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. 
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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