Luckily for the planet, electric cars are more affordable than ever. With the introduction of the Tesla Model 3 and the Chevrolet Bolt EV, U.S. motorists in the market for clean driving have a more extensive range of options at a lower price range.
Because of the steady increase in the demand for electric cars globally, the at-home charging station has emerged to support the convenient use of electric cars.
As of 2018, there were over 57,000 charging outlets and 20,000 charging stations for electric cars in the United States. This may seem like a lot, and it is definitely an improvement from previous years.
Still, some electric car owners have found it to be a wise financial decision to invest in at-home charging stations. A strategically customized charging routine can save drivers money as well as time.
Siemens has been a leader in electronics and electrical engineering for over 165 years. So, it comes as no surprise that the Siemens US2 Universal charger immediately gained traction because of its high performance and durability.
But is it the right product for you? Let’s take a look at the features that make the Siemens US2 stand out.
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What Are the Defining Features of the Siemens US2?
Of course, there’s a lot more to it than it’s appearance. Some of the specific, technical features of the Siemens US2 are:
- 30-amp, 240-volt Level II charging capability
- Charges in half the time of Level II chargers
- User-friendly installation
- Flexible wiring options – bottom-fed or rear-fed
- Weighs 21 pounds
- Cable length of 20 feet
- Pause feature
- 2/4/6/8 hour delay buttons on the front panel
- Universal connector (SAE J1772)
- NEMA 6-50 plug enabled
- Industry-leading 3-Year Warranty
- Comes with mounting bracket
- Comes with digital manual on a reusable USB stick
- Manufactured in California
- Award-Winning: Rated as the Wirecutter’s “Best E.V. Charging Station” of 2017
- Siemens is a sustainable company
What Are the Pros and Cons of the Siemens US2?
Our tests of this product have left us delighted with the quality of the Siemens US2. As with any product, there were a few things that stood out to us as significantly beneficial features, and a few things that left us wanting more from the US2.
Should You Buy the Siemens US2?
Siemens is known for creating best in class clean energy products, and that the Siemens Universal US2 is another example of that. It’s clear that it is a high-quality product. But how do you know if the Siemens US2 is the best charger for your lifestyle?
Each electric car owner drives their vehicle differently, and it’s essential to think about how you drive when you’re considering purchasing an at-home charger. You should factor in your length of daily commutes, the availability of charging stations on those commutes, and your car’s overall driving range.
Another thing to consider is your location. In some regions of the countries, there aren’t as many convenient charging stations available. If you’re in a more rural area, it will undoubtedly make sense to invest in an at-home charger. However, if you live in California, you could probably think twice before purchasing one. California is the E.V. charging station hub of America, boasting almost 18,000 stations state-wide.
Most EV owners find that they don’t deplete more of their car’s energy than can be restored overnight with an at-home car charger. With careful planning and the right charger, you can end up saving yourself valuable time and money. Not to mention, you can potentially avoid the hassle of stopping at a public charging station.
Now seems like a good time to go over in more detail some of the features that define the Siemens US2 at-home car charger. As we go, keep your unique lifestyle in mind to help you get a better idea of if the Siemens US2 is right for you and your electric car. By the end of our review, you should be able to make a confident decision on whether or not to make a purchase!
What Stands Out About the Siemens US2?
One of the stand-out qualities of the Siemens US2 is its user-friendly nature. Combined with the level of control it provides the user, this charger truly empowers the car owner to take charge of their charging routine, so to speak.
For example, this universal charging unit is portable and can be used indoors and outdoors. Perhaps if you don’t travel a great distance every day, you could choose to mount your charger on the wall of your garage and leave it there. If you have a longer commute, you might want to take it to work with you so you can charge up while you’re at work. The US2 universal charger puts the choice entirely up to you.
Another great customizable feature is the delayed charge. Most electric car batteries charge in less than four hours, which allows for plenty of time to use the simple delay charge feature and pause your charge for 2, 4, 6, or 8 hours. This will enable you to maximize the most of the battery’s efficiency, as well as the chargers.
No matter when you choose to charge your vehicle, you can adjust the power output of this universal charger to complement the outlet in which you’re charging, so you’re never using more power than you need.
You can also choose whichever installation type is right for you since the universal comes with a plug and cord assembly that can be plugged into the right-size double-gang receptacle below or behind the unit itself. They both can be detached from the unit if you prefer a hardwired installation.
Aside from the versatility the Siemens US2 universal at-home charge provides the user, there are a variety of other features that have us raving about the superior usability of this product.
One of our features is the funky way you can monitor your cars charging status from afar. Each stage of your car’s charging process will be constantly tracked and displayed to you via your LED color indication halo. You’ll know when your car is ready to charge, when it needs more charging, and when it’s fully charged.
What Makes Siemens a Sustainable Company?
You can feel good about buying a Siemens product. They are the world’s chief supplier of environmental technologies, with roughly 40% of its total revenue coming from green products and solutions like their technology for electric cars. This is a company that cares about the environment and has done a significant amount to prove it.
They stand by a self-set goal to make the company carbon-dioxide neutral by 2030, which is an impressive stand. They’re committed to doing their part to reduce emissions of harmful carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases, significant contributors to climate change.
Frequently Asked Questions about Siemens US2 Universal Charger
Check out some of our commonly asked questions about Siemens US2 charger.
Is it Type II head, and can it be used in BMW i3?
Yes, as long as you have the U.S. version of i3, which has the necessary J1772 compatibility.
How easy is it to set charge rates?
It’s fairly straightforward, but you do have to have a screwdriver you can use to unscrew the front cover and turn the selector to your desired charge rate.
Can you use an extension cord with the Siemens US2?
Yes, but you’d need a minimum of 6 gauge for thickness, to avoid a fire hazard.
Final Thoughts About the Siemens US2
Ultimately, this is a finely crafted product by dependable German engineers. It’s not surprising that Siemens have been leaders in technological advances for as long as they have, because their commitment to innovation, quality, and reliability shines through in their products, including the US2 universal charger.
We give this charger top-ratings for its user-friendliness, extended warranty, and overall high functioning. Its versatility makes it ideally suited to be customized to your (and your cars) specific needs. We were impressed by the overall durability of the charger, and the sturdy cord in particular. As a Level II charging station, the Siemens US2 can boast faster charger times than it’s Level I competitors, making it extremely attractive to busy drivers.
We’ll leave you with one final great reason to purchase this product: the commitment Siemens has shown to protect the environment. Their work in the world of environmental technology is applaudable and deserves our support.
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