ClipperCreek introducing $395 Level 2 EV charging station
11 June 2014
ClipperCreek is introducing a $395 Level 2, 240V EV charging station, available for immediate delivery, directly from the factory in Auburn, CA. The LCS-20 is the first major brand Level 2 electric vehicle charging station to break through the $400 barrier.
The unit comes with 22 feet of charging cable and a 3-year manufacturer’s warranty.
Charging at 15 Amps and 240 Volts, the 3.6KW LCS-20 provides a cost-effective way for customers to upgrade from their 120V charge cord and cut charging time by 60%.
After an in depth analysis, the ClipperCreek team realized a 3.6KW station could be offered without compromising quality or durability through a combination of volume pricing, slightly shorter cable, and 15Amp charge rate.
—Jason France, President and Founder of ClipperCreek
The LCS-20 is delivered with a flexible conduit that is easily wired into an existing junction box, with no assembly required! The compact, tough, and weatherproof enclosure is mounted with just four screws. An optional connector holster is available for $19.
WANT.
Posted by: Engineer-Poet | 11 June 2014 at 09:32 AM
This is really going to appeal to all those plug-in hybrid owners who can only charge at 16A max anyway.
Personally, I'd still pay a bit more for the 30A capable unit to future proof the install for future plug-ins.
Posted by: Dave R | 11 June 2014 at 10:21 AM
It makes sense to future-proof when you install the wiring for your EVSE because the added cost of the heavier gauge wire is minimal ($20-$50). The majority of the cost of install is labor, and would be expensive to do twice.
But the difference in price of this 15A unit and the HCS-60 48A unit is $500. (The difference in cost for the 30A HCS-40P is $250). If recent history is any guide, prices will continue to trend lower over the next few years, although probably not at the same rapid rate.
I have the HCS-60 and LCS-25 (home and work). They are both excellent.Very rugged and never a problem of any kind.
Posted by: electric-car-insider.com | 11 June 2014 at 01:17 PM
At 3.6 kW a Leaf will easily charge overnight. This is enough for almost everyone.
Posted by: Engineer-Poet | 11 June 2014 at 01:43 PM
The most important number to pay attention to when you size your unit is how long will it take you to recover the mileage you expend each day (commute + errands etc).
If you drive less than 50 miles, a 15A, 3kW charge cord like this will charge you back to full within the overnight super-off peak utility rate window (usually 6 hours, but only 5 hours in San Diego).
If you drive more than that regularly, and your car will accept a 6kW charge, you'll definitely want the faster charger or part of your charge sessions will be at the higher utility rate.
Faster charging is definitely helpful if you need to top up at home during the day (soccer moms, or after work before going out again for the evening).
If in doubt, buy the faster charger. A few hundred extra bucks is very cheap insurance if you need a quick turn. The loss of utility of your car if your charger is t fast enough is a big bummer, and might make you regret the limitations of electric.
I've never regretted paying extra for my faster charging installations, even if I only used the capability occasionally. When you need it, you really need it, unless you have a second car to rely on.
Posted by: electric-car-insider.com | 11 June 2014 at 02:18 PM
Good folks, these CC people. I think this charger fills the gap between L1 and the LCS-25 for those drivers in temperate climates. Preheat is vital in Bear/Packer/Viking country, where even the modest Leaf can really use the LCS-25 as a minimum.
Posted by: Herman | 11 June 2014 at 03:11 PM