You’ve done your due diligence. You understand that going solar is a wise investment that will reduce or eliminate your energy expenditures, protect you from future rising utility rates, and increase your home’s value. You also know that operating an EV is significantly less expensive than a gas-powered vehicle. You’re socially aware and understand that going green is good for the environment, reduces your carbon footprint, emissions, and dependence on foreign oil. Like nearly half of all consumers who own either an electric vehicle or a home solar system, you are interested in both.
Increasing Popularity in the EV Market
In 2019, EVs accounted for 2.5 percent of total new car sales. That’s up 20 percent versus 2018, and an increase of 92 percent versus 2017! Earlier this year, Tesla reached a significant milestone when they produced their one-millionth vehicle, a bright red Model Y. California alone has more than 600,000 registered plug-in vehicles. People are joining the EV revolution in record numbers.
All those battery-operated vehicles have one thing in common – they must be recharged with regularity, and the obvious and most convenient place to charge your EV is in your home. Sounds simple, just plug in at home. But it’s not that easy. In this article, we’ll explain why your standard 110-volt outlet is not a viable option, and how upgrading to a 220-volt outlet could be elaborate and expensive, requiring rewiring your home and upgrading your electric panel.
Enter NeoCharge Home EV Charging Solutions
NeoCharge was founded in San Luis Obispo, California, to help people realize the potential of a more sustainable commuting experience while reducing the carbon pollution from transportation. Their mission was to eliminate one of the barriers to EV ownership, the cost of fast home charging.
NeoCharge residential charging products offer easy and affordable charging access, potentially saving you thousands versus expensive installations to achieve Level 2 charging in your home.
Level 1 Charging
Level 1 charging (L1) is done from a standard 110 or 120-volt wall outlet, the same type of outlet used to charge your iPhone or tablet. L1 is painfully slow, adding three-five miles of driving range per hour of charging. How slow? It would take almost three days to fully charge a Tesla Model 3. L1 chargers are best suited for hybrid vehicles with a lower electric mile range and still heavily rely on gas.
Level 2 Charging
In L2 charging, power comes from a larger outlet, 220 volts, the same type used for high-powered appliances such as ovens, electric dryers, hot tubs, and water heaters, or air-conditioners. You probably already have one in your home; however, if not, you can have a PEP Solar install one. Level 2 requires electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE), known as an EV charging station.
L2 is a dramatically faster and more efficient form of charging, adding fifteen to twenty-five miles of range per hour of charging. Level 2 charging (L2) is where you want to be for home charging.
NeoCharge EV Charging Solution Products
The NeoCharge Smart Splitter
The NeoCharge Smart Splitter, its flagship product, provides home renters and homeowners access to fast (Level 2) charging, without having to rewire the home, secure permits, or pay thousands for a panel upgrade. The NeoCharge Smart Splitter is super easy to install and requires no rewiring.
Plug your car and appliance into the NeoCharge Smart Splitter and get fast charging access at home. And, the Smart Splitter safely manages the power for you. Plug your clothes dryer and your EV charger into the Smart Splitter, and NeoCharge pauses your vehicle’s charge while the dryer is running, and resumes charging when the dryer shuts off. Simple and easy.
The NeoCharge Dual Car Smart Splitter
NeoCharge offers a dual car version for those with two EVs, allowing you to charge both cars simultaneously at half power, or fully charge one, then the other.
The NeoCharge Economics
There are even more significant savings with the NeoCharge Smart Splitter beyond installation costs. Your energy costs will vary depending on how much you charge, your price per kW/h, and the time of use. However, most studies find that charging an electric vehicle costs less than fueling a gas-powered car. For example, one study by the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute found that an average user would pay $1,400 per year on gas, while an EV owner would only spend $540 on costs to recharge.
Some Frequently Asked Questions About the Smart Splitter
How does the Smart Splitter work?
The NeoCharge allows you to “plug share” with a 220-volt outlet while ensuring the outlet’s power limits are not exceeded.
What are the specifications of the NeoCharge?
NeoCharge is rated for up to 277 volts and 50 amps. This will provide you up to six times faster charging than a standard wall outlet. Dimensions: 5.25 inches x 5.25 inches x 2.5 inches.
Can I use an adapter to plug into my Smart Splitter?
You can use an adapter for your EV charger, although we do not recommend using a third-party adapter.
Is NeoCharge compatible with my EV and my home?
NeoCharge is compatible with all-electric vehicles and most chargers. The length of an EV charging cable varies and is usually between 18-25 ft in length, so as long as your car is parked within that range, you are good to go.
Is the Smart Splitter a Level 2 charger?
The Smart Splitter is not a Level 2 charger. Your Level 2 charger plugs into the Smart Splitter! Tesla comes with a Level 2 charger. If you are looking for a Level 2 charger, you can purchase them from PEP Solar.
Can both NeoCharge outlets provide power at the same time?
Yes, the dual car version has the capability of simultaneously charging both of your cars at once. The appliance version is not capable of providing power to both outlets at once. For the dual car version, you can configure the charge rate in your car or EVSE to either charge both cars at half or one car at full power.
What outlets are compatible with the NeoCharge Smart Splitter?
- NEMA 10-30 (24A) – Regular Dryers
- NEMA 10-50 (40A) – Electric Ranges
- NEMA 14-30 (24A) – New Dryers
- NEMA 14-50 (40A) – Installed EV Charging Outlets
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We hope you have found this brief review of the new NeoCharge Smart Splitter system brought to you by PEP Solar, helpful and informative. We are a full-service solar company and have been installing, servicing, inspecting, and repairing solar for homeowners and businesses in Arizona since 1978. We have been specifically installing solar PV systems since 1981. Our mission is to provide complete solar power solutions that perform beyond your expectations for the life of your system.
One pertinent fact regarding home charging you should keep in mind. In the absence of a home solar system when you charge your EV battery, the electricity being consumed still counts against your home utility bill, and it’s most likely still being powered by coal.
So, whether you are planning a home solar system, an EV home charging station, or both, PEP Solar can analyze your needs, design, and professionally install your system. We partner with only the best-in-class solar manufacturers, providers, and products to deliver your solar solution.
Let us help you become a “prosumer,” a homeowner who both produces and consumes solar energy.
For more expert information on all things solar, visit us online at pepsolar.com You can contact us through our contact us page or call us at (623) 806-8806.
