[ameyers]

Hello,

We have 2 Smart EDs and are about to install a Type 2 EVSE charger (Clipper Creek ECS-25) on our driveway (we have no garage). Has anyone else installed a 240V charger on their driveway?

How do we protect it from the elements? Has anyone mounted their EVSE in a box or bollard to hide/protect it? Does anyone participate in an EVSE network such as ChargePoint or Plugshare?

Finally, does anyone get the 84 mile range we were originally told about? I haven't driven the car to "empty" but I can never get the rage meter above 60miles, even when I'm driving at 90% efficiency.

Thanks,
Andy

 

[SuperSmartie]

I have the same ClipperCreek. Bolted to the front of the house. It's waterproof, so it doesn't mind get rained on. The plug seals to the car when connected, so that, too, can get wet without trouble.

It's winter. Wait for warm weather and you get better range! For me, 60 miles is about normal for 0 C temperatures.

 

[trooplewis]

I can never get the rage meter above 60miles, even when I'm driving at 90% efficiency.

Thanks,
Andy

LOL, the "rage" meter. Is that a special gauge for Bronx drivers? Southern California could use those as well...

Back on topic, the Clipper Creek one is weatherproof, no worries there.

 

[ameyers]

Rage meter

Thanks TroopLewis. I suppose "rage" meter left my Freudian slip showing!

 

[Woody14619]

I'm not sure where this 84 mile range is coming from. The smart site itself says right on it, the range is "76 city, 59 hwy and 68 combined" (click "full specs" then "technical specs").

That said, those are averages, and you can get up to as high as 90 in the right conditions, but they're quite rare and only in reasonable weather (eg spring/fall when not using heat or AC). If someone was telling you the smart has an 84 mile range, you should take steps to correct them. Especially if they're a dealer or sales person.

 

[Smart13]

This is my install. I do not have a garage either but the driveway on the side of my house is on the other side of the wall from my electrical panel. So I mounted the charging unit on the inside of the wall and put a big pipe through the wall into a wall mounted locking mailbox. It works awesome and does not draw any attention. No one even knows there is a 240v charger in it.

 

[jimtesla]

I converted a Volt level one charger to a 240 level two charger form EVSE upgrades

I have it mounted in my garage close to the garage door...

This allows me to charge my Volt in the driveway as well as charge my Smart outside
when done i can safely pull the cord back in the garage...

i cover the cord with a piece of safety rubber which protects the cable when the door is down

 

[jimtesla]

90 mile club.....

http://www.smartcarofamerica.com/forums/f170/90-mile-club-144-9-km-51521/

 

[CherDeed]

I just want to chime in to say that I got 77 miles with 10% battery left once. I drove about 95% on the highway at 65 to 75 mph with the radio on and with the heater on that morning. I was actually surprised. I've long overcome range fears since I got a charging routine down.