fat chance! when many municipalities reimburse the homeowner for the equipment and labor. That's why I call this taxpayer scam SHOCKING EXPLOITATION!

[fishhawk]

For those worried about the warranty, just buy the thing using a credit card that doubles the 1yr warranty to 2 years. If you don't have such a credit card, you can always check with SquareTrade; just on the basis of $500 value the SquareTrade website offers a 3 year warranty for $85. Sometimes SquareTrade has coupon codes for 30% off the warranty. Just something to consider.

[Prius2Volt]

Since the SPX installation quote for me is under $600 and the charger is free, it was an easy decision for me. That's cheaper than buying the GM home charger and paying someone to install a 220v plug.

[wa1gzy]

For those worried about the warranty, just buy the thing using a credit card that doubles the 1yr warranty to 2 years. If you don't have such a credit card, you can always check with SquareTrade; just on the basis of $500 value the SquareTrade website offers a 3 year warranty for $85. Sometimes SquareTrade has coupon codes for 30% off the warranty. Just something to consider.

Makes perfect sense! Most VISA sponsor banks do double the warranty. Besides, there's not much to the charging unit to go wrong short of a lightning bolt current surge. In that unlikely event, your homeowners insurance should cover the units replacement and new installation.

[silvercorvette]

I have done a lot of wiring and was going to install my own L-2, it is legal in most states as long as you get the work inspected. But I discovered that Duke energy and a lot of other companies will do it for free or almost free, I just had the survey done yesterday 1/23/12 and based on the distance from the main box the cost will be zero and at the end of the two year program it will only cost me $250 to buy the Siemens 8EM1111 charger.

I strongly suggest that anyone considering a L-2 charge check to see if their electric company has any kind of program, it may wind up cheaper to have it installed for you