 is built into the car itself. So, the correct name for what many consumers refer to as “the charger” is EVSE, which stands for Electric Vehicle Service Equipment. It’s also known as the charging station or charging dock. That being said, here’s a brief guide to help […] "'Pin It")
A Guide to Buying Your First EVSE
Photo: johnny5634
The actual charger of an electric vehicle (EV) is built into the car itself. So, the correct name for what many consumers refer to as “the charger” is EVSE, which stands for Electric Vehicle Service Equipment. It’s also known as the charging station or charging dock.
That being said, here’s a brief guide to help you decide on the right EVSE model to purchase for your home.
Price and amperage capacity
Most EVSEs will cost you in the range of $500 to $700. Certain features like connectivity and portability enhancements, and an installation fee, will increase the price of the EVSE. Besides price, you also want to consider amperage. A good rule of thumb is to purchase an EVSE that has at least 30 amps (which will need a circuit breaker rated for at least 40 amps). That way, you can add 30 miles of range to the vehicle in about an hour of charging.
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Photo: eMotorWerks
Portability
While some EV owners hard-wire install their EVSE, so it’s permanently part of their garage. It’s best to go the portable route, especially if you plan on moving sometime in the future. Install a NEMA 14-15 outlet, then put a matching plug on a pigtail mounted to the EVSE, as PluginCars.com contributor Brad Berman recommends. That way, you can mount the EVSE next to the outlet and plug it in.
Length of charging cable
Per National Electric Code (NEC), the charging cable of the EVSE should be no longer than 12 inches, for a portable EVSE. For hard-wired EVSEs, the conduit cord should fall in the range of 6 to 15 feet, to adhere to NEC standards.
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News Sources: PluginCars, ClipperCreek
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