Shubham Sawarkar
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The charging time of an electric vehicle (EV) battery is a crucial factor that weighs heavily on the decision to invest in a Tesla or any other EV. In the quest for the best bargain on EV charging stations, we stumbled upon the JuiceBox 32. This cutting-edge Smart EV Charging Station with Built-in WiFi offers lightning-fast charging speeds, up to 6 times faster than conventional options, all while being suitable for both indoor and outdoor installation. With a simple plug-and-play setup, using a standard NEMA 14-50R outlet and the provided 2-foot input cord, charging your EV has never been easier. Furthermore, adapters are available to accommodate various dryer outputs, ensuring compatibility across a wide range of setups.
Excitingly, the JuiceBox 32 is currently available at a discounted price of $459, down from its usual $579, exclusively at Best Buy. That’s a generous $120 saving for EV enthusiasts.
What truly sets the JuiceBox 32 apart is its integration with the JuiceNet app, enabling EV owners to take control of their charging experience. With the convenience of Wi-Fi connectivity, users can remotely monitor and manage their charging sessions.
The app offers valuable features such as receiving notifications when the car’s battery is fully charged, setting charging reminders, and even accessing additional functionalities like LED lights charging status and voice control through Amazon’s Alexa voice assistant. Moreover, scheduling charging times during off-peak hours allows owners to take advantage of lower electricity rates, making the electric vehicle experience even more cost-effective.
Now, let’s delve into the technical aspects that make the JuiceBox 32 a game-changer. This remarkable charging station operates at 32 amperes, delivering an impressive 7.7kW of power. It falls under the Level 2 Electric Vehicle Service Equipment (EVSE) category, indicating the charging power it provides. In essence, the higher the level, whether AC or DC, the greater the power capacity. Opting for higher charging levels signifies enhanced charging capabilities.
As electric vehicle batteries operate on DC power, the onboard car charger plays a crucial role in converting household AC current into DC current. The EVSE acts as the intermediary component, either as the small box affixed to the garage wall (usually operating at 220V) or the portable unit found in the trunk of the car (typically functioning at 120V). These EVSEs serve as the crucial bridge between the vehicle and the home’s power outlet. Their primary function involves facilitating communication between the EV and the charging infrastructure, ensuring factors such as the car’s maximum charging power and proper grounding are maintained.
When it comes to AC charging, household AC power is typically utilized by AC chargers, which can be either 120V or 240V. Level 1 AC charging operates at 120 volts, while Level 2 AC charging harnesses the power of 240 volts. A Level 1 charger, utilizing a portable 120V AC EVSE, has a maximum power output of 1.9kW. The charging capacity is determined by the maximum current available from a 20 amp 120V wall outlet.
In contrast, Level 2 AC charging operates at 220V and boasts a maximum power output of 19.4kW, with a capacity of 80 amps. Plug-in hybrids commonly rely on Level 1 or Level 2 AC charging. For instance, the Chevrolet Volt utilizes a 3.3kW Level 2 charger, while the Spark EV and the Nissan Leaf feature similar 3.3 kW chargers. However, it’s worth noting that these vehicles do not push the limits of Level 2 charging. On the other hand, pure battery electric vehicles (BEVs), such as Teslas, tend to make full use of the highest end of AC Level 2 charging, reaching up to 19.2kW.
With the JuiceBox 32, EV owners can bid farewell to sluggish charging times and embrace the future of fast and convenient charging. This cutting-edge charging station, now available at a discounted price of $459, allows you to take full control of your charging experience through the JuiceNet app. With features like remote monitoring, notifications, and scheduling, the JuiceBox 32 revolutionizes the way we power our electric vehicles.
