Home Charging for My Leaf. Do I Need to Buy an EVSE?

[ChromFEA_NM]

I’m the proud owner of a 2019 40 kW Nissan Leaf, and I’m finally looking into adding charging capabilities at my soon-to-be cottage (hopefully, if the offer gets accepted!). Since I live in a condo in where charging isn’t an option. thanks to some uncooperative management! this is my first time exploring home charging solutions.

I’ve been wondering if it’s necessary to invest in a separate EVSE like a Juicebox or Clipper Creek, or if I can get by with just a NEMA 14-50 outlet on a 40A circuit for Level 2 charging. The Leaf already comes with L1 and L2 charging equipment, so I’m trying to figure out if I’m missing out on anything by skipping a dedicated EVSE unit.

Aside from the convenience of having a permanently installed cable, what would I be giving up? I’m curious if the charging speed would be noticeably slower using the standard equipment, and if so, how can I calculate that? I’m hesitant to spend over $800 on an EVSE unless it offers significant benefits over just installing the outlet.

 

[BillAinCT]

The Nissan EVSE is water resistant and comes with a mounting bracket. I would install it or use it out of the rain. You can't change the charge current if that matters. The standard equipment on a 14-50 (240V) will be as fast an any other EVSE you were to purchase. It can also charge at 120V which can help for overnight charging.

 

[cornbinder89]

The only two drawbacks to the OEM unit have been touched on. I like having the 120 volt trickle charger in the boot (2015's didn't come with the dual voltage EVSE that the later ones did) as an emergency back up while driving.
You could unplug and carry it with you, but that would get to be a pain.
I really like being able to set the current lower than the max. It allows me to tailor how much is put in the battery with the on board timer. The timer is in 10 min increments, and being able to cut the current down allows for more precise amounts.
That said, not all aftermarket EVSE are created equal. The one that came with my used Leaf, will set a DTC when it is shut down by the Leaf's timer function. No operational problems, but you get the yellow triangle warning when you power the car up the 1st time after a charge session. Goes away on the 2nd start.
I doubt all aftermarket EVSE's would have the problem mine does, I think some of the cheaper ones aren't as careful about following the protocol as the OEM and upper end aftermarket units would.
For my use, about 25 miles a day, after a year of ownership, I find the need for faster charging not that important. Only time it comes in handy, is when I need to make two trips in a day, and fast (er) charging at 6 kw makes that nice. Other than the rare dual trip days, I would be fine with just the 120 volt EVSE, it would still recharge fully (if I let it) in the overnight hours.
Right now my use needs about 3 hrs @10 amps 240 volt, or less than 2 hours @ 16 amps 240 volt. 6 hrs at 10 amps 120 volts would be enough, midnight to 6 am would do that.

 

[Steve52]

You didn't say whether your cottage install will be outdoors or in a garage? If in a garage, you could leave your OEM EVSE permanently plugged in since you don't use it at your condo. On the other hand, if it's outside, you'd want to bring the portable EVSE indoors when you're not there. Or you could leave a new one outside permanently if it was hardwired depending on your trust of the neighborhood.

 

[henrydehoja]

Aside from the convenience of having a permanently installed cable, what would I be giving up? I’m curious if the charging speed would be noticeably slower using the standard equipment, and if so, how can I calculate that? I’m hesitant to spend over $800 on an EVSE unless it offers significant benefits over just installing the outlet.

Welcome to the forum!

The Nissan EVSE is a portable device that can also be used with a bracket to make it a wall-mounted device. So, if you make it a wall-mounted device and keep it on the wall all the time, then you miss out on having a portable device. Do you need a portable device? Probably not, but time and your situation will tell. You could always just remove it from the bracket and carry it in your car after you're done with the visit; of course -- I am not familiar with your cottage situation -- that means that you will need to remember to remove the device and pack it back in your car. It will be a trial and error process, but you have a good EVSE to practice on.

I used my Nissan EVSE with the bracket as a permanent wall-mounted device in my garage for 2 years. I found that I never really needed a portable device or 120V supply, and the EVSE provided the right amount of power. I ended up buying an Aerovironment (AV) EVSE afterwards when they were on sale for 50% off due to a company buyout. I ended up using the AV EVSE as my permanent wall-mounted device and carried the Nissan EVSE as a portable (backup) device in my car. I still never ended up using the Nissan EVSE.

 

[Kenny]

I’m the proud owner of a 2019 40 kW Nissan Leaf, and I’m finally looking into adding charging capabilities at my soon-to-be cottage (hopefully, if the offer gets accepted!). Since I live in a condo in where charging isn’t an option. thanks to some uncooperative management! this is my first time exploring home charging solutions.

I’ve been wondering if it’s necessary to invest in a separate EVSE like a Juicebox or Clipper Creek, or if I can get by with just a NEMA 14-50 outlet on a 40A circuit for Level 2 charging. The Leaf already comes with L1 and L2 charging equipment, so I’m trying to figure out if I’m missing out on anything by skipping a dedicated EVSE unit.

Aside from the convenience of having a permanently installed cable, what would I be giving up? I’m curious if the charging speed would be noticeably slower using the standard equipment, and if so, how can I calculate that? I’m hesitant to spend over $800 on an EVSE unless it offers significant benefits over just installing the outlet.

You’ll be missing out on nothing except the paper in your wallet if you spring for another EVSE. The only that came with your Leaf is more than adequate for the task. FYI if you plan on spending more that 30 hours at a time in your hopefully soon to be new cottage, you can fully charge your Leaf in that time solely with the L1 charger adaptor that came with the car.

 

[fotajoye]

In 2011, I ran a 240VAC line in the garage and built an EVSE from plans and parts secured on this forum; When I traded for a used 2019 S, I replaced it with the portable EVSE that came with the car because it also runs on 240VAC.
Been using the Nissan EVSE for going on two years now; hung it on the wall with a string, works great and when I need to charge on the road I search for the nearest quick charger.

 

[fjord]

The salesman told me that the Nissan EVSE (what I think of as the brick) that comes with my car is worth about $USD 2000 so I may not want to carry it around.

Unfortunate.

 

[cornbinder89]

Well, may be if you had to buy it new through Nissan, but reality is they go for a few hundred on the used market.
Keep it out of site and most don't know or have a clue what it is.
Aftermarket replacement go from a around $100 to around $1000 depending on what features your want/need.

 

[cdherman]

Whatever you do, do NOT buy a Juicebox. Or perhaps you *should* buy a Juicebox, but only when they are dirt cheap after everyone is aware that the company is leaving USA behind. A cheap Juicebox would be an option for a very affordable and reasonably robust "dumb" charger for use outdoors. The smart functionality and WiFi capacity is likely going to die.