Saying hello..

[GustaBusta]

I just joined the forum and wanted to say hello. I've was into pickup trucks until two years ago when I leased a Frontier on a one-pay lease that was to good to pass. Now, I think pickups are that most practical vehicles for everyday transportation if you pick the right configuration to suit your daily needs.

I started a leased on a 2024 Lightning Flash in December, and I believe I picked the right vehicle for my daily needs - max 30 miles per day and I can get by with 110v charging (working on pulling a 220v to my garage for a L2 charging, but do I really need it for my needs??).

I'm looking forward to learning a lot from this forum since this is my first EV.

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[broncoaz]

Welcome. Yes, you really need L2 charging for its efficiency and ability to precondition.

I finally took delivery of my Flash lease yesterday. I really like it.

 

[tubby]

Congrats on the Flash! Broncoaz has the best quick answer which I believe you will get. Installing a 220V Level 2 (L2) charging system is a game-changer for convenience, efficiency, and vehicle performance. With an L2 system, you can significantly reduce charging times compared to standard Level 1 (110V) outlets, ensuring your vehicle is always ready to go without needing to be plugged in constantly. This setup is especially useful for managing daily commutes or spontaneous trips, giving you peace of mind with a fully charged battery in just a few hours. Additionally, while the portable charger included with your vehicle can be used for 220V charging, I would think it would be best to invest in a dedicated L2 charger for home use. A separate charger ensures faster, more reliable charging while preserving the portable unit for on-the-go needs, offering flexibility and maintaining the lifespan of your equipment.

 

[Zprime29]

I just joined the forum and wanted to say hello. I've was into pickup trucks until two years ago when I leased a Frontier on a one-pay lease that was to good to pass. Now, I think pickups are that most practical vehicles for everyday transportation if you pick the right configuration to suit your daily needs.

I started a leased on a 2024 Lightning Flash in December, and I believe I picked the right vehicle for my daily needs - max 30 miles per day and I can get by with 110v charging (working on pulling a 220v to my garage for a L2 charging, but do I really need it for my needs??).

I'm looking forward to learning a lot from this forum since this is my first EV.

Whether or not you need a L2 charger highly depends on your situation. Are you in a very cold climate? Do you have an ICE alternative for longer/spontaneous road trips? Do you ever expect to drive a lot for consecutive days? Do you drive mostly freeway or city for your commute?

I had to use L1 for a few months and it was not fun. While I don't need to precondition ( I live a warm climate ), and I get better than EPA efficiency, I drive enough miles every day that I was not able to keep up. If you are able, a reasonable L2 charger (more accurately EVSE - Electric Vehicle Service Equipment, the actual charger is built into the truck) is a strong recommendation. 32-40A for light every day usage is more than enough. I would hard wire it if possible for the additional safety.

The mobile charger that Ford sells is not the best option for every day use. It will work fine for occasional use but doesn't have a great track record for long term everyday use.

 

[Henry Ford]

Welcome!

Definitely upgrade to a level 2 charger.

 

[The Weatherman]

Welcome!

I would agree with observations of the earlier commenters.

 

[GustaBusta]

Thanks for everyone's advice. I had my electrician come out to assess the current situation. I'm waiting on his proposal to install a 220v hardwired charger in my garage. I'll post picture after I have it installed.

 

[broncoaz]

Mine was about a 65’ run through the attic from my garage shop sub panel to the space between my garage doors. MA code allows 6/2 romex for a 60 amp EV circuit, so that is what the electrician installed with my Tesla charger set to 48 amps. Install was $1000, charger cost me $450. I don’t live in a zip code that qualifies for the 30% federal tax credit, but my utility had a $700 credit for letting them connect and shut down my charger in peak times.

I asked the electrician about #4 THNN in conduit, he quoted double the price and said code didn’t require it. Everything was documented on a letterhead invoice with his license number, so he owns any code issues or problems.

Extra crap I typed, not pertaining to this conversation. Yes I really am this long winded in person

I also had him drop a new 50 amp welder outlet that may end up serving as my second EVSE circuit if I determine it’s needed. The same 6/2 romex, so I could upgrade from the current 50 amp GFCI breaker to a 60 amp if needed. The sub panel is only on a 90 amp breaker, so I couldn’t run two EVSE over 36 amps regardless. A pair of Tesla chargers can network and limit the combined out

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