In this guide, we are going to provide a step-by-step guide on Jeep 4xe Level 1 charger installation, whether you are installing the OEM Jeep 4xe Level 1 EV charger or Installing an aftermarket Level 1 EV charger, this guide will help you in selecting the best Jeep 4xe Level 1 charger, and pre-installation assessments to the installation itself.
We previously published a guide on installing a Jeep 4xe Level 2 EV charger. In response to reader requests, we are now addressing the installation process for the Jeep 4xe Level 1 charger. This guide is handy for users who prefer trickle charging their Jeep 4xe or who possess the original OEM Jeep 4xe Level 1 charger.
Table of Contents
Jeep 4xe Level 1 Charger Installation
In this guide, we will focus on Jeep 4xe Level 1 charger installation, since most users who requested this post termed they are forced to use the Level 1 EV charger due to electrical configurations support for only Level 1 Jeep 4xe charging, or integration of renewable energy Jeep 4xe charging we will give detailed installation processes on a 110V electrical circuit which requires three different wires: hot, neutral, and ground.
Best Jeep 4xe Level 1 Charger
Before the Jeep 4xe Level 1 charger installation processes, you must make sure you have a Jeep 4xe Level 1 charger which is set at delivering 15 amps of current, we recommend using the original OEM Jeep 4xe Level 1 EV charger, although if you don’t have it, you can purchase an aftermarket Level 1 EV charger to trickle charge your Jeep 4xe.
Below are some of the recommended 15-amp aftermarket Level 1 EV chargers that are compatible with your Jeeo 4xe.
Lectron Level 1 EV Charger
We recommend the Lectron Level 1 EV charger as a cheaper alternative to the original OEM Jeep 4xe Level 1 EV charger, the Lectron Level 1 Charger operates on a standard 110V outlet, providing 15 amps and 1.65 kW of power. Overnight Jeep 4xe charging at home is practical, delivering an all-electric Jeep 4xe maximum range of up to 21 miles on a full battery charge without the expense of a Level 2 charger.
Safety-wise, it’s FCC and ETL certified with protections against overvoltage, overcurrent, and short circuits. Its portability also makes it handy for road trips or charging at different locations. The charger is compatible with J1772 standards.
Pre-Installation Assessment
The first step in installing your Jeep 4xe level charger is determining the Level 1 charger point of use, this will dictate whether you will need an electrical panel extension closer to the point of use to mitigate voltage drops when charging your Jeep 4xe.
When using a Jeep level 1 EV charger, you would require continuous loads of 15 amps to charge the 17kWh lithium-ion battery, the Jeep 4xe 32 amps onboard charger regulates how much current can be drawn from the charger in this case 15 amps although the charger is capable of handling 32 amps.
The image below illustrates the operation of the Jeep 4xe’s 32-amp onboard charger under two different conditions: first, when connected to a 15-amp Level 1 EV charger, and second, when connected to a 32-amp Level 2 EV charger. It also shows the respective times required to fully recharge the 17 kWh lithium-ion battery in each scenario.
When installing a 15 amps Jeep 4xe Level 1 Charger, we recommend using a 20 amps circuit breaker to adhere to the 80/20 rule on continuous loads, this rule dictates that electrical branch circuits supplying continuous loads such as Level 1 EV charging should not exceed 80% of their capacity to prevent overheating and ensure safe EV charging.
A typical Level 1 EV charger installation should mirror the Jeep 4xe Level 1 charging branch circuit shown below:
Electrical Panel Assessment
When accessing the electrical panel for a Jeep 4xe 15 amps charger installation, it’s crucial to determine whether your electrical panel can support an additional 15 amps of continuous load without overloading your electrical panel.
The second assessment you should take into account is to make sure the electrical panel has a breaker slot so that you can install a dedicated 15-amp circuit breaker. You would also need Wireway or “wire channel” space to fit the 12 AWG wires that you will use to connect the circuit breaker and the 15-amp Jeep 4xe charger outlet.
Most Jeepers with a Level 1 EV charger later upgrade their electrical panel for smart EV charging features by installing smart EV charging accessories such as a smart meter into another electrical panel to enjoy smart EV charging while using a Level 1 EV charger, for this reason, its important to make sure your electrical panel would have enough spacing to fit the added accessories you might require in the future.
For Jeepers looking to integrate renewable energy EV charging such as using solar power, they might prefer Level 1 EV chargers over Level 2 EV chargers because of the power requirements and cost perspectives.
A Level 1 charger draws around 1.65 kW, matching the output of some smaller solar panel systems. This can be advantageous if your solar setup is modest and primarily focused on offsetting your daily driving needs which is both cost-effective in terms of purchasing the chargers and renewable energy systems required to charge a Jeep 4xe.
| Feature | Level 1 Jeep 4xe Charger | Level 2 Jeep 4xe Charger |
|---|---|---|
| Power Requirements | Lower (around 1.65 kW) | Higher (6 kW to 19.2 kW) |
| Cost (Upfront) | Lower | Higher (charger installation) |
| Suitability for Solar | Good for overnight charging with sufficient solar generation | Good for faster charging with excess solar generation during the day. |
For Jeepers looking to integrate renewable energy EV charging into their level 1 Jeep 4xe charging, they should make sure their electrical panel has sufficient space and capacity needed to integrate renewable energy EV charging accessories such as transfer switches, dedicated circuit breakers, sensors and cabling to connect all the accessories.
The image below shows a typical setup for charging a Jeep 4xe using a Level 1 EV charger. This charger is connected to a solar-powered circuit specifically designed for EV charging.
Electrical Panel Upgrade
Depending on your electrical panel load and capacity various factors might necessitate an electrical panel upgrade depending on the complexity of your Level 1 Jeep 4xe charger installation, although a 100 amp electrical panel is sufficient for Level 1 Jeep 4xe charging, you might require an electrical panel upgrade such as upgrading your main electrical panel to a 200 amps electrical panel or opting for a dedicated 100 amps EV charging electrical sub panel.
Now that you have a compatible Level 1 Jeep 4xe charger, a compatible electrical panel that can fit an 20 amps circuit breaker, and the cables depending on the complexity of your Jeep 4xe Level 1 charger installation, it is time for the next steps, installing the charger.
Installing a Level 1 Jeep 4xe Charger Main Panel Installation
To install a Level 1 Jeep 4xe charger in your main electrical panel, the electrical panel should have a breaker slot that can accommodate a 20 amps circuit breaker and enough room for 12 AWG cables required to connect the NEMA 5-15R outlet for plug-in installation or a Junction box for hardwiredLevel 1 Jeep 4xe charger.
Jeep 4xe Level 1 Plug-in Charger Main Panel Installation.
To install a Jeep 4xe Level 1 plug-in charger you will need a NEMA 5-15R outlet which is a standard 120-volt (or 110-volt in North America) household outlet with two flat blades and a round grounding pin, you will also require to install a 20 amps circuit breaker in your main electrical panel breaker slot and connect them with three-prong wires (hot wire, neutral wire, and ground wire) rated 12 AWG.
The image below depicts the electrical branch circuit dedicated to charging a Jeep 4xe with a level 1 EV charger. It showcases the 20-amp circuit breaker installed in the main electrical panel, and the path of 12 AWG wiring, and includes the standard NEMA 5-15R outlet designed for connecting the Jeep’s Level 1 charger (NEMA 5-15P plug).
Jeep 4xe Level 1 Hardwired Charger Main Panel Installation.
For most Jeep 4xe owners, a standard plug-in Level 1 EV charger is the best option for home charging. It’s affordable, convenient, and provides the same functionality as a hardwired Level 1 charger but at a lower cost and with greater flexibility. However, those who prefer a slightly more permanent and secure connection can choose a hardwired installation instead.
The diagram below shows a Jeep Jeep 4xe Level 1 hardwired charger main panel installation. it shows the 110/120V main panel circuit breaker, the dedicated 20 amps circuit breaker connected to the Jeep 4xe Level 1 charger junction box using 12 AWG three-prong wires.
Installing a Level 1 Jeep 4xe Charger Sub-Panel Installation
For complex Jeep 4xe Level charger installations such as those integrated with renewable energy such as solar EV charging systems, or if your main electrical panel is not sufficient for a Jeep Level 1 EV charger installation, or you just want to extend your Jeep 4xe level installation to a near point of use, you can install a subpanel to extend the functionality of your main electrical panel.
Jeep 4xe Level 1 Plug-in Charger Sub-Panel Installation
For complex Jeep 4xe Level 1 Plug-in charger installation, you can extend the NEMA 5-15R outlet closer to the point of use, and also create room for additional EV charging accessories and cables if your main electrical panel is insufficient.
The diagram below illustrates a typical installation of a Jeep 4xe Level 1 Plug-in charger. It shows the main panel components including the main breaker and a dedicated subpanel breaker. Additionally, it depicts the 20 amp dedicated breaker for the Jeep 4xe Level 1 charger. The diagram also includes the layout of the 12 AWG wiring connecting the main panel to the subpanel, as well as the wiring for the 20 amp EV charger dedicated breaker and the NEMA 5-15R outlet.
Jeep 4xe Level 1 Hardwired Charger Sub-Panel Installation
Although not common you can extend your hardwired Jeep 4xe Level 1 charger installation with a subpanel to mitigate voltage drops, this setup ensures a straightforward and effective electric vehicle branch circuit upgrade for reliable Jeep 4xe charging.
The diagram below illustrates the electrical vehicle branch circuit for a Jeep 4xe Level 1 hardwired charger installation, expanded using a sub-panel. It details the 12 AWG wiring path from the main electrical panel circuit breakers to the sub-panel circuit breakers, including the 20-amp dedicated circuit breaker leading to the hardwired junction box for the Jeep 4xe Level 1 charger.
Conclusions.
This guide has prepared you to confidently navigate the Jeep 4xe Level 1 charger installation process. You can now select the optimal charger type (plug-in or hardwired) and installation method (main panel or sub-panel) that suits your electrical setup and charging requirements.
For intricate installations or main panel upgrades, it’s essential to seek guidance from a qualified electrician. Armed with the correct knowledge and preparation, you’ll ensure convenient and efficient charging for your Jeep 4xe.
About the Author: James Ndungu
James Ndungu, founder and editor-in-chief of Electric Vehicle Geek, brings over five years of hands-on experience in Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) selection, permitting, and installation. He specializes in assisting businesses and homeowners in the United States with a seamless transition to electric vehicles.
As a certified EV charger installer and holder of advanced certifications, including the EVITP (Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Training Program), Diploma in Electric Vehicle Technology, and Diploma in Engineering Fundamentals of Electric Vehicles, I provide expert guidance and in-depth reviews on the latest EV charging equipment.
Last update on 2024-09-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
