[SkykingUSA]

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For those who use level 2 home charging for their i5, did you install a wall-mounted charger (if so, what brand) or did you just have a NEMA 14-50 outlet installed at home for charging and plug the car into that with the provided fast charge cable that comes with the car?

I don't have either right now, and figured I'd try using the free DC charging for a while before deciding what to install at home in the garage. Any tips or suggestions for a level 2 home setup?

[Scrapula]

We have a home wall charger. It’s a Ford Wall Station Pro which is an 80 amp charger. The BMW can only charge at 48 amps but our Lighting is higher. It was free with his purchase, but are over $1,000. I know some chargers max at 40 amps.

Check with your utility company. Ours has good deals on chargers with rebates. See what they have, then look for reviews.

[Mrcook23]

I had a Nema 14-50 plug 🔌installed and just use the provided cable. Works for me, but it charges slower than my Tesla model y. I have a wall mounted Tesla charger also installed on a separate 60amp breaker.

[RichardInCA]

Not very imaginative but I went with a BMW wall box gen 3 on a 50amp circuit. It’s good for 9.6kW, which is great for overnight charging. I have used a few EA DC fast charging sessions but also have chargers at my office (ChargePoint) but they only charge at 6kW. Basically I’ve all my bases covered at this point, and have an EVGo account as well should I need a fast charger but can’t access an EA charger.

[MrDit]

I have a ChargePoint on a dedicated 60 Amp hard wired circuit. Works fine so far, can charge at around 11kW.

[SkykingUSA]

Originally Posted by Scrapula

Check with your utility company. Ours has good deals on chargers with rebates. See what they have, then look for reviews.

I didn't even think of that, thanks for the tip!

Also, thanks to everyone who responded. This forum is so helpful and full of great info!

[alewifebp]

I haven't bought one yet, but I'm going to get the Chargepoint hardwired. NJ has a rebate of $200, plus my utility has a lower rate when used out of peak. They connect to the Chargepoint only, and give you a discount of .10/kwh. Plus they also cover the installation. That's PSE&G in NJ for those that have them. I'd imagine utilities in CA certainly have some incentives. Always worth looking for incentives available in your area.

[waters73]

I did the Tesla universal charger because in the future all Evs will have Tesla’s port for charging. The universal has an adapter and then down the road it has the Tesla port too. Also connected to WiFi to get updates and it’s up to 11kw.

[MikeElmendorf]

ChargePoint hardwired to its own circuit, delivering 11 amps.

[Theophilus]

I know some people who use their existing Tesla Wall Charger (v1 or v2) with one of those Lectron adapters from Amazon. If you have the Wall Charger on a 48 amp or greater circuit, then it works for 11.5 kW/h charging, even with the adapter. I think there are various adapters, but not all support 48 amps, so make sure to get a high end one.

[Trevor G]

Charge Point Home Flex 48 amp. Mounted on a post alongside my driveway to make it easier to reach my car (when I get it). Ran the wire 18 inches underground to the house and then connected to my electrical panel with a double pole 60 amp breaker. QMerit is what a lot of people use to install their chargers and they are only a middle person. Call local electricians and get the best price to have it hooked up.

[Trevor G]

Originally Posted by Theophilus

I know some people who use their existing Tesla Wall Charger (v1 or v2) with one of those Lectron adapters from Amazon. If you have the Wall Charger on a 48 amp or greater circuit, then it works for 11.5 kW/h charging, even with the adapter. I think there are various adapters, but not all support 48 amps, so make sure to get a high end one.

I really do not think getting an adapter off of Amazon is a good idea. I recommend spending the extra money and getting an adapter from the company you purchased your charger from. 400 volts DC at 10 plus amps is no joke. Please be carefully if purchasing an adapter. Also remember if the adapter is not properly insulated you are touching it every time you plug in and unplug. I work with 4160 volts at work. No joke what it can do to you.

[Theophilus]

Yes, that power output is certainly no joke. I ran a quick search and found this one specifically made for Tesla to J1772:

https://www.amazon.com/Lectron-Charg...904010ad0&th=1

It seems very well reviewed. I have a feeling this is pretty much what the Tesla Universal Wall Charger is: a Tesla charger with the company's own integrated adapter.

[Trevor G]

The Charge Point has the ability to select which connector type you want at purchase and can be easily changed to a new cable and connector type at later date.

[wagonallterrain]

I just have a NEMA 14-50 outlet. I don't need the "app-control" function of the charging stations so it's really just the "better look" a charging station can provide.

[Trevor G]

Originally Posted by wagonallterrain

I just have a NEMA 14-50 outlet. I don't need the "app-control" function of the charging stations so it's really just the "better look" a charging station can provide.

Running the charging cable to the plug every night is something I am not looking forward to doing but I am sure that will work just as good as my Charge Point Home Flex. I have the charger installed where it is not even 3 feet from my charge port for lazy old man reasons.

[syslakm]

I think have a NEMA 14-50 plug is more versatile than hardwiring.
If you decide to sell your house, the 14-50 plug can be used with different applicances besides EVSE. It can be used with heaters (with an adapter) and other high amperage appliances.

[SkykingUSA]

I found this useful video. Maybe it will help others like me who are considering their charging options.

[Windshieldfarmer]

Originally Posted by syslakm

I think have a NEMA 14-50 plug is more versatile than hardwiring.
If you decide to sell your house, the 14-50 plug can be used with different applicances besides EVSE. It can be used with heaters (with an adapter) and other high amperage appliances.

Just a word to the wise about using a NEMA 14-50 on a regular basis. Make sure you install a high quality receptacle such as one made by Hubbell. Typical residential receptacles are not intended for daily plugging/unplugging or many hours of high amperage usage. Don’t go cheap with something this important.

[Mark444444]

My question is this: if I install the bmw wall box, would I be able to have it uninstalled and move it with me in the likely event I move in April?

Thanks!

[Windshieldfarmer]

Originally Posted by Mark444444

My question is this: if I install the bmw wall box, would I be able to have it uninstalled and move it with me in the likely event I move in April?

Thanks!

You will…just replace the hardwire hookup with a NEMA 14-50 receptacle (if such a configuration is possible/legal in your locale) or deadhead the connection in a junction box and turn off and/or remove the applicable breaker. Candidly your utility might purchase you a new charger when/if you move to a new house. Leaving your charger in your current house might be of value to a potential buyer.

[Trevor G]

If you are planning to move and leave your charger in place make sure you do not need permits for its installation or you can get hit with a bill to have it removed. where I am at on Long Island I needed a permit to install my charger where it is. I did not install it in a garage or on the outside of the house and needed to run underground wires which meant I needed to get a permit first.