So I bought a new EV (VW ID.4 AWD Pro S) now I am looking for the best home charger out there. i know my box definitely has 60Amps available, maybe more. I was looking at the ChargePoint model but their network has been flakey last night unto tjis morning. Anyone have recommendations?
Just some general FYI.
While we commonly refer to that box (the Level 1 or Level 2) as a "charger", it's technically not, it's an EVSE which is basically a smart AC switch, the actual charger is in the vehicle, that's the component that converts the AC power from your house to the DC power used to charge the battery. The Level 3 DCFC, (DC Fast Chargers) don't use this onboard charger, they go directly into the battery with DC power (and as you know, are rated for much higher charging speeds). The onboard charger has a max rate specification, it's actually that component in the car that determines max Level 2 speeds (looks like your ID 4 supports 48a (i.e., 11.5kWh), awesome
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Your VW uses CCS1 which is a combination of a DC fast implementation, and the AC portion, that is the Level 1/2 the "home charging" uses a connector spec called J1772 (if you look at your port, that's the top, round portion, a DCFC connector also uses the bottom two larger high power connectors). The "charger" can be purchased with this as the "native" connector, so there's no adapters, etc., at home, just plug in, you're charging!
Due to the continuous loads, EVs charge at 80% of the rated circuit spec, so a 60a breaker and outlet will provide 48a (50a provides 40a, 30 > 24, etc)
You don't have to set anything really, the EVSE will provide up to the max power requested by the vehicle, so it's set for max, and each vehicle gets what they need (like our iX gets 40a and the 4xe gets 32a, its max).
50a circuits and lower can end at a receptacle (aka, outlet), not unlike your clothes dryer, or oven. This means you can easily swap out the EVSE, or potentially use the plug for something else - note that continuous plugging/unplugging from these high power outlets can cause an issue as the clamps wear out, increase resistance, cause heat, and yikes
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But really, most people plug in, and leave it.
Above 50a you have to hard wire, that is, the EVSE end isn't an outlet, but wires that are directly connected to the harness/wiring post on the EVSE. This does remove an extra component, and allow for that higher rate, removes the need for a GFCI breaker (which is a whole separate can-of-worms / conversation). Obviously if you have a situation where you need to replace it, it's a rewire, or if you needed to take it with you for some reason like a long vacation stay, you'd want a second, portable EVSE.
Smart chargers aren't really needed as the car software generally will handle scheduling, limit rate, have some kind of data/analysis options in the app (to determine use and cost), some are pretty neat if you're into that, but it's not really needed.
One of the best rated, comes up on the top of many lists, excellent bang-for-the-buck is the Emporia:
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They offer both a plug option (for 50a) and a hardwire (for 60a), smart features, etc., $399 is a steal. Lots of folks using these, will probably be what I use when I move to 48a charging.
I have/had a Grizzl-E, which is another solid brand, built in Canada, beefy metal chassis, huge cables, very weather resistant, umm, I guess my recommendation is lower now since ours started to crap out, but that's about 4 years, moderate salt air exposure, but like I said, I will switch to Emporia for the next perm wall mount.
Definitely get one with the longest charging cable option, usually 24', some have shorter cables and you lose some parking options depending on your port location.
FWIW, we're currently using the BMW mobile that came with the iX, it supports up to 40a, works great for both rides, actually running an 6-50 > 14-50 adapter (don't ask
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), but I'd like to keep that IN the BMW and it has a painfully short cable.