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GM Ultium Power UP Level 2 Charger unboxing & installation (84922762)

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46K views 124 replies 32 participants last post by  Mehcazz  
#1 ·
My charger arrived yesterday. Since I could find almost zero information on this specific charger I decided to make a video detailing my installation. Please note that I decided to self install due to having a spare 60a breaker and 6 gauge wiring left over from a hot tub we used to have. This is more of a review of the specifics of this charger and not a 'how to' on electrical in general. Electricity can kill you. Be smart. I also scanned the user guides and included them as they are also impossible to find.

This charger allows for 11.5kW charging when hardwired. I chose this charger because generally GM first part accessories are top notch quality wise (this thing did not disappoint - VERY well built) - and because of it's integration with GM's other apps (MyCadillac, etc.). Also the price point is competitive to chargers with similar specs.

Hope this helps someone!
 
#5 ·
I don't see why not - but I can't say for sure since I don't have the car yet

Thanks for the video! awesome stuff. where can we find it for sale online?
I recommend purchasing through a local GM dealership (as long as they sell it at the MSRP of $599) - this way you can avoid $40-$60 in shipping costs that I saw on most sites.
 
#13 ·
There doesn't appear to be any published electrical specifications.
I scanned the user manual which contains all the geeky specs one could ever want:
 

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#16 ·
I did - but I had clearance issues with the one I selected. I'll be addressing that once I find something that will fit my situation.

In my head prior to purchasing this I assumed there would be various knockouts on the sides for conduit. While this thing is built like a tank - my only complaint is they assumed you had a standard wall power coming directly into the back of the unit. It's a bit more challenging for my setup.

All that being said I took care to route the wires in such a way that this shouldn't be an issue - however I still plan on sourcing some sort of split bushing.
 
#24 ·
I had my Ultium level 2 charger installed on Monday by the Qmerit authorized installer. Install was $999 plus $250 permit. My part was ZERO. Qmerit gives you a 1 yr install warranty. My DE is being built this week. My dealer just got in his first of 3. First one produced the w/o 2/6 and delivered 2/17 to the dealership. I hope mine comes this quick. Vin number should be around 1950. My question is this: the charger manual says to download the GM "MyApp" from the app store for IOS systems to program the charger but I can't find the app in the store. Has anyone downloaded it yet? Where did you find it if so? And finally, do you have to have it to use the charger or can you "over ride"?
 
#27 ·
My question is this: the charger manual says to download the GM "MyApp" from the app store for IOS systems to program the charger but I can't find the app in the store. Has anyone downloaded it yet? Where did you find it if so?
Substitute 'App' for Cadillac and you should find it. GM calls all their apps 'My' followed by brand. MyGMC, MyCadillac, MyChevrolet, etc.
 
#28 ·
Thanks guys. I found the app and downloaded it. The app required the last 6 numbers off of the label attached to the heat sink. Make sure your installer records these numbers in the space provided in the install book. Mine did not, so I will have to take it off of the wall to get to the back to find the numbers. The Ultium app is the one to use but it required the numbers to sync the charger thru blue tooth to your phone.
 
#30 · (Edited)
The app required the last 6 numbers off of the label attached to the heat sink. Make sure your installer records these numbers in the space provided in the install book. Mine did not, so I will have to take it off of the wall to get to the back to find the numbers.
Installer should have watched my video. ;)
 
#31 ·
I mentioned your video several times to the point of agitating him somewhat. I didn't stand over the two guys, but periodically checked on their progress. They said this was their first GM Ultium Level 2 charger that they had installed. This EV company usually sells and installs their preferred brand. I used my 100K points to buy the charger and full set of floor mats. I did watch your video. Very informative.
 
#34 ·
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Finally got my charger installed.

Qmerit story time -- My breaker panel is on a perpendicular wall about 25ft away wire length-wise. When I submitted the install information to qmerit using their form, I got back an initial quote of $1599 so my portion would be $99 after the credit. Then a local installer came out to take exact measurements, etc and I got back a final 'custom' quote a couple of days later - $2723+$250 (permit) so now my portion was $1473 which was more than some independent quotes I got outside of qmerit. I called the qmerit customer service for help, and they rejected that quote connected me to another local installer in my area. The second installer actually sent me the final quote the same day without a visit, and it was for $1599 + $250 (permit) so my portion was $349. I happily accepted that quote, and the installation was completed. Very happy with my qmerit experience.

I did make sure to write down the bluetooth pairing code and got it connected on the mycadillac app. However, I do have a small problem with it. The 'connect to wifi' function on the charger only works with wifi network names (SSID) that are broadcasted. If you have a hidden network name like mine, there is no way to connect to it. I tried calling the EV concierge and was advised to temporarily unhide my network to make the connection, but that most likely does not work because I noticed my other wifi devices would not reconnect to the same network when I changed the network name to be hidden on the router. So I've got my network name unhidden for now.

I'm not sure yet what additional information/functionality is provided by having the GM charger + Lyriq + mycadillac app combo. Maybe the car has to be connected/charging for more options to show up on the app. Just waiting to get my car back... been @ service for 2 weeks now.
 
#35 ·
However, I do have a small problem with it. The 'connect to wifi' function on the charger only works with wifi network names (SSID) that are broadcasted. If you have a hidden network name like mine, there is no way to connect to it. I tried calling the EV concierge and was advised to temporarily unhide my network to make the connection, but that most likely does not work because I noticed my other wifi devices would not reconnect to the same network when I changed the network name to be hidden on the router. So I've got my network name unhidden for now.
Why not just make a separate Guest/IOT network with it's own SSD?

I'm not sure yet what additional information/functionality is provided by having the GM charger + Lyriq + mycadillac app combo. Maybe the car has to be connected/charging for more options to show up on the app.
I don't have my Lyriq yet so I'm curious to see what other options (if any) show up once I take delivery. My understanding is that a lot of the 'smart' and wireless features of this charger are coming via updates later this year....
 
#36 ·
I have a question that I need help with. "The Cadillac LYRIQ comes with a dual-level charging cord that uses 240 volts or 120. This cord allows you to plug into an appliance-style 4-pronged or standard 3-prong outlet. With this charging solution, there is no installation of any additional equipment. It can also go with you on road trips to make charging away from home more accessible. With the factory charging cord, your LYRIQ will gain about 30 miles per hour of charging." This is straight from the Caddilac site. So, my question is, if I can get 30 miles per hour of charging by plugging the factory supplied cable to a electric washer outlet, why would I need this wall charger?
 
#37 · (Edited)
So, my question is, if I can get 30 miles per hour of charging by plugging the factory supplied cable to a electric washer outlet, why would I need this wall charger?
The one in that comes with the vehicle is basically the equivalent of a L2 wall charger, so in theory you don't and a good number of folks use a portable charger at home. It is more convenient to have a dedicated wall charger, and a directly wired one is more efficient. But, even some wall chargers can simply be plugged into a washer outlet.

So, in short, it's convenience and a little faster charging power. Also, you won't accidentally be stuck without your charger if you leave it at home and need it in an emergency.

(EDIT: as @hightech-guy points out L2 requires a 240V "dryer" plug not a washer outlet. With a standard electrical outlet, you'll get L1 charging)
 
#43 ·
What do you mean by you see the wall plug as a failure point and/or a fire hazard? I assume GM designed the cord with daily use in mind just like the wall charger and wall plugs have been safely used long before electric cars were available. I know $500 is not much but it is if it's not needed. I can go to a couple of nice dinners for $500 instead of giving it to Cadillac for no reason at all.
 
#40 ·
That's first 'low" reasonable pricing on this site! What was the PUC support and did they offer an off peak pricing ie 11.00 PM to 7:00 AM rate,
Also the 120 volt is good when vacationing I run a RV extension from side of home under the bushes and plug in. When at lake 24 hours equals 75 miles. On a long weekend the boat gets more use; I can have 310 range for 115 miles return home.
 
#41 ·
I'm located in GA and GA power has a $250 rebate for EV charger installs. And yes, they do have an EV rate plan charges 3 different rates depending on the time of day/time of year, but I haven't signed up for it yet because I wasn't sure if I would be saving money due to my very low EV charging needs (~5k miles/year). Planning to check my usage after summer and decide if I should sign up for the EV rate plan.
 
#53 ·
Why not just make a separate Guest/IOT network with it's own SSD? I don't have my Lyriq yet so I'm curious to see what other options (if any) show up once I take delivery. My understanding is that a lot of the 'smart' and wireless features of this charger are coming via updates later this year....
Did anyone get the WI-FI to work on the Ultium Level 2 home EVSE?
 
#55 ·
Is the Ultium Level 2 EVSE the only unit that can connect via the My Cadillac App?
I have tried to get the My Cadillac App to connect with my Wallbox EVSE via Bluetooth and have been unsuccessful with my attempts.
Correct. Although at this point it's really unclear what that nets you. I think they have bigger plans for this integration - but for now it doesn't add much to the experience. Still a very solid unit though.
 
#59 ·
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First trouble with my ultium charger tonight. Plugged the charger in and walked away - my car is set to charge in the AM by 7:00AM I think. After a few minutes I started hearing a continuous loud beeping from somewhere and realized it was coming from the garage. I saw the red light on the charger as well as on the car itself on the windshield indicator light. Quickly unplugged the cable and the beeping stopped. The red light on the charger is constant, not blinking which the Ultium charger manual says indicates a hazardous error > repair/replace charger. When I power cycled the charger, it came back on normally without beeps or red lights.

I didn't want to chance it so I didn't try plugging back in and have switched off the breaker for the charger for now. Anyone else have similar issues with this charger? Planning to call support tomorrow.
 
#60 ·
First trouble with my ultium charger tonight. Plugged the charger in and walked away - my car is set to charge in the AM by 7:00AM I think. After a few minutes I started hearing a continuous loud beeping from somewhere and realized it was coming from the garage. I saw the red light on the charger as well as on the car itself on the windshield indicator light. Quickly unplugged the cable and the beeping stopped. The red light on the charger is constant, not blinking which the Ultium charger manual says indicates a hazardous error > repair/replace charger. When I power cycled the charger, it came back on normally without beeps or red lights.

I didn't want to chance it so I didn't try plugging back in and have switched off the breaker for the charger for now. Anyone else have similar issues with this charger? Planning to call support tomorrow.
I am having this issue as well. The first time it happened I called EV concierge and they said there could have been a power fluctuation and power cycling should be fine. However it is happening more frequently since the first time in July. For me since I always charge immediately on plug in, the issue happens after charging is complete. Something is happening while the car is plugged in but not charging. I called it in again to EV concierge this week and waiting on a follow up call. The possible causes IMO: charger hardware, charger software, car software or possibly the electrical circuit (installed by Qmerit).
 
#64 · (Edited)
I purchased the Ultium PowerUp + Level 2 Charger GM Part # 85642869 19.2kW/80-amp and have begun my own installation. I already installed a Tesla Wall Connector last year in the garage for my Model Y. I am running another dedicated drop to support a derated 11.5 kw charging speed. Later this year I am moving to a new house that has 300 amp service. I will deploy the full 19.3kW/80-amp then.

Excellent Video @davedogcaddy

My first observation is the charging cable is a heavy beast vs the Tesla cable. If anyone is starting on this project you can do alot of the work upto connecting the service. You will need to get a permit. DIY mount the charger, Run the wire, conduit, etc that takes time. I have found electrician's that will allow me to do the bulk of the work then they do the final connections and get the permit. My Tesla wall connector drop took me 10 hours to wire which included a subpanel.

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#65 · (Edited)
I purchased the Ultium PowerUp + Level 2 Charger GM Part # 85642869 19.2kW/80-amp and have begun my own installation. I already installed a Tesla Wall Connector last year in the garage for my Model Y. I am running another dedicated drop to support a derated 11.5 kw charging speed. Later this year I am moving to a new house that has 300 amp service. I will deploy the full 19.3kW/80-amp then.

Excellent Video @davedogcaddy

My first observation is the charging cable is a heavy beast vs the Tesla cable. If anyone is starting on this project you can do alot of the work upto connecting the service. You will need to get a permit. DIY mount the charger, Run the wire, conduit, etc that takes time. I have found electrician's that will allow me to do the bulk of the work then they do the final connections and get the permit. My Tesla wall connector drop took me 10 hours to wire which included a subpanel.
If your jurisdiction is following the latest NEC version, an EVSE with more than 60A rated current needs a lockable disconnect. Used to need to be readily accessible (near the EVSE as of 2020), 2023 version allows it to be elsewhere if a label on the EVSE states its location.

Not a lot of places have gone to NEC 2023, but a lot are NEC 2020. If that applies to you, you need a disconnect when using the PowerUp+ EVSE, since the current is 80A.

From the NEC...
"625.43 Disconnecting Means. For equipment rated more than 60 amperes or more than 150 volts to ground, the disconnecting means shall be provided and installed in a readily accessible location. The disconnecting means shall be lockable open in accordance with 110.25."