RE:RE:RE:RE:EV trendSorry, poor choice of words to say "install" for level one. The point you're missing is that all the conversations I heard and had at the Expos and conferences from the majority of the people are that they are not interested in just plugging into the wall (unless they were senior citizens) and waiting an eternity to charge their car. The minimum most are going to go for is a level two charger. This is why a car company like Audi is offering a level 2 charger with government rebates when you purchase a car.
However, getting a straight answer out of some of these guys was tough as one contradicted the other One guy is telling us the cost with rebates includes any necessary rewiring and another guys tells us it's extra. So yes, there can certainly be some uncertainty and addtional costs to consider then simply reducing the government rebate off the cost of the level 2 charger if customers are not doing their homework. That was not misleading to report that information.
You're right I have no EV experience in that I don't own an EV, so I can only report on what I have been told by those at the Expos. EV car companies will continue to provide a level 1 plugs at least for the forseeable future, but they are way too slow. The actual use of them will eventually be "obsolete". When was the last time you turned on your Apple IIe computer to use. You can still plug it into the wall and use it, but I would say it's obsolete. Are you happy with level one charging or would you prefer level 2?
I don't see any advice or opinions being given in any of those posts. I see information being reported to the bullboard for those who may not be attending these EV Expos and conferences and may be interested in what is being seen and heard.
Markhamjohn wrote:
One again we have people with no EV experience giving advice and opinion that is misleading or just plain incorrect. First, all EVs come with a level one cord for charging. It requires no equipment at all. Just plug into any 120 volt regular socket. Charging from empty takes 24 to 36 hours but for those travelling 40 to 50 km per day it could be adequate for them. I know people who charge this way. No home level 2 required, but likely the occasional trip to a level 3 chargers when a trip is involved. So level 1 is not going away. You don't need to install level 1 and it is not obsolete. Level 2 costs might appear hidden or confusing to someone with no knowledge who then tries to write about it. For level 2 charging at home one needs to consider at what kW level one wants to charge at and has adequate home power to supply. Most level 2 chargers will charge overnight. Common level 2 chargers operate at 16 or 32 or 40 or 48 AMPS. The higher the number the faster the charge. For example a 32 AMP charge x 240 volts delivers about 7.7 kW. So, a 77kwh battery (common size) would take 10 hours to charge. Once you decide on the level of charge you need wiring rated to handle that and a home electrical panel with sufficient available power supply. A 32 AMP charger requires wiring and a circuit breaker that will each handle 40 AMPs. So your costs are the purchase of the charger, breaker, sufficiently long wiring of the proper guage and the installation costs. Nothing is hidden but it does require calculating it.