Charger recommendation for 2013 Leaf w/6.6kW onboard charger

[yortch]

I'm considering buying a 2013 Leaf and I'm looking for charger recommendations. I will most likely get a trim that includes the 6.6kW charger. I'm looking for a charge station that will allow me to leverage the 6.6kW charger at home. I will typically charge overnight during weekdays, but on the weekends I occasionally may drive above 80 miles in 2-3 separate trips, so I'd like to be able to charge at home for 1-2 hrs in between those trips.

I was initially considering the AeroVironment Plug-In EV Charger because I like the idea of being able to unplug it and take it elsewhere with me should I need to, although in practice I will rarely be in a situation where I will be able to leverage that capability. The price on Amazon.com is $1,049:
http://www.amazon.com/AeroVironment-Plug-In-Residential-Charger-EVSE-RS/dp/B00AHG8XVA" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

I then came across the EVLink Level 2 30 Amp Wall Charger (Model #: EV230WS) which is currently priced at Lowe's for $199.75. Is that price for real? is this a mistake? or is there a catch/limitation with this charger? I looked up the same model at Home Depot, and that same item is priced at $799.
http://www.lowes.com/pd_382390-296-EV230WS_0__?productId=4351933" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

 

[edatoakrun]

I'm considering buying a 2013 Leaf and I'm looking for charger recommendations... Is that price for real...?

http://www.lowes.com/pd_382390-296-EV230WS_0__?productId=4351933" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

If it is , its a fantastic deal, IMO. I tried to buy, but it came out as Not available for pick-up or delivery.

The best deal I've seen for faster and portable is:

http://stores.intuitwebsites.com/ClipperCreekInc/-strse-6/Level-2-EVSE%2C-Level/Detail.bok" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Not quite up to your chargers capability, but should be plenty fast for home, and only ~20% slower for travel. see the the about the "$595 march madness" sale for details.

 

[yortch]

Yeah, same here, I got the same message when I tried to check out.

 

[Epi117]

Ditto portland.

 

[smkettner]

I chose the Schneider over the AV partly because of the lower profile.
And also because AV electrician got $100 sucker fee just to tell me it would cost $2200 to mount the thing and plug it into an existing EV permitted outlet.

I have a generation 1 from when they were first available. Has been perfectly flawless.

 

[cwerdna]

OP, you're looking for an EVSE. As you correctly note, the charger (for L1 and L2) is on board the car.

 

[jimmyz80]

I have the Schneider as well, and it works perfectly with my 2013. Be careful to make sure you get the Gen 2 though, since there is an older Gen 1 that looks the same still being sold by some retailers.

 

[yortch]

Thanks for the input. I decided to go with the AeroVironment Plug-in EVSE. I'm having my electrician just install a 240V outlet. I'm hoping I can temporarily use the 240v outlet for my dryer which is on my basement, otherwise I'll continue to trickle charge while I have the outlet installed.

 

[yortch]

Here it is, EVSE installed. Paid $150 to have the outlet and charger holder mounted. The electrician used a 40A circuit breaker, based on 30A max * 125% (his recommendation). He measured the amps afterwards and saw as high as 28amps. I paid $999 (using a $50 coupon code I found online) for the unit. Works smoothly, this unit is bigger than it looks. I believe the EV link units are more compact. By the way, I did try plugging it in on my dryer outlet, and it did not even fit.

 

[TonyWilliams]

I believe the EV link units are more compact. By the way, I did try plugging it in on my dryer outlet, and it did not even fit.

That's because it doesn't use a dryer (10-30 or 14-30) or RV plug (14-50).

http://evsolutions.avinc.com/products/at_home/plug-in_charging_station" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

"Plugs into a 6-50 receptacle", which is great for welders. I recommend changing that to 14-50 so that you can take the EVSE with you for use at RV parks.



NEMA 14-50
RVs


NEMA 6-50
electrical welders


NEMA 6-30
AC units,
commercial equipment


NEMA 14-30
new dryers


NEMA L14-30
generators


NEMA 10-30
old dryers


NEMA 6-20
motel AC units


NEMA 6-15
AC units


NEMA 5-20
standard 3-prong,
higher current


NEMA 5-15
standard 3 prong