47Minutes Posted June 25, 2013 at 02:01 AM Report Share Posted June 25, 2013 at 02:01 AM This sounds interesting: http://www.engadget.com/2013/06/24/emw-kick-starts-juicebox-a-99-level-2-diy-charging-station/#continued Here is the Kickstarter page: http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1076207974/emw-juicebox-an-open-source-level-2-ev-charging-st Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Russael Posted June 25, 2013 at 02:37 AM Report Share Posted June 25, 2013 at 02:37 AM Doesn't come with the J1772 connector (by itself, that's about 150 bucks) or the charge cable. Leviton offers a 32A cable/connector at 25 feet combo for 173 and Electric Motor Werks has the same for 150. The charger can apparently deliver up to 62A and that is in the standards that I see on Wiki for J1772. But then you're talking probably 4 gauge cable... some REALLY thick stuff. Poked around for one that meets that rating and I don't see anything presently, not even on EMW's site. For all practical purposes... 99 + 150 = 249 dollars which is really reasonable for a 32A charger. Or you can buy a ready assembled one for 100 bucks more for 349. One negative impression I get is that the base model doesn't seem to have GFCI protection built in (mentions that as a feature for the more expensive upgrade). And if you get the fully assembled premium model at 329, add the 32A cable and now you're at 470, and you still need to make a plug to get power to the unit (or hardwire it). Worst part of all of this? No warranty. If it breaks, blows up, etc, you get to eat the repair costs (AND do it yourself). So, in short, I don't think you're saving quite that much. Fantastic for tinkers and people who love to play with Arduino's though. Didn't know about this company... I've been stewing over the idea of converting my Expedition to an EV (after the motor goes, whenever that may be). Had crazy ideas of putting a locomotive traction motor in there (7,000ft/lb... muhahaha) with a 100KWh battery pack. Started looking at costs... yeah, not happening. It'd run at 750 volts and I don't see chargers that do that either. Still have ideas and still thinking of how I can make it work, but right now it's just a fantasy. :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
murphy Posted June 25, 2013 at 09:39 AM Report Share Posted June 25, 2013 at 09:39 AM 7000 ft lb of torque at 3000 RPM is around 4000 HP. It would be extremely difficult to couple that much power to the ground without destroying the tires. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Russael Posted June 25, 2013 at 10:47 AM Report Share Posted June 25, 2013 at 10:47 AM If the controllers are smart enough, they could easily limit the amount of torque that actually goes to the wheels, not unlike traction control. The only other issue with a locomotive traction motor is that they have 4 separate wire windings that need to be switched between as it spins up or down. So, in essence, it's kind of a 4 speed electric motor. Still... I wonder how fast I could rocket down a 1/4 mile drag strip? :) I'm sure those motors weigh a LOT more than my 5.4L engine does. Couldn't find the specs of the motor I was looking at either (physical dimensions, weight, etc). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rtshinn Posted October 1, 2013 at 06:10 PM Report Share Posted October 1, 2013 at 06:10 PM Looks like my Juicebox has shipped!It's the basic kit. Hopefully, I won't melt any parts with my soldering iron. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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