Jan 24, 2022 UPDATE: So We purchased this L2 charger in April of 2018. Our hope was that this well known brand would serve as our primary EVSE. Well, here we are now 3 years, 9 months later and the EVSE is still going strong! For about half the time, in our prior home, this EVSE was an intrical part of our Solar & Home battery bank. Our Solar system would replenish our at home battery banks by day. When we returned with the Volt, we'd connect the EVSE, set the delay to start 6 hrs later. This would allow us to use the battery banks to power the home. Then after we turn in for the night, the EVSE would come on, also drawing from the battery banks to replenish the Volt's drive battery. The next morning the Volt would be ready to go and the Solar panels would replenish the in home battery banks.
We moved about 18 months ago, taking our Siemens EVSE with us. Second house, second installation! While we are now in a much smaller place (I've retired), and we don't have an elaborate solar system here, we do have a fantastic albeit uncomplicated ESVE that is still recharging our Volt every single day. The simple delay start option allows us the ability to decide when charging begins. That said, I would wholeheartedly recommend the purchase of this Siemens EVSE. Basic, yes! Reliable, definitely. Easy to use, without a doubt. My only suggestion is that no matter how well you think you know electric, if you are not actually a certified electrician, that you hire a certified electrician to properly install a dedicated circuit for the EVSE to operate on. Don't risk your two most valuable assets, your home and your vehicle. ~Mr. T. Morton
Original Post ---- I wanted a uncomplicated unit, just plug in and charge! I've read reviews on so may Level 2 chargers that I guess some people love because they can check the status of the charge from great distances via their smart phone. This would not be me. I just want to come home from my outing and plug in my Volt to top off the batteries. This unit has built in 2,4,6 & 8 hour charge delay for those that get better rates at night. No need to program a device and pray the app works or to have to rely on the availability of wifi to charge your vehicle. Just plug in and charge! I hired an electrician to install the 40 amp 220v service and outlet. He did a great job and including the need to run wire through the attic, he was done within a couple of hrs. The end result is I can now charge my car after bebopping around town in a matter of a couple hrs instead of overnight when I used the 110v Level 1 charger.
The charger is easy to operate and I can neatly store the cord by just wrapping it around the unit itself. Though the charge cord is plenty long enough, just to have it, I wished I'd gotten the longer cord. Otherwise this was a perfect solution. A faster, better and safer way to recharge my Volt or for that matter any future vehicle that I purchase that is either a total EV, plug in Hybrid or ER electric like my Volt.
Would I recommend it, YES! I suggest that unless you are appropriately skilled, that you hire a qualified electrical contractor to install the electrical service. Better safe than sorry. Mr. T Morton
| Manufacturer | Siemens |
|---|---|
| Part Number | VC30GRYU |
| Item Weight | 15 pounds |
| Product Dimensions | 20.5 x 18 x 15 inches |
| Item model number | US2:VC30GRYU |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
| Style | Indoor/Outdoor with 20-Foot Cord |
| Material | New |
| Pattern | Charger |
| Item Package Quantity | 1 |
| Included Components | Vericharge |
| Batteries Included? | No |
| Batteries Required? | No |
