Installing an EVSE

Today I installed an L2 EVSE in the garage.  We built this house in 2010, and I asked the electrician to leave me an extra 240V box in the garage.  At the time I thought I might buy a welder, build an arc-reactor-powered flying metal suit and fight injustice.  However, I have since abandoned that plan and instead I bought an electric car.  

Already-installed 240V wiring

Not enough wire, so I cut a hole above the box and pulled it out. This allowed me the needed slack and a higher unit placement.

Wiring the unit is just connecting three wires.  Top right: L2 (red wire) and L1 (black wire).  Ground is the bare copper hanging out with the other green wires.  No neutral (white) is needed.

All level!

Power up!

My car now charges so quickly that, before I'm out of the garage, it's done.  Ok, that's not true, but it feels that way.  On my normal 120V existence I would expect to charge for most of the night.  With 240V I can come home, charge for an hour or two, then hit the town the same night with a full battery.  It's like my phone...just put it on the charger for a little bit and I'm good to go.  

A huge thank you to an incredibly generous EV owner who donated this "old" Schneider EVSE to me.  Without him I would still be listening to Milli Vanilli, wearing parachute pants, and charging my car on 120V.