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      03-15-2023, 11:42 AM   #58
jad03060
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Drives: X5 45e
Join Date: Aug 2018
Location: NH

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Many EVSEs come with a cord attached so you can just plug it in, or with a pigtail so you can hardwire it to the power - they are identical internally, and you often pay a bit more for the cord with a plug on it rather than just a pigtail.

First, check with your local utility company...some offer special deals if you purchase specific EVSEs.

As long as you buy an EVSE meeting the J1772 standard (common to all EVs sold in the USA except for Teslas, it will work. With a 50A circuit, you can buy up to a 40A device since the code wants to derate the circuit to 80% for things that could run continuously for hours to ensure things don't overheat.

If you read around, you'll find lots of choices. Personally, a rugged, simple choice I have had since 2014 is made by Clipper Creek. At the time, they were one of the few made in the USA that had a UL certification. Lots more choices out there. Note, there's no issue using an EVSE that could supply more than the X5 could use, but an EVSE should never be wired to a smaller circuit than what it could supply to the vehicle. The thing will work just fine feeding a smaller device than it's capable of just like plugging in a cellphone power adapter into the wall that might be able to run a space heater...two very different loads, same wiring. An EVSE is a fancy power cord with some smarts. The charging is IN the vehicle, it's not done in the EVSE.

If you think you might end up with two EVs or PHEVs, there are a few out there that can share the load between two vehicles, then when one finishes, bump up to its max for the other.
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