Best aftermarket EVSE for an Outlander PHEV

[rhills]

Hi All,

My genuine Mitsubishi EVSE has died (cuts in and out, mostly out, when you move the cable between the power point and the black box) and the local dealer, while accepting it as a warranty job, is taking his time about getting a replacement. I guess they don't call this the "Wait Awhile" state for nothing!

Anyway, I'd been considering getting a second EVSE to keep in the car (as I've accidentally left the other one behind in the garage occasionally). The genuine Mitsu one is stupidly expensive so I'd thought to try an aftermarket unit. Which units are readily available in Oz and worth considering?

In a perfect world, it would be one I could buy in Perth tomorrow as I'm avoiding driving the PHEV because I hate driving it with the ICE running most of the time

Thanks,

[Gabz]

so for a unit that has a plug on both ends Holden volt spares have one for under $500. hard to go past this unit so much so I haven't even looked at selling anything similar until Holden stop selling these.

If you want a permanent installed wall unit for home you have a lot more options. these cost more but, charge your outlander at 15amps not 10 so faster charge and because it's installed no getting the cable out of the boot every time you get home. (see sig for my options but I couldn't get it to you by tomorrow)

[g4qber]

I got my Holden 10amp evse from city motors Holden $aud 350
However it buzzes on charge.
Holden won't replace until it breaks
Internals are made by clipper creek

[reecho]

Looks like Holden sell the Volt EVSE cheaper than what you can buy directly off the Clipper Creek website.

Seems like a bargain really. Nothing comes close pre-built.

For me being technical I would make up an OPENEVSE kit. New firmware called No Spark looks awesome....

[Gabz]

deleted (I’m an idiot)

[reecho]

Yes Gabz a good save there....

[EmpowerRepower]

I have the Holden Volt EVSE for my Leaf, and have wall-mounted it for convenience, and working well.

[rhills]

Hi Gabz,

Truth is, I looked at your units before I made my post but while I think one of these would be great option if we had a fully electric vehicle, I don't think we could justify the price for our usage. Your units are obviously hard wired, single-location. When the PHEV is in our garage it is there for a while so we really don't need the extra charging current (and I believe, rightly or wrongly that the slower I charge the batteries the longer they'll last).

Cheers

[rhills]

Thanks Reecho,

For me being technical I would make up an OPENEVSE kit. New firmware called No Spark looks awesome....

Well, I'm not technical, but I am an incurable dabbler and this kit looks very interesting. Do you know if there are any legal ramifications of buying a kit like this from O/S, assembling it and plugging it in? I'd assume there would be.

I wonder if one could assemble it under supervision, or have it inspected and authorised after assembly. It looks pretty idiot proof (though of course a bigger idiot like me could easily overcome that obstacle).

Maybe if there was enough interest, the AEVA could run a workshop where a bunch of these were bought in by members and assembled under the supervision of someone suitably qualified???

BTW, I've given up trying to get something by today or tomorrow. It's starting to look like Mitsu might take forever to get in my replacement: They couldn't even get me an ETA before COB today

The Holden unit might get me by for now, but I like Open Source stuff so OPENEVSE is looking very tempting!

Cheers,

[reecho]

Thanks Reecho,

For me being technical I would make up an OPENEVSE kit. New firmware called No Spark looks awesome....

Well, I'm not technical, but I am an incurable dabbler and this kit looks very interesting. Do you know if there are any legal ramifications of buying a kit like this from O/S, assembling it and plugging it in? I'd assume there would be.

I wonder if one could assemble it under supervision, or have it inspected and authorised after assembly. It looks pretty idiot proof (though of course a bigger idiot like me could easily overcome that obstacle).

Maybe if there was enough interest, the AEVA could run a workshop where a bunch of these were bought in by members and assembled under the supervision of someone suitably qualified???

BTW, I've given up trying to get something by today or tomorrow. It's starting to look like Mitsu might take forever to get in my replacement: They couldn't even get me an ETA before COB today

The Holden unit might get me by for now, but I like Open Source stuff so OPENEVSE is looking very tempting!

Cheers,

For me there isn't really an issue as the design uses best practice. You could get it tested and tagged if you intend to make a portable version, otherwise an electrician could sign it off if permanently installing at your home.

There has been a few kits sent down under with no reported issues in the forums.

Either order the full kit with contactors etc. or the basic kit and source the additional parts locally.

Additionally you will need a J1772 cable (you can choose your length and current rating)

Don't forget a programming cable if you intend to play around with firmware (a must for me!!)

The biggest thing to consider is that they have different current versions available. Of course we are limited here in Oz as most cars have max 13 amp charging. Future models are likely to have 32 amp charging as the standard similar to BMW i3.

Getting say the 50A kit sort of future proofs things. Ensure that the J1772 matches the intended use and current settings on the unit are correct.

NoSpark firmware is looking fantastic on this hardware too...

]

[reecho]

Just ordered an OPEN EVSE 50A kit to put together...

They now have an optional WiFi module and the EVSE can upload live data to OpenCMS.

Did I mention I picked up a new PHEV last week..??...

[Johny]

Did I mention I picked up a new PHEV last week..??...

Yeah - we got that. (I need a emoticon jealous Icon - this'll have to do )