The ClipperCreek PCS-15 Sets The Bar For Level 1 Charging (CleanTechnica Review)
Credit to Author: Kyle Field| Date: Thu, 03 Oct 2019 19:30:17 +0000
Published on October 3rd, 2019 | by Kyle Field
October 3rd, 2019 by Kyle Field
We set out to find the best of the best Level 1 electric vehicle charger around and while there are many options, the ClipperCreek PCS-15 truly stands out from the pack. ClipperCreek has been building chargers since there was a need for them and they have only improved with time.
The ClipperCreek PCS-15 wraps up into a compact package for easy travel. Image credit: Kyle Field | CleanTechnica
For EV chargers, the discussion has to start with reliability, as the last thing anyone needs for something they use every single day is a failure. ClipperCreek has just about every other electric vehicle service equipment (EVSE) manufacturer beat in this area. They’ve been making EVSEs since 2006 and for some reason, love taking bats to their EV chargers to show the world just how tough they are. Portable chargers must be reliable and durable as they’re always getting bumped around in the trunk or frunk with loads of other gear, so this is a key feature of the PCS-15.
I opted not to take a bat to the PCS-15, but looking at it, it’s clear that it shares the same DNA as the units above. It would just as easily find itself at home being used as a primary charger for a plug-in hybrid or as the main charger for an EV that doesn’t drive as many miles on a daily basis. For my wife and her Mercedes B-Class Electric Drive, it was a perfect fit. She commented that the new charger felt more sturdy and had easy to read indicator lights on it.
Wrapping the cord up around the unit’s built in cable management system made it easy to throw into the trunk or frunk for use around town. It’s a great idea to have a spare portable charger on hand because you never know what life may throw at you. And what freedom! It’s like carrying a spare can of gas with you, but without the nasty smell, risk of fire, or any of that. Just about any building in the world has an electrical connection, so having a portable charger onboard turns all those outlets into places to top up in an emergency or at the random hotel without a Level 2 EV charger. Its 25-foot cable gives you plenty of flexibility without being cumbersome to lug around.
While Level 1 chargers don’t typically form the backbone of a residential EV charging system, they do fill an important gap for owners of plug-in hybrids, replace a failed charger that comes with the car and for those looking for a robust portable charger that’s always ready for use. The PCS-15 is compact enough to be taken along on trips, and with its integrated cable wrap, makes it easy to bring along a charger with an impressive 25-foot Level 1 charging cable to let you plug in and charge in more locations.
The ClipperCreek PCS-15 plugs into a standard 110 volt outlet. Image credit: Kyle Field | CleanTechnica
I especially love that ClipperCreek’s PCS-15’s enclosure is NEMA 4 certified, meaning it can be used both indoors and outdoors without risk of harming the internals or those using it. In our testing, we found the PCS-15 to be extremely easy to use and like other Level 1 chargers, it requires no electrical installation, so it was literally just a matter of plugging it into any available 120 volt, 15 amp (standard US plug) wall socket and it’s off to the races, charging at 1.44kW, using the recommended 80% of the available amperage or 120 volt, 12 amps.
The ClipperCreek PCS-15 comes with its J1772 holster and cable management solution that provides a place to secure the charging nozzle on the wall as well as a convenient hanger for any excess cable. It also comes with a keyed lock that can be used to lock the adapter so it can’t be unplugged when charging. Both are nice perks that make charging that much easier and painless.
Head over to the ClipperCreek PCS-15 website for all the juicy details or to jump straight in to purchase it for $395 plus shipping and tax.
Kyle Field I’m a tech geek passionately in search of actionable ways to reduce the negative impact my life has on the planet, save money and reduce stress. Live intentionally, make conscious decisions, love more, act responsibly, play. The more you know, the less you need. TSLA investor.