Explain why Level 2 chargers are so expensive

[MIN FUEL]

OK, I am looking for a level 2 charger for my volt. I live in Canada, so we don't get any incentives to install the 240V units yet. What exactly does the unit do beside ensure that I don't get electricuted? I thought the car did all the work such as time of use, etc. I know that some of the units will allow for more power in the future if I need it, the volt won't use it. Why would I pay $1000 for a unit over $500 for the Voltec (which I think is also overpriced for a fancy wall plug!) I am going to have to buy in the next month before it gets too cold here. I need the 240V for preheating, but I can't see spending more when I hope the price will come down before I get another electric car that needs more than 3.3 kw/hr. Thoughts?

[ammPilot]

Supply and demand, and early adopter premium price.

[hodad66]

Might as well get the Voltec... I got my Schneider back when I was
ordering a Leaf. Without a Volt VIN most of the level 2's were around
$700 with many (GE & Leviton) at $1K. ALL OVER-PRICED... IMHO

[flmark]

I agree with you completely. I have, however, just placed an order for the SPX plugable version (before the price increase). Knowing that my wife will be using the vehicle primarily, I couldn't see her unplugging, wrapping up, unpacking, etc on a routine basis. I figured if I was going to get a second charger (to avoid this- and leave it hanging in the garage), I might as well get a level 2 version. With that said, I believe there is no real justification for the price, given that it is really nothing more than a piece of safety equipment. I expect that as the EV (and EV charging markets) mature, we'll see the same effect we just saw over the last few years that happened to Blu Ray Disc players. I expect a 75% price reduction by the time 5 years rolls by. So, if you desire to wait (for a price drop), I would certainly agree with the strategy.

[Rusty]

Why would I pay $1000 for a unit over $500 for the Voltec (which I think is also overpriced for a fancy wall plug!)

As for the Voltec being "overpriced" at $495US. The 120V EVSE that comes with the car is some $450US. The only real differences between them are a tweak to the control logic, the spin-y cord, a bigger plastic case. That's just what it costs to make a basic EVSE at the moment. The last time I checked (which was awhile ago), just the J-1772 PLUG was some $200-$250 OEM price...

The fancy EVSEs (with RFID sensors and built in ethernet/wireless with spiffy UIs) are obviously going to be even more expensive, and they support 30ish amp charging instead of the Voltec's 15ish.

These things are still being produced quantity hundred or maybe even quantity thousand, in a market (auto) where things are typically produced quantity 100K. Prices should come down over time (the Leaf 120V EVSE not-withstanding).

But not yet.

[tboult]

Yup, low supply allowing higher prices on the initial units. I decided to wait and just use the 120v until the prices drop. I can make it to work and back (at least until it gets colder), so I don't upwrap/pack except on on special days. I have the 120v ESVE hanging ready to use. I don't need it in the trunk for emergencies, that's what gas is for :-)

I expect the price difference between the Voltec and anything else right now will be the full price of the non-voltec units in 2 years.
Not quite the 75% drop we saw in bluray (ESVE is much smaller market), but still quite sizable drop as the supply increases and the price approaches cost to manufacture, not what the market will bear.

[mbepic]

Yup, low supply allowing higher prices on the initial units. I decided to wait and just use the 120v until the prices drop. I can make it to work and back (at least until it gets colder), so I don't upwrap/pack except on on special days. I have the 120v ESVE hanging ready to use. I don't need it in the trunk for emergencies, that's what gas is for :-)

I too keep my 120v unit hanging in the garage and ready to plug-in at the end of each day; I have been leaving the cord plugged into the wall outlet 100% of the time but I have heard that I should be unplugging that when not in use.............what do you think?
Is it using extra power with those little green lights on or can it damage it?

[BeechBoy]

I am considering the Voltec unit. Has someone installed it outside? The tech sheet indicates it is suitable for outdoor use but I just want to make sure it will stand up to the harsh Canadian winter.

[MrEnergyCzar]

I think they are pretty cheap at $490 (SPX). I bought 2. I think the key is to have your own electrician install it instead of paying a huge amount to get an SPX installer doing it. It will just be warrantied for one year instead of 3 years.

MrEnergyCzar