Hawaii Tesla Owners

[Akikiki]

External 240 Volt timer on Charging service

Well, I am going to install 240 volt service in my garage. Don't know yet if it will be 24 or 40 amp. That depends on what the pros say the house service can support.

I too wish the car or the app allowed us to time the start or stop of the charging. So, for a few bucks, and until Tesla gives it to us in the car or the app, I am going to add a 240 volt digital 7 day timer to my charging service to enhance the control of charging. I don't see a down side. I can use this to increase my control and once the car and/or the app supports it, then I simply leave it disengaged.

I will get one with sufficient capacity from Amazon and have it onsite with the electrican comes for the service installation. Less than $60

I looked every where for a 240 volt timer that is supported by an iPhone app. Even tried Smarthouse.com. No luck.

Comments? Ideas?

 

[spleen]

External 240 Volt timer on Charging service

Well, I am going to install 240 volt service in my garage. Don't know yet if it will be 24 or 40 amp. That depends on what the pros say the house service can support.

I too wish the car or the app allowed us to time the start or stop of the charging. So, for a few bucks, and until Tesla gives it to us in the car or the app, I am going to add a 240 volt digital 7 day timer to my charging service to enhance the control of charging. I don't see a down side. I can use this to increase my control and once the car and/or the app supports it, then I simply leave it disengaged.

I will get one with sufficient capacity from Amazon and have it onsite with the electrican comes for the service installation. Less than $60

I looked every where for a 240 volt timer that is supported by an iPhone app. Even tried Smarthouse.com. No luck.

Comments? Ideas?

I think this capability is likely coming in the near future as a firmware upgrade (I have no inside info, just that it would be crazy for Tesla not to implement a charge timer soon with so many people asking for it). As such, not sure if you want to complicate your install by adding a separate timer as well.

 

[Jkam]

Charging Outlet: My house has 100 amp service. My Mod S has twin chargers (when it gets here). I intend to put the NEMA 14-50 outlet in my garage, if possible. According to the Tesla web, it uses a 50 amp circuit breaker and 14-50 is the plug for 40 amp service. Then there's also the NEMA 14-30 for 24 amp service. Question please? Anyone else trying to do this? Anyone else already done this? The electrician I am talking to says this is borderline feasible or borderline to code. He says he talked to four city inspectors. Two say is okay to install the 40 amp. He says the other two say no. This has become a judgment call then for the area city inspector. Another question to all? Anyone have experience with the discussion to do or not do? Has anyone had a problem with 100 amp service? I'd apprciate anyone's everyone's comments...

It mostly depends on your circumstances. If you have a lot of heavy electric appliances - e.g. microwave, air conditioner, clothes washer/dryer...- it is probably going to be hard to charge your car at 40A unless you time everything so that only one or two things are on at a time. I would get an electrician or somebody who knows what they are doing to itemize all the things that use electricity in your house. I'd calculate the amount of maximum amp draw if all those things get turned on. Then you can decide if charging at 40A is doable while everything else in your house is on. You don't want to draw more than 100A because it is hazardous. It could fry your service line to your house and even could cause a fire.

The cool thing about the Model S is you can control how much amps the car is charging. For instance, I have a 14-50 plug. When I plug my car in it automatically ramps up to 40A draw. However, on the touchscreen I can change the maximum amp draw. So on the screen I could lower it to 24A or whatever number I feel like. So I guess you could go with the 14-50 outlet and monitor how much amps your car draws. But then that begs the question, do you want the hassle of monitoring your car everytime you plug it in. Maybe you have it set for 40A because you won't be washing clothes, but maybe while you are asleep, someone else in the house turns on the microwave and the air conditioner. That's going to be a problem.

The other way to look at it is with a 14-30 plug you can fully charge your 65kWh car in a little over 11 hours. For normal driving on Oahu, I don't think you'll be running your 65kWh battery pack down to near zero much (otherwise you'd be getting an 85kWh pack). So unless you foresee heavy usage without having the time to recharge, I think a 14-30 outlet is probably good for most everyday driving on Oahu.

If I were you, I'd first see if I could upgrade the 100A service coming to my house. If yes, then I'd get the 14-50 outlet. If it isn't feasible or it is just too costly, then I think the 14-30 is adequate and won't potentially cause your house to burn down.

 

[ddruz]

RE timed charging: Tesla has been clear from the beginning that timed charging will be a feature of Model S and it is listed on their Go Electric web page under the Charge at Night section:

The Touchscreen lets you program a charging schedule to take advantage of these low rates. Plug in when you get home and Model S will begin charging automatically at the time you specify.

They have not stated when this feature will be implemented but it will certainly become available via a future firmware update.

 

[StephenM]

The average American driver travels under 40 miles/day and I'm sure it's lower for us on Oahu. (I've averaged a little over 27/day for the last 3 years commuting to work in Waikiki from Hawaii Kai). Unless you're using the S as a taxi I wouldn't worry too much if they can't install the 14-50 outlet. The standard 110v would be too close for comfort since it only charges 5 miles per hour, but the 14-30 charges at 18 an hour, so a normal days driving charged in under 2 hours.

FWIW, my max amps is only 125 and Solar City said I can install the 14-50 NEMA after evaluating our usage. We line dry clothes and have a solar water heater. Looking to add PV now too since I'm getting the S.

 

[Akikiki]

It mostly depends on your circumstances. If you have a lot of heavy electric appliances - e.g. microwave, air conditioner, clothes washer/dryer...- it is probably going to be hard to charge your car at 40A unless you time everything so that only one or two things are on at a time. I would get an electrician or somebody who knows what they are doing to itemize all the things that use electricity in your house. I'd calculate the amount of maximum amp draw if all those things get turned on. Then you can decide if charging at 40A is doable while everything else in your house is on. You don't want to draw more than 100A because it is hazardous. It could fry your service line to your house and even could cause a fire.

The cool thing about the Model S is you can control how much amps the car is charging. For instance, I have a 14-50 plug. When I plug my car in it automatically ramps up to 40A draw. However, on the touchscreen I can change the maximum amp draw. So on the screen I could lower it to 24A or whatever number I feel like. So I guess you could go with the 14-50 outlet and monitor how much amps your car draws. But then that begs the question, do you want the hassle of monitoring your car everytime you plug it in. Maybe you have it set for 40A because you won't be washing clothes, but maybe while you are asleep, someone else in the house turns on the microwave and the air conditioner. That's going to be a problem.

The other way to look at it is with a 14-30 plug you can fully charge your 65kWh car in a little over 11 hours. For normal driving on Oahu, I don't think you'll be running your 65kWh battery pack down to near zero much (otherwise you'd be getting an 85kWh pack). So unless you foresee heavy usage without having the time to recharge, I think a 14-30 outlet is probably good for most everyday driving on Oahu.

If I were you, I'd first see if I could upgrade the 100A service coming to my house. If yes, then I'd get the 14-50 outlet. If it isn't feasible or it is just too costly, then I think the 14-30 is adequate and won't potentially cause your house to burn down.

Jkam: Thanks for the input. All you said it good logic. Yes, the electrician I am talking to are reviewing the option of upgrading the house service from 100 amps. I always think get it while you can, even if that means 40 amp and using 24 - 95% of the time. Not to worry about the microwave or washer. If needed, I will wear t-shirts and gym shorts while eating Double-cheeseburgers from McD's the rest of my life. I did get a laugh from your comment "But then that begs the question, do you want the hassle of monitoring your car everytime you plug it in." (I've already moved the LED TV, the couch, the bed and the fridge to the garage to be near where the car will be". How could I possibly leave my love outside in the garage - by herself (the car). Want a good laugh? Go back to Tesla's forum and look for the one named "It's over..." Its a hoot.
Again, thanks for your really excellent ideas.

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StephenM: Good points. You are right. Thanks for the comments. I appreciate it/them.

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ddruz: Thanks. I had forgotten they said that is going to be available. You are on your toes. - Appreciate it.

 

[solar powered]

Akikiki:
I have a similar situation as yourself. I have a 200A overhead line that connects to a smaller wire and a 125A electrical meter socket, with a 100A main house panel and a small 20A panel for a front gate. My electrical contractor told me that I would have to upgrade the 125A meter socket to a 200A socket to comply with City electrical code before I can add the 14-50 socket in my garage. Changing out the meter socket alone costs about $2,000. If you have underground service and if you need to upsize that, it could cost way more. Best to consult with a professional contractor. Jkam's advice is very practical, especially if you have to pay thousands to upgrade an underground feeder line. Fortunately for me, it is just the meter socket.
If you decide to still proceed, you may also wish to consider a separate meter just for the Tesla so you can take advantage of HECO's lower Time-of-Use rates during the evening on Sched EV-R,
http://www.heco.com/portal/site/heco/menuitem.508576f78baa14340b4c0610c510b1ca/?vgnextoid=6c4eb8d886136310VgnVCM10000005041aacRCRD&vgnextchannel=f4dedb284f26b210VgnVCM1000005c011bacRCRD&vgnextfmt=default&vgnextrefresh=1&level=0&ct=article
I am not going with the separate meter, since I want any excess kWH from my solar panels to be used up by my car. Otherwise, I would.

 

[StephenM]

^ Great link SOLAR POWERED! I wonder if all 1000 EV meter slots have been taken, and if there's a possibility of an extension after Sept. 2013? 6¢ off the off-peak hours rate sounds awesome!
Also, do we get to drive in the HOV lane with only one rider with EV plates?

 

[spleen]

Also, do we get to drive in the HOV lane with only one rider with EV plates?

Yes. Haven't take much advantage of it yet.

 

[Akikiki]

Solar powered:
Me too. I want my excess PV ele to be credited to my account so I can use it for the car. After my last panels are installed, I should be producing 45-50% more than I am using. This should mean I charge for free.

That link is really interesting. 11 cents per KWH is an amazing rate.

My power is underground. Its part of townhouse buildings.Not going to try and upgrade it. But try to squeeze what I can from my existing service by making sure I don't exceed my requirements inside the house.

Thanks for the advice.

 

[islesowner]

Aikiki, I also have 100A service. I installed a NEMA 14 40. I have a Sig S, which includes the twin chargers. I charge between 9P and 5A and get more than 200 miles of charge when I do. I use a TOU with HECO and run PV during the day (I run my business from my home). I have no problem with the 100A, 14/40 charger. I use PV during the day to power my home/business. You will be fine IMO...

 

[ddruz]

Also, do we get to drive in the HOV lane with only one rider with EV plates?

It's awesome! I currently drive a Leaf awaiting delivery of Model S and while I don't go to town much in the morning I did yesterday. Cruised all the way downtown at 55 mph watching the traffic jam to my right. If you live Ewa or North Shore and commute in mornings that alone is worth buying an EV IMO.

 

[keoni]

Picked up my Model S last Friday at the new Waipahu service center. I assume the process will improve in the future, but driving around last weekend made me forget some past frustrations. While we are all having some growing pains with Tesla Model S, and the being at the service center proves that area of the "Model S experience" is no different. Fortunately for us, Barry Abe was a solid hire for our Service Center.

He was born and raised here, graduated from Mililani H.S. and UH and moved away to the Bay Area for several years, spending the last 12 working for BMW. He was recruited by Tesla to return home and open our Service Center. Everything went so fast, he is staying with his family in Mililani until Tesla and the Hawaii customers give him a chance to breathe! Not only is Barry learning everything about Tesla all at once, as of last week the service center was an empty shell with not much else than Barry, a computer, some tools, and 6 six Model S' fresh off the boat which he was prepping for customer pick-up. In my opinion, Barry is the perfect fit for our local Tesla with his youth, experience w/ luxury vehicles, positive attitude, and knowledge of all of the wonderful things and people in Hawaii. Since I live and work in the downtown area, like many of you I wasn't too thrilled when the Waipahu location was announced. However, if the location makes moving back to Hawaii more comfortable for Barry, then it works for me! As a new Model S owner, I ask all of you to be patient with him as well as the fledgling Service Center. Think long term!!! Called the mainland if you need to get something off your chest and make it a point to tell them they need to give support to our Service Center so Barry can get it up and running.

Second, I read some of the earlier posts about window tinting and decided to stick with T&T Tinting Specialists and today did my car with their Formula One Pinnacle Ceramic. Awesome job! I was nervous since this was T&T's first Model S so they had to create a pattern (via hand-cut) which will be implemented into their Computer Cut software system for future Model S tints. So the rest you will won't have to worry about being the first one! I took the bean for the team.

The price was extremely reasonable in my opinion but part of it was because I also had T&T tint my home recently. So while I wont reveal my price, I would ask you to call Ashley at their Kakaako store at 808-596-TINT to give a quote and make an appointment. If you live in Central Oahu, she can forward your call to the location closest for you. Did I mention, they did a tremendous job!

 

[Akikiki]

Aikiki, I also have 100A service. I installed a NEMA 14 40. I have a Sig S, which includes the twin chargers. I charge between 9P and 5A and get more than 200 miles of charge when I do. I use a TOU with HECO and run PV during the day (I run my business from my home). I have no problem with the 100A, 14/40 charger. I use PV during the day to power my home/business. You will be fine IMO...

islesowner: Thank you so much. It looks like you match my conditions and intended charging times. Knowing you get by fine with 14-40 helps me greatly. That now is the path that I am going to pursue.

- - - Updated - - -

Picked up my Model S last Friday at the new Waipahu service center. I assume the process will improve in the future, but driving around last weekend made me forget some past frustrations. While we are all having some growing pains with Tesla Model S, and the being at the service center proves that area of the "Model S experience" is no different. Fortunately for us, Barry Abe was a solid hire for our Service Center.

He was born and raised here, graduated from Mililani H.S. and UH and moved away to the Bay Area for several years, spending the last 12 working for BMW. He was recruited by Tesla to return home and open our Service Center. Everything went so fast, he is staying with his family in Mililani until Tesla and the Hawaii customers give him a chance to breathe! Not only is Barry learning everything about Tesla all at once, as of last week the service center was an empty shell with not much else than Barry, a computer, some tools, and 6 six Model S' fresh off the boat which he was prepping for customer pick-up. In my opinion, Barry is the perfect fit for our local Tesla with his youth, experience w/ luxury vehicles, positive attitude, and knowledge of all of the wonderful things and people in Hawaii. Since I live and work in the downtown area, like many of you I wasn't too thrilled when the Waipahu location was announced. However, if the location makes moving back to Hawaii more comfortable for Barry, then it works for me! As a new Model S owner, I ask all of you to be patient with him as well as the fledgling Service Center. Think long term!!! Called the mainland if you need to get something off your chest and make it a point to tell them they need to give support to our Service Center so Barry can get it up and running.

Second, I read some of the earlier posts about window tinting and decided to stick with T&T Tinting Specialists and today did my car with their Formula One Pinnacle Ceramic. Awesome job! I was nervous since this was T&T's first Model S so they had to create a pattern (via hand-cut) which will be implemented into their Computer Cut software system for future Model S tints. So the rest you will won't have to worry about being the first one! I took the bean for the team.

The price was extremely reasonable in my opinion but part of it was because I also had T&T tint my home recently. So while I wont reveal my price, I would ask you to call Ashley at their Kakaako store at 808-596-TINT to give a quote and make an appointment. If you live in Central Oahu, she can forward your call to the location closest for you. Did I mention, they did a tremendous job!

keoni: Wow, I thought the Service Center was not going to be open until 1 March. That's great. I wish mine was one of the remaining 5. Since you took delivery there, did your car already have temp plates, safety inspection done there and vehicle registration completed by Tesla?

 

[Jkam]

Picked up my Model S last Friday at the new Waipahu service center. I assume the process will improve in the future, but driving around last weekend made me forget some past frustrations. While we are all having some growing pains with Tesla Model S, and the being at the service center proves that area of the "Model S experience" is no different. Fortunately for us, Barry Abe was a solid hire for our Service Center.

He was born and raised here, graduated from Mililani H.S. and UH and moved away to the Bay Area for several years, spending the last 12 working for BMW. He was recruited by Tesla to return home and open our Service Center. Everything went so fast, he is staying with his family in Mililani until Tesla and the Hawaii customers give him a chance to breathe! Not only is Barry learning everything about Tesla all at once, as of last week the service center was an empty shell with not much else than Barry, a computer, some tools, and 6 six Model S' fresh off the boat which he was prepping for customer pick-up. In my opinion, Barry is the perfect fit for our local Tesla with his youth, experience w/ luxury vehicles, positive attitude, and knowledge of all of the wonderful things and people in Hawaii. Since I live and work in the downtown area, like many of you I wasn't too thrilled when the Waipahu location was announced. However, if the location makes moving back to Hawaii more comfortable for Barry, then it works for me! As a new Model S owner, I ask all of you to be patient with him as well as the fledgling Service Center. Think long term!!! Called the mainland if you need to get something off your chest and make it a point to tell them they need to give support to our Service Center so Barry can get it up and running.

Sounds like the service center isn't completely open yet. I'll give Barry until the end of the month before I start hassling him about installing the rear seats in my car Does Barry read this forum?

 

[Akikiki]

Picked up my Model S last Friday at the new Waipahu service center. I assume the process will improve in the future, but driving around last weekend made me forget some past frustrations. While we are all having some growing pains with Tesla Model S, and the being at the service center proves that area of the "Model S experience" is no different. Fortunately for us, Barry Abe was a solid hire for our Service Center.

He was born and raised here, graduated from Mililani H.S. and UH and moved away to the Bay Area for several years, spending the last 12 working for BMW. He was recruited by Tesla to return home and open our Service Center. Everything went so fast, he is staying with his family in Mililani until Tesla and the Hawaii customers give him a chance to breathe! Not only is Barry learning everything about Tesla all at once, as of last week the service center was an empty shell with not much else than Barry, a computer, some tools, and 6 six Model S' fresh off the boat which he was prepping for customer pick-up. In my opinion, Barry is the perfect fit for our local Tesla with his youth, experience w/ luxury vehicles, positive attitude, and knowledge of all of the wonderful things and people in Hawaii. Since I live and work in the downtown area, like many of you I wasn't too thrilled when the Waipahu location was announced. However, if the location makes moving back to Hawaii more comfortable for Barry, then it works for me! As a new Model S owner, I ask all of you to be patient with him as well as the fledgling Service Center. Think long term!!! Called the mainland if you need to get something off your chest and make it a point to tell them they need to give support to our Service Center so Barry can get it up and running.

Second, I read some of the earlier posts about window tinting and decided to stick with T&T Tinting Specialists and today did my car with their Formula One Pinnacle Ceramic. Awesome job! I was nervous since this was T&T's first Model S so they had to create a pattern (via hand-cut) which will be implemented into their Computer Cut software system for future Model S tints. So the rest you will won't have to worry about being the first one! I took the bean for the team.

The price was extremely reasonable in my opinion but part of it was because I also had T&T tint my home recently. So while I wont reveal my price, I would ask you to call Ashley at their Kakaako store at 808-596-TINT to give a quote and make an appointment. If you live in Central Oahu, she can forward your call to the location closest for you. Did I mention, they did a tremendous job!

keoni: Any chance you picked up the phone number for the new T. Waipahu service center? Can you post it here, please?

 

[Jkam]

I've only had my car for two weeks and last night I noticed some curb rash. :cursing::cursing:WTF!!!:cursing::cursing: When did that happen? I've been extra careful and it still happened.

Check carefully. I thought I had curb rash on my front tires too. I don't ever recall scraping them. I was ready to send my front wheels in for repair, but then my brother in law stopped me. He took a closer look at them. In both instances of what I thought was curb rash, was oil/road grime that took a little extra elbow power to wipe off the rim. He did say from a distance it looked like curb rash. So we wiped it off and the wheels look great.

I still have to repair the back wheels which I did scrape, but the front ones are safe.

 

[solar powered]

^ Great link SOLAR POWERED! I wonder if all 1000 EV meter slots have been taken, and if there's a possibility of an extension after Sept. 2013? 6¢ off the off-peak hours rate sounds awesome!

StephenM: Give HECO a call and ask to speak to a TOU specialist. The specialist that I talked to last year was an i-Miev owner, so you will get a knowledgeable and sympathetic ear.
But if you are able to get PVs like Akikiki & myself, that is really the way to go. There lots of formulas & geographical adjustments, but a practical general rule of thumb for advance planning is one PV panel per thousand miles/year that you drive. Of course, the new 2013 state tax rules make it a little less lucrative, but with the upcoming EPA air pollution rules for 2017, electric utility rates are bound to go up substantially at that time. You need one meter to capture "excess" PV energy for your car (please keep this low key so the state or HECO doesn't go after those considering this option), so you need to decide your strategy early whether to go TOU or not.

 

[keoni]

keoni: Any chance you picked up the phone number for the new T. Waipahu service center? Can you post it here, please?

This is Barry's mobile number: 1-415-310-5330. Handle with care!

I don't think they set up a landline yet. There were no "Tesla" signs in sight as you drive up to the metal roll gate and only a 120V outlet in their leased space. My Tesla actually landed last Thursday and I asked Barry to charge it overnight for a late Friday afternoon pick-up and the best he could do was a sloooow 120V charge. It was partially charged on arrival so I did head back to town with over 150 miles of range. Literally, Tesla sent Barry out alone on an island! The service center is clearly a work in progress. I give Barry all the credit in the world to move back here and start from scratch as a one man operation.

I don't think the SC will be ready for the registration, safety check, and other new car paperwork for at least a month. However, Barry did mount my front license plate bracket for me and did give me a much appreciated tutorial on the features and benefits of the car before I drove off, which was much better than trying to remember what I watched on the 20 minute video tutorial Tesla sent to me about a month ago. Also, Tesla did have an independent car detailer finish my car before pick-up, giving me a driving-out-of-a-showroom feeling, for whatever that's worth!

For those of you who are waiting for your Tesla to arrive, and can get someone to give you a ride out to Waipahu when the time comes, I would highly recommend picking up your vehicle from the SC and meeting Barry in person instead of having it dropped off at your residence.

 

[spleen]

Checked into our account using the mobile app and found a VIN waiting for me ... 4991. :swoon: