Electric Vehicles [BEVs] [FinallyADedicatedThread]

[Zaxxon]

Enphase is the first alternative I’d recommend, as well. Although I must note that supporting 100k+ other employees may help offset the one asshole up top.

As for modifying your 9-yo system—is it still under warranty? If so, you will likely find that any installer other than the one who put it in won’t want to touch it. And if another installer does touch it, make sure that doesn’t nuke your original warranty. You could alternately install a separate system (that’s what I did when I expanded my PV setup in 2019 with a diff installer than I used in 2014).

[The Meal]

I think the place to find local options is Energy Sage, along with tons of quality home solar advice.

[Kurth]

I think the place to find local options is Energy Sage, along with tons of quality home solar advice.

Small world, but I had a lunch meeting with the guy who founded Energy Sage, Vikram Aggarwal, back when I was working at an IP firm in Boston and he was seeking patent protection for some Energy Sage-related stuff. That must have been 15-20 years ago. Great to see his company appears to have taken off!

[Carpet_pissr]

I think the place to find local options is Energy Sage, along with tons of quality home solar advice.

I HIGHLY recommend you use a burner email if you sign up for info from them. Ask me how I know.

[disarm]

I think the place to find local options is Energy Sage, along with tons of quality home solar advice.

I HIGHLY recommend you use a burner email if you sign up for info from them. Ask me how I know.

It took most of a year, but they do seem to have finally given up on bugging me.

[GreenGoo]

I wish my wife would back the car in occasionally, so it can be plugged in without having to drive it out and then back in again. I back in about 90% of the time, and it never bothered me before that she never does, but now it matters.

Pet peeve.

[wonderpug]

I think the place to find local options is Energy Sage, along with tons of quality home solar advice.

I HIGHLY recommend you use a burner email if you sign up for info from them. Ask me how I know.

PSA Reminder: if you use Gmail you can create alternate email addresses by adding +something to your regular one. Like if your email address is octopus@gmail.com, you could sign up with octopus+deargodnoenergysageemails@gmail.com and then later set a filter to trash anything incoming with that address.

[Isgrimnur]

Or just add period in random locations.

[GreenGoo]

Caught my wife admitting that she loves, loves, loves the new car.

When queried, she back pedaled and talked about all the things that are an adjustment for her. I tried not to smirk.

We both agree that we hate driving the 17 year old minivan now. It's old and clunky and things make noise all the time, and the brake pads probably need replacing etc etc.

90% of her driving is her alone, and next 9.99% is her plus one passenger, so interior space is not a concern (which I knew going in). She has made a few grocery/errand runs and come back with the back and the back seat filled to capacity, but did not complain about it and even mentioned that there was still more room available if she used the front passenger foot well and seat too. I'm really surprised she is not complaining about storage, but I'm glad too.

We've been making due with the level 1 charger that came with the car with absolutely no problems whatsoever. Actually, because my driveway is single car, the van gets in the way as the cable won't reach when the van is in first, but if it's in second so the EV6 can charge, then it's a pain to move the van out of the way to drive the EV6 again. So it's not ideal.

However, even with the car swapping inconvenience, we've had no issues keeping enough juice in the car with level 1. Because of the car swapping, we really only charge it on the weekends too. If we charged it every day, it would start every day at 80% (battery life preservation level).

I received a quote from the electrician for upgrading the power to the house, a new panel, and level 2 charger installation (doesn't include cost of the charger itself) and it's thousands of dollars. Maybe not a huge surprise given the infrastructure changes, but still...ouch. So I'm delaying making a decision on this.

[Zaxxon]

Yeah, it's a weird feeling when you realize that every car you've ever driven before just didn't work correctly.

Glad the L1 charging is working out. We couldn't do it given our usage, but my Mom has been on a 20A 120V circuit charging at 1.9 kW for 4+ years now with no issues. If it works for you, why pay thousands of bucks? Do you have a DCFC somewhere nearby that you could use at a reasonably-low inconvenience factor if you were to find yourself in a bind where you needed to charge from low to fullish pretty quickly? If so, then I think you're set.

[GreenGoo]

Yeah, it's a weird feeling when you realize that every car you've ever driven before just didn't work correctly.

Glad the L1 charging is working out. We couldn't do it given our usage, but my Mom has been on a 20A 120V circuit charging at 1.9 kW for 4+ years now with no issues. If it works for you, why pay thousands of bucks? Do you have a DCFC somewhere nearby that you could use at a reasonably-low inconvenience factor if you were to find yourself in a bind where you needed to charge from low to fullish pretty quickly? If so, then I think you're set.

We're only pulling 10A as the damn outside plug is on a circuit with several inside plugs. Annoying. I think the cable can only handle 12A though, so not far from the max.

We have a 50 KWh charger nearby that isn't too bad, cost-wise. I used it once to get some experience with it, and my wife used it for practice as well as surprising me with a fully charged car. I'm glad she's not afraid of using it and knows how to do it now, but I had to remind her that despite being significantly cheaper to "fill" the EV6 over the Odyssey, it's cheaper still to do it as a trickle during off hours at home.

So yes, there are a couple of lower end level 3's in the neighbourhood, I'm hopeful we won't have to use them except in a bind, as you suggested.

Chances are there are higher capacity level 3's around, but I haven't gone looking for them yet.

Several malls in our area have free level 2 charging, and so far they've been empty when I've seen them. My son's work has 6 level 2 chargers (pairs share though) so I could use that all day if I needed to do so. Free is nice, but you're paying in time, which I've always understood to be the trade-off.

Upgrading the house power would have other benefits. The basement isn't finished and only has 1 or 2 plugs. Would be easier to wire the basement with more power and a modern panel, I think. I'll do it, eventually. I've just let go of a LOT of money in the last month or so. I'm still nursing my bank account wounds.

[GreenGoo]

Yeah, it's a weird feeling when you realize that every car you've ever driven before just didn't work correctly.

I almost panicked yesterday when I was driving the van and let off the gas as I approached a corner, and it did *NOT* slow down on its own.

Omg, it's out of control!

[Zaxxon]

Yeah, it's a weird feeling when you realize that every car you've ever driven before just didn't work correctly.

I almost panicked yesterday when I was driving the van and let off the gas as I approached a corner, and it did *NOT* slow down on its own.

Omg, it's out of control!

The reverse is fun, too. Floor it, then count how long it takes to respond.

[Zaxxon]

Hyundai vehicles officially coming with native NACS ports starting this fall (which starts in ~3 weeks, so we'll see what that means exactly):

[stessier]

The Bolts get access to the SuperCharger network today. GM wants $225 for the adapter, they are all backordered, and it requires a trip to the dealership for a free software upgrade. Weird way to announce access.

I don't think I'll be getting an adapter - I've never fast charged the Bolts out of need (have done it just to make sure it works). We have the adapter from Ford that I can use if ever really needed. I will get the software upgrade though because might as well.

[Zaxxon]

Is the Bolt still limited to 50 kW max? I'm a little surprised they're even allowing it due to its relatively long charge time.

[stessier]

Is the Bolt still limited to 50 kW max?

Yes

[Zaxxon]

Tl; dr - You probably don’t need a software update.

[Zaxxon]

Ford is doing a cool thing:



tl;dr - buy a Ford BEV, get a Ford 240V charger gratis, including installation labor (for 'standard' installations, which I imagine means relatively simple home electrical setup, no subpanel needed, etc).

Really would love to see someone tackle apartment complexes in bulk, but this is still cool.

[Zaxxon]

More detail. This is awesome:

[stessier]

That really is a nice program - I hope they don't drop it next year for cost reasons. Having not clicked through, I wonder if they will give you a credit of some sort if you don't need it?

[Isgrimnur]

Ford says this is just a Q4 deal but I spoke to @jimfarley98 and he said the company will continue this if it works.

@jimfarley98
CEO of @Ford Motor Company

Jim's detailed article

[stessier]

Well this sucks.

Statement of Enel X Way USA, LLC
After careful consideration, Enel X Way North America has decided to close its electric mobility business in the US and Canada, operated by the local subsidiary of Enel X Way USA, effective October 11, 2024. An experienced third-party firm will be appointed to manage the company’s affairs and ensure that the closure is handled with the utmost care and professionalism. The appointed firm will be responsible for managing the remaining obligations and communicating directly with customers and partners regarding the closure.

This decision is in line with the Enel Group’s strategic approach to e-mobility that pursues further growth by providing bundled offers, including private charging solutions, to its electricity customers as well as by developing public charging infrastructure in countries where it has an electricity retail business. By contrast, Enel North America has no retail electricity customer base and was active in the e-mobility segment only through the sale of charging hardware and software.

Additionally, the dynamics of the EV market in the US have changed quite a lot in the last year and, like many other companies, Enel X Way North America has been impacted by high interest rates which have increased the cost of scaling the charging infrastructure business in a framework of sustained uncertainty where EV sales growth expectations have not been met.

Enel X Way North America understands that its decision has implications for those who had chosen its charging solutions.

Inquiries regarding any outstanding matters, including customer accounts, orders, or obligations, can be directed in the coming days to the claims information page (available soon).

North America remains a core geography for the Enel Group, where it will continue to focus investments in utility-scale renewables and demand response.

Here’s what you need to know:

Residential charging hardware (JuiceBox) will maintain the physical operating ability to charge vehicles.
All Enel X Way software will be discontinued. Commercial charging stations will lose functionality in the absence of software continuity.
The Enel X Way App and all other Enel e-mobility apps in North America will be discontinued and removed from the App Store.
Enel X Way customer support is no longer available, effective immediately. Any Enel X Way related questions and claims should be directed in the coming days to the claims information page (available soon).
The decision to close Enel X Way USA, LLC and related impacts do not apply to Enel X Way customers in other countries outside of the U.S. and Canada.

For more information, please contact claimsagent@tplc-claims.com.

I have the Juicebox 40 and used the app to track usage. Very annoying.

[Zaxxon]

I saw that this AM--sucks. I don't have my JuiceBox anymore, but I thought it was a great product.

[GreenGoo]

I saw that, and because Juicebox is fairly well thought of (and I was considering buying one), I found the news pretty alarming. The good news is that the charger will keep working, but that's not much consolation for those who bought it specifically for it's wireless functionality. 2.5 star reviewed app

Separately, my wife complained to me that the ranges on EVs are false advertising, because our car won't charge past 80% (because I set it) and we aren't supposed to let it fall below 20% (because it's not great for the battery).

I didn't feel like explaining to her that it was saving us money (wear and tear on the battery, plus some for pay chargers charge more above 80%) and that her trips are 5-15km and that if she needed 400+ km for a long trip, she would have it. Exasperating.

[Zaxxon]

Also, it's not that you're not supposed to let it get below 20 or above 80, it's that it's not good to leave it there. If you need it for a trip, go for it. We routinely (as much as road trips are routine) go < 5% to > 95% on long road trips. The trick is when it drops there, we're plugging in, and when it gets that high, we're getting back on the road.

[stessier]

Even leaving it there, though, the batteries are warrantied to last 8 years with less than 70% degradation. I believe all the available data suggests they do that easily.

[Zaxxon]

Even leaving it there, though, the batteries are warrantied to last 8 years with less than 70% degradation. I believe all the available data suggests they do that easily.

Yeah, you can definitely hit Here There Be Dragons mode if you want to (although I think you meant 30% degradation/70% retained). Seems like folks will get only 10-15% degradation if they take even a little care to avoid the worst behaviors, though.

[GreenGoo]

I realize no one has a gun to our heads. It just makes no sense to charge it to 100% and then use 5-10% on a busy day. Most times less. The batteries have a sweet spot and there is exactly zero reason for us to go outside of it. Less than zero reason. To be annoyed at the 300km range our car reports on a daily basis when you're only driving 25 (on a good day!) before plugging it in again doesn't make a lot of sense. Especially when we can get very close to 500km if and when we want.

If the car stopped telling my wife what its estimated range is at any given time, she would never have even thought to be annoyed that it isn't higher. She certainly has zero chance of running out of range, like, ever.

[stessier]

Even leaving it there, though, the batteries are warrantied to last 8 years with less than 70% degradation. I believe all the available data suggests they do that easily.

Yeah, you can definitely hit Here There Be Dragons mode if you want to (although I think you meant 30% degradation/70% retained).

yes!

Seems like folks will get only 10-15% degradation if they take even a little care to avoid the worst behaviors, though.

I'm not convinced people are much worse in the first 8-10 years if they don't - assuming they aren't fast charging every time. Using Level 2, I bet you'd still be in the 10-15% range.

[Zaxxon]

On my highest-mileage EV, our 2019 X, I'm at 7.4% loss after 76k miles and 5.4 years. 325 miles --> 301. We charge to 80-90 regularly and have 19.5 MWh in L2 charges vs 12.5 MWh of DC fast-charging.

Damn, looking at the stats, it's been fast-charging a total of 5 days, 23 hours.

[Default]

Nice to know about the Ford offer. Makes buying a car in the next month more interesting.

[Zaxxon]

Nice to know about the Ford offer. Makes buying a car in the next month more interesting.

Yeah, if you're looking at one that would qualify for the federal tax credit, might make sense to do that sooner rather than later since Trump (and Musk, lolz) are gunning for it.

[Default]

Starting now, the shopping is on. I plan to drive one of the lot next month.

[GreenGoo]

Kia/Hyundai have recalls on 46k cars, including 2024 EV6, which is mine. Some loss of power something something. I need to follow up and see what's the deal.

Separately, wife got rear-ended last week. So that's...that makes me sad. Seems to be mostly cosmetic. Hatch still works. Cameras still work. Pretty minor damage, but still...my 17 year old honda van was never in an accident. My few months old most expensive car I've ever purchased got clipped by a Lexus hybrid. Sigh.

Waiting to hear from insurance adjuster.

Also separately, we've had MANY compliments from strangers about the car. Even the cop doing the inspection after the accident had a sad face when he learned it was a 2024, after having enthusiastically commented on the model.

[Default]

Ended up buying a 2025 Equinox EV. With incentives, trade-in and a dealer discount, it was $19.
It is the lowest trim level, but has enough voice activated functions to do most everything. No CarPlay or Google music, but I am ok with that. I have to order the Tesla adapter, install the app on my phone, and register an email address on the car.
Guess I need a burner account...

[Default]

And any recommendations on a 240v charger.

[Zaxxon]

And any recommendations on a 240v charger.

Tesla universal or ChargePoint are the ones I have direct positive experience with.

[stessier]

And any recommendations on a 240v charger.

I went with Wallbox for my hardwired outdoor. The biggest selling point was that the cord remains fairly flexible even in cold weather.

[GreenGoo]

I will be looking at chargers again in the spring. decided to hold off solely due to electrical work that I'd like to have done, and the price attached to it.

Didn't wallbox go out of business? Their app is or will be non-functional in the near future? I must be remembering another popular brand.