Q: How can I find places to charge my Electric Vehicle (EV) in public?
A:You can visit websites such as www.plugshare.com or www.carstations.com to search by address, city, or zip code to find public electric vehicle charging stations in your area. The websites are also available as apps that you can download to your smart phone for a convenient way to search for public EV charging stations when away from your computer. Some of these sites also map private residences who will let you charge your EV at their home; and you can add your home or business charging station to the map as well.
Plugshare.com is one site that you can find public charging locations.
Visit our Google+ page to review us, read reviews from our customers, see additional photos and read Electric Vehicle industry news.
Like ClipperCreek on Facebook to view the latest in industry information, learn about new ClipperCreek products, and join in the discussion with other ClipperCreek product owners.
Buy our products or locate detailed information about our products, including product brochures, installation manuals and pricing at ClipperCreek.com.Our customer service team is available to assist you with any questions you may have Monday-Friday from 8-5 PST. You can reach them at 530-887-1674
About ClipperCreek Products: ClipperCreek products are Made in America, compatible with every plug-in vehicle, and automotive supply chain certified. As a leading supplier of electric vehicle charging infrastructure for 20 years, millions of electric vehicle charge sessions have relied on ClipperCreek. Unparalleled quality, reliability, and superior customer service are core values at ClipperCreek. Visit the ClipperCreek Online Store where we offer the widest variety of charging stations in the market.
ClipperCreek products are manufactured in Auburn, CA, USA.
ClipperCreek has been renowned as the maker of extremely rugged and reliable electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) since the reemergence of the EV industry in 2007. To reinforce that reputation, the company has gone so far as to post videos on YouTube showing company employees beating an HCS-40 with a hammer and a baseball bat until the bat split in two, sending large scary splinters flying across the parking lot. The tough plastic housing of the charge station was unharmed. Don’t try this at home kids. Or at least wear a face shield and protective clothing and conduct the test far from expensive cars.
Although I didn’t beat my test unit with a hammer, over the course of six months of use I did give it the kind of real-world workout that most people can expect the unit to endure. That included rolling over the cord numerous times with my car. I didn’t perform that test intentionally, but I was pleased to see that the cable did not sustain any damage and the unit continued to work perfectly.
The HCS-60 is a 48 amp station that can deliver up to 11.5 kW of power. That’s more than most EVs on the road can use. EVs that can take advantage of the extra power the HCS-60 can deliver over its siblings include the Toyota RAV 4 EV, Mercedes Benz B-Class ED, and the Tesla Roadster and Model S with supplied adapters. Some EV trucks can also charge at the higher rates the HCS-60 can deliver.
Is the HCS-60 the right charger for you? It really depends on what you drive.
A Tesla Roadster can charge at up to 16.8 kW (56 mph) and a Model S with dual chargers can charge at up to 20 kW (60 mph). If a Roadster or Model S is your only EV, you may want to get the higher-power Tesla charger, but if you have another EV which uses the standard J1772 connector, the HCS-60 will be able to charge both the Tesla (using the supplied adapter) and the other EV. If you don’t need to charge both EVs at the same time, that could save a couple thousand bucks between the hardware and installation.
If you have a Toyota RAV 4 EV or Mercedes-Benz B-Class ED, you’ll want to strongly consider the ClipperCreek HCS-60. It is bulletproof. Or at least baseball bat proof. At $899 direct from ClipperCreek it’s really inexpensive for such a high-quality, high-power charger.
The HCS-60 is compatible with all plug-in vehicles available today. The output power of the unit is variable and depends on vehicle demand, which is set by the vehicle. So it will certainly be up to the task of charging any EV that becomes available for the next many years. My Model S has dual charger, but I’ve never had a circumstance where I needed to charge it faster than the HCS-60 could deliver. (I still sleep 8 hrs).
As electronics gizmos go, ClipperCreek charge stations are pretty boring to review. I bought an LCS-25 direct from ClipperCreek in 2013 and I’ve never found anything to complain about in over a year and a half of daily use. Not a single failure of any kind. Not even a hung state that requires a reset, unusual for a software based appliance. The thing just hangs on the wall quietly doing its job. No alarm beeps. No buzzing or erratic behavior like most of my other electrical equipment is prone to engage in from time to time. And certainly not anything exciting like a fi e. You’d think that something that handles as much power as the HCS-60 would at least put out a puff of smoke now and again. Or melt a little and require a recall like my Tesla charge adapter. But no, nothing. Just the same steady green light the whole
time. I suppose I’ll get used to that kind of rock solid reliability, although I’ll continue to wonder why there are so few EVSE made with that kind of quality.
“The larger conductor size for the high power transfer required special care to design for real world operation,” explained Jason France, CEO of ClipperCreek, “we used rubber over-molding to fully seal the connector’s head and increase the durability in the rough commercial world, the rubber cable jacket increases cold weather flexibility of the cable.”
The HCS-60 requires a 60 amp circuit and is a hard wired unit because of NEMA and building code requirements. The lower power HCS-40 (7.7 kW) and HCS-50 (9.6 kW) use the same case and are available as plug-in units. The HCS-50P comes with a 6-50 plug and the HCS-40 ships with either a NEMA 6-50 or 14-50 plug. The model number indicates what kind of circuit it requires.
All ClipperCreek EVSE can work with either 204v or 208v AC circuits in single phase.
In the past we’ve shown you how to calculate the cost to charge your electric vehicle from completely empty to completely full. Since then many other electric vehicles have emerged into the market. Below you will find an updated “Cost to Charge” chart with all the electric vehicles currently on the road. Here are steps to calculate your cost to charge: 1. Find your most recent utility bill to obtain your cost per kWh. My residential PG&E rate in September of 2012 was $0.12845 per kWh which is the cost we use in this example.* 2. Find your electric vehicle battery capacity using the chart below or the vehicle manufacturers’ web site. 3. Multiply the electrical rate from #1 with your battery capacity from #2. This will be an estimate of the cost to fully charge your electric vehicle.
*Battery Sizes were obtained using Wikipedia and/or manufacturer websites. *This chart does not take into account the usable battery percentage (This means it may cost less to charge your vehicle from empty to full if the usable battery percentage is less than the battery size) Another great tool for calculating charging costs of an electric vehicle is the EV Explorer Tool that was put together by UC Davis PH&EV Research Center. This comprehensive tool can be very useful in weighing the costs of EV ownership compared to traditional gas powered vehicles. The EV Explorer Tool can be found at http://gis.its.ucdavis.edu/evexplorer/ .
Visit our Google+ page to review us, read reviews from our customers, see additional photos and read Electric Vehicle industry news.
Like ClipperCreek on Facebook to view the latest in industry information, learn about new ClipperCreek products, and join in the discussion with other ClipperCreek product owners.Follow @ClipperCreek on Twitter .
Buy our products or locate detailed information about our products, including product brochures, installation manuals and pricing at ClipperCreek.com.
Our customer service team is available to assist you with any questions you may have Monday-Friday from 8-5 PST. You can reach them at 530-887-1674
About ClipperCreek Products: ClipperCreek products are Made in America, compatible with every plug-in vehicle, and automotive supply chain certified. As a leading supplier of electric vehicle charging infrastructure for 20 years, millions of electric vehicle charge sessions have relied on ClipperCreek. Unparalleled quality, reliability, and superior customer service are core values at ClipperCreek. Visit the ClipperCreek Online Store where we offer the widest variety of charging stations in the market.ClipperCreek products are manufactured in Auburn, CA, USA.
CLIPPERCREEK LAUNCHES 32 AMP STATION: More Power, Same $590 Price
AUBURN, California, September 10, 2014
ClipperCreek announces an upgrade in power for the popular HCS-40 and CS-40 series EV charging stations; from 30 Amps to 32 Amps continuous as a standard offering.
The HCS-40 is the first major brand, low cost, Level 2 electric vehicle charging station to break through to the 32 Amp level without increasing the selling price. With 25 feet of charging cable and a “no strings attached” 3-year manufacturer’s warranty, the HCS-40’s durability and usability is on par with what customers have come expect from ClipperCreek products.
CS-40 EV Charging Station by ClipperCreek
ClipperCreek’s focus on continuous product value improvement for electric vehicle customers is unprecedented in the market. Charging at 32 Amps and 240Volts, the 7.7KW HCS-40 now offers increased power for cost conscious customers. All of ClipperCreek’s charging station products are safety certified by independent testing laboratories and compatible with all plug in vehicles available today.
“We are constantly developing new products to bring the next level of customer value to the market,” said Jason France, President and Founder of ClipperCreek. “After an in depth analysis, the ClipperCreek team determined the standards would allow an additional 480 Watts of power for charging without compromising quality, safety, or durability. The company’s HCS-40 and CS-40 models are now offered at the 32 Amp charging level with no increase in price.”
The HCS-40 is well-built, easy to install, and simple to use which translates into installation cost savings when compared to other products on the market. After the junction box is run from the main service, installing the HCS-40 is a snap. Using the provided 2 wall screws and 3 power wires, any licensed electrician can install an HCS-40 in no time at all. There is no need to disassemble the unit or to try to understand complicated installation instructions. In fact, no assembly required. An optional connector holster is available for just $19.
The HCS-40 EV Charging Station by ClipperCreek
Follow us on Facebook and Twitter or check out our website for more information:
Like ClipperCreek on Facebook to view the latest in industry information, learn about new ClipperCreek products, and join in the discussion with other ClipperCreek product owners. Join today and follow @ClipperCreek on Twitter or just locate detailed information about our products at www.clippercreek.com.
About ClipperCreek Products:
ClipperCreek products are Made in America, compatible with every plug-in vehicle, and automotive supply chain certified. As a leading supplier of electric vehicle charging infrastructure for 20 years, millions of electric vehicle charge sessions have relied on ClipperCreek. Unparalleled quality, reliability, and superior customer service are core values at ClipperCreek. Visit the ClipperCreek Online Store where we offer the widest variety of charging stations in the market.
ClipperCreek products are manufactured in Auburn, CA, USA.
CLIPPERCREEK LAUNCHES A $395, LEVEL 2 EV CHARGING STATION
AUBURN, California, June 10th, 2014.
Making its debut is ClipperCreek’s $395 Level 2, 240V EV charging station, available for immediate delivery, directly from the factory in Auburn, CA. The LCS-20 is the first major brand Level 2 electric vehicle charging station to break through the $400 barrier. With 22 feet of charging cable and a “no strings attached” 3-year manufacturer’s warranty, the LCS-20’s durability and usability is on par with what customers have come expect from ClipperCreek products.
ClipperCreek’s focus on continuous value improvement for electric vehicle customers is unprecedented in the market. Charging at 15Amps and 240Volts, the 3.6KW LCS-20 has plenty of power for cost conscious customers who want to upgrade from their 120V charge cord and cut charging time by 60%.
“We task ourselves to constantly bring the next level of customer value to the market.” said Jason France, President and Founder of ClipperCreek, “After an in depth analysis, the ClipperCreek team realized a 3.6KW station could be offered without compromising quality or durability through a combination of volume pricing, slightly shorter cable, and 15Amp charge rate.”
In addition to saving money on the charging station, and cutting charge time by 60%, customers buying the LCS-20 save on installation costs when compared to other products on the market. The LCS-20 is delivered with a flexible conduit that is easily wired into an existing junction box, with no assembly required! The compact, tough, and weatherproof enclosure is mounted with just four screws. An optional connector holster is available for just $19.
A REAL PRODUCT, FOR THE REAL WORLD. The compact, 3.6kW, Level 2, LCS-20 from ClipperCreek is designed to take the wear-and-tear of everyday use in all environments. Its tough NEMA 4 outdoor rated enclosure ensures you can install this unit anywhere with confidence.
Follow us on Facebook and Twitter or check out our website for more information:
Like ClipperCreek on Facebook to view the latest in industry information, learn about new ClipperCreek products, and join in the discussion with other ClipperCreek product owners. Join today and follow @ClipperCreek on Twitter or just locate detailed information about our products at http://www.clippercreek.com.
About ClipperCreek Products:
ClipperCreek products are Made in America, compatible with every plug-in vehicle, and automotive supply chain certified. As a leading supplier of electric vehicle charging infrastructure for 20 years, millions of electric vehicle charge sessions have relied on ClipperCreek. Unparalleled quality, reliability, and superior customer service are core values at ClipperCreek. Visit the ClipperCreek Online Store where we offer the widest variety of charging stations in the market.
ClipperCreek products are manufactured in Auburn, CA, USA.
Contacts
ClipperCreek, Inc.
Will Barrett, Inside Sales Manager, 530-887-1674
will@clippercreek.net
With electric car popularity on the rise, it is no surprise that the demand for EV chargers has risen as well. Just a few years ago, it was not common to see electric vehicle charging stations around town. These days EV chargers are installed at many various places and are constantly being used. EV charging stations have become so popular that some cities are requiring all new buildings to be pre-wired for electric vehicle chargers.
A few months back, Palo Alto, California made the news when a new city ordinance required all new homes to be wired for electric vehicle charging stations. With a population of 64,000, Palo Alto has more electric cars per capita than any other city in the country. It is no wonder such an electric car friendly city has required all new homes to be wired to make its citizens’ lives easier and green-friendly. Pre-wiring a new home for an electric vehicle charging station can save the homeowner hundreds if not thousands of dollars on the final installation cost of a new EV Charger.
Across the country EV chargers are being installed in more shopping centers, train stations and office buildings in order to encourage electric car owners to take advantage of the new technology and expand their electric range.
The latest city to jump on board is Santa Clara. Like Palo Alto, Santa Clara is now requiring that new buildings be pre-wired for electric vehicle charging stations. Santa Clara County (in California) has mandated that new homes and non-residential buildings be pre-wired to accommodate electric vehicle charging stations during their construction. This prevents owners from having to pay up to $2,000 to redo wiring in a building that has already been constructed, pre-wiring buildings during original construction only costs around $200.
With so many electric cars and EV charger-friendly policies across the country, it is no wonder that EV chargers are in high demand. For all your EV charging stations needs, check out ClipperCreek. ClipperCreek provides you with the best EV charging stations on the market at the most competitive prices. If you are the owner of an electric car, an EV charging station is the next smart investment!
Visit our Google+ page to review us, read reviews from our customers, see additional photos and read Electric Vehicle industry news.
Like ClipperCreek on Facebook to view the latest in industry information, learn about new ClipperCreek products, and join in the discussion with other ClipperCreek product owners.
Buy our products or locate detailed information about our products, including product brochures, installation manuals and pricing at ClipperCreek.com.Our customer service team is available to assist you with any questions you may have Monday-Friday from 8-5 PST. You can reach them at 530-887-1674
About ClipperCreek Products: ClipperCreek products are Made in America, compatible with every plug-in vehicle, and automotive supply chain certified. As a leading supplier of electric vehicle charging infrastructure for 20 years, millions of electric vehicle charge sessions have relied on ClipperCreek. Unparalleled quality, reliability, and superior customer service are core values at ClipperCreek. Visit the ClipperCreek Online Store where we offer the widest variety of charging stations in the market.
ClipperCreek products are manufactured in Auburn, CA, USA.
ClipperCreek 