You are probably looking for a smart EV charger that is efficient and provides energy consumption reporting functions. For such a product, consider the Emporia Energy Smart EV Charger. This impressive gadget offers an attractive package of features at a low cost, which will appeal to environmental-friendly customers who want to control the energy systems in their homes effectively.
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The Emporia Energy Smart EV Charger is slim and shiny, but it is also very sturdy when you touch it. Of simple design and available in white or black, the charger can easily go unnoticed in most garage and home exterior settings. Still, the Emporia charger is more affordable than most of its counterparts, with prices ranging between $100 and $200, and has a sturdy build coupled with a weather-resistant plastic housing.
Where the black charging cord might not sit well with everyone’s taste, it is nothing that cannot be looked over given the performance and efficiency of the charger.
Easy Installation and Flexible Charging Options
The Emporia Energy Smart EV Charger is easy to install as it requires an app for configuration, and it connects to Wi-Fi networks, including 2.4GHz. It has a durable charge cord of 24 feet length and an SAE J1772 connector handle which makes it suitable with most EVs, though Tesla owners will require a J1772 adapter.
Another prominent feature of the Emporia charger is the ability to connect to a variety of electrical systems. The charging can be done at various breaker ratings extending from 15A to 48A, thus enabling one to set the maximum charge speed according to the existing residential electrical circuit.
To fully charge the car battery, the charger needs a 240V 14-50 or 6-50 NEMA outlet and a suitable breaker. It is advised to consult an electrician to check your house for the compatibility of the charge speed and to prevent any electrical risks.
Comprehensive Energy Monitoring and Optimization
All in all, the Emporia Energy Smart EV Charger performs remarkably well on its own but is at its best when used in conjunction with Emporia Energy’s Vue energy monitor and circuit sensors. This combination makes the charger a versatile device that controls energy consumption for an entire home, which makes it beneficial for homeowners who use solar power.
Image source: Jason Perlow/ ZDNET
The Emporia app offers enhanced visibility into your energy usage, including comprehensive charts and analytics. From instant information regarding the charging power of the charger to the data with references to minutes, hours, days, weeks, months, and years, the application provides a great deal of information. Energy usage can be measured in kilowatt hours, amps, gasoline gallon equivalents, car miles, CO2 offset, and trees.
Even better, if you have registered your energy provider, like FPL, the app will be able to cost out every individual charge session, thus making it easier for you to monitor your energy costs to the last dime.
Intelligent Charging Schedules and Integration
Another notable feature of the Emporia Energy Smart EV Charger is the flexibility of updating charging times according to your utility provider’s billing plans. If you have signed up for the Time-of-Use plan or your provider offers different rates for peak and off-peak hours, you can set the periods when charging will be possible in the app, which may help you save some money on electricity.
In addition, the Emporia charger is compatible with some smart thermostats such as the Ecobee, Emerson Sensi, and Honeywell Total Connect so that you can easily manage the energy systems of your home. Moreover, if your electric vehicle is compatible with the SmartCar data API, the app will be able to monitor charging sessions remotely and give you detailed information about your car energy consumption.
Affordable Whole-Home Energy Management
The Emporia Energy Smart EV Charger is available separately for $399, but it is most effective when used in conjunction with Emporia Energy’s Vue, circuit sensors, and smart plugs. This $564 integrated system turns the charger into a holistic whole-home energy management tool.
The Vue energy monitor connects to your electrical panel and allows circuit level monitoring and control. This feature is particularly helpful to homeowners who have installed solar power systems since the Vue can set the charger algorithm to avoid charging at times when the solar panels are producing much power.
If you choose the integrated bundle, you can take advantage of numerous energy-saving options and information about your home and protect the environment.
Limitations and Considerations
However, there are several limitations that need to be considered regarding the Emporia Energy Smart EV Charger. Compared to chargers of networks such as Tesla, ChargePoint, or Electrify America, the Emporia charger does not have a consolidated billing report when charging with other networks. This may be a disadvantage especially to those who charge using public charging stations and may prefer an account billing system.
Furthermore, in order to use the charger as an energy management solution for the entire house, more equipment has to be bought, including the Vue energy monitor and circuit sensors. This added investment may not be possible for everyone especially those individuals who are operating under a tight budget.
Conclusion
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The Emporia Energy Smart EV Charger is an essential option for electric vehicle owners interested in a smart energy management system that does not break the bank. The adjustable current and voltage output options, alongside the impressive build quality and the comprehensive list of energy monitoring features make this charger an essential piece of equipment.
Alone or as a part of Emporia Energy’s Vue energy monitor and sensors, the Emporia charger allows the homeowner to be in charge of energy consumption and its charging schedule with possible benefits to the environment.
Although it is not a network-based charger, the Emporia Energy Smart EV Charger is an affordable and versatile solution that can help homeowners manage energy consumption in their homes, making it an ideal choice for environmentally friendly individuals looking to save energy.
FAQs
Q1: What makes the Emporia Energy Smart EV Charger affordable?
The Emporia charger itself costs between $100-$200, which is lower than many competing smart EV chargers on the market. The full integrated home energy management bundle with the Vue monitor and circuit sensors is $564.
Q2: What charging speeds does it support?
The charger can operate at breaker ratings from 15A up to 48A, allowing you to set the maximum charge speed based on your home’s existing electrical circuit and capacity.
Q3: How does it provide comprehensive energy monitoring?
When used with Emporia’s Vue energy monitor and circuit sensors, the charger enables circuit-level energy usage monitoring and control for your entire home, including solar production if applicable.
Q4: What smart features does the Emporia app offer?
The app provides detailed energy usage analytics, charging cost calculations based on your utility rates, scheduling to avoid peak hours, integration with smart thermostats, and remote monitoring of some EV data.
Q5: Is the charger weather-resistant for outdoor installation?
Yes, the Emporia charger has a durable plastic housing designed to be weather-resistant for outdoor/garage installation.
Ishu Singh Rajput is a seasoned SEO expert with a passion for crafting engaging and insightful EV (Electric Vehicle) blogs. With 5 years of experience in the digital realm, Ishu has honed his skills in optimizing online content to reach wider audiences and drive organic traffic. His expertise lies in understanding search engine algorithms and leveraging them to enhance visibility and rankings for various websites. Through his compelling EV blogs, Ishu aims to inform, educate, and inspire readers about the advancements and benefits of electric vehicles in today’s world.