Generac, renowned for its gas-powered home backup generators, has recently ventured into the electric vehicle (EV) market with the launch of its first EV charger. Priced at $649 for the 40amp model and $699 for the 48amp version, the Generac Level 2 charger is designed to be compatible with all current EVs, including Tesla vehicles when used with an adapter. This new product complements Generac’s existing home battery solution, marking a significant step towards promoting clean energy adoption.
Equipped with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, the charger allows users to schedule charging sessions via the Generac EV charging app. Notably, its Power Sharing feature enables up to 25 chargers to operate on a single circuit without risking overload. Additionally, the Power Boost feature monitors the subpanel or breaker to prevent tripping during operation.
According to Greg Wischstadt, Generac’s VP of connectivity, the charger is manufactured by Wallbox, a leading EV charger producer, albeit running Generac’s proprietary software. Generac made a strategic investment in Wallbox in late 2023.
Since launching its PWRcell home battery in 2020 to compete with the Tesla Powerwall, Generac has been steadily advancing its electric power offerings. The company’s commitment to this sector was underscored by the appointment of Brian Dow, Tesla’s former director of engineering, as VP of clean energy in early 2022. This move has bolstered Generac’s efforts in enhancing solar storage and home backup capabilities, integrating them with existing home standby generators.
Despite its advanced connectivity features, the new EV charger currently lacks integration with smart home platforms and is not yet compatible with the emerging Matter smart home standard, which now supports EV chargers.
While Generac’s standby generators integrate seamlessly with Ecobee Smart thermostats for energy management during power outages, Wischstadt clarified that there are no immediate plans to integrate the new EV charger with Ecobee systems. However, the company envisions a future where these components synergize to form a cohesive energy management system accessible via Ecobee’s intuitive touchscreen interface.
Generac’s latest foray into EV charging exemplifies its evolving commitment to sustainable energy solutions, positioning itself at the forefront of the clean energy transition.
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