Help Choosing Level 2 Charger

[lessonz]

Okay, so I've ordered my Volt, and I'm excited to get it, but I'm a little overwhelmed by all of the choices for charging. I think it'd be beneficial to go Level 2, so I'm looking for input.

I found this excellent, informative post: http://gm-volt.com/forum/showthread....036#post110036 I didn't want to necro-post, so I thought it best to start a new thread.

Based on Joule Thief's excellent post, here's what I'm looking for:

1) Budget: The $490 plus install sounds nice, but I'd happily pay more to fulfill other requirements.
2) Indoor/Outdoor: Outdoor would be nice to have, but I plan on pulling into the garage... but then again, sometimes being out in the drive would be more convenient.
3) Portability: Don't need it, just another nice to have. I'm thinking I'll keep the Level 1 for portable (which I'll probably never use as I don't have a ton of places to plugin aside from home).
4) Future Proofing: This is probably my primary concern. I'm "only" leasing my Volt, but I'm committed to PHEV and maybe (once they have more range) pure electric. Obviously it's gotta work with the Volt, but I want it to work with the next car as well. I'd give on every other category to get this.
5) Warranty: Not terribly concerned about the warranty and plan to have it professionally installed.
6) Incentive Programs: None.

I'd appreciate any input. Thanks.

[DonC]

This is pretty simple. Get the Voltec and have your electrician make it a plug in. It's the cheapest and if you don't care about portability our outside use it will work fine. Don't worry about the future, it will be wireless and/or at much higher wattage than what we're seeing now and none of the current EVSE will be outdated (FWIW no skin in the game, I have a Blink).

[buckhead]

I tend to agree with DonC on this one. The Voltec is the best value out there, and there's not much sense in trying to future proof until we know where the industry is going.

If you want a consumer-grade option that might be a little happier outdoors, I might consider the Siemens VersiCharge 30A unit. It's a fairly small unit with a NEMA 4-rated enclosure, although the instruction guide recommends avoiding direct sunlight. I prefer its straight cord and cable management features to the Voltec, but it's new to the market.

A decent survey of available chargers can be had at Plug In America.

Other possibilities for outdoor EVSEs:
- GE Wattstation (although too large for my tastes)
- Leviton Evr-green EVB22 (16A) [ can sometimes be found at substantial discount ]
- SPX Power Xpress [ small NEMA 4X-rated unit ]

And if you decide you can live with an indoor unit, some people have had success with the Schneider Electric EVlink Indoor charger. It's a 30A charger and is available from HD and other outlets for less than $800. Schneider makes an outdoor unit also, but it's a lot more pricey.

[ctdeng0]

The Voltec SPX charger is rated for outdoor use and it is $250 cheaper than any other charger.

[Mike McG]

The Voltec looks great and the price is right, Yes have a plug made for it. I have the SPX Power Xpress and I love it because I can take it with me, however I have not had a need to take it with me yet, so a Voltec would have better suited me.

[Sphyrna]

How difficult is it to convert the Voltec to a plug-in? I've been considering the GE WattStation mostly because it's plug-in. I plan to move next year so figure a plug-in would be easier to take to the new place. Does converting the Voltec to plug-in affect the warranty?

[DonC]

How difficult is it to convert the Voltec to a plug-in?

About as simple as it gets. You attach the wires to a plug rather than some other wires.

[JDan]

I am leasing my Volt for two years so I am trying to use only the cord that comes with. So far, for me, it works quite well. I figure the technology will change by then and I will have a better idea on which way to head. I really don't want to spend even $500 for the EVSE and another $1000 - $1500 to have it installed. Having said that can you buy the Voltec? Physically I know how to convert it to plug-in, and I already have 220-240 circuit on a 50A GFCI breaker. I just want to know will they sell you one without requiring the install.

[DCFusor]

Yes, SPX will sell you one outright - warranty cut to one year from 3 if you don't get the install. Mine is outdoors, but not directly rained on, it's been pretty good. I HAVE had some issues with the too-cheap car-end connector - one unit failed in a week and got replaced under warranty. The next unit occasionally jams with the led flashlight stuck on, which puts it into a won't-charge state. I've had to reach in there and flip the latch back a couple of times.

All you need to do to make it a plug in is make a cable with the plug on one end, and screw the wires into the terminal strip inside the thing on the other end. Do use a good strain relief so it lasts awhile.

For me, L2 is way worth it. I opportunity-charge from my off-grid solar, and when the power is there I need to use it, not drag the process out.

[Steverino]

I too went with the Voltec. I did not need it to be plugable, but could have easily attached a 240v male end cord (like on a clothes dryer) to it instead of hard wiring it. In 10 months of use I have had no issues with the unit. It is indoors.