Voltec SPX 220V Charger Installer in Hampton Roads - Virginia

[kmo]

I had my Voltec charger installed today. I fielded several quotes and the electrician I chose was excellent. His rate less than his colleagues and his work and customer service was excellent.

For those interested and in this area, his name is William Jacobs with Integrity Electric (he is also the owner) and his contact information is 757.822.8282, www.integrityelectriccompany.com

With this charger I can now take advantage of the Dominion Power electric vehicle (only) plan. There is also another TOU plan for electric car + home. The process is to enroll with Dominion Power, get a work request # (no commitment) and a new meter base (free), get a permit from your city (if required), have the electrician install the charger, the permit inspector then inspects and notifies Dominion Power of the completion and then Dominion Power sets a TOU (time of use) meter into the new meter base and may swap out the other existing meter since the two meters communicate with each other and need to be of a certain type. The only home owner costs are for the charger naturally and the permit / electrician (about $250 total for me). Dominion Power averages about a week between inspector notification and the new meters being set in place, at which time the TOU electric car plan is in effect. See the Dominion Power web site for the related rates and other details.

[solar_dave]

your going to love the flexibility of the 4 hour charge, and your TOU plan should save you some bucks as well.

[MsKitty4]

We spent a lot more to have ours installed (tricky installation and old electrical system) but it's been flawless and we haven't regretted it for a minute. Nice to be able to quick charge whenever needed. Enjoy yours!

[swapdmyvette4this]

Just curious why they needed to install another meter. Couldn't the unit be wired directly into your electric panel ?

[solar_dave]

Just curious why they needed to install another meter. Couldn't the unit be wired directly into your electric panel ?

A lot of electric companies give a special rate for EV charging, hence the second meter.

[kmo]

Exactly, the second meter is for the TOU / EV rate plan given by Dominion Power. This dedicated circuit is wired directly to the new meter, which has its own reading. I understand the two meters speak to each other but not sure of the reason or what they share with each other, however, in this area the second meter is required to have the TOU (time of use) plan and substantial reductions in charging costs.

As for the question, "Couldn't the unit be wired directly into your electric panel ?". It can but not if you want the TOU / discount rate. The wiring basically goes from the panel to the new meter and from the new meter to the charger.