Unused 30 Amp Dryer Breaker/Circuit For EV Charging

[StevenC56]

I think we've convinced you to go the full monty and get a 48 amp hardwired EVSE for the garage and reserve the FMC for the sub-frunk when needed on long trips, great for in a pinch charging, that's what I've done with mine.

Still learning even at the bold age of 67. I think that makes the most sense. So, what is the best EVSE without breaking the bank? I see a bunch on Amazon, but I'm sure some of them are less than worth.

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[pullinggs]

I have my 2024 Lariat on order as of today, and I'm trying to figure out the charging situation at my house. We have a gas clothes dryer, so the 30A 220/240 breaker and circuit are unused. My main service is on the outside wall of my garage, so it's easy peasy getting wires pulled through to a receptacle on the inside of the garage, disconnecting the dryer wiring from the breaker and connecting the new receptacle to the existing 30 amp dryer breaker.. My Lariat comes with the Ford Mobile charger so I had originally thought I could just use the dryer breaker and run the wiring into the garage wall to a receptacle, but now I'm reading that the Ford Mobile charger will only work properly with a 50 amp 220/240 circuit. I have 2 solar systems on my house and the main service has been downgraded twice, so I think what I now have is a maxed out main service box. I hear an upgrade would cost way more than I want to spend. Any suggestions? Do I need to get a non-Ford charger that can be adjusted for a 30 amp circuit?

You've had a lot of responses here, and some of them are very good. But I just wanna throw out there...

I had an Emporia EVSE (hardwired, adjustable rate of charge) installed on my wall, 60A breaker, 48A max charge rate. But I never seem to need to charge at 48 amps. It turns on at midnight at 24A and the truck is ready to go when I wake up.

Yes, if you've run your battery down really, really low then you'll need more than 8 hours @24A to get back to 100% state of charge (SOC). But most of us practically never do that.

Sounds like you've already committed to upgrading your circuit, and that is absolutely not a bad thing. But you could probably have exactly the same day-to-day experience with a 30A circuit and a fairly inexpensive EVSE at a lower rate of charge.

YMMV.

 

[Tfarrell73]

I've had good luck with the Grizzl-e $400 on amazon

 

[Tfarrell73]

Be sure to check with your utility for special rates and discounts. Here in IL Comed offers rebates on EVSE and time of day rates for charging that can save money.

FYI

 

[Texas Dan]

I hope you upgraded the wire size. 30a is like 10ga, 40a 8ga and for 100a is #2 AWG and you might get away with #4 AWG if less then 50ft. If all you did is replace breakers you have a fire hazard.

Of course but the installation instructions for the Ford 80 amp charger make the installation easy. Not do the installation instructions list wire sizes, it lists terminal torque values. I wonder how many people doing self installations, or for that matter had contractor installations went to trouble of torquing down terminals.

 

[Lucky Larry]

I've had good luck with the Grizzl-e $400 on amazon

I have the same charger. It comes with a standard 3 year warrantee. You can order it with a 14-50 plug from amazon and then plug it into the 14-50R receptacle you are planning on using. The Grizzl-e charger will come set up to draw 40 amps, but you can select different amperage settings by changing the dip switch's inside on the circuit board. I recommend running 6 gauge COPPER wire for the 2 hots and neutral and an 8 gauge COPPER wire for the ground. You should also use a 50 amp breaker for this circuit as 60 amp breaker is to big. You will then be set to charge with either the Grizzl-e charger or the Ford mobile charger at your home, as they both have a 14-50 plug on them. You can also take the ford mobile charger with you when you are out of town.

 

[RickKeen]

I have the Emporia. Works great.
Except, skip installing the flimsy holster bracket. Just loop the cord over the top to hang it. The enclosure actually seems to be designed for this.

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