Still no clue

I had the ChargePoint free charger inspection today: let me make it clear that BMW is not related to this in any way, just that the ActiveE program is an approved program for the free charger - that's it. The inspection took about 15 mins...again I asked what additional costs, again they could not tell me and I'll be contacted by someone else, again - how difficult can this be? I already have an installed system, the CC that came with my MiniE, all I want is a swap. The inspector did hint at putting in all new wiring from my panel to the box...whaaaat?? The current wiring is only two years old and was installed by pros. This is where this is getting really messy.

I've emailed Coulomb a couple times but no response, I'm disappointed in the lack of information being sent my way. Whatever, this is my choice and I may just call the whole thing off and remain with what I have now. The inspector actually told me only their ESVE (Coulomb) and AV were approved for the ActiveE program - I corrected him immediately.....I just feel sad for future EVers who may get railroaded because this is NOT everyday stuff like having an electric dryer installed for the average person.

For those in CA it seems the State covers additional costs up to $1200 so they can say anything they want up to $1200 and the charger customer is fine. In NJ we have no such program, I'm betting they are trying to figure out what amount I'll be comfortable with and one they can still make a profit off of.

It's just a swap...right?

I've been waiting to see what being awarded a free charger from Coulomb Technologies really means...I think it means 'sit tight it's free and we are still working this out'.

After being awarded the charger emailed my contact at Coulomb a couple times asking questions about install and other details about their network...no reply. I did get an email from a home inspector, not an installer as best I can tell, and I asked him what other costs are there if any, since all I was doing was swapping out my old Clipper Creek box from my MiniE days. He did not know....I'm still waiting for the initial inspection.

The problem is my ActiveE is about to arrive and I need a charger...fortunately I have the upgrade kit for my Clipper Creek box, cost $400, and if if this free charger from Coulomb costs less with install than the Clipper Creek upgrade kit, and the Coulomb has a warranty plus free software updates it is the better deal....right...maybe. My fear is once they finally tell me there is indeed an install cost (I've read $500 or more) it will be higher than the Clipper Creek kit and I will have missed some quality drive time with my ActiveE sipping from the 110.

I'm beginning to wonder.

Free charger...maybe

So I was just awarded a charger from ChargePoint America which is sponsored by Coulomb Technologies. Very cool but what that means I'm still unclear about. Is the charger free and installation extra or are both free...too soon to tell. I will be getting a call from an installer and I'm sure I'll find out then.

What I'm most interested in is free access to their expanding charge station network...my understanding is that I may have free access until 2013 but again those details still need to be confirmed.

Either way, it is great to see an infrastructure starting to be built for EVs, free or not, it is a great time to be on the cutting edge.