Juicebox electric vehicle chargers have been popular since the first model hit the scene way back in 2015. They are convenient, slick, and packed full of smart features.
Today, we’re going to look at the newest model, the Juicebox Pro, and see if it fills the big boots of its predecessor.
OUR REVIEW
Juicebox Pro Review
Juicebox chargers have been WiFi-enabled and app-integrated since they emerged about five years ago.
The company that made Juicebox chargers, eMotorWerks, was bought out by Enel in 2017. The latest Juicebox is the first produced by Enel and has several changes and new features to the original.
Design
Let’s start with the look of the charger. Superficial, I know, but it is a big selling point.
There’s no two ways about this, the Juicebox looks cool. It has a sleek grey face with an LED charging bar that lets you know when you’re all juiced up. Other than that, there are no lights or displays on the unit.
The minimalist design is great. There’s no blinking or flashing lights to confuse you. It looks futuristic and clean mimicking the whole ethos of electric vehicles.
The LED strip is bright enough indoors but might be a bit difficult to see on sunny days if you install it outside. It’s not a major issue because of the app integration, but it is a bit of a pain. When you’re paying over 500 dollars for something, you’d like to see these little things taken care of.
One of the major design changes from the old Juicebox is the integrated connector holster and cable management system. Previously, the hook for your cable was a separate piece that could be installed anywhere away from the unit. Now it is built in.
We prefer the integrated system. It’s neater and more professional-looking. Having the connector holster is a bonus. It’s easier to grab and protects it from scraping along the wall.
Admittedly, if your car isn’t parked right next to the charger you are going to have tailing wires. However, you can still buy a separate cable hook if you prefer to keep the connector near your car.
Installation
The installation of the Juicebox is fairly simple. The unit itself is shipped with a mounting bracket that needs to be screwed into a wall.
The input power comes from a NEMA 14-50 cable. You’ll need to have a matching receptacle installed by an electrician if this is your first EV charger. If you already have a NEMA 14-50 outlet then it’s as simple as plugging the unit in.
The input cable is 2 feet long making it about 6 inches longer than the previous iteration. It doesn’t seem like much but those extra inches give you a bit more room to choose your location.
Extension cables are available from Enel’s website meaning you can get even more length if you need it.
The charging cable is a solid 25 feet long. This should be more than long enough to charge your car in the garage or driveway!
The issue with the charging cable is how thick it is. This was a problem with the original Juicebox. Enel did reduce the diameter slightly but not nearly enough to match other EV chargers.
The added thickness makes it rather heavy and quite inflexible, especially when cold. Again, it’s not a deal breaker but it is an annoying feature that could have been dealt with.
Features
One of the best features of the new Juicebox is the charging load-sharing system.
You can install two charging stations on one circuit if you have two vehicles to charge. The load-sharing system measures how much power is being used by the rest of the house and splits the remaining power between the two charging stations.
It will mean that your car charges more slowly but it is a better solution to having to install a dedicated circuit for your charging stations. We love it!
Another feature we love is the J1772 plug that fits all cars on the market at the moment. It means we no longer need to bother with adaptors and connectors.
However, the J1772 plug does not fit Tesla cars. That’s not an issue with the Juicebox because it is supplied with a Tesla adaptor. It’s a small thing, but to Tesla owners, it means you don’t have to splash extra cash just to use the charger.
The Juicebox is WiFi enabled which allows it to integrate with the app, but we will come to this later. What we love about the WiFi connectivity is that it enables Enel X to install upgrades remotely as they are developed.
This feature essentially future-proofs your charging unit which is wonderful when you remember how much these things cost!
App
The Juicebox app is called JuiceNet. It is available on all Android and Apple devices.
The app is designed to give you greater control over your charging and to help you monitor your habits.
From the app, you can adjust the power draw, energy, voltage, and current of the charger. You can also remotely start and stop charging. This is great because it means you don’t have to trek out to the garden or garage to turn your charger on.
Another great thing about the app is that it allows you to set schedules and timers. This means you can set your charger to turn on automatically when energy rates are lower. This is perhaps our favorite part of the app!
You can also share your charger with friends and family by giving them a sharing pin and monitoring the charging data in real-time.
The app also connects to Alexa and Google Home devices meaning you can turn your charger on with your vice. Not vital but cool!
The app will send you notifications when charging begins and ends if the unit goes offline, and if the car is not plugged in by a certain time. This last one is handy if you’re a new EV owner. There’s nothing worse than heading to work in the morning only to realize you forgot to charge the car!
Another wonderful feature of the app is that it allows you to take part in smart grid initiatives. It will allow you to access the JuiceNet which is a green energy grid meaning you can further reduce your emissions.
Security
The Juicebox has a NEMA 4 rating for its housing. This means it is secure against the elements. This is great news if you don’t have a garage or prefer to park outside.
The unit is supplied with a standard mount lock which prevents the unit from being lifted off the mount without a key. This is very helpful if you are installing your charger on a driveway or somewhere similar.
The previous Juicbox did not have this locking system but Enel X has listened to their customers on this front.
Options
The most popular model is the Juicebox 40 plug-in. This is the model we have based our review on.
You do, however, have options when it comes to power output and input.
The plug-in version comes in 40amp and 32 amps. The only difference between the two is the charging speed. Enel X claims that the 32 amp is 6 times faster than level 1 chargers, while the 40 amp is supposedly 7 times faster.
You can also choose to have a hardwired Juicebox in either 32, 40, or 48amps. The hardwired Juicebox needs to be installed directly into your home’s electrical circuit. It’s a job that will require an electrician.
The plug-in option is more flexible as you can take it with you on trips or if you move house. Also, if you already have an NEMA plug you won’t need an electrician.
The plug-in version also lets you charge at reduced speeds from standard 240V outlets. These are the kind of outlets you use for dryers. You will need to purchase an adaptor to do this, but it is probably cheaper than having a new outlet installed.
Pros
- Sleek, easy-to-read, futuristic design.
- Can be installed inside or outside.
- Mounting lock included.
- Connector holster and cable management included.
- Two chargers can share one circuit.
- Tesla adapter supplied.
- 25-foot charging cable.
- 2-foot input cable.
- 3-year limited warranty.
- WiFi enabled for updates and app integration.
- The app is responsive and useful.
Cons
- The charging cable is thick and less flexible than other chargers.
- The LED display could be difficult to read in bright sunlight.
Final Thoughts
Overall, the new Juicebox continues to uphold the well-established reputation of its predecessors. It is intuitive, innovative, and seemingly future-proof.
When you buy a Juicebox you are investing in a product that will keep you and your EV motoring along into a cleaner, greener future.
With an easy-to-understand and no-nonsense style, Michael writes to educate readers who are considering their first EV purchase or those looking to get the most fun and value out of their Tesla, Leaf, Volt or other electric vehicle.
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