What is Chargepoint Home Flex?
Discover the ChargePoint Home Flex, a versatile Level 2 EV charger offering adjustable power, smart features, and fast charging for all electric vehicles.
Chargepoint Home Flex is a smart, adjustable Level 2 EV charger for home use. Here's what you need to know:
Key benefits:
Quick Comparison:
Bottom line: If you want fast, flexible home EV charging with smart features, the Chargepoint Home Flex is a solid choice. But you'll need a 240V circuit installed if you don't already have one.
Main features of Chargepoint Home Flex
Chargepoint Home Flex is a Level 2 EV charger that's way faster than your standard wall outlet. Here's what makes it stand out:
Level 2 charging
This charger uses 240V power, just like your dryer. It's up to 9 times faster than a regular outlet, adding about 37 miles of range per hour. So, you can easily juice up your car overnight, even if the battery's almost empty.
Adjustable power output
You can set the Chargepoint Home Flex anywhere from 16 to 50 amps:
Your electrician sets it up, but you can tweak it later using the app.
WiFi and smart features
With WiFi, you can:
You can also set charging schedules, time your charging for cheaper electricity rates, and use voice commands with Alexa or Siri.
"The ChargePoint Home Flex is more than just a home charging station — it's a game-changer in home EV charging thanks to its innovative adaptability, quick charging speeds, connectivity, convenience and network integration." - ChargePoint
Pro tip: Need to charge NOW? Just unplug and replug within a few seconds to override your schedule.
How to install Chargepoint Home Flex
You can set up your Chargepoint Home Flex in two main ways: plug-in or hardwired.
Plug-in vs. hardwired setup
1. Plug-in setup
This option is simpler but has some limits:
2. Hardwired setup
This option offers more flexibility:
Outdoor installation
For outdoor setups:
Using existing outlets
Have a 240V outlet? You might be able to use it:
"Each ChargePoint Home or Home Flex station requires its own dedicated circuit", - ChargePoint installation guide
Not sure about your home's electrical setup? Get a licensed electrician to check. They can help you choose the best installation method and ensure everything's up to code.
Managing your charging
The ChargePoint Home Flex has features to help you charge smarter. Here's how to use them:
Creating charging schedules
Set up schedules in the ChargePoint app to save money:
Many charge during off-peak hours for lower rates.
"Set it for 50% (since that is supported in the tesla app)." - Tesla Motors Club Moderator
This keeps your battery at 50% charge for better health.
Quick charging option
Need juice NOW? No problem:
This starts charging right away, ignoring your schedule.
Charging reminders
Don't get caught with a dead battery.
Heads up: Some users say the app doesn't always show real-time charging status. If you see weird stuff, try resetting your charger or call ChargePoint support.
Connecting to other devices
The ChargePoint Home Flex plays nice with your smart home. Here's how to get it connected:
Setting up WiFi
To unlock smart features, connect your charger to WiFi:
Far from your router? You might need a WiFi extender. ChargePoint's tested ones from Netgear and Apple.
"No WiFi? A licensed electrician can set the ChargePoint Home Flex amperage (default 16A) via Bluetooth." - ChargePoint Support
Linking with smart home devices
Once online, connect to your smart assistants:
Amazon Alexa
Try: "Alexa, ask ChargePoint if I'm plugged in?"
Apple Siri
Ask: "How many miles have I added?"
No official Google Home integration yet, but ChargePoint's working on it.
Tracking your charging
The ChargePoint Home Flex makes it easy to keep an eye on your EV charging. Here's how:
Checking battery charge
The ChargePoint app shows your EV's battery status in real-time:
You can even add a widget to your phone's home screen for quick looks.
Viewing charging history
The app keeps track of all your charging sessions: To see this info, just tap "Charging Activity" in the app menu.
Understanding energy use
ChargePoint helps you make sense of your power use:
"The ChargePoint app gives EV drivers full control of their charging experience, including managing home charging details from the same app used for public charging." - ChargePoint Support
Want to save money? Schedule charging during off-peak hours. The app can help you set this up based on your local utility rates.
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Power output options
The ChargePoint Home Flex packs a punch when it comes to charging power. Here's what you need to know:
Maximum power output
This charger can crank out up to 50 Amps, which means:
Want the full 11 kW? You'll need:
Changing power settings
You're not stuck with one speed. Adjust from 16A to 50A based on your setup:
Note: Want to go higher than 60-amp? You'll need to hardwire.
To change your power settings:
Power specs overview
The Home Flex is flexible:
Installation is a breeze:
"For the full 11 kW capacity, you need a 60A breaker with 6 gauge wire. Remember, you'll only use 80% of the electrical supply capacity." - ChargePoint Home Flex user
Safety and control features
ChargePoint Home Flex packs safety measures and control options to keep your EV charging safe and efficient.
Stopping unwanted use
Want to keep your charger secure? Here's how:
Simple, right? No need for fancy locks.
Comparing to other home EV chargers
Let's see how the ChargePoint Home Flex stacks up:
ChargePoint Home Flex benefits
The Home Flex has some key advantages:
The adjustable amperage is a standout. You can set it from 16A to 50A, giving you more control over charging speed and power use.
It also works with smart home systems like Alexa and Google Assistant. Want to check charging status or start a charge with your voice? No problem.
Possible drawbacks
The Home Flex isn't perfect:
One user said:
"I loved my ChargePoint for the first few months. Now it can't seem to connect to any Wi-Fi networks, so I can't get any charging metrics."
If you don't need smart features, a simpler "dumb" charger like Clipper Creek might be more reliable.
Price comparison
The Home Flex is priced competitively:
Some retailers offer lower prices. Amazon has sold the hardwired version for $499.
Who should choose the Home Flex?
The Home Flex might be for you if you:
Some utility companies offer rebates for the Home Flex. One user mentioned:
"I bought the ChargePoint Home Flex because it was eligible for a rebate for off peak charging from my utility company."
This could make it cheaper in some areas.
Conclusion
The Chargepoint Home Flex is a smart pick for EV owners who want fast, flexible home charging. It's great for people with different EV models and those who like app-controlled charging. You'll need a 240V circuit at home to use it.
This charger shines if you:
Using the Chargepoint Home Flex at home can:
1. Save you money: Charge when electricity is cheaper.
2. Make life easier: Wake up to a fully charged car every day.
3. Grow with you: Adjust power as your needs change.
4. Work long-term: It's compatible with current and future EVs.
5. Offer easy backup: With an outlet setup, you can quickly switch to a backup charger if needed.
"Had this happen once, and it was nice to go from the 40a, to a 32a backup and have nearly the same charging at home." - User from Rivian Forum
In short, the Chargepoint Home Flex gives you power, smarts, and future-proof design. It's a solid choice for EV owners who want reliable, flexible home charging.
FAQs
What is ChargePoint Flex?
ChargePoint Home Flex is a smart EV charger for your home. It's:
What is the maximum kW for ChargePoint Home Flex?
ChargePoint Home Flex packs a punch:
That's faster charging than many other home EV chargers.
Is ChargePoint Home Flex compatible with Tesla?
Absolutely. ChargePoint Home Flex plays nice with ALL EVs, Tesla included:
Got multiple EV brands at home? No problem. Thinking of switching EVs later? You're covered.
Is ChargePoint Flex worth it?
ChargePoint Home Flex has some serious perks:
"This versatility ensures Home Flex will work with any electrical supply, making it a good long-term investment." - ChargePoint, Oct 3, 2023
If you want a home charger that'll stick with you through thick and thin, ChargePoint Home Flex might just be worth the investment.
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