Charger was installed today :)

Just had the charger, extra circuit box aka sub panel and timer installed today by SunPower Electric. Paul and Andy did the install. Took four hours. The Charger is a 40 amp system which they mentioned is the only one Mini is currently using. The box next to the charger is the timer. The box outside next to the meter is the sub panel. Inside are two 40amp circuit breakers. The little silver cable with white paint next to it (in the outside picture) is the ground. This runs inside the wall to a ground outlet that is out of the picture. The ground outlet was already there and they simply tied into it.

Also, an important note that I wasn't exactly clear on. The only way to get the special EV rate from Edison is to go the route that I did. It doesn't matter if you have a 400 amp panel with plenty of room available. Unless you have the Time of Use Meter (second meter) installed you won't get that rate. In order to have that done you have to have the sub panel installed. I'll be billed $500.00 for my portion of today's install.

Next step is for Edison to come out and install the special piggy back meter. Then SunPower will come back to hook up the cable between the meter and the white box (outside picture). They'll also be bringing the actual cable that runs from the charger to the car.

We're getting close!

Shai Agassi: A Bold Plan for Mass Adoption of Electric Cars

Very interesting video about electric cars from the February TED Conference in Long Beach, CA can be accessed by clicking link below:

http://www.ted.com/index.php/talks/shai_agassi_on_electric_cars.html

Just received this e-mail from Mini

Click above image to enlarge. Looking forward to this event!

Good News to Report!

Earlier today we had a second visit to check out the electrical panel. Today Rue Phillips came by. Rue's company was involved in the EV1 roll out and he is VERY familiar with electrical vehicles, chargers, etc. The difference between this visit with Rue and the first visit was like night and day. Rue lives and breaths electric vehicles and knows his stuff. 

We were happy to find out that our 100amp panel is fine. Even though it's full and appears to be maxed out, no problem. Reason being is that Edison is moving full speed ahead with the assumption that more and more folks will be using electric vehicles and planning accordingly. They have a special piggy back Electric Meter that will replace my meter. Our current meter will be pulled out. The new meter will go into the same hole. The second meter is attached to the first meter, sticks off to one side. There will also be a small box that will attach with four screws that will contain a shut off. This will mount next to the meter. Lastly there will be a small wire running from this box to a ground. This is all on the outside of the house. 

On the inside of the garage will be the charger. We also found out there will be a timer that can have set to the time we'd like the vehicle to charge. In our area there are special EV rates if you charge from 9pm - 12 noon. This will allow us to plug the vehicle in when we get home and not worry about forgetting to plug in the car at 9pm. Rue said our install is very straight forward and that the next step will be pulling permits.  We were very happy with Rue and this news!

A second visit

Just heard that a second site visit is needed. Will happen Tuesday April 7th. Hope to know then if a upgrade will be needed.