Review: Why The J+ Booster 2 Is The Best EV Charging Cable You'll Ever Own!
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- Опубліковано 3 жов 2024
- Electric cars today have the largest battery packs they've ever had, and that's made traditional 'granny lead' style charging cables a little tougher to use than they once were.
Add in automakers forgoing portable charging equipment as standard-fit items, and there's a chance your next EV may not come with a portable charge cable.
But if you need one - or just want to have one for emergencies - we think we've found the perfect product: J+ Booster 2.
Here's why we've fallen in love with this premium charging apparatus.
Find out more at juice.world/en... for European customers, and www.jplus.worl... for North America.
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Juice provided Transport Evolved with a review J+ Booster 2 to enable us to bring you this first-person review. The channel retained all editorial control.
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Script, Presenter: Nikki Gordon-Bloomfield
Camera, Coloring: Michael Horton
Art and Animation: Erin Carlie Editor,
Audio, Editor, and Producer: Nikki Gordon-Bloomfield
© Transport Evolved LLC, 2022
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I use a juice box with a long super heavy duty cable plugged into my 240 outlet in the garage and out to the carport to charge the car. The cable from the juice box itself to the car is also quite long. Works like a champ and has been faultless for nearly 10 years. I don't have an emergency one in my current EV but had them (free) in my two Nissan Leafs prior to my current EV. I used my original one from my 2011 Leaf until I was able to acquire a charge station which promptly failed within 3 weeks. Company went belly up as the product was a belly up product. Rrrrrrr. The second one also failed but lasted a bit longer. Then came the Juice Box. Been running solid ever since.
Keep up the good work, Nikki!
Changing amps to pull is a must. I pull 9 instead of 12 amps on my set up.
Nice! An informative review. It's a very robust, versatile "granny" cable. I well remember upgrading my LEAF's portable unit to handle 240V, and buying (and modifying) adapters for it. Now… I have a Tesla UMC, with every adapter available. It has proven so reliable that I intend to keep it, and equip it with a TeslaTap 80, if and when I transition to a different EV. The only notable difference is that it maxes out at 32A, rather than the higher, faster 40A that this unit boasts.
This unit does have many compelling features including the smart input adapters, power level up to nearly 10 KW and the ability to turn down the amps right on the unit. I personally use a now discontinued Gen 1 Tesla UMC and a Tesla Tap adapter for my Tesla and Zero motorcycle travels because it's so compact. The one downside of that setup is that I can't turn down the amps at sketchy outlets with the Zero. Obviously the Tesla lets you turn it down on the car's screen.
also you can turn down the amps with the App
@@chidorirasenganz True, but not on the EVSE. So if I use my Tesla cable for another vehicle, I can't turn it down manually without changing adapters. So the J+ has that feature going for it.
Bjorn nyland drove over the juice Booster 2 with his Tesla Model X years ago and the unit still works
Thanks for the review. I ordered one today to use both at home and on the road with the EV6 I leased at the end of May.
Great review, especially w the humor, too 😁
OMG, you are very informative and funny at the same time. Enjoy your reviews, keep it up.
Being retired and many days my current vehicle never leaves the driveway I will purchase a level 1 charger. Highly recommended is the ClipperCreek PCS15, 12 amps, 3 yr warranty, UL certified, 5-15 plug and waterproof for $400.
That's a nice setup for those that need that grade of kit.
I currently use the Lectron lvl 1 charger @16 amps and that’s been enough for my needs. I get a third of a charge in 12 hrs (3% an hour) and daily driving is under 10% for me.
Most people don't realize how well l1 charger can work
There is a UA-camr I follow, Outback Tesla, who lives with his Tesla over 1000km from the nearest DC charger that swears by this product. In his case it’s the JuiceBooster II. I love seeing him gain access to sporting grounds, mechanics workshops, pubs, etc on his travels through Northern Territory and Western Australia to get his charge.
Purchased for '23 VW ID.4 Chattanooga Model for the same price as the far inferior VW portable charger (which is not included with the ID.4). Connecting to USA NEMA TT-30 RV 125V 30 amp outlet. Amazing construction quality. Worked instantly, charged from 44% to 80% in 12 hours. Now I need to go find out how to get the extension cables. Once I get a 50 amp breaker and NEMA 14-50 outlet this should do 5% battery to 80% in the same time. No reason to look at any other charger for home and portable use unless you need to have the charger on a network or to control on remote (which I wanted to avoid.) I've read it's the only UL certified portable charger in the market - don't know if that's true but it is UL certified. We'll see if the ID.4 is built to the same quality standard as this charger!
Just so you know, Polestar gives you a charging unit with multiple plugs included with the car.
Probably won’t soon tho
Love the video! And the Quarks bit. 😂
No, Nikki, the phrase is "I ... don't have a tank -- *yet*". ( PS, love the t-shirt. )
Just as you clicked your fingers for the transition to the workshop UA-cam served up an ad for a Jaguar PHEV. Oh the irony. 😂
I looks great and I was ready to buy one a month ago but they are way too expensive, especially since it doesn't come with all the adapters. I think I will stick with my adapters and portable charger for now.
Considering that a new Jesla mobile connector bundle (Tesla gen. 2 mobile connector with a J1772 handle) from QC Charge is about $600, the price of this EVSE isn't that bad especially if it's as well made as it looks.
This is one I just happened to see on Amazon and I had a hard being convinced they were a legitimate company, but I'd get one now if I had an extra $700.
Excellent feature set.
I love that I live somewhere where 3 phase is standard in every home and can charge with 11kW.
A great review. I did chuckle to myself a little bit because in terms of preformance, the FREE charger that comes with all the Chevy Bolts (including my 2022 EUV which you basically trashed in your review with a lot of subjective opining) is basically the same charger (in terms of plug options, long cord, and 220 volt amperage.
I am looking forward to another more detailed review of the EUV that is done from the POV of what the car IS, instead of what it wasn't based on your opinions of what you wanted it to be. Blessings, Ed
Looks cool, wish you would have put it in the case and took it out as you did you “infomercial” as the case was just in the way most of the time
Thanks!
It looks ideal, but I have some confusion. On the website they say it only goes up to 32A, but the one you showed goes up to 40A. Is this one not yet available? Also, I first assumed this was related to juice box from enelx, but it looks like it’s a different company, can you clarify for me? Thanks!
The 2nd link they supply above leads to a unit (J+ Booster 2) that when you go to the 'features' image shows up to 40amps for the US/Canadian version. The European version, which is the first link above is just the "Juice Booster 2" and goes to 32amps.
Interesting, I wasn't aware such things existed. One question Nikki...can they be used outdoors, do you know? I'm thinking of having an outside plug socket fitted to save using an extension lead for garden equipment and I wondered if it could be used occasionally to charge the car. So many reports that one shouldn't use granny cables overnight and equally some people use them as a matter of course. This one looks like a decent option.
Great review, well done for taking the sponsorship, cheers from the UK.🇬🇧🏳️⚧️🏳️🌈 Loved the trans(port) gag😆👍
Nikki said it's IP67 rated. That means it's rain proof and proof against high pressure jets and short periods of immersion. Google will tell you more.
Its made for any kind of outdoor use!
@@neilyoungman9814 ah, thank you, as you probably guessed I haven't a clue about the safety ratings, they're all just a blue of numbers and letters! Cheers for the info.👍
@@thetj8243 thank you.👍😊
I'm sure that charging cable will be in the next Bond movie - James Bond 007, You Only Charge Once - or - The Man with the Golden Charging Cable - or - OctopusE 🐙 ⚡️ ... - SORRY, Bad Dad Joke.
This sounds like a truly excellent EV accessory. Thank you for the recommendations!
There are equally good solutions which also have Bluetooth/WLAN connectivity and a lower price tag. However, we never needed even the granny lead which came for free with our Tesla. It is still in the original wrap. In the Tesla and the Skoda we only need the Type 2 charging cable. But the beauty is that Teslas in Europe have the same charging connector than all others.
Getting some "This old house" vibes
WOW!! WTF WITH PRICE!! THANK YOU FOR THE VIDEO!!!!!!!!!
I looked into getting one of those before, but at the time in Ireland they didn't qualify for home charging grants. Brilliant piece of kit for my cross Europe road trips though :)
Is CHADEMO still available
Today I joined the list of people that found out UA-cam does not like your channel. While they offered me the video on main page, the subscription list did not show this one. I had to go to your channel specifically and select it.
I've checked - it was published 6 hours ago, I have multiple subscriptions from that time that were published, but your video was not listed.
:(
Please complain… It’s an ongoing issue and it’s making us very sad
Review begins at 4:09
9.6kw would limit the 11.2kw I'm currently able to charge my MME. But at 11.2kw it should be hard wired. Back in 2014 I started with a Juice Box that didn't work out of the box. I had to send it back and it was returned fixed, but after almost exactly 1 year it was dead again. I think picked up a cheap Chinese in-line EVSE like the Juice Booster and it was also limited to 9.6kw. It has worked flawlessly since 2015, but upgraded to the hardwired type with after getting the MME.
Sweet, sweet looking piece of hardware 🙂 (It looks like much more charger than I currently need for a BoltEV - currently, get it? Sorry, sorry, I'll just show myself out now...)
I own 2 teslas with solar panels and powerwall. I save $600/month on gas and electricity living in Hawaii at .37/kwh. That is a conservative estimate as gas $6/gallon. Yet people still set in drives throughs at Starbucks and others. Europe does not have drive throughs as gas too expensive
As for skid marks, I would recommend installing a Bidet onto your toilet bowl. Don't forget the reverse water valve. Cheers from OZ!
Absolutely! We have two, but Michael would resign if we installed a third ;) - Nikki
@@transportevolvedRegarding Michael, as a male, I can assure him that having a clean arse is nothing to be ashamed of! Whereas, not is! Knowing you have nothing be ashamed of when exiting the dunny is a good feeling! 🤗 Unfortunately they aren't as common as they should here in OZ!
Can I plug the j+ booster 2 EV charger into a 120v 30 am dog bone adapter with a TT-30 male plug and NEMA 14-50 female receptacle? The dog bone would be plugged into a 30 amp RV outlet.
A 30 amp 120 volt outlet maxes out at 30 amps and 120 volts. That "dogbone adapter" allows physical connection for a 50 amp 240 volt plug - but still supplies only 30 amps and 120 volts. That can be a problem, anything that needs 240 volts will not work, and if more than 30 amps is pulled the circuit breaker trips and no power. The adapter plugs on these portable chargers indicate to the charger what type of plug it is, so the charger expects a certain voltage and amperage available. So, if you set up the portable charger with a 240 volt 50 amp plug, plug that into the "dogbone", then into a 120 volt 30 amp RV outlet, things will go very wrong very quickly. Better to get an 120 volt 30 amp RV plug adapter for your portable charger, then it should work almost perfectly.
Review starts at 4:30
Europe standardize connectors to CCS connectors even Tesla! Actually Tesla usa will retrofit to CCS. Europe also forced change to USB-c. Even apple has to change to a standardize cable.
Got electrify America L2 charger, the cheapest UL listed charger I could find. Wanted the listing for insurance purposes in the unlikely case of a catastrophe.
I would like a charger that can cycle charge rate for thermal control instead of the vehicle cooling system. Also slow charging down near the expected time of use to be gentle on the battery. Maybe schedule a slow charge to preheat your battery for cold drives. Plug in for easy replacement.
It looks very nice. But very pricy. I will only get 32 amp but I bought a Tesla mobile connector for $200 and a tesla-j1772 adapter for $150. I only can do 7kwh instead of 9, but I have seen these tesla adapters work almost any environment with almost and electrical situation
Great review, and thank you for the recommendation. Just in time for me, since I’m about to dump my Tesla for another company’s EV.
I use the juice booster for 6years. Very reliable and up to 22kW with my Renault Zoe in Switzerland (3phase, 32A)
How do you get 22 KW with a 40A charger?
@@RussellHogan European versions are compatible with 3 phase 32amp supplies. The North American ones have different electronics inside, not just the connectors.
@@briansmith7443 That Makes sense. Glad to hear of the reliability. Just got one for the North American market. Looking forward to putting it through its paces.
0:34 Is it okay if I want to enjoy a quiet-but-rickety ride in a fun hatchback the size of a roller skate?
I use a NRGkick 2 have an app conected thrugh Bluetooth, Wi-Fi or, if you pay even more😓, mobile. Bought for roadtriping in Poland but only needed it her in sweden. My best... Spirow.
670th to like the video btw. but seriously youtube needs to fix their dang notifs. this is serious and youtube HAS TO FIX THIS BECAUSE PEOPLE ARE LOSING THEIR INCOME
The carry case was in the way of us seeing the product clearly
Those swappable plugs with auto sensors & auto current limiting are nice safety features. Increases the price & bulk significantly.
Not for me. YMMV
Wow, that at least looks like it's built for the price.
More close ups and B-roll please.
nice! thanks
The price, though! A Tesla mobile connector is only $200 and a Tesla to J1772 adapter is about $150. That is roughly half the price. It looks like a nice unit, definitely more rugged than the Tesla unit, but worth twice as much?
Typically mobile connectors are slower but if at friends house with a dryer plug in garage good to go. Many friends with Teslas use their dryer plug with a mobile connector. Many hardwired a dryer plug for a couple hundred dollars. Usually a 240 40 amp circuit. Your still limited by size of on board charger 3-7 kw, 11, etc. I currently have a 240 100 amp circuit(actually 72 amps cuz safety thing) My model X has optional 19 kw on board charger. It charges at 53 miles/hour. My model 3 with rear wheel drive 7kw charger charges at 35 miles/ hour on same circuit. If I charge a friends model Y with 11 kw on board charger 45 miles/hour. In Hawaii you want to charge during day with solar/powerwall help as we do not have peak or off peak rates. Charging at night would be really expensive. Make sure you buy the most KW on board charger you can buy.
The car automatically decides how much power it accepts
Maui offers many level 2 stations and only one DC fast chargers CCS. No superchargers on maui. Level 2’s on maui all low amp as even my Model X which charges at 53 mph at home with its 19 kw on board charger and 240 100 amp circuit to only 12 miles/hour on Maui’s level 2.
My Model X has free supercharging but no superchargers
@@Firestorm637 Wow! I guess it’s good to be on Oahu at least as charging goes.
Is there a bracket to mount this on a wall for more permanent use at home?
Yes, as we showed in the video ;) - Nikki
@@transportevolved Thanks - I am continuing watching it, now.
$1050CAD even with a $50US coupon. 😲
You ran over it with your truck... and didn't film it...? 😢
10 years ago I sent my Nissan LEAF 120V L1 EVSE to a guy in California who upgraded it to be used with 240V and I’m still using it today on my 2 LEAFs and on my Model Y.
My EVSE is in my kitchen in my apartment and I send the cable out the top of my kitchen window across 14 feet of sidewalk and down a street sign pole.
Unfortunately the closest I can get my charge port of my Tesla is 35 feet away and so I have a 19 foot long J1772 to Tesla adapter cable that makes up the distance.
You can see how I do this by clicking this hashtag: #EVChargingInTheCity
Correct me if I’m wrong, but website lists max current at 32amps, not 40amps. That’s only 7.6 kW on a 14-50
nice looking unit, but man $700 is a big pill to swallow.
Most the early level 2 chargers or wall connectors designed for 3kw on board chargers found on Leaf and Bolt. It does not matter how many amps and volts your connected to if your chocked with a tiny 3 kw on board charger. Obviously the on board charger not an issue with DC charging as DC goes straight to DC battery. Everything else in the car is AC. That is why inverters are needed
I just looked at the European prices ... thanks but ... no thanks. Twice the price of what you pay in the US for the cheapest set and the cable length isn't even half of that 21ft, coming in at just 3.1m
Stellantis offers it as an option for ~720€, rebranded as the Universal Charger.
Con: you also need to order a car to go with it
It seems that Subaru makes an EV. Have you done a review of it? Can you provide a link?
It may be what I buy.
Don’t bother. It’s based on the BZ4X which is the EV that couldn’t keep its wheels on
@@chidorirasenganz Do the 2023 ones still have that problem?
@@kensmith5694 Not that I’m aware of but I don’t trust the platform it’s built on at this point
Sadly it doesn’t appear to be very good overall, but if you never take it on a road trip it might be ok, it’s DC “fast charging” is very slow. Maybe next version will be better.
Sadly many cables are stolen even from superchargers as so much copper
it's nice, but just so expensive.
3rd!
700? You're lucky. Over here in Europe, they sell the base package for 1200 Euros (1250USD) without the wall hanger.. (but that price difference is allegedly due to the insane commission they pay to all the UA-camrs that shill their product..)
If you’re alleging we were paid, we were not.
I got it for the 1200€ and thought the same (that its expensive), but its still a very reliable System and had now Problem over night laying in the snow last winter, before we had a wallbox. - Also it has more safety-checks than most other small home chargers...
Please please please drop the amateur rep dramatic pauses in your…. delivery, Nikki! It’s childish, predictable and spoils your otherwise professional presentation. I’m sure you are doing it more…. frequently lately.
My model 3 is not smoother or quieter to drive than many other cars i’ve driven eg. F Pace Jag, Peugeot Rifter diesel, Freelander 2….. actually my model 3 is about as well built as a 90s Ford.
The best charger ever, is a dumb charger. The government won't be able to transport tax, tax it and the grid won't be able to turn it down or off at peak load times.
I got you fam /jk -- annual or biannual vehicle inspections for registration and they'll base your taxes on your miles traveled. Legislators won't have trouble keeping up with the new paradigm, especially if their tax revenue is seeing a big hit.
Wait. Who is trans?! Have I not been paying enough attention all these months?
Lol... You don't need a title for this one. Image=1,000 words. Your thumbnail tells all.