Everything You Need to Know About ChargePoint Flex

The device comes with two main parts, the station and the charging cable with cable clip. The ChargePoint comes with detailed instructions, a template for installation on the wall and several lag screws. With the EV adept team having a NEMA 14-50 outlet it took no more than 4 minutes to connect to the mains along with unpacking. 

Flex Upgrade Option

It should be noted that the Flex model is popular among the equipment installed by EV adept electricians because of the choice of connection type. In practice, there was a case where, after connecting to NEMA 6-50 by himself, a customer contacted EV adept to change the type of connection to hardwired for his ChargePoint Flex. This was done for him with a 60A breaker upgrade and by doing so, the customer increased his home EVSE power from 9.6kW to 11.5kW and reduced the charging time for his Ioniq 5, which can accept up to 10.9kW.

When it comes to technical specifications, the ChargePoint Flex can charge up to 42 miles per hour (tested on the Tesla Model Y Performance 2020) with a 240V plug-in connection. The Flex offers a maximum power output of 48 amps (via hardwired connection) and this can be an advantage for some EV models in reducing waiting times. EV adept provides more details on charging speed in its report.

Adjustable Power

Setting a power limit on the charger side is more necessary for older EV models, as from 2023 the OBDs of electric cars allow you to limit the input power yourself.

However, ChargePoint Flex makes it easy to adjust the power output of your charging station to meet your needs. The adjustable power output from 16A to 48A allows you to charge your vehicle at a faster rate or a slower rate depending on your current needs. This feature is especially helpful if you're driving in a location with limited power resources.

Withstand Inclement Weather with the ChargePoint Flex

The ChargePoint Flex is designed to be weatherproof and rated NEMA 3R for outdoor use so that it can stand up to any type of weather. EV adept electricians install the equipment in the outdoor stand and in several years of using the Flex, no problems have been noticed.  This is especially important for EV owners who live in areas that experience frequent inclement weather. 

Working in Cold and Hot Weather

EV adept installs EVSE in Florida so has information on the Flex's behavior in the cold only from the manufacturer's representative and based on user feedback left behind. The temperature range is wide enough that the equipment is capable of functioning down to -40F, at which time the electric car batteries already have a reduced charging capacity.

In hot Florida, the ChargePoint performed well, and there were no complaints about either the household unit or the commercial models. Devices mounted on the stand in the blazing sun can very rarely detect overheating and suspend power for 15 minutes. However, this cannot be a disadvantage, since overheat protection is inherent in all EVSEs.

Automatic Restart

The ChargePoint Flex is designed with an automatic restart feature. This feature ensures that your charging station will automatically restart after a power outage or other disruption. This makes it easy to ensure that your vehicle will always be powered up and ready to go. Some PHEVs used to require you to manually initiate charging, but this problem is now rare with the release of new updates. 

ChargePoint Flex is UL Certified

The ChargePoint Flex is UL certified, meaning that it has been tested and certified to meet all safety and performance standards. This is especially important for EV owners who want to make sure that their charging station is safe and reliable. EV adept points out that the home-use model of the Flex uses Chargepoint's expertise in the commercial grade, which is not the case with most competitors.

Quality

The quality of materials is another important factor to consider when choosing a charging station. The ChargePoint Flex is made of durable plastic, and the internal components are of good quality. The station is designed to be weather-resistant, so you don’t have to worry about wear and tear in outdoor installations.

When it comes to the reputation of the manufacturer, ChargePoint has a good track record of providing reliable charging stations. The company stands behind its products and offers a 3-year warranty, so you can be sure that you’re getting a quality product. In addition to the manufacturer's warranty, you can get a free extended warranty of up to 5 years when you order your ChargePoint Flex installation from EV adept.

Pros and Cons of Smart Functions

One of the main benefits of the Flex is its ability to be controlled via an app. The app allows you to monitor your charging progress, start and stop charging sessions, and even set up a charging schedule. You can even access the app from any WiFi network, so you can stay connected and in control while you’re away from home.

The ChargePoint also offers a range of additional smart functions. For example, you can set up notifications to keep you informed of your charging progress and even set up custom alerts. You can also use the app to locate nearby charging stations, making it easy to top up your battery when you’re out and about.

The disadvantage of the ChargePoint Flex smart feature is its dependence on the stability of ChargePoint's Internet infrastructure. The device communicates with the manufacturer's server and only then with your smartphone. Some users have been concerned about sending information to the manufacturer's servers. Another drawback that EV adept found was not a very stable 2.4 GHz WiFi connection, but models from 2023 probably use a more powerful WiFi module and there are no problems.

Compatible with J1772 electric car

One of the main disadvantages of ChargePoint Flex is its incompatibility with EV models like Audi and VW. For them, EV adept recommends the JuiceBox 40. The rest of the top-of-the-line electric cars in the U.S. and Canada have no problems with ChargePoint.

ChargePoint Flex Compatibility with Tesla Models

For Tesla models, the Flex fits when used with an adapter (which comes with every Tesla vehicle). Tesla owners often like to compare the Flex to the Tesla Wall Connector. The ChargePoint performs well in such a comparison and can only be inferior to the 80A TWC. When tested by the EV adept team on the Model 3 SR 2022, a fast detection response of up to 10 seconds was obtained and limit settings were applied as stated in the ChargePoint specification.

Disadvantages of ChargePoint Flex

Cons #1. If you choose to connect the ChargePoint Flex unplugged directly to the panel (to get 48A), it requires professional installation, which can be costly and time consuming. In various cases, EV adept charges about $700 for such services.

Cons #2. ChargePoint Flex has several connectivity issues. Users have reported problems connecting the charger to their home 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi networks and have experienced difficulties using the app. In two houses, the EV adept team installed an additional WiFi amplifier for signal stability.

Cons #3. ChargePoint Flex is limited to a range of 25ft, which may not be suitable for larger EV charging needs. Yes, you can find chargers with a long cable on the market, but all of them are not UL certified. And to be objective about such a flaw, try comparing a ChargePoint with a 25-foot cable to an 18-foot Tesla Wall Connector.

Final Words

In real-world tests, from the EV adept team, the ChargePoint Flex has withstood the rigors of time and weather. The ChargePoint Flex's stability for the home is on par with commercial grade. If you're not confused by minor flaws, consider the Flex as a reliable device with a variety of connectivity options. Check the price to make sure you're getting the best value for your money.