Lucid Home Charger

[Bubbie]

Took delivery of GT November 2, 2022 & need advice on home charging alternatives. I was excited the Lucid Home Charger arrived only to find out it used 100 amp service that no one mentioned when I bought it. Unfortunately, the electrical box is approximately 40’ from driveway, wires being in an almost impossible narrow crawl space under the house & only 3 wires to where my Tesla home charger was located outside.

(1) Since the existing setup will only utilize 40-50% of the Lucid home charger should I buy a Charge Point Flex instead? Seems like such a waste…Lucid charger is unopened in original box.

(2) Should I have Lucid charger installed? Electrician scheduled for this Friday.

At my second location I have another Tesla Home Charger installed inside my garage.

(3)Not sure if using often will compromise the Wunderbox? Any thoughts?

(4) Is installing a NEMA 14-50 with J1772 a safe alternative for charging? Is it safe to leave it plugged in for long periods of time?

I so want to enjoy this car but the problems with Alexa, frozen screens, navigation, audio system continue to be a source of frustration and disappointment.

Thank goodness for this forum & the members as the manual is useless!

 

[DeaneG]

Thanks Dean. I do recall you posted that there was an issue with wifi IP address with the Lucid charger. During the setup I was able to see the charger broadcast its IP address (serial number) and connect to it. I was able to setup my wifi info and save. This resulted in the blinking orange logo. Since my wifi is 192.168.0.1, I should not be looking at 192.168.5.1 for the charger. So the charger is probably connected to my wifi, I just need to figure out the correct IP address. Unfortunately, I do not see a "Lucid" device as a connected device. I'll try all the "unknown" devices. Hopefully, the Lucid charger is one of the unknowns. If I can't find the Lucid charger, should I shutdown power at the breaker and start over? By the way are you connecting your wifi at 5G or 2.4G? Thanks.

The charger can only connect to a 2.4GHz wifi signal - its hardware does not support 5GHz, but it connects fine to a dual/tripe/quad-band SSID at 2.4GHz. If you shut off the circuit breaker to the charger again for several seconds and then back on, you can re-connect your phone/laptop to the charger's serial number SSID to check the Maintenance->Device Config page and see what the unit's wifi address is on your home network. Or go into your router and look for a new device like uBlox-AG.

If your charger blinked orange for a bit, it was updating its firmware, which it can only do if it successfully connected to your home wifi.

 

[DeaneG]

Lucid's charger might have a MAC address starting with 6C:1d:eb.

 

[Negan1000]

Lucid's charger might have a MAC address starting with 6C:1d:eb.

I found the Lucid Home Charger on my wifi network. I found it on my second try of the unknown devices. Lucid should have done a better job of providing the instructions to connect the charger to my wifi. Without an app, they made it harder than necessary. The customer care was of no help. Thanks Deane.

 

[DeaneG]

I found the Lucid Home Charger on my wifi network. I found it on my second try of the unknown devices. Lucid should have done a better job of providing the instructions to connect the charger to my wifi. Without an app, they made it harder than necessary. The customer care was of no help. Thanks Deane.

Glad you found it! Lucid sources the charger from a third-party OEM, so support will be a learning experience for them. You're right, often a phone app is used to automate this kind of setup-connection process for wifi doorbells, etc. Though for me at least, the doorbell's phone app setup often doesn't work on the first try.

 

[Tagilroy]

I got my Lucid Home Charger installed today. The installation went smoothly. The unit booted and white light logo came on solid. The wifi setup does not provide a selection to pick your wifi. You have to type in your Wifi SSID. I could not connect to my 5G Wi-Fi. I connected to the 2.4 G wifi. Then I got a software update (light flashed orange). The light is solid white. After the SW update, I cannot access the browser interface at 192.168.5.1. The browser kept showing spinning clock update. Quit browser and relaunched to 192.168.5.1. Nothing on the browser interface. I called customer care for help. They do not have a charger expert answering the phone. After some discussion and holds, he said that a software update is needed to allow accessing the browser interface. He thought the unit was working but no browser interface. He said he would followup with email on my issue. Followup email - Change my router to 192.168.1.xxx to 192.168.2.xxx. My router was 192.168.0.1. I'm apprehensive about changing my IP address because I have many devices on my wifi. Since I don't have my car yet, I cannot schedule charging and concerned about ripple effect of changing router IP address, I am going to wait to get the wifi connection working. Suggestions?

I had a similar problem. And unfortunately the support personnel were not helpful. More importantly, I was not interested in changing my network configuration (with many, many devices) to perhaps accommodate the Lucid Home Charger. The support personnel did suggest that if it was bright light, that it was in fact connected to the network. Left it alone, and went to dinner. After return, I was able to find the LHC in my router's list of connected devices and then was able to access via that IP address. Perhaps it did a firmware upgrade? Not certain, but it seems to be functional now. Have to wish now that they address scheduled charging and address the bi-directional issue quickly.

 

[Negan1000]

I had a similar problem. And unfortunately the support personnel were not helpful. More importantly, I was not interested in changing my network configuration (with many, many devices) to perhaps accommodate the Lucid Home Charger. The support personnel did suggest that if it was bright light, that it was in fact connected to the network. Left it alone, and went to dinner. After return, I was able to find the LHC in my router's list of connected devices and then was able to access via that IP address. Perhaps it did a firmware upgrade? Not certain, but it seems to be functional now. Have to wish now that they address scheduled charging and address the bi-directional issue quickly.

Lucid support for the Home Charger is NOT very helpful. I think their standard response is to change your network IP address.. The charger will flash orange if it is doing an update. That happened when I first connected the charger to my wifi. I think they will provide scheduled charging before the bidirectional charging. I am going to wait on bidirectional charging until it is proven - I don't want to be a beta tester.

 

[Tagilroy]

Batteries in LCHCS - One additional item regarding my difficult installation of Lucid Connected Home Charging Station - the installation instructions spoke of an "insulation sheet of the battery package." My electrician (and I) puzzled over that one and came to realize that was a cover over a plastic holder designed for three AA cell batteries. Said holder did not have any such batteries as the charger was delivered. Seemed to make sense to put batteries into holder. During one of my subsequent tortured conversations with support, I was advised that the batteries are not necessary and even not appropriate. That they were part of an early design and should be removed. (Perhaps they will somehow be relevant when bi-directional is implemented?) But since I have batteries installed in the LCHCS I now need to get electrician back to assist with removal, since I do not have the necessary screwdriver bits. (I have quite a few Torx bits, but none of them seem to work. The electrician had said they were a "security" bit.)

Uggh!

They definitely have not done a very good job rolling out this device.

 

[Marioq]

if you want to see it I will be interested....trying to put on at the office

 

[Cosmo Cruz]

I was excited the Lucid Home Charger arrived only to find out it used 100 amp service that no one mentioned when I bought it.

Internally there are DIP switches to configure your betty boop for lower amperage. (see manual). It comes default set to 80 amps, but you can tune it down to match the load you can supply from your circuit.

Unfortunately, the electrical box is approximately 40’ from driveway, wires being in an almost impossible narrow crawl space under the house & only 3 wires to where my Tesla home charger was located outside.

I"m a pretty handy guy, but I'm always astounded at the grit and determination of retro-fit electricians == the the places they go, the things they can do.

(1) Since the existing setup will only utilize 40-50% of the Lucid home charger should I buy a Charge Point Flex instead? Seems like such a waste…Lucid charger is unopened in original box.

I have a Juice Box 40 hard-wire installed (did it myself). It's easy and fills the car overnight. I don't really need the LCHCS (betty boop)
but I have it; don't plan to move for a decade or so, so I'm giving the Juice Box to my kid and calling the electrician. The run to the garage is over 25 meters. It's on a 100 amp breaker in the main panel to AWG 3 copper (should be AWG 2 or bigger for 80 amp load, but electricians charge you for AWG zero and put whatever scrap piece they have on hand...it would seem) to a sub panel with 50 amp breaker to my Juice Box 40 hardwire. This is enough. The bi-directional is sexy. I wondered the same thing (do I need the LCHCS?), but decided I need to go all in with Lucid. I just really like the vision of the company.

Thank goodness for this forum & the members

ditto that

I don't want to be a beta tester.

This is the funniest thing I have read on this site.

Batteries in LCHCS - One additional item regarding my difficult installation of Lucid Connected Home Charging Station - the installation instructions spoke of an "insulation sheet of the battery package." My electrician (and I) puzzled over that one and came to realize that was a cover over a plastic holder designed for three AA cell batteries. Said holder did not have any such batteries as the charger was delivered. Seemed to make sense to put batteries into holder. During one of my subsequent tortured conversations with support, I was advised that the batteries are not necessary and even not appropriate. That they were part of an early design and should be removed. (Perhaps they will somehow be relevant when bi-directional is implemented?) But since I have batteries installed in the LCHCS I now need to get electrician back to assist with removal, since I do not have the necessary screwdriver bits. (I have quite a few Torx bits, but none of them seem to work. The electrician had said they were a "security" bit.)

Thanks for that information re batteries. I took mine apart (because that's what I do..."how does this work?) and saw the battery thing, then read about it in the manual. I too was confused? Thanks for telling me I can gut that part out. If you are not afraid you can turn off the power at the breakers, remove the cover, and take out the batteries yourself. Getting the cover off requires some force to the point you think you are going to snap it. Try pressing hard against the middle to bow out the sides. The security torx screw has a pin in the center that prevents a regular torx bit form seating -- you can buy the correct size security torx bit at the hardware place. It will have a dimple in the center that allows it to seat into the security torx screw.

if you want to see it I will be interested....trying to put on at the office

I love this post. I understand what you are saying because of the context, but my filthy mind went somewhere else. Welcome to the club.

 

[DeaneG]

Need a sticky on LHCS installation?

1) Use 3AWG or 2AWG wire and 1/4" compression lugs for a 100-amp circuit breaker (80 amp charging rate)
2) Lucid's LHCS can replace a previous Tesla HPWC - just set the Lucid charger's dip switches for the correct charging rate corresponding to 80% of existing circuit breaker size.
3) Installation requires a T20 Torx security bit
4) Cover removal will be difficult
5) Do not install batteries
6) If your home Wifi LAN is on 192.168.1.xxx, temporarily change it to 192.168.2.xxx until you have successfully installed the charger and configured it with your Wifi SSID and password. The unit's factory firmware has a bug which prevents it from communicating properly on 192.168.1.xxx networks. A future firmware release will fix this.
7) If the LHCS 'Lucid' logo begins blinking orange after installation and wifi configuration, that means it is working on your wifi and is updating firmware. DO NOT turn it off.
8) Once the LHCS has completed its firmware update, you can change your home network back to 192.168.1.xxx if you don't need wifi access to the charger.

 

[borski]

I took mine apart (because that's what I do..."how does this work?)

We may not always agree, @Cosmo Cruz, but this proves you’re my kinda guy.

 

[Cosmo Cruz]

Wow ... excellent post Deane ... thanks a ton. I love this website.

 

[noobzilla]

Is the Lucid Home Charger hardwire?

I'm getting quotes for charger wiring now and I was thinking I can get 100amp with NEMA 15-50 outlet and have 40amp charger for now and maybe get the Lucid charger in the future.

 

[DeaneG]

Is the Lucid Home Charger hardwire?

I'm getting quotes for charger wiring now and I was thinking I can get 100amp with NEMA 15-50 outlet and have 40amp charger for now and maybe get the Lucid charger in the future.

Yes, Lucid's charger is designed for hardwired installation. But if needed an electrician could attach a short 6-50 or 14-50 cord and plug. Personally I'd just hardwire it with bottom conduit entry. No sense buying charging hardware twice. BTW a 14-50 outlet can only support a 50-amp circuit breaker.

 

[noobzilla]

Yes, Lucid's charger is designed for hardwired installation. But if needed an electrician could attach a short 6-50 or 14-50 cord and plug. Personally I'd just hardwire it with bottom conduit entry. No sense buying charging hardware twice. BTW a 14-50 outlet can only support a 50-amp circuit breaker.

Thanks for info! I think I will just do 50amp set up. If I ever get to a situation that I need to charge fast then I will go to EA.

 

[First_EV]

Hello,
Got my car today. Tried to plug in 110V tried couple of times and keep getting charging equipment error. Not sure if anyone came across this.
Also, there is high pitch noise (you can easily hear from outside) when I put car in reverse of drive. I am hoping that will go away as time goes.
Thanks

 

[Coltonw011]

Hello,
Got my car today. Tried to plug in 110V tried couple of times and keep getting charging equipment error. Not sure if anyone came across this.
Also, there is high pitch noise (you can easily hear from outside) when I put car in reverse of drive. I am hoping that will go away as time goes.
Thanks

That noise is likely the required pedestrian noise you hear on EVs or hybrids. It goes away after like 25 mph. As far as the 110V, I wouldn’t advise using it as it likely won’t even charge much due to the BMS draw. But the fact you’re getting a charger error, could be a bad cable. Are you able to charge at an EA station? Or a level 2?

 

[First_EV]

That noise is likely the required pedestrian noise you hear on EVs or hybrids. It goes away after like 25 mph. As far as the 110V, I wouldn’t advise using it as it likely won’t even charge much due to the BMS draw. But the fact you’re getting a charger error, could be a bad cable. Are you able to charge at an EA station? Or a level 2?

Thanks you! Tomorrow I am going to charge at EA station also will try to find level 2 plug somewhere until I have one and check.

 

[First_EV]

My bad, user error :-( I did not connect adapter correctly. It is only 2 miles per hour. I am assuming charging 110V will not cause any battery issue, if anyone knows, I can stop charging and wait for 14 50 plug installed.

 

[noobzilla]

My bad, user error :-( I did not connect adapter correctly. It is only 2 miles per hour. I am assuming charging 110V will not cause any battery issue, if anyone knows, I can stop charging and wait for 14 50 plug installed.

2 miles per hour! I was hoping it will be the snail pace 4 miles per hour advertised by lucid on a 110V but holy moly 2 miles per hour!!