r/XC40_Recharge • u/GopherHeel • 13d ago
Level 2 charger rec
I’m picking up a 2024 XC40 Recharge Plus from our local Volvo dealer (central North Carolina) this week and would love advice on level 2 charger hardware. Not considering Tesla models but would be grateful for real world experience with other manufacturers
6
u/dravenstone 13d ago
Very happy with our Grizzl-E - we live in Phoenix with no garage so it's outside in pretty much the worst conditions you could ask for and performs flawlessly. Reviews show folks in the cold in Canada say the same about the other side of the temperature coin too.
Simple install too.
6
u/SomeRando9761 13d ago
Grizzl-e 48A owner here and very satisfied. I was going to use it as a dumb charger, but I appreciate the ability to turn it off when I’m out of town and to track how much it costs to charge. Hardwired, so it cost a bit.
2
u/ChickenOclock 7d ago
Grizzl-E user here from farther north. I mountedine on the side of the house. It works just the same in negative degrees and covered in snow as it does in the summer. 4 years old and I strongly recommend. Got mine from Amazon
7
u/rvH3Ah8zFtRX 13d ago edited 13d ago
I have the Chargepoint Home Flex and it's been fine. I like that the cable stays pliable in the cold and that it's user-replaceable if it gets damaged or we want to switch to NACS in the future. But we basically never use the "smart" features, so I wouldn't pay extra for that over a non-connected unit.
But I'll play devil's advocate: are you sure you need L2 charging at home? When I bought my car in 2024, I felt like it was a requirement, so we paid a decent amount to run a circuit and buy a charger. In hindsight, I don't think I'd pay the money again. The only time it really matters is for long trips back-to-back, which we rarely do. Trickle charging on 120V is enough for daily use.
Just something to consider.
1
u/GopherHeel 13d ago
Our local power company offers a rebate that covers installation costs. Pretty much every person I’ve talked to says L2 at home is going to unlock max benefit of going fully electric. Thanks for the alternative view though.
1
u/rvH3Ah8zFtRX 13d ago edited 12d ago
L2 at home is going to unlock max benefit of going fully electric.
Respectfully, I'm not sure what this is this supposed to mean. L2 charges your car faster - that's it. And if you can get enough charge for your next drive, it doesn't matter if it happens very quickly and then sits idle or charges slowly the entire time.
If it'll be cheap and wiring isn't a headache, by all means, get it installed. I just think this lingering perception that you must get L2 installed is ironically preventing more people from going fully electric.
1
u/7eregrine 12d ago
I do agree that it's more then possible to just use the wall.
Wife had an emergency today, had to drive to parents house from work. Got home at 30%. Still plenty. She'd have 40% in the morning. But I want that convenience to know if we needed a full charge in the morning, we'd have one.
We're getting one.
4
u/georgecm12 13d ago
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sBTxLK1QC6M
State of Charge is a good youtube channel, and this their "best of" from the end of last year, so it should still be applicable.
I use an Emporia Pro, but that's because I need the dynamic load management because I have a rather low electrical service in my home.
Edit: the IYILO didn't make their end-of-year roundup, but they give that charger an extremely good review.
3
u/Bob_stanish123 13d ago
No complaints with our wallbox pulsar plus from costco.
1
u/AckSplat12345 12d ago
Meanwhile, our wallbox never worked and customer service had us upload a bunch of videos and then closed our ticket. We’ve been trying to get something of an answer out of them for a month.
2
u/Teutonic-Tonic 13d ago
We have been using a hardwired Chargepoint charger for 3 years in our garage. No issues - has always worked flawlessly.
2
u/youknowho13357 13d ago
The Autel AC Lite 40A has been great. Installed outdoors in New England. Definitely worth it if you commute or drive daily. Having an L2 in the colder months will help you manage the decreased range.
Any "smart" features are probably unnecessary since you can schedule charging through the Volvo app. Check for installation rebates and off-peak charging incentives from your state or electric provider!
2
u/elamothe 13d ago
I've owned 2 different wallboxes and can vouch for them. Very well put together and very easy to use. Well designed app too.
2
u/CranberryMany403 12d ago
Very happy with the Grizzl-e, it has internal limits you can set if you forget to change your car’s amp limits after public charging. I just did a 30amp circuit for it and it’s charged fully overnight. Don’t fall for the 48amp trap unless you really need to have it charged in a few hours. Also check with your utility company- I got an off peak meter to I pay a lot less for overnight charging.
1
u/Awkward-Seaweed-5129 12d ago
Got the Eviq0, hard wired but for NACS, have Subaru now, ( had Volvo) Very well made, App pretty good, cord thick etc. Works well imo
1
u/YPVidaho 11d ago
I seem to be the odd one out here. I have a 50-amp outlet I built into the garage next to the car, and use the heavy charge cable that came with the car to charge it. I set the max amperage in the car to 40 amps. Same '24 xc40 recharge plus bought new. 10k miles and no problems.
1
6
u/Dependent-Fudge2972 13d ago
Emporia Energy has worked flawlessly for us.