Crito

I've been researching EV chargers and looks like there's an option between level 1 and 2. Splitvolt makes one that works off my existing NEMA 14-30 dryer outlet:
https://splitvolt.com/products/cgb-nema-14-30-24-amp
1X Mercedes 120V * 12A = 1.44kW max
4X Splitvolt 240V * 24A = 5.76kW max
8X Real Lvl2 240V * 48A = 11.52kW max

There are other brands too, of course, but Splitvolt has really good reviews on Amazon. They also have a $10 off coupon if you signup for their newsletter, so the 26ft long version will cost just $300. I'm thinking of pairing that with a manual switch from:
https://acworks.com/collections/adap...ns-with-switch
Which is on sale for $170, about half the cost of a smart switch, for a total cost of $470. No electrician required!

Am I missing something? Searched the forums but found no mention of either of these so will read a few more reviews before ordering but seems like the most cost effective way to go. I might still get a ChargePoint charger installed as recommended by Mercedes but wouldn't hurt to have this option too, especially since it comes with a carry case for road trips.

nosnoop

Most people prefer a wall charger for their garage rather than a portable charger. For some, a portable charger may be enough, but 5.76kW is a bit slow for a home charger.
I think it only makes sense from cost savings point of view or if you absolutely do not want electrician installation.
But as most people are unlikely to switch back to ICE, it is a worthwhile investment to have the proper electrical wiring and charger in place as it will get used almost daily from now onwards.

For road trips, a NEMA 14-50 portable charger is better as that's the outlet you can find in any campgrounds, while you may have a hard time finding a 14-30 outlet you can use outside your home.
Also make sure the switch and the chargers are UL certified. There are a lot of chargers in Amazon that has no safety certification whatsoever. I tried checking the splitvolt charger and the AC works switch, but I can't find any safety certification information.

Crito

I'm just a little reluctant to let an electrician put holes in my wall and modify my panel. When I find one I trust I'll probably get a ChargPoint installed in the garage though.

As for the camping outlet, that's a good point and I'll likely get a 14-50 adapter for the 14-30 charger I just ordered. They're both 240V so I don't see a problem pulling 24A from a 50A circuit. Trying to pull 48A from a 30A circuit on the other hand...

I decided not to get the manual switch however. NeoCharge seems to be the most popular and it mounts with a special bracket using existing outlet holes, so no need to butcher my drywall to secure it:
https://getneocharge.com/products/ne...smart-splitter

Crito

If you live in a major metropolitan area definitely use the free shipping option. Even though I ordered directly from website it was fulfilled by Amazon and arrived very quickly. I've only had it a few hours but thus far it works as advertised. The 10 gauge cable can handle 600V and 30A so 240V and 24A should pose no risk. And my Mercedes says I'm charging at 5.8kW so I'm very pleased. As a side note, the included round carry case also makes an irresistible cat bed.






EDIT: Oh, and I changed my mind on the splitter again. The electricity here in New Caney goes off frequently and I've already blown a couple of surge protectors. Despite my best efforts I can't find a surge protector for a 14-30 outlet. So I'd really rather not leave my charger plugged in all the time. Residential dryer outlets aren't designed for constant plugging and unplugging, however, and the receptacle can become loose in as few as a couple dozen cycles. So I decided to go with a sacrificial plain ole Y-splitter from Home Depot. If it goes bad I'll just buy another:
https://www.homedepot.com/p/parkworl...6603/316430623

Crito

Playing with camera on new phone today and took a pic of the Parkworld Y-splitter I bought from Home Depot. Have to say this setup is working out really well for me. I live alone so there's really no danger of turning dryer on at same time I'm charging, which is usually just once a week. And I've seen other people with roommates and kids use tricks like a magnetic stop sign on dryer door. So I'm really surprised the 14-30 dryer solution isn't recommended more. Every new home built around here has one of those outlets and its usually near if not in their garage already. I can literally go to any of their houses and charge with my 26ft Splitvolt. Seems like a no-brainer to me.

Crito

Would be nice if there was a general EV discussion area for threads like this but anywho... one last note before I stop talking to myself:

Everyone knows it's cheaper to charge off-peak but I was surprised to find it can also be faster. In the middle of a hot summer afternoon I only get 5.6 kW instead of 5.8 kW because line voltage sags to 233V. And last Sunday night (to Monday morning) I got 6.0 kW even according to Mercedes Me, which equals 250V at 24A. That's 7% faster min to max using the exact same equipment.

bytemaster0

Yes, voltage sag is definitely noticeable. We can definitely charge faster during the day when it's bright and sunny and our solar inverters are feeding the grid excess. We can produce about 12-14kW max, the car + house consumes about 10, so we see charging speeds of about 9.75kW.

Crito

Oh, and here's the 14-50 to 14-30 adapter I bought from Splitvolt: