Charger FAQ/Explanation

[DeaneG]

There's probably no point to replacing/rewiring the sub panel, as it would also require a new run of large-gauge wire and involve unnecessary work. Probably better to just make a new run from the main panel for the EV charger. You might want to ask for quotes for options at 60 amps and at 100 amps. Personally I'd avoid a 14-50 outlet. Besides safety concerns, and slower charging, it may not be possible to have a 14-50 installed in your garage if your locality has adopted the most recent version of the national electric code, which requires GFCI on all 120V and 240V outlets in a garage. This new requirement was added for good reason. But EVSEs for EV charging cannot be installed on a circuit with a GFCI breaker, forcing you to hardwire.

 

[hydbob]

I ended up purchasing the Electricfy America Homestation last night via Amazon and took advantage of the $35.00 off deal. I went with EA over the other level 2's for a few reasons.

1) The seemless integration of the Homestation in the EA app so I can track both my home and DCFC stats.

2) Pretty decent reviews.

3) Ability to hardwire the unit. I saw a video and pictures of an EV user's HEMA 14-50 plug melting from the heat and I'm not taking any chances. I've already experienced one garage fire in my lifetime and that was more than enough for me.

4) Aesthetics!! The EA Homestation looks great with a nice design.

I'll report back with photos once I get it installed.

Just as a FYI, the EA doesn't track the Lucid DCFC charges because that's handled through the Lucid app.

 

[lsbuffs]

There's probably no point to replacing/rewiring the sub panel, as it would also require a new run of large-gauge wire and involve unnecessary work. Probably better to just make a new run from the main panel for the EV charger. You might want to ask for quotes for options at 60 amps and at 100 amps. Personally I'd avoid a 14-50 outlet. Besides safety concerns, and slower charging, it may not be possible to have a 14-50 installed in your garage if your locality has adopted the most recent version of the national electric code, which requires GFCI on all 120V and 240V outlets in a garage. This new requirement was added for good reason. But EVSEs for EV charging cannot be installed on a circuit with a GFCI breaker, forcing you to hardwire.

Great stuff, it’s so interesting learning about this. Thanks!

 

[Babyrocko1908]

Just as a FYI, the EA doesn't track the Lucid DCFC charges because that's handled through the Lucid app.

That's good to know. Thanks!

 

[Babyrocko1908]

Fellas, another quick question, since I've opted to have my EA Home Station hard wired, is there a chance that my charging speeds can/will exceed the 9.6 khw advertised by EA on a 50 amp breaker? What if I decided to go with a 60 amp breaker? I guess I'm trying to figure out what kwh's is this EA Home station maxed at.

 

[AZAirGT]

Fellas, another quick question, since I've opted to have my EA Home Station hard wired, is there a chance that my charging speeds can/will exceed the 9.6 khw advertised by EA on a 50 amp breaker? What if I decided to go with a 60 amp breaker? I guess I'm trying to figure out what kwh's is this EA Home station maxed at.

I am quite sure the EA is a 40 amp with 9.6 kw output at its max. I upgraded from an "older" JuiceBox Pro 40 to the Wallbox Pulsar Plus 48 on a 60 amp breaker. It delivers 11.5 kw very consistently.

 

[Babyrocko1908]

I am quite sure the EA is a 40 amp with 9.6 kw output at its max. I upgraded from an "older" JuiceBox Pro 40 to the Wallbox Pulsar Plus 48 on a 60 amp breaker. It delivers 11.5 kw very consistently.

Thanks. I won't bother going with the 60 amp breaker then. How long does it take for a 80% or full charge getting 11.5 kw?

 

[DeaneG]

Thanks. I won't bother going with the 60 amp breaker then. How long does it take for a 80% or full charge getting 11.5 kw?

A 50 amp breaker would give your EA unit a 9.6kW output at best (50 * 0.8 * 240). If the Touring's usable battery capacity is 88kWh, completely filling it from 0% to 100% would take a minimum of 88/9.6 = 9.2 hours. But practically speaking you'd never actuality charge from 0% to 100%. 20%-80% is much more likely and that would take proportionately less time.

 

[emoylv]

Thanks for the info. Fortunately the run would be through an unfinished attic space, perhaps 50ft. I’ll reach out to a couple of electricians as recommended to review.

You are golden. Wish I had the same setup but I have to cut through drywall and patch, then paint.

 

[MoniputerLM]

Thanks. I won't bother going with the 60 amp breaker then. How long does it take for a 80% or full charge getting 11.5 kw?

I installed a 60 amp breaker because it was hard wiring and why not.

 

[AZAirGT]

Thanks. I won't bother going with the 60 amp breaker then. How long does it take for a 80% or full charge getting 11.5 kw?

With the 48 amp charger it adds about 45-50 miles per hour of charging.

 

[Golfhack]

NOOB questions, sorry. Never owned an EV, nor do I have an EE degree.
1. Can the Lucid EVSE charge any EV, or only Lucids?
2. Is CCS always Level 3 charging?
3. Is level 3 charging the same as DC fast charging?
4. What is considered Fast charging - anything above 50kW?
5. What is the fastest charge possible with a J-1772 connector?

Thanks. I'm sure I'll have more questions. Trying to learn this stuff before my Touring arrives. Also, need to install a charging solution in my garage.

 

[DeaneG]

NOOB questions, sorry. Never owned an EV, nor do I have an EE degree.
1. Can the Lucid EVSE charge any EV, or only Lucids?
2. Is CCS always Level 3 charging?
3. Is level 3 charging the same as DC fast charging?
4. What is considered Fast charging - anything above 50kW?
5. What is the fastest charge possible with a J-1772 connector?

Thanks. I'm sure I'll have more questions. Trying to learn this stuff before my Touring arrives. Also, need to install a charging solution in my garage.

1. Any EV. Tesla cars would need an adapter, nu they come with it.
2. There is no Level 3 charging. Level 2 is AC charging at home on 240V. Don't bother with trying Level 1 (120V).
3. See 2.
4. Fast charging is any DC charger - usually 50kW to 350kW.
5. Depends on the car make and model. Some top out at 6.6kW. Many can hit 11kW. Lucid Air's max is 19kW.

 

[DeaneG]

1. Any EV. Tesla cars would need an adapter, nu they come with it.
2. There is no Level 3 charging. Level 2 is AC charging at home on 240V. Don't bother with trying Level 1 (120V).
3. See 2.
4. Fast charging is any DC charger - usually 50kW to 350kW.
5. Depends on the car make and model. Some top out at 6.6kW. Many can hit 11kW. Lucid Air's max is 19kW.

*nu = "but"
OK, there is Level 3 charging, but it's less confusing to just call it DC fast charging or "fast charging".

 

[Bill55]

NOOB questions, sorry. Never owned an EV, nor do I have an EE degree.
1. Can the Lucid EVSE charge any EV, or only Lucids?
2. Is CCS always Level 3 charging?
3. Is level 3 charging the same as DC fast charging?
4. What is considered Fast charging - anything above 50kW?
5. What is the fastest charge possible with a J-1772 connector?

Thanks. I'm sure I'll have more questions. Trying to learn this stuff before my Touring arrives. Also, need to install a charging solution in my garage.

1. Any EV. Tesla cars would need an adapter, nu they come with it.
2. There is no Level 3 charging. Level 2 is AC charging at home on 240V. Don't bother with trying Level 1 (120V).
3. See 2.
4. Fast charging is any DC charger - usually 50kW to 350kW.
5. Depends on the car make and model. Some top out at 6.6kW. Many can hit 11kW. Lucid Air's max is 19kW.

2. Yes there is Level 3 charging.
3. DC fast charging and Level 3 are same thing
4. There are Level 3 charges at 30kW.
5. The J-1772 uses the cars on board converter. For Lucid it is the Wunderbox.

 

[DeaneG]

2. Yes there is Level 3 charging.
3. DC fast charging and Level 3 are same thing
4. There are Level 3 charges at 30kW.
5. The J-1772 uses the cars on board converter. For Lucid it is the Wunderbox.

There are actually DC chargers as low as 11kW currently for home use, sometimes integrating with PV solar. All kinds of interesting developments - which will be dead ends?

Electric vehicle charger Quasar 2 bi-directional Wallbox

wallbox.com

 

[Golfhack]

Thanks! A few more if you don't mind:
1. If I install a NEMA 14-50 outlet with no home charger unit, does this require a GFCI breaker?
2. Last year I put a heater in my garage. For this, an electrician installed a new breaker in the electrical panel in my basement and ran a 240V conduit from the panel to my garage. Can I take advantage of that conduit or do I need a completely separate installation for my EV charging needs?
3. If I want to future proof my installation to allow V2H charging in the future, what additional work would be required?
4. Will V2H charging provide power for my entire home, or just select items (refrigerator, etc?)

 

[Bill55]

1. The 50 amp breaker will not be gfci
2. It will need to be an additional conductor. If the conduit is large enough to pull another wire you could use. If it was sized for just one wire then no.
3. You need a 100amp circuit for V2H
4. It will be maxed at 19.2kW.

 

[Volund]

1. The 50 amp breaker will not be gfci
2. It will need to be an additional conductor. If the conduit is large enough to pull another wire you could use. If it was sized for just one wire then no.
3. You need a 100amp circuit for V2H
4. It will be maxed at 19.2kW.

Does the Lucid home charger allow V2H and it's just not available yet? (future update)
Or will it be a totally separate box/setup?

 

[Bill55]

Does the Lucid home charger allow V2H and it's just not available yet? (future update)
Or will it be a totally separate box/setup?

Additional equipment will also be required. Pricing not yet available.