What I like about the Siemens unit is that it has an amp limiter you can set. My concern is not the Volt, but my future Bolt that could gobble more than my lines would permit. So until I am able to put in heavier wire, the amp limiter will help throttle the thirsty Bolt.
GE Wattstation
Although this forum seems unanimous in it's approval of the Clipper Creek units, I purchased my second hand level 2 charger on Ebay and wanted to share my experience with GE and Siemens, for those looking at other level 2 chargers. I do think these are both great alternatives to the Clipper Creek.
I'm not affiliated with any of these companies.
I picked up the Wattstation for a great price, as it was throwing a code and was being sold as-is. The Siemens Versicharge was in great shape. The Wattstation was by far the more solid-built unit. The cable was much thicker on the Wattstation that the Siemens and the Siemens handle seemed flimsy in comparison. Cable length was similar, around 20'. Both units made a loud "thump" when activated which was a little disconcerting, but totally normal per the manufacturer. Both units also exhibit a slight hum, but nothing obnoxious. The Siemens has an onboard delay start feature, but I prefer to use that feature in the Volt.
The big difference was with customer support after the warranty is up. GE gave me amazing phone support followed by e-mailed information and troubleshooting tips from the techs. With Siemens, I had to wait for a call back and no support was offered for my out of warranty unit. The tech spent 10 minutes trying to explain my date code, even though I read to him the exact build date on the side of the unit. Weird. GE even sent me a missing part at no charge! I never found out if the Siemens actually has trouble codes that flash. I really like this in the Wattstation, as it helps narrow down the problem. In my case, my controller was bad. I found a replacement and easily changed it out myself.
All in all I'm really happy with the luck, feel, and function of the GE Wattstation and even happier to charge in 3.5 hrs at off-peak rates.
I'm not affiliated with any of these companies.
I picked up the Wattstation for a great price, as it was throwing a code and was being sold as-is. The Siemens Versicharge was in great shape. The Wattstation was by far the more solid-built unit. The cable was much thicker on the Wattstation that the Siemens and the Siemens handle seemed flimsy in comparison. Cable length was similar, around 20'. Both units made a loud "thump" when activated which was a little disconcerting, but totally normal per the manufacturer. Both units also exhibit a slight hum, but nothing obnoxious. The Siemens has an onboard delay start feature, but I prefer to use that feature in the Volt.
The big difference was with customer support after the warranty is up. GE gave me amazing phone support followed by e-mailed information and troubleshooting tips from the techs. With Siemens, I had to wait for a call back and no support was offered for my out of warranty unit. The tech spent 10 minutes trying to explain my date code, even though I read to him the exact build date on the side of the unit. Weird. GE even sent me a missing part at no charge! I never found out if the Siemens actually has trouble codes that flash. I really like this in the Wattstation, as it helps narrow down the problem. In my case, my controller was bad. I found a replacement and easily changed it out myself.
All in all I'm really happy with the luck, feel, and function of the GE Wattstation and even happier to charge in 3.5 hrs at off-peak rates.
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Going on 4years with my GE. Still solid. I do like the handle and large cable. Although 16' is a little tight in some of my parking spots.
Recommended by REDD and Loboc.
Recommended by REDD and Loboc.
The Wattstation (or any EVSE for that matter) isn't going to provide more current than it's rating regardless of what the vehicle is requesting. The Wattstation will give you 30 amps output max. It is internally fused at 40 amps. It is quite robust and has far heavier duty components inside than my Tesla HPWC which is rated at 80 amps. Bulletproof.
Can't say enough about my GE Durastation. Reasonable price. Variable amp settings. And even got a rebate from the power company. ($500)
Just works. Keeps our Volt and LEAF going.
Just works. Keeps our Volt and LEAF going.
I too have the Durastation. My first unit failed within 30 days. Amazon replaced it. The replacement has been charging my Volt for a year next week. It lacks a lot of the bells and whistles that other units have, but I didn't care about them anyway.Can't say enough about my GE Durastation. Reasonable price. Variable amp settings. And even got a rebate from the power company. ($500)
Just works. Keeps our Volt and LEAF going.
1 - 6 of 6 Posts
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