Emporia EV Charger

[Yossarian]

Rivian tells me that my R1S may be delivered late this summer or early fall, so I want to get my home charging system sorted out. Is anyone using the Emporia charger? One of the solar websites that usually has reliable info recommended it, and at $400, it seems like a decent value. The least expensive option however would be to forgo the charger and just wire in a NEMA 14-50 receptacle. Is the benefit of the charger worth the added cost?

I have an additional question about charging capacity. The Emporia, and I assume the other chargers as well, is available in 48 and 40 amp versions. The online pricing I'm seeing indicates that the 4 AWG needed for the 48 amp setup is more than double the cost of 6 AWG for the 40 amp. Obviously, the charging time with the higher capacity system will be less, but my question is about the added value of the faster charging vs the increased cost. My wire run is modest, but the wiring cost differential is still a couple hundred dollars.

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[mikehmb]

The only advice I can give is if you go with a NEMA 14-50, get a commercial / industrial version which is rated for constant use. Not a Home Depot special for $20. It’ll melt.

Check your local codes. 48A continuous use, distance, etc will modify how you wire it. I’d go with 4gauge personally. It’s overkill in the safest possible way.

 

[CommodoreAmiga]

How long is your run from the load center to your proposed EVSE location?

Personally, I think having a hardwired EVSE is the way to go. The initial cost is quickly forgotten and is inconsequential over the long expected service life of the equipment. Hardwired is safer and charges faster. It also leaves your mobile EVSE free to stay in your frunk for emergency/travel use.

 

[johnstuder]

Have had the Emporia for about a month. Seems to work fine, haven't tried any of the scheduling, ect. We hardwired our, using a 60amp breaker, and appropriate wiring. Only about a 4' run. So far so good. Have to see the longevity. One thing I dont like is the holder hold the EVSE handle in an upright position, so if it's outside, I'd worry about water collecting in it. Ours is inside, so no issues.

 

[SANZC02]

Rivian tells me that my R1S may be delivered late this summer or early fall, so I want to get my home charging system sorted out. Is anyone using the Emporia charger? One of the solar websites that usually has reliable info recommended it, and at $400, it seems like a decent value. The least expensive option however would be to forgo the charger and just wire in a NEMA 14-50 receptacle. Is the benefit of the charger worth the added cost?

I have an additional question about charging capacity. The Emporia, and I assume the other chargers as well, is available in 48 and 40 amp versions. The online pricing I'm seeing indicates that the 4 AWG needed for the 48 amp setup is more than double the cost of 6 AWG for the 40 amp. Obviously, the charging time with the higher capacity system will be less, but my question is about the added value of the faster charging vs the increased cost. My wire run is modest, but the wiring cost differential is still a couple hundred dollars.

I have the Emporia 48 amp at 2 places. My opinion it is well built. It does not need 4awg, 6awg THHN 90c in 3/4 conduit is good for 48 amp. The apps is decent can be set to not charge in peak times. They also have some usage monitors you can get and if you have solar only charge when you have excess solar generation.

One I have had close to 2 years, the other almost a year.

 

[supernu8]

I have the emporia. Prior to that I charged with the portable unit and it was fine. I never sweat the charge speed at 32A. 40mi daily commute + topping off for weekend trips. I got the emporia because I needed something that could survive out in the rain. IMHO unless you have time of use pricing or use 60%+ of the battery daily you probably wont see much benefit in charging with more than 32A.

Keep in mind the materials cost for an outlet using the OEM portable VS a hardwired connection and purchasing the emporia may be closer than you think once you factor in the cost of the outlet, a neutral wire, and GFCI breaker. Either way, don't forget the tax credit for installing the EVSE setup.

Side note - the emporia is solid, but mine takes 3-4 seconds before I hear the power relays drop after pressing the handle button when charging. I have minor discoloration on the j-plug pins that must have arced at some point before I realized the delay. Other evse I use typically click off the instant the button is pressed.

 

[countab45]

i like mine. paid more for it at the time. i set it to night time and only 28a until i hard wire it but my nema is industrial grade. electricians are hard to find right now in my area.

 

[Yossarian]

Thanks for the replies.

Based on these responses, along with the info on the other Rivian forum, It looks like the Emporia is a decent choice. I will bite the bullet - and err on the side of caution - and go with 4 AWG wire for the installation. The total materials cost (charger, wire, breaker, conduit and misc hardware) will be about $900.

That may be reduced a bit if I can take advantage of Federal tax credits. Tax code language is confusing however, and it's not clear if the 30% charger installation credit is available to all filers or only to those eligible to itemize. Sadly, there are no state tax incentives for chargers for individuals (only for commercial installations) but my utility provider offers a $50 credit.

 

[rhumbliner]

It does not need 4awg, 6awg THHN 90c in 3/4 conduit is good for 48 amp.

Just be careful that the breaker in your panel and the lugs in the charger are rated for 90º C.

The NEC states that breakers under 100 amps are only rated for 60º C unless specifically noted on the packaging: 2011 NEC. I haven’t been able to find any spec for the Emporia temp limits.

 

[SANZC02]

Just be careful that the breaker in your panel and the lugs in the charger are rated for 90º C.

The NEC states that breakers under 100 amps are only rated for 60º C unless specifically noted on the packaging: 2011 NEC. I haven’t been able to find any spec for the Emporia temp limits.

I’m not an electrician but pretty sure you do not need a 90c breaker. You just need one rated at 60 amps and then run 80% of that for a 48 amp charge.

You do not need 90c rated wire either just the properly rated wire for the load. My guess is whoever is telling him to use 4awg is they want to use Romex which 4awg Romex is rated at 70 amps. 6AWG Romex is only rated for 55 amps. If they use 6 awg THHN or equivalent in the proper conduit it is rated for 75 amps.

Again not an electrician so consult a professional and pull permits to stay compliant with local codes.

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