he’s right. many
1 Like
I totally feel ya on not having a home charging setup, but don’t let that hold you back from getting an EV! With your short commute and all those sweet chargers around, you’ll have no problem keeping your wheels juiced up. Plus, going for a 300+ mile range is awesome - you’ll be cruising in style!
1 Like
I had my installation done a couple of weeks ago.
I ended up going with the minimum 50-amp circuit.
As you may have noted I have zero aptitude (and roughly the equivalent amount of interest) in this stuff, so I punted because it was easier and required zero thought. 
Just being completely honest. 
I also didn’t shop very hard for an electrician. I put in a request for quotes on Yelp, got multiple responses in less than 5 minutes, and hired the first guy who responded (after checking reviews of course).
Two days later, the job was done.
Cost was $350 + $20 per foot for the six feet between the breaker box (which is in the garage) and the outlet, so $470 all-in.
So far I’ve only used it once for a couple of minutes to make sure it works.
At some point it’ll get old planning around Electrify America locations (and availability), but for now I’m okay trading some convenience for free charging.
With that said, this is an economical backup, and I’m glad I did it.
3 Likes
I think this is the way to go for 99% of people.
2 Likes
I put in a Tesla charger when I got my MYLR. I work from home and would be 100% fine with a regular plug.
1 Like
I only drive 17 miles to/from work each day round trip 34 miles and only 3 times a week.
If I start charging an hour after I get home, that will leave me with 14 hours charging until I have to leave for work.
We do not take long trips on weekends and if we need to take a trip outside of the local area we use out ICE car.
Any reasons for me not to just use a level 1 charger until I really need a level 2 charger?
Based on that usage you should be fine to charge on level 1. I have friends doing the same with no issue. I installed level 2 and happy to have it, but my mileage is much higher than yours and less predictable pattern of daily use vs downtime overnight.
Do the math
Electricity more $$$ during peak vs non peak
Depends where you live. For me, absent a time of use plan, it’s the same price. If you live somewhere that’s not true the level two charger, which would allow you to only charge in off peak times, might be worth it.
I have solar panels, I pay nothing for electricity
2 Likes
You should be fine.
Not sure what type of EV you have or are getting (if you said earlier I apologize) but you don’t need to charge to full every night and you don’t have to charge 14 hours. In SoCal, lower rates start at 9pm so one of ours charges on L1 from 9 to 7am… the 10 hours is sufficient for a local commute as it will catch up on non in-office days.
1 Like
Same. I’m not able to take advantage of TOU without paying for upgraded meter install + separate dedicated EV charging meter.
1 Like
2023 BMW i4 e35
If you don’t need a level 2, and the level 1 works for you, just stick with that until you need level 2. I’m still using my 25 amp charger that I got for free from Bosch when I leased my Chevy Spark. The Bosch sales rep asked me if I wanted to spend $200 more to upgrade to a 40amp or something. I was like, “Why would I ever need a 40amp charger?”
Anyways, it’s slow and only charges 1/3 of my car during the 6 hours of super offpeak, but I don’t really need more than that, and if I do, I’ll use a DCFC.
1 Like
Yeah… should be good on overnight L1.
You can also free DCFC it to make up any low points (I think the I4 gets 2 years of free 30 minute sessions with EA).
2 Likes