Disappointed With Level 2 Charger Install Requirements

[Chris Sonne]

When I purchased my Prologue about 3 weeks ago and requested the Level 2 charger, I was told it comes with a $500 install credit and that Honda would send me my charger.
Apparently my dealer (who hasn't had other folks go with the Level 2 charger option) was a bit confused. Turns out I needed to initiate contact with Honda's home electrification program, register, and send them information regarding my install location & electric system. In my case, I have a 60A box installed in my shed, which is where the charger will be mounted (on an outside wall). So basically, the electrician will need to run about 3 feet of wire & conduit, drop in a 240V breaker, penetrate a sheet of plywood and mount the box. The quote for this was $1,400 (I think the $500 credit would come off of this, but still $900 out of pocket for me).
I have requested Honda just send me the charger and I will either install it or have it installed. Unfortunately, you only get the $500 credit if Honda's services install it. Seems to me that having an overpriced install, then giving a discount is just a BS gimmick that certainly doesn't encourage me to pursue other Honda home electrification options later on.

Oh well, at least I'll get the charger free!

 

[Cj_miles]

I see what you mean. It's a bit of a circuitous route to get the charger. You would think it would be simpler.

It appears that Honda wants you to use their preferred installers, which makes sense from their perspective.

But it's definitely frustrating that you don't have more control over how you install the charger.

 

[janquimerot]

My wife had the same issue! The dealer totally misled her about this promotion. Turns out there's all this fine print, and you only get the credit if Honda does the installation. Talk about a frustrating experience!

 

[Dom]

That install pricing is wild! Honda’s like, “Here’s $500 off… after we mark it up $900.” At least you’re getting a free charger out of it...a win is a win

 

[bherman]

Just finished going through the process with mine. I did the research beforehand, so had gotten a quote from Honda and it was as others have stated, too high. I had the charger delivered to me and paid my electrician to install it - 1 3/4 hours labor, $220 in materials, just under $500 total cost. Our local utility, Xcel, provides a rebate of up to $500 for installation if I agree to charge during off-peak hours. To be fair to the dealers (mine is local and pretty good guys to work with), Honda is not doing a good job of informing them about this kind of stuff. They were well informed on the vehicle (two people at the dealership own Prologues, including the sales manager), but not on the charger process. I was finding out more on the forums than they were hearing from Honda.

 

[Chris Sonne]

Just finished going through the process with mine. I did the research beforehand, so had gotten a quote from Honda and it was as others have stated, too high. I had the charger delivered to me and paid my electrician to install it - 1 3/4 hours labor, $220 in materials, just under $500 total cost. Our local utility, Xcel, provides a rebate of up to $500 for installation if I agree to charge during off-peak hours. To be fair to the dealers (mine is local and pretty good guys to work with), Honda is not doing a good job of informing them about this kind of stuff. They were well informed on the vehicle (two people at the dealership own Prologues, including the sales manager), but not on the charger process. I was finding out more on the forums than they were hearing from Honda.

I would love to take advantage of off peak charging (20% discount in our area), but our utility (AEP - VA) requires installation of a meter base by a licensed electrician and a city inspection in order to qualify. I used a licensed electrician, but getting a city inspection and the extra work to install a meter would have tripled the cost (so I would have paid ~ $1,200). It would take a long time go save enough to make up the difference.

 

[bherman]

I would love to take advantage of off peak charging (20% discount in our area), but our utility (AEP - VA) requires installation of a meter base by a licensed electrician and a city inspection in order to qualify. I used a licensed electrician, but getting a city inspection and the extra work to install a meter would have tripled the cost (so I would have paid ~ $1,200). It would take a long time go save enough to make up the difference.

Boy, that sounds like alot of trouble for something that the utility is supposedly promoting! Sorry to hear that its such trouble.

 

[Jrodrigu1110]

We use the portable charger that came with our Prologue. When we have time, we drive the car to a parking lot about a mile away, and we charge there. There’s no cost to charge there, at least for now. My electrician charged me $550 to install a NEMA outlet in our garage, and a good chunk of that was the thick cable. We have a pretty long run from the panel. My local electric utility has a $250 rebate for the install, so I’m out only 300 bucks. Not bad!

 

[Wall-E]

When I purchased my Prologue about 3 weeks ago and requested the Level 2 charger, I was told it comes with a $500 install credit and that Honda would send me my charger.
Apparently my dealer (who hasn't had other folks go with the Level 2 charger option) was a bit confused. Turns out I needed to initiate contact with Honda's home electrification program, register, and send them information regarding my install location & electric system. In my case, I have a 60A box installed in my shed, which is where the charger will be mounted (on an outside wall). So basically, the electrician will need to run about 3 feet of wire & conduit, drop in a 240V breaker, penetrate a sheet of plywood and mount the box. The quote for this was $1,400 (I think the $500 credit would come off of this, but still $900 out of pocket for me).
I have requested Honda just send me the charger and I will either install it or have it installed. Unfortunately, you only get the $500 credit if Honda's services install it. Seems to me that having an overpriced install, then giving a discount is just a BS gimmick that certainly doesn't encourage me to pursue other Honda home electrification options later on.

Oh well, at least I'll get the charger free!

It is the same reason I refused to use the Honda Electrified services. They quoted me well over 2600$ and would not provide the credit or charger. I contacted my electrical company and await them to give me a vendor. Dominion Power had me contact Qmerit, and their contractor quoted me around 2300$ (labor, parts, installation, etc.). Additionally, the vendor will provide a $1000 and $125 rebate for Dominion Power, bringing down the installation cost.

Long story short, contact your power company and see what they offer. If your annual income is a certain amount, the installation can be a small fee of $40 a monthly or $1800 total.

Good for you, Chris. I wish I had your talent to install the electrical subpanel and wiring.

​

 

[GrederPro]

Going through this now. I have a super easy setup. I already have a wire going to the spot I want with a 240V plug. Everything is exposed, so no drywall or insulation to deal with. It's literally turning off the breaker, moving the wire, installing the charger, and cleaning up afterward. The quote? $950. Yeah, I'll just take the charger and do it myself. No need to pay someone $450 for an hour's worth of work, if that.

 

[Judi Golden]

I think I am an outlier because I ended up using Honda because they actually sent a guy who gave me a reasonable price. I started with a non Honda electrician who wanted to charge me 4K to install a level 2 charger. I have a 200 amp service, and a sub-panel in my garage. All I needed, similar to you, was a 50 amp breaker and the charger mounted on the outside of the garage, a few feet away. I contacted Honda, and they sent a guy who quoted me $833, charger not included. With the charger it came to $1250, and I will get $700 back from my electric company. I think it really depends on whether you get an ethical electrician.

 

[Chris Sonne]

I think I am an outlier because I ended up using Honda because they actually sent a guy who gave me a reasonable price. I started with a non Honda electrician who wanted to charge me 4K to install a level 2 charger. I have a 200 amp service, and a sub-panel in my garage. All I needed, similar to you, was a 50 amp breaker and the charger mounted on the outside of the garage, a few feet away. I contacted Honda, and they sent a guy who quoted me $833, charger not included. With the charger it came to $1250, and I will get $700 back from my electric company. I think it really depends on whether you get an ethical electrician.

You are absolutely right! Honda is working with various electrical contractors and some will be better/closer/more reasonable than others. In my case their contractor was located in another town and never came out to look at the installation before pricing it. It would be better if Honda would provide the installation credit for anyone who provided proof of appropriate installation, but I'm sure they don't want to get that deeply involved.
Overall, I'm still pleased that they provided me a Level 2 charger that seems to work really well!

 

[Judi Golden]

You are absolutely right! Honda is working with various electrical contractors and some will be better/closer/more reasonable than others. In my case their contractor was located in another town and never came out to look at the installation before pricing it. It would be better if Honda would provide the installation credit for anyone who provided proof of appropriate installation, but I'm sure they don't want to get that deeply involved.
Overall, I'm still pleased that they provided me a Level 2 charger that seems to work really well!

Yes, I ordered, based on the recommendation of the electrician, the basic Emporia and it seems to work great! The bonus in all this is now I have the number of a good electrician that I can use for any other work.