Level-2 home charging stations have pretty much eliminated Level-1s mainly due to the upgrades in electric vehicles’ battery and charging abilities. In this review, we’re going to check out a Level-2 EVSE that has done nothing but impress since it was first released—the JuiceBox Pro 40.
Belonging to the second-best spot on our list of the best electric vehicle charging stations, let’s see what this high technology orange-and-black charging station is all about.
40-amp at 9.6-kW Output Power
JuiceBox makes both 32-amp and 40-amp charging stations, but the one we are looking at is the Pro 40 model. By plugging this baby into a 240V 50-amp circuit, you can super-charge your EV to a maximum of 9.6 kW per hour which translates roughly into between 30 and 40 travel miles per charging hour. For those who travel long distances, this is a definite plus.
To save money on electricity bills, you can bring the charging rate down from 40 to 30 amps. It will help avoid tripped circuits while also ensuring the charging station delivers an efficient charging output to older vehicles.
NEMA 14-50 Plug
The Pro 40 comes with a standard NEMA 14-50 plug that connects directly into a proper receptacle of at least 50 amps. The benefits of a plug-and-play style EV charging station like this one includes extreme portability and simple installation assuming your home’s electrical system is set up and ready to roll.
There are several adapters that work with this device; basically, anything that is not meant for 120V outlets.
Futureproof
There’s one thing we always remind our readers when they shop for an EVSE: check your car’s acceptance rate. The acceptance rate is the maximum amount of charging power the car can receive. Even though modern EVs are built with battery protection systems to prevent overload, it’s a good idea to find the charger that meets or slightly exceeds this rating.
The Pro 40, if we’re being honest, can be overkill for most older EVs with lower acceptance ratings (for instance, a 2013 Nissan Leaf). However, if you’re planning and upgrading your EVs soon to a model released within the last three years or so, there’s no question that the Pro 40 will be compatible with your new vehicle.
Smart Charging Station
The web-based JuiceNet App is a downloadable smartphone app that tells you everything you need to know about how the Pro 40 performs. The JuiceNet App covers all of the basics, from starting and stopping charging to receiving status reports like charging fault. One of the handiest features is the programmable scheduler where you can set the device to charge only during off-peak hours to save a couple of extra bucks on electricity every month. It’s even compatible with Echo and Alexa.
However, the JuiceNet App is far from perfect. Some users have complained that the app may not send instructions to the device immediately, and the device may go rogue and ignore its charging scheduler, filling your battery during expensive peak hours.
Load Balancing
One of the most impressive features of the Pro 40 is circuit load balancing. If you have multiple EVs at home and plan on charging them simultaneously with the same number of Pro 40s, you’ll never have to worry about exceeding the circuit’s electrical supply.
The Pro 40s will automatically balance the load to supply the maximum amount of power to one vehicle, leaving whatever’s left for the second. As soon as the first car’s battery reaches max capacity, the second Pro 40 will take over and deliver the maximum charge output to the second car.
This super-safe, the super-convenient system is a must-have feature that most Level-2 home-grade charging stations are not equipped with.
Safe for Outdoor Installation
For those of us without garages, your only option is to set up the Pro 40 outdoors, preferably near your driveway. The great news is that this charging station’s metal casing is resistant to fires and heavy rain. Sadly, it’s not thief-proof—the only way you’ll know that the Pro 40 is missing is if you receive a report on your phone saying the device is disconnected.
Verdict: Should I Get the JuiceBox Pro 40?
Assuming your car is compatible with 30 to 40 amps at up to 9.9 kW of charging, or you plan on getting a newer EV in the near future, then yes, the JuiceBox Pro 40 is definitely a smart purchase. The configurability of this device is unmatched by most of its competition, and the load-sharing ability for multi-car charging is a rare feature found in this EVSE.
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