Regretting not ordering the Rivian Wall Charger

[Mcdubjr]

I currently have a Clipper Creek 32A charger that I purchased in 2013. Used it first with my Nissan Leaf and then a Model 3. It was always fast enough to charge my vehicle up during my overnight super off-peak 6 hour window. I knew the Rivian has a bigger battery but I never really did the math on how long it would take. Sadly I only get about 11 miles added in an hour to the R1T. So if I drive a lot in a day I can't quite get back to 70%.

So now, I'd like to get the Rivian charger. However, it's not in stock and costs a $700 vs $500 with the pricing update. Ok, fine I'll pay more I guess. I tried asking my guide if I could still get it and he directed me to the gear shop where you can enter you email when it comes back in stock (which I don't think it will for a long time since they are reserving them for deliveries). Doh! I'll be looking at other chargers - the Chargepoint Flex looks like the best option.

Anyways - this is my PSA. Think twice before not ordering the Rivian Wall Charger, especially if you have the $500 pre-price increase. You might regret it like me!

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[DaveA]

I currently have a Clipper Creek 32A charger that I purchased in 2013. Used it first with my Nissan Leaf and then a Model 3. It was always fast enough to charge my vehicle up during my overnight super off-peak 6 hour window. I knew the Rivian has a bigger battery but I never really did the math on how long it would take. Sadly I only get about 11 miles added in an hour to the R1T. So if I drive a lot in a day I can't quite get back to 70%.

So now, I'd like to get the Rivian charger. However, it's not in stock and costs a $700 vs $500 with the pricing update. Ok, fine I'll pay more I guess. I tried asking my guide if I could still get it and he directed me to the gear shop where you can enter you email when it comes back in stock (which I don't think it will for a long time since they are reserving them for deliveries). Doh! I'll be looking at other chargers - the Chargepoint Flex looks like the best option.

Anyways - this is my PSA. Think twice before not ordering the Rivian Wall Charger, especially if you have the $500 pre-price increase. You might regret it like me!

Doesn't the Rivian portable charger add 16 mph at 32a? Wonder why you are only seeing 11 on a 32a charger.

 

[jjswan33]

Is your clipper creek wired to a Nema 14-50 on a 50A circuit?

If so you could order a low cost 40A charger that will boost your charging rate 25%. In order to get faster on the Rivian or Chargepoint unit you will have to hard wire on a 60A circuit which will add cost.

Also depending on how often you use that much range in a day you could factor in a quick DC charging stop on those days.

 

[R1Sky Business]

Doesn't the Rivian portable charger add 16 mph at 32a? Wonder why you are only seeing 11 on a 32a charger.

Probably not enough for 6hr charge window

 

[Mcdubjr]

Is your clipper creek wired to a Nema 14-50 on a 50A circuit?

If so you could order a low cost 40A charger that will boost your charging rate 25%. In order to get faster on the Rivian or Chargepoint unit you will have to hard wire on a 60A circuit which will add cost.

Also depending on how often you use that much range in a day you could factor in a quick DC charging stop on those days.

No, it's hardwired on a 40A circuit. If I'm going to spend additional I probably want a meaningful upgrade.

You are right - I have gotten one quote to install a 60A breaker and the electrician says I will need a sub panel. Total cost for panel and EVSE install was quoted at $2700, which I don't really love but seems like a reasonable rate for my area.

 

[jjswan33]

No, it's hardwired on a 40A circuit. If I'm going to spend additional I probably want a meaningful upgrade.

You are right - I have gotten one quote to install a 60A breaker and the electrician says I will need a sub panel. Total cost for panel and EVSE install was quoted at $2700, which I don't really love but seems like a reasonable rate for my area.

Bummer. Not sure why you would need a new subpanel, if it is space in your panel then they should be able to just replace your existing hardwired 40A circuit with a new hardwired 60A circuit unless that extra 20A is going to overload your panel. I'd definitely suggest getting some additional quotes/opinions but this is always good advice.

 

[Mcdubjr]

Bummer. Not sure why you would need a new subpanel, if it is space in your panel then they should be able to just replace your existing hardwired 40A circuit with a new hardwired 60A circuit unless that extra 20A is going to overload your panel. I'd definitely suggest getting some additional quotes/opinions but this is always good advice.

Yes, I plan on getting a more quotes for sure. I know he didn't like the look of my current setup as well - I have a double 40 sharing the charger and solar. My panel is pretty full.

 

[SoCal Rob]

Yes, I plan on getting a more quotes for sure. I know he didn't like the look of my current setup as well - I have a double 40 sharing the charger and solar. My panel is pretty full.

I think your panel has gone beyond pretty full to FULL!

Beyond that, and maybe this is something new, all of your breakers are paired so if one trips then its mate will get turned off, too. I’ve only seen this in 240V applications where both breakers are used for a single device. Typically I’ve seen the other 120V circuits like your lighting, GFCIs, regular outlets, etc. have the joiners removed so they trip individually to aid in troubleshooting. I’m not an electrician but I had to read up on the NEC for a permitted and inspected remodel project where I did the wiring. Maybe something changed since then and my thinking is outdated.

edit:typo

 

[mabowden]

I currently have a Clipper Creek 32A charger that I purchased in 2013. Used it first with my Nissan Leaf and then a Model 3. It was always fast enough to charge my vehicle up during my overnight super off-peak 6 hour window. I knew the Rivian has a bigger battery but I never really did the math on how long it would take. Sadly I only get about 11 miles added in an hour to the R1T. So if I drive a lot in a day I can't quite get back to 70%.

So now, I'd like to get the Rivian charger. However, it's not in stock and costs a $700 vs $500 with the pricing update. Ok, fine I'll pay more I guess. I tried asking my guide if I could still get it and he directed me to the gear shop where you can enter you email when it comes back in stock (which I don't think it will for a long time since they are reserving them for deliveries). Doh! I'll be looking at other chargers - the Chargepoint Flex looks like the best option.

Anyways - this is my PSA. Think twice before not ordering the Rivian Wall Charger, especially if you have the $500 pre-price increase. You might regret it like me!

Thanks for the PSA. I'll add the charger to my reservation.

 

[jjswan33]

Yes, I plan on getting a more quotes for sure. I know he didn't like the look of my current setup as well - I have a double 40 sharing the charger and solar. My panel is pretty full.

Yeah definitely full as @SoCal Rob already stated.

You might be better off upgrading your whole panel to 200A service rather than adding a sub panel but electrician will have to advise your there.

I know my panel upgrade to 200A in Portland OR cost not much more than your other quote, as I recall it was ~3200 but included running the service line into my basement.

 

[Craigins]

This post is very confusing.

You have a 40amp circuit, which can charge at 32 amps. You currently have a 32A charger. But you say you should have got the Rivian charge when you ordered, so that the Rivian charger can charge at 32A?

32A from the Rivian charger is going to be the same as 32A from your current charger.

Are you just saying that you should have bought it when it was discounted at $500, since other models are more expensive?

 

[Mcdubjr]

This post is very confusing.

You have a 40amp circuit, which can charge at 32 amps. You currently have a 32A charger. But you say you should have got the Rivian charge when you ordered, so that the Rivian charger can charge at 32A?

32A from the Rivian charger is going to be the same as 32A from your current charger.

Are you just saying that you should have bought it when it was discounted at $500, since other models are more expensive?

Not trying to be confusing ?.

I wish I got the Rivian charger because my 32A charger is too slow. I want to charge at 48A.
Because I didn't I will have to:
a. Pay more for the charger + wait an unknown amount of time for it to be available on the gear shop.
or
b. Buy a different charger which is more than $500


An entirely separate issue is I'd have to upgrade my panel to support a 48A charger.

 

[Craigins]

Not trying to be confusing ?.

I wish I got the Rivian charger because my 32A charger is too slow. I want to charge at 48A.
Because I didn't I will have to:
a. Pay more for the charger + wait an unknown amount of time for it to be available on the gear shop.
or
b. Buy a different charger which is more than $500


An entirely separate issue is I'd have to upgrade my panel to support a 48A charger.

Yeah the $500 is too good of a deal to pass up. I'm grabbing it to install at my place in WI. I wouldn't be surprised if that $700 goes up even more once they are in stock.

At home I only have 100A service, adding a 60A is probably too much for it to handle.

 

[Mcdubjr]

Yeah definitely full as @SoCal Rob already stated.

You might be better off upgrading your whole panel to 200A service rather than adding a sub panel but electrician will have to advise your there.

I know my panel upgrade to 200A in Portland OR cost not much more than your other quote, as I recall it was ~3200 but included running the service line into my basement.

Apparently it's about $5000 to go to 200A service here - before the EVSE install prices. I have 125A service, electrician didn't seem to think the 48A charger would be an issue with my load, especially since you mostly use it in the middle of the night.

 

[BillyBob]

Hey Rob...Sorta stupid thought here...but I'm known for stupid thoughts... Maybe you can hook up with a fellow So Cal forum member who does not want/need the Rivian charger, who will be getting a truck soon. Offer them $600 to add a charger to their order...Everyone wins.
Just thinking..

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