UL approval means one less potential headache for Nissan LEAF buyers
AeroVironment of Monrovia, California announced last week that they have received Underwriters Laboratories (UL) listing for its Level 2 EV home charging station (EVSE-RS). While this may not seem to be something worth shouting from the rooftops, when you go back just over a years time and see that BMW failed to gain UL listing for the Mini E’s charger prior to releasing the car, you may see how it could have an impact on owners.
Because of the failure, many Mini E customers were limited to Level 1 110 volt charging. As we have discussed previously, for many LEAF owners a 110 volt charge will prove to be adequate for their needs. But there will be some that will need to rely on a 220 volt supply perhaps for their daily commute. Knowing that this UL listing has been obtained should provide some with a sense of relief.
Nissan selected AeroVironment as their preferred electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) supplier, but AeroVironment is not the only source of such equipment. Others that will be offering appropriate EVSE for the LEAF include Clipper Creek, Coulomb Technologies, ECOtality and perhaps others as well. While it appears that the Clipper Creek EVSE is UL listed, it seems that currently the Coulomb Technologies and ECOtality equipment states “meets UL standards” in their brochures. You may wish to check the status prior to ordering.