New iMiev driver with queries

[wildfire]

On day 3 with my pre-owned iMiev and so far so good. I have not yet installed a level 2 charger or even settled on what to buy. I need a charger that can wall mount on the outside of my house (no garage) and am looking for opinions. I would love to find a unit that will record how much power is drawn per charge. Thoughts?

 

[peterdambier]

Almost 8 month now and we have not installed a permanent charger. Mostly using the 230V/16A Panasonic EVSE that came with the car but I have replaced the Schuko (germany) plug that came with it with a CEE 230V/16A that is more reliable and found everywhere in europe at caravan parks.

Some pictues - they are big and take time loading:

http://www.piraten-fraktion-bergstrasse.de/AETC/GorillaCharging.html

For experimenting I have bought a Voltec 230V/10A and I have ordered a cheap household amp-hour counter that is meant for people to have a look at their household gadgets. They say it can do some 3 kilowatts and the i-Miev charger is 3.3 kW.

 

[MLucas]

On day 3 with my pre-owned iMiev and so far so good. I have not yet installed a level 2 charger or even settled on what to buy. I need a charger that can wall mount on the outside of my house (no garage) and am looking for opinions. I would love to find a unit that will record how much power is drawn per charge. Thoughts?

It helps to know where you live. Here's an article that will help you decided: http://www.pluginrecharge.com/2011/08/residential-evse-roundup.html

 

[Don]

The OEM EVSE is waterproof and can be hung on a wall by using two long screws which line up with the top two holes on the back of the unit - You could add a cord to prevent it slipping off the screws if needed, but mine has been hanging this way since I bought the car nearly a year ago. I used two long sheetrock screws and the heads of the screws fit tightly into the 'tunnels' on the back of the unit

You can also have the OEM EVSE modified to recharge using either 120 or 240 volts and at 12 or 13 amps instead of just 8. Check with http://www.evseupgrade.com - Cost is about $300

Don

 

[jray3]

IF buying today after 17k miles of i-xperience, I'd just go with the EVSE upgrade Rev2. There's very few times when the extra 180 Watts of maximized Level 2 charging would make any appreciable difference in my ability to be ready for the next journey.
Since EVSE upgrade was barely started when I got my i in Dec 2011 and the 30% tax credit was still available, I went with an SPX unit, which passes 16A at both 120 and 240V, and has adjustable max current limit. It hangs on the wall yet is portable too, though much bulkier than the Panasonic and has one weak point for water intrusion (the cap over the adjustment potentiometer).

 

[wildfire]

That's all very helpful. I live in British Columbia. Lots of rain and cool weather but generally not too cold. I just found that there are only a few brands that are eligible for the rebate program that ends at the end of the month ($500 back). I just want to get something that will last and be reliable. But even with a rebate those will all be much pricier than doing an upgrade.

The supported models are;

AeroVironment
EVSE-RS

Eaton
EVSEL216...or EVSEL230...(long list of models for both 216 or 230)

Clipper Creek or Sun Country Highway LCS 15 or 2

 

[jray3]

Then you might like this tidbit from the Seattle EVA list...

ClipperCreek's popular Level 2 LCS-25 EVSE is on sale during the month of March for $595 each, reducing the unit price by $200.

This product is one of the most durable, reliable, and compact Level 2 EVSE's available. It is brand-labeled by EV OEM's, and because it is NEMA 4 rated, it is suitable for exterior installations.

A separate all-weather universal charge handle holster is also available.

Please call 530-887-1675 with any questions or go to www.buyevse.com to buy today!

 

[wildfire]

Fabulous. I will inquire and then let people know how it works out.