I have a Leaf reserved and received an email to set up a charger assessment which led to some confusion when I called the Nissan leaf customer service and they transferred me to AeroVironment customer service.
Because of my great interest in getting a leaf, I quickly clicked on the link to set up the assessment. I was surprised that I was required to provide a credit card, $100 and agree to not insignificant legal contract just for an assessment. I went ahead even though my dealer knew nothing of this due to my interest.
I called Nissan and was told I could buy the EVSE ( fancy name for 220V extension chord) myself and have my own electrician install it. I was transferred to Aerovironment who told me NO I couldn't and the only way I could get the federal tax credit was by having them install it. They claimed it was a safety issue but I pointed out I can pull a permit and have an electrician install a 220V outlet for any equipment that needs it.
What is the reason I must use Aerovironment's EVSE? The SAE J1772 connector is standard and the SAE 2847 communications standard is not complete. It appears all the EVSE does is light some LEDs, provide a standard GFI and in the future will provide an optional PLC ( Power Line Modem) or wireless modem so the Leaf charger can talk with the yet to be deployed smart grid.
Can I just get my Leaf with the level 1 and add the Level 2 later when the SAE 2847 is really operational?
Could I get an explanation of the whole EVSE situation? My dealer is trying to find out?
Since only the 220V pins which are really just the two 120V legs to earth are standard and the Leaf does the charging, why is the reason Nissan says its about compatibility and I would have to prove that if I wanted to use another EVSE? I'm confused as to why this is being made complex? Or is it simple and I just spoke with the wrong people?
thanks for any help!
Tom
Because of my great interest in getting a leaf, I quickly clicked on the link to set up the assessment. I was surprised that I was required to provide a credit card, $100 and agree to not insignificant legal contract just for an assessment. I went ahead even though my dealer knew nothing of this due to my interest.
I called Nissan and was told I could buy the EVSE ( fancy name for 220V extension chord) myself and have my own electrician install it. I was transferred to Aerovironment who told me NO I couldn't and the only way I could get the federal tax credit was by having them install it. They claimed it was a safety issue but I pointed out I can pull a permit and have an electrician install a 220V outlet for any equipment that needs it.
What is the reason I must use Aerovironment's EVSE? The SAE J1772 connector is standard and the SAE 2847 communications standard is not complete. It appears all the EVSE does is light some LEDs, provide a standard GFI and in the future will provide an optional PLC ( Power Line Modem) or wireless modem so the Leaf charger can talk with the yet to be deployed smart grid.
Can I just get my Leaf with the level 1 and add the Level 2 later when the SAE 2847 is really operational?
Could I get an explanation of the whole EVSE situation? My dealer is trying to find out?
Since only the 220V pins which are really just the two 120V legs to earth are standard and the Leaf does the charging, why is the reason Nissan says its about compatibility and I would have to prove that if I wanted to use another EVSE? I'm confused as to why this is being made complex? Or is it simple and I just spoke with the wrong people?
thanks for any help!
Tom