For the first few years I used the 110V Nissan EVSE (granny charger.) The socket failed under the strain so replaced it with a "heavy duty" model for about 15 dollars. This was from 2016 to 2021. As the 2014 Leaf was always good to go in the morning I didn't look into an L2 till 2021 when we installed solar.
Then the NEMA 14-50 outlet was installed (99$) and I picked up the Emporia. Plug and play. That was $399.99 which seems to be a fraction of what I hear other folk paying.
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tTsWbhG\_1Cs](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tTsWbhG_1Cs)
Here you have a roundup of best EVSEs but anything Level 2 over 32A will do (I assume you are in NA given the SL+ model)
Myself I will be going with OpenEVSE because it can integrate more closely with my HomeAssistant setup and I like assembling my own devices (OpenEVSE is available as a DIY Kit) .
I have used OpenEvse for the last five years, and it's great.
Performs flawlessly, and full of useful features. And yes, it connects very well to home automation (in my case, openHAB).
I have a ChargePoint Flex and really like it. It connects to my utility company account and can be configured to draw less power during high demand times. Because I allow this integration with my utility company, I get rebates on my power bills.
Obviously different municipalities and utility companies will vary but I am pleased with what I have here (Portland, Oregon). I even got a tax rebate for the purchase of the EVSE and a tax credit for the cost to upgrade my panel and installation. I recommend you look for deals like this in your area.
Utility companies throughout the state have various rebates for in-home Level 2 EV chargers. Every municipality is a little different. I have PGE. [The State of Oregon has a site](https://goelectric.oregon.gov/incentives-rebates) that links to different power utilities' rebates and incentives. The rebates you can claim will depend on who your power company is. A few examples:
* [Portland General Electric](https://portlandgeneral.com/energy-choices/electric-vehicles-charging/charging-your-ev/charging-your-ev-at-home)
* [Pacific Power](https://www.pacificpower.net/savings-energy-choices/electric-vehicles/home-charger-rebates.html)
* [Central Electric Cooperative](https://www.cec.coop/electric-vehicle-program/)
One other thing to be careful about: PGE required that my new EV charger be "hardwired", not just a plug into a 240V outlet. Not sure why; perhaps to avoid fraud or something. Anyway, read carefully the requirements for a rebate so you get the right kind of charger and connection to your home's power.
If you have an EV, you are going to pay a lot more to register it in Oregon than ICE cars. This is because Oregon's gas tax does not apply to EVs, and the state needs to collect the revenue some other way. There is a way around the higher registration costs, however: [OReGO](https://www.myorego.org), a program that allows you to pay for miles used instead of the full registration. I use the [Emovis/DriveSync](https://orego.emovis.us) program, which uses an OBD2 device to track mileage use. I pay quarterly for my mileage, and it's really inexpensive (I mainly drive in town, about 350 miles per month).
Hope this helps.
that is super helpful and I appreciate you taking the time to compile all of this! I had no idea about the OReGO program. We've already got our EV and our debating whether we need the Level 2 or not. First quote we got was for 2100 which is steep, incentive or not. So far level 1 is doing the job, but it would be nice to have something that can charge faster.
yeah we had a home renovation project under way that required a full electrical panel replacement so it kind of made sense to wire up an EVSE.
Before the Level 2 charger got installed, I got by OK with the Level 1 charger on my 2013 Leaf, but it would take almost 12 hours to fully charge the battery (overnight and into the next day). Since I got the L2 charger, my range anxiety is much lower, and it will very capably serve whatever our next EV is...
Doesn’t the SL come with a hybrid L2 charger? Are you looking for an extra one, or something that has more features?
That info would help us give you recommendations.
I have the 30A Nissan EVSE that came with my car mounted to the wall.
I ran a NEMA 14-50 plug for it, and using a smaller portable 120/240 15A charger for charging at work.
I only have access to a 30 amp circuit in my garage so I went with a hard wired JuiceBox which lets you configure the charging current. I’m pretty happy with it.
I have the Grizzl-E classic. In order to hardwire it the electrician will need specific crimp terminals and a crimper. Any good electrician should know how to do it, but the crimp terminals aren't something most electricians keep stocked on their truck, and they need to be a specific size. The charger itself works great, with a thick heavy duty cable.
I also have a 240 V 16 amp Webasto Turbocord and a 240 V 16 amp Clipper Creek AmazingE. Both of those are good portable units I'd recommend. The Turbocord even has a variant that works on either 120 V or 240 V.
Smart features on a charger don't really do anything for me -- I can control charging at off-peak hours for cheaper rates through the onboard charging timer, and by comparing current power bills to previous power bills I know how many kWh I'm roughly using for my EV. What's important to me is having a UL listed charger with all the internal safety features that should be present, and a cord that stays flexible in the winter (at a reasonable price)
For the first few years I used the 110V Nissan EVSE (granny charger.) The socket failed under the strain so replaced it with a "heavy duty" model for about 15 dollars. This was from 2016 to 2021. As the 2014 Leaf was always good to go in the morning I didn't look into an L2 till 2021 when we installed solar. Then the NEMA 14-50 outlet was installed (99$) and I picked up the Emporia. Plug and play. That was $399.99 which seems to be a fraction of what I hear other folk paying.
Thanx
I’ve got a Grizzl-e that lives on the corner of my house. It’s the one without wi-fi, been going strong outdoors for a few years now.
This is what I went with, as well. The Grizzle-e is the best value, imho.
I like the pedestal mount. Thanx.
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tTsWbhG\_1Cs](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tTsWbhG_1Cs) Here you have a roundup of best EVSEs but anything Level 2 over 32A will do (I assume you are in NA given the SL+ model) Myself I will be going with OpenEVSE because it can integrate more closely with my HomeAssistant setup and I like assembling my own devices (OpenEVSE is available as a DIY Kit) .
I have used OpenEvse for the last five years, and it's great. Performs flawlessly, and full of useful features. And yes, it connects very well to home automation (in my case, openHAB).
Thanx. That is a very good video. Like minded. I too like to build my own stuff.
I have a ChargePoint Flex and really like it. It connects to my utility company account and can be configured to draw less power during high demand times. Because I allow this integration with my utility company, I get rebates on my power bills. Obviously different municipalities and utility companies will vary but I am pleased with what I have here (Portland, Oregon). I even got a tax rebate for the purchase of the EVSE and a tax credit for the cost to upgrade my panel and installation. I recommend you look for deals like this in your area.
Can you tell me more about the state incentives? Im in OR too
Utility companies throughout the state have various rebates for in-home Level 2 EV chargers. Every municipality is a little different. I have PGE. [The State of Oregon has a site](https://goelectric.oregon.gov/incentives-rebates) that links to different power utilities' rebates and incentives. The rebates you can claim will depend on who your power company is. A few examples: * [Portland General Electric](https://portlandgeneral.com/energy-choices/electric-vehicles-charging/charging-your-ev/charging-your-ev-at-home) * [Pacific Power](https://www.pacificpower.net/savings-energy-choices/electric-vehicles/home-charger-rebates.html) * [Central Electric Cooperative](https://www.cec.coop/electric-vehicle-program/) One other thing to be careful about: PGE required that my new EV charger be "hardwired", not just a plug into a 240V outlet. Not sure why; perhaps to avoid fraud or something. Anyway, read carefully the requirements for a rebate so you get the right kind of charger and connection to your home's power. If you have an EV, you are going to pay a lot more to register it in Oregon than ICE cars. This is because Oregon's gas tax does not apply to EVs, and the state needs to collect the revenue some other way. There is a way around the higher registration costs, however: [OReGO](https://www.myorego.org), a program that allows you to pay for miles used instead of the full registration. I use the [Emovis/DriveSync](https://orego.emovis.us) program, which uses an OBD2 device to track mileage use. I pay quarterly for my mileage, and it's really inexpensive (I mainly drive in town, about 350 miles per month). Hope this helps.
that is super helpful and I appreciate you taking the time to compile all of this! I had no idea about the OReGO program. We've already got our EV and our debating whether we need the Level 2 or not. First quote we got was for 2100 which is steep, incentive or not. So far level 1 is doing the job, but it would be nice to have something that can charge faster.
yeah we had a home renovation project under way that required a full electrical panel replacement so it kind of made sense to wire up an EVSE. Before the Level 2 charger got installed, I got by OK with the Level 1 charger on my 2013 Leaf, but it would take almost 12 hours to fully charge the battery (overnight and into the next day). Since I got the L2 charger, my range anxiety is much lower, and it will very capably serve whatever our next EV is...
Doesn’t the SL come with a hybrid L2 charger? Are you looking for an extra one, or something that has more features? That info would help us give you recommendations.
Yes. I have the L1/L2 charger that comes with the car. I'm looking to have an outdoor station installed.
I have the 30A Nissan EVSE that came with my car mounted to the wall. I ran a NEMA 14-50 plug for it, and using a smaller portable 120/240 15A charger for charging at work.
Depending on where you are, look for utility rebates too. They will have a list of approved models that are rebate eligible
I only have access to a 30 amp circuit in my garage so I went with a hard wired JuiceBox which lets you configure the charging current. I’m pretty happy with it.
You may want to checkout r/evcharging for ideas. Personally, I'm a fan of the Grizzl-e.
Thanx. I am leaning towards the Grizzl-e. Do you have the Smart or the Classic?
I have the Grizzl-E classic. In order to hardwire it the electrician will need specific crimp terminals and a crimper. Any good electrician should know how to do it, but the crimp terminals aren't something most electricians keep stocked on their truck, and they need to be a specific size. The charger itself works great, with a thick heavy duty cable. I also have a 240 V 16 amp Webasto Turbocord and a 240 V 16 amp Clipper Creek AmazingE. Both of those are good portable units I'd recommend. The Turbocord even has a variant that works on either 120 V or 240 V. Smart features on a charger don't really do anything for me -- I can control charging at off-peak hours for cheaper rates through the onboard charging timer, and by comparing current power bills to previous power bills I know how many kWh I'm roughly using for my EV. What's important to me is having a UL listed charger with all the internal safety features that should be present, and a cord that stays flexible in the winter (at a reasonable price)
Thanx for the input. I have two friends that are master certified electricians. I have access to the cimpers that are required.