Recommendations for light-duty commercial EVSEs

[jlv]

I don't think there have been any damaged cords in 5 years since we installed our first EVSE. The failed Eatons all had internal failures of one sort or another; swapping out the EVSE (replacing it with a Schneider) was the solution. Some of these are in use 8 hours a day, 5 days a week. Also, all these units are going on their own circuits (I don't know the details, but the cost of the installation is several times the cost of the EVSEs themselves).

WattZilla doesn't seem to sell anything less than 40A. They were considering the possibility of some 40A units in this new section, but they primarily wanted 30A units. But I'll forward on the link and highlight the Wall Wattz (which is what I think we would want).

Similarly, eMotorWerks only has the JuiceBox in 40A. (we don't want the pedestal mount, though; our first two EVSEs were pedestal mounts, and the installation costs are far higher). Will these just work without WiFi, as we have no need for authorized users or monitoring/billing?

[Oils4AsphaultOnly]

Similarly, eMotorWerks only has the JuiceBox in 40A. (we don't want the pedestal mount, though; our first two EVSEs were pedestal mounts, and the installation costs are far higher). Will these just work without WiFi, as we have no need for authorized users or monitoring/billing?

Yes, the juicebox lite will function without network access. The WiFi access is so that you can limit the charge rate to whatever the circuit can handle. Obviously that makes it no longer "plug-n-play". But that amount of configuration is minimal compared to running a new circuit out to the unit and only needs to be set once.

[GlennD]

Unless something has changed both the JuiceBox and OpenEVSE are not UL approved.

The beauty of the J1772 spec is that the car only takes what it needs. My 30A eGolf will happily charge from a 40A evse. It will only take the 30A that it needs. In fact my EVSE is 40A left over from my totaled Mercedes B.

[jlv]

Unless something has changed both the JuiceBox and OpenEVSE are not UL approved.

I checked that when they were first posted. The JuiceBox Pro 40 is UL listed, as is the WattZilla Wall Wattz. (At least, it says so on their website(s))

[speedski97]

The Juice Box was nice that we could put 4 chargers on a 50 amp circuit , charge 4 cars and as one car was "full" the amps would be sent to the remaining cars until all were "full" for us this would fill the most cars over a shift with out having to add more power, or move cars around. It also tracks power use if you need that info. AeroVironment, has a model with JuiceNet.

[wmcbrine]

WattZilla doesn't seem to sell anything less than 40A. ... Similarly, eMotorWerks only has the JuiceBox in 40A.

They'll run at whatever maximum amperage you set. They don't require 40 amp (really 50 amp, but that's another subject) circuits.

The JuiceBox does need WiFi for its initial setup, at least the model I have. After that, I think it should be OK without.

[RonDawg]

I've seen CC's used in a few small installations but personally, consider their design to be more residential.

The CC units are simple and have a 3 year warranty (although it may not apply in this case). I think they are rugged enough. Just take more care mounting them, as the mounting holes are in plastic.

Clipper Creek has commercial units in metal housings. I've charged at a few of these. I think CC has been making these for far longer than the plastic-bodied units.

At $1750 for a 32 amp unit, not cheap though: https://store.clippercreek.com/commerci ... ng-station

[cwerdna]

I've seen CC's used in a few small installations but personally, consider their design to be more residential.

The CC units are simple and have a 3 year warranty (although it may not apply in this case). I think they are rugged enough. Just take more care mounting them, as the mounting holes are in plastic.

Clipper Creek has commercial units in metal housings. I've charged at a few of these. I think CC has been making these for far longer than the plastic-bodied units.

At $1750 for a 32 amp unit, not cheap though: https://store.clippercreek.com/commerci ... ng-station

Yep. I charge sometimes on Fridays and weekends on the version of that w/Liberty access (https://store.clippercreek.com/commerci ... ss-control) at free public L2 charging. Been using those for years.

They aren't trouble free though. We've had a station or 2 down not due to handle problems on occasion (out of 8) Also, I've seen a station with a failed charging indicator light.

Funny enough, despite their rugged appearance and high price, they have only 1 year warranties. Their newer stuff seems to have 3 year warranties.

[jlv]

Just an update: The facilities folks told me they've selected a Clipper Creek unit in a ruggedized housing. They are getting one unit on site for testing and then will place the order for the rest. Orders are apparently delayed because of downtime after the hurricane.

[jlv]

Final update:

After several delays (including some bitter cold in December), all of the 20 additional Clipper Creek units have been installed and today half of them have been turned on and made available. The other half will get turned on and made available as needed (future growth, but I personally think we already need them). When they are all opened we'll have almost 60 EVSEs serving about 120 charging (not parking) spaces - fully 3% of the parking spaces on campus.