Electrical supply firm Leviton Manufacturing announced yesterday that it was now accepting orders for its $1,049 EVB22-3PM Level 2 charging station. 

Designed to provide up to 3.8 kilowatts to charge electric cars like the 2011 Nissan Leaf and 2011 Chevrolet Volt, the Leviton unit can be installed without any permanent modifications to a home’s electric wiring, and is a lower-powered version of the chaging station Leviton developed for Ford's 2012 Focus Electric. 

Unlike other electric car charging stations we’ve seen, the unit comes with a short 220V plug which enables it to be installed and used wherever an available 220V outlet already exists. 

Ideal for those who want to own an electric car but are unable to make modifications to their home such as renters, the unit can also be easily removed from its wall-mounting bracket, turning it into a portable but bulky mobile charging station. 

While the Level 2 charging station from Leviton is no cheaper than other electric car charging stations we’ve seen recently, it does do away with unhidden and costly installations charges for those with existing 220V power outlets in their garage. 

Leviton Charging Station Pre-Wiring Kit

Leviton Charging Station Pre-Wiring Kit

For those who don’t have a suitable power supply already in existence, Levition sells an pre-installation wiring kit for $80, complete with everything Leviton says is needed to install its charging station. 

We’re also pleased to see that Levition is actively encouraging DIY fans to install their own charging stations without the expense of employing expensive and approved charging station installers. The firm has even produced its own typical shopping-channel style infomercial detailing how to go about installing its unit in a home. 

Of course, for any DIY installers there is a caveat.  Laws governing who can work on home electrical systems vary from state to state, and you should check what the law is in your area as well as fully understand Leviton’s instructional videos before you attempt a DIY installation. 

For those looking for a charging station that doesn’t permanently mount, this new unit could be for you, but make sure you have all new circuits officially inspected to ensure they  comply with local building and electrical codes. 

 

[Leviton]