Pick Up Some 2x4s and a Car Charger at Lowes

[Number719]

I just got back from weekend visit number 1 to Lowes.
(Usually there are multiple when a project is in progress. Especially a plumbing project.)

Look what they have: a GE Wattstation 240V charger for sale!
It even has an AC plug on it.

It's priced at $999. They had two in stock!!


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[VoltCrazee]

The GE Wattstation is available in only 6 Lowe's stores in CA for now. I contacted GE and they hooked me up with some of those stores and I had it shipped to me. I'll be installing this coming week as my car should be here by the end of the week, fingers and toes crossed.

The unit is quite large but beautifully styled. I'll take some pics when I have it installed and my car is in the garage, finally.

[larry4pyro]

Why buy the GE wattstation, it's twice as expensive as the Voltec charger? Is there something I'm missing?

[c6vette]

The $490 Voltec charger can be converted to a plug in for under $25. The GE is overpriced like most GE products!

[wainair]

I'd have a hard time justifying the cost but it does look nicer and I like the fact that it has a straight charge cord. I know that the spring back cord I have on my Voltec charger will drive me nuts one day. Eventually they get tangled up in something.

[hodad66]

One downside is that it is HUGE compared to most
offerings. I picked up a Schneider at Home Depot...

[VoltCrazee]

The Schneider looks nice. I was unaware of availability through Home Depot. Their web site now shows unavailable.
Here are my reasons for choosing the more expensive GE over the Voltec.
1. Voltec output is 3.3 kW and the GE 7.2kW. Although the Volt cannot take advantage of the higher charging rate, the GE will serve me better in the future when there is a car in my garage that will charge at the higher rate.
2. I hate the coiled cable on the Voltec. It will drag on the garage floor and that's not cool.
3. The overall design of the GE vs. Voltec is much more appealing and will enhance my user experience.
4. With SPX servicing installations of the Voltec, and reading what a rip-off $$ and how inefficient user's experiences have been on the installation, I was certain to use my own electrician for the install. Without purchasing the whole kit and caboodle throughout SPX, the warrantee drops to one year. GE = 3yr.
5. My 240V wiring job is very straight forward with my electrical box in the basement on the same wall as the installation will be directly above the box in the garage. Total cost $200 minus the 30% gov't tax rebate = $133. Therefore I decided I will spend the extra on the GE.
6. Actual cost for the GE after 30% tax refund will be $666, in the end very reasonable with low installation costs.

I have more than adequate room in my garage for the large footprint of the GE.

[wainair]

You folks in the States are so lucky you have all this selection! If I went to my local Lowes and said I want a GE Watts Station they would take me to the clothes dryers!! And Home Depot has nothing either. For me the only real choice was the SPX unit. Our retail here in Canada is SO behind when it comes to EV it's crazy.

[hodad66]

Don't feel left out.... ;-) The Home Depot is "Internet Only" and they must have
had only two as mine and one other guy got them both. Lowes here in Florida
don't have the GE yet either.

[mike1]

I'm a bit confused. Was that a 120V plug on the GE WattStation in addition to 240V hard-wiring support? Does it allow you to plug it into a 120V outlet? If so, it could be nice for those of us that require an extra charger, but do not have immediate access to 240V wiring.

I wonder if the Lowes in Ogdensburg NY has them in stock....