By Holly Ammon
A new charging station is now available on the market: FLO Home. It’s made in North America by FLO*, the largest EV charging network and charging station manufacturer in Canada. FLO has sold thousands of units to its Canadian customers over the past two years.
The company has been making its first steps into the US market this year with a new roaming agreement with ChargePoint, giving EV drivers easy and simple access to charging across North America.
Product Basics
FLO Home is a residential level 2 charging station. It charges five times faster than a standard wall outlet and provides a full charge in four to five hours. It’s universally compatible with all electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles on the road.
G5 and X5 Models
There are two models of the FLO Home charging station, the G5 and the X5. The G5 is the basic version while the X5 is the smart version.
The X5 can be controlled through the FLO mobile app or secure online portal. Smart charging features including tracking energy consumption, setting a charging schedule, real-time technical support and live session progress. The X5 can also be used for demand response programs with electric utilities.
The X5 is equipped with power sharing, enabling two X5 charging stations to be connected to the same electrical circuit, and eliminating the need to upgrade the home’s electrical box if a second EV is purchased.
Weather-Proof Charging
The X5 is available in Tungsten (gray) or Carbon (black), while the G5 is available in Carbon. Both models have a built-in cable holder and connector socket, allowing for quick and easy storage after each use. This also prevents the cable from laying on the ground
Safe to Use, Easy to Install
FLO Home is designed to provide continued safe and reliable operation. It is CSA certified and meets all applicable UL requirements.
It can be installed with a hardwire set-up or with a NEMA 6-50 plug. It works with the existing electrical panel without the need for a junction box. The spacious interior of the station provides ample space for clean, uncluttered electrical connections.
While most charging stations are made of plastic or sheet metal, FLO Home is encased in 100% NEMA 4X aluminum. It resists corrosion, dust, rain and ice. It can be installed indoors or outdoors and can even be safely hosed down for cleaning.
FLO Home comes standard with a 25-foot cable that stays flexible in all weather conditions. The high-quality J1772 connector withstands 10,000+ charging sessions. The stations are certified to operate between -40°F to 122°F.
Sleek and Practical Design
FLO is focused on quality and durability. Every detail of the charging station is elegantly crafted from the highest quality materials. It’s made to last more than 10 years. The company backs up its quality with a five-year warranty, while the industry average is three years.
The G5 maximum output current can be adjusted by a rotary switch to adapt to the available capacity of the existing electrical box.
Through its partnership with QMerit, FLO offers installation services by certified installers that specialize in EV charging stations. Customers can receive up to 3 competitive bids from professional electricians anywhere in the US.
Network-Connected via “HomePlug” Power Line Communications
The X5 version is connected using IEEE 1901 Power Line Communications (PLC) technology. The PLC connection provides a more reliable data exchange between systems and appliances connected to the home electrical system, in comparison to Wi-Fi. PLC is a simple set-up and can easily reach the distance required to connect the charging station in a larger home or detached garage.
FLO Home G5 is available for $795. The X5 with Carbon casing is $995, and the X5 with Tungsten casing is $1,095. Chargers can be purchased at flo.com.
Further technical specifications for the FLO Home EV Charging Station:
- Designed for indoor or outdoor installation
- Certified to operate between -40°F to 122°F
- J1772 charging connector made to withstand 10,000+ charging sessions
- Weighs 24.76 lb
- 208 – 240 V @ 60 Hz voltage / 6.2 – 7.2 kW charging power
- Output current adjustable from 6 to 30 A
- Integrated GFCI circuit breaker that protects your vehicle and your home against fluctuations in the power grid
- Wall bracket included
- Meets applicable UL safety standards. Certified by CSA Group, a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL)
About the author: Bringing a thoughtful blend of creative innovation and industry knowledge, Holly Ammon is the Content Writer and Community Manager at FLO, where she broadcasts the growth and excitement of the EV industry to FLO’s 35,000 users. Ms. Ammon is passionate about sustainable technologies and the environment. Prior to joining FLO, she was a contributor to national environmental documentaries at PBS.
This article is published with support from FLO; images from the company