I have a Chevy Bolt with level 2 charging and I love it. The charger was a little more expensive for me to install because I didn't have an easy wiring run, but it was totally worth it. I have a second ICE car that we use mainly if we need more space or when we need 2 cars at the same time. I don't feel any need to have an ICE option, I just don't have a good reason to replace it right now.
this post was submitted on 14 Nov 2024
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I'm never going back. It's so convenient and inexpensive. I've Decided to add solar to my house and now my fuel is basically going to be free. But even without it, 50 amp lvl 2 works great. I'm also in Oregon doing off peak charging
Here's two cars with the PGE subsidized charge point charger in my garage. Bring honest, I don't always charge overnight. Sometimes I forget to plug it in.
Not in Seattle (phoenix az area) but we have an ioniq and a ChargePoint L2 ccs charger on a 50A circuit. Works like a charm - plug it in and forget about it. Zero issues, just over a year. I had the 240V/50A circuit already in the garage, and wired it myself (carefully... ;) )
It’s great. Had a 240v 50 amp circuit and a NEMA 14-50 plug installed by an electrician (you could probably do it yourself if you are handy but it’s a potential fire hazard so I wanted a professional to do it). Bought an EVSE, plugged in, and never looked back. I am never buying an ICE car again. There are federal and local tax rebates to install an EVSE in your home.
Just moved down to Oregon from the Seattle area a few years ago and have a Mach-E.
Similar setup to the other poster here. 50a installed at home. We plug in at night and have charging set to 80% and synced with the local utility to prefer off hours. Price wise, we're spending about $60 a month compared to the $200+ we'd spend on previous ICE vehicles. Combined with solar on the roof, it's been a pretty good value. Not a net zero for sure but overall good.
If there's a long trip planned, we over ride settings to 100%. There's a ton of 300kwh chargers along I5 (0%-90% in 20 or so minutes every 3-4 hours). We've driven from Seattle to LA with no trouble a few times. Takes a little bit more planning but not too much of an issue.
Why are you specifically asking for non-Tesla EV? I think the main differentiator in experience between Tesla and non-Tesla is with level 3 charging.
At level 2, a $100 adapter turns a Tesla into any other EV.
Firstly, yeah it's the charging experience. I read about those adapters just today. Wasn't sure which cars support it, sounds like a lot do.
Secondly, I have some hesitation buying from Tesla given their track record of handling personal data and general customer service practices incidents. So was wondering what's the experience like with other manufacturers with the public infrastructure.
I hope that makes sense
Got it. I ask because I have a Tesla and my experience is pretty typical for any EV. I have a hardwired Tesla EVSE, but it just as easily could be a J1772 unit for use with other brand vehicles.
As far as anecdotes, if you have L2 charging available in a dedicated parking space (so you can be sure to plug in every night), it’s a no-brainer.
Imagine basically never having to worry about getting gas or fluctuating gas prices. You wake up every day with a full tank, and all you have to do is spend 5 seconds plugging in every night.
The no gas station visits part is what excites me the most actually haha
Yeah, probably the most undersold feature of EVs. Even the pro EV ads show people "conveniently" charging at grocery stores. If you have a way to charge at home, you're golden. I never really think about fuel unless I plan on driving 200+ miles in a day which involves a lot of other planning anyway.
I have a RAV4 Prime and I share a level 1 charger with a roommate. Neither of us drive all that much and it works out great. I basically always run it in fully electric mode.