New eMotorWerks JuicePlug Device Will Convert “Dumb” Level 2 Chargers Into “Smart” Ones

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Originally published on EV Obsession.

The manufacturer behind the popular JuiceBox home electric vehicle charger, eMotorWerks, has announced a new device that can be easily connected to any Level 2 charger and used to turn it into a “smart” charger, according to recent reports. That is to say, the product will allow users to control when and how much their electric vehicles (EVs) are charged, all via a simple smartphone app, regardless of the Level 2 charger in question.

The new product — dubbed JuicePlug — is essentially just an internet-connected hub that goes between your Level 2 charging cable and your EV’s charging port. The product can apparently be controlled with any internet-connected smartphone, whether an Android app or an iOS one — with the timing and rate of charging both being completely controllable parameters. Juiceplug

The founder of eMotorWerks, Valery Miftakhov, commented: “JuicePlug is a unique solution to the ‘dumb charger’ conundrum that has faced EV drivers for years — ‘should I throw away a working EVSE to upgrade to one that has smartphone control and programmability?’ Bringing the benefits of WiFi connectivity and anytime-anywhere control, coupled with cash rewards for smart-grid charging is an unbeatable solution for our customers. JuicePlug is not only affordable, it actually pays drivers to charge.”

Our sister site Gas 2 provides more:

The company claims its wifi enabled chargers will help EV owners find electricity from renewable sources and save money by only charging when rates are lowest. It also has a rewards program that offers users cash back for using its products. Here are the specs on the new JuicePlug:

Voltage: 100-270 VAC
Power: up to 40 Amps / 10 kW
Full J1772 support for compatibility with all vehicles
Measurement precision (current, voltage, power, energy): better than 0.5%
Monitoring & Control latency: less than 3 seconds for full smart-grid compatibility

The product is now available for $139 on Kickstarter, with less than a month to go on the campaign in question. Pricing following the end of the campaign may differ.

Image Credit: eMotorWerks

Reprinted with permission.


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James Ayre

James Ayre's background is predominantly in geopolitics and history, but he has an obsessive interest in pretty much everything. After an early life spent in the Imperial Free City of Dortmund, James followed the river Ruhr to Cofbuokheim, where he attended the University of Astnide. And where he also briefly considered entering the coal mining business. He currently writes for a living, on a broad variety of subjects, ranging from science, to politics, to military history, to renewable energy.

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