Even if you don’t drive an electric vehicle, everybody knows what an at-home charging station offers. Though most vehicles come standard with their chargers, they’re not always as energy-efficient as you may have hoped. EVSEs by non-automotive manufacturers oftentimes have the upper hand in terms of charging efficiency and features.
For instance, the US2 Electric Vehicle Charger, aka the VC30GRYU, by Siemens is a feature-rich Level 2 device that doesn’t just quick-charge your car’s battery but also is pleasing to the eyes. This model is a lot more user-friendly compared to its predecessor, the VC30GRYHW. Let’s see what we can expect from the US2 EV Charger.
240V Level 2 30-amp Charger
The Siemens is a powerful EVSE that can deliver up to 30 amps of electricity directly to your car’s battery. Based on the company’s reports, this Level 2 EVSE works up to four times faster than their Level 1 110/120V models which doesn’t mean much unless your vehicle is equipped to handle 30 amps.
If it is, and the prospect of driving up to 22 miles for every 60 minutes of charging, this heavy-duty Level 2 charger belongs in your garage.
Ensure you know what you’re getting and what your car and home can handle. Using this Siemens Level 2 EVSE requires a double pole 40-amp circuit breaker. If your home doesn’t have this, nor a 240V NEMA 6-50 receptacle, then you might end up more on installing the proper electrical system than the actual charger.
Plug-and-Play Installation
Unlike its predecessor, this Level 2 charger does not need to be hardwired to your home’s electrical system. Instead, it comes with a NEMA 6-50 plug that goes directly into a preinstalled receptacle—when energy flows through, all that’s left to do is press the power button and this charger is ready to roll.
There are certainly advantages to having a plug-and-play charger over a hardwired one. For instance, generally speaking, they’re portable and can be taken with you on long trips. Also, you can prep your garage before the EVSE arrives at your doorstep.
Finally, if there’s an issue, unplug the charger and send it back. Try doing that with a hardwired charger.
2/4/6/8-hour Delay Timer Function
The Siemens comes with a delay timer feature that starts the charging process after the selected time has passed. Users have the option to set the delay to two, four, six, or eight hours. With careful planning, this feature will help users avoid charging their vehicles for several continuous hours during peak times.
20-foot Power Cord
Another substantial upgrade we see in this model compared to its hardwired counterpart is a longer power cord. Previously, you only had a 14-foot cable which, not short, was extremely limiting. This time around, with six additional feet, you’ll have plenty of space to room without accidentally bumping the cord into the side of your vehicle.
A 25-foot cable like the MUSTART would have been nice, but it sure beats the 14 footers off the VC30GRYHW.
Onboard Cord Storage
Storing 20 feet of cable is no simple task, especially a cable as thick and heavy-duty as this one, but with a built-in groove to hold onto the cable, you won’t need to worry about a thing. The power cord sits comfortably on top of the charging unit, keeping it out of harm’s way when not in use.
The only question is whether you have the strength and willpower to place the cord back in storage after charging or not (most people leave theirs on the ground).
Semi-Portable
As we said earlier, plug-and-play-style EVSEs are portable. By unplugging the device and placing it in a handy travel bag, you’ll have power on the go for long trips down the country road. Even though the Siemens is technically portable, it’s not exactly something you’d want to take with you.
The 14.5 x 16 x 6.5-inch unit takes far too much trunk space, and with the cable, it weighs a sliver over 20 pounds. It can serve as a portable EVSE, but there are many more portable options (MUSTARD and JuiceBox 40) out there.
Single Reviews
ChargePoint Home Flex Electric Vehicle (EV) Charger
ChargePoint Home Electric Vehicle (EV) Charger
BougeRV Electric Vehicle (EV) Charger
JuiceBox 40 Electric Vehicle (EV) Charger
Siemens US2 Electric Vehicle (EV) Charger
AmazonBasics Electric Vehicle (EV) Charger
Verdict: Should I Get the Siemens US2 Electric Vehicle (EV) Charger?
Overall, the Siemens is a heavy-duty Level 2 EVSE that doesn’t disappoint. With quick-charging capabilities and user-friendliness, this would certainly be an excellent charger to have in the garage.
However, it’s not something you’d likely keep in the trunk of your vehicle due to its bulk and weight, but at home, it’s more than reliable.
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