Is This Gadget Over-Engineered or Is It Just Me?

I tried using this device for the first time today while staying at a holiday home, and it felt overly complex. It’s equipped with WiFi and a touchscreen, but I only need it to charge from a standard plug socket. I couldn’t find any additional features in the Porsche app. Does it do more than just charge?

Is this your first German car?

Hadley said:
Is this your first German car?

No, I’ve owned several Mercedes and BMWs before, but this is my first Porsche.

Drake said:

Hadley said:
Is this your first German car?

No, I’ve owned several Mercedes and BMWs before, but this is my first Porsche.

Yeah, that makes sense. I think Porsche designed these chargers for semi-permanent home installation rather than travel, which explains the over-engineering.

@Hadley
It also supports Powerline communication, meaning you can send internet through your power cables!

@Hadley
You’d think for something designed for home use, they’d make sure it doesn’t catch fire… Still waiting for my replacement 240V adapter.

It’s really intended to be a permanent home charger. The WiFi is there to sync with your energy provider for optimal charging times and to update your app. Many use it as a fixed unit at home, and it works well.

You have the premium $1100 PMCC charger, which is overkill for casual use. A simpler and cheaper fixed charger would suffice, saving you money and hassle.

Jamie said:
You have the premium $1100 PMCC charger, which is overkill for casual use. A simpler and cheaper fixed charger would suffice, saving you money and hassle.

Agreed, the high-end model is overpriced compared to other available EV chargers that could be wall-mounted.

Can you adjust the current with that charger?

Jordan said:
Can you adjust the current with that charger?

Yes, you can adjust it, but since it’s plugged into a regular socket, I always use the maximum setting, which still only gives about 0.1 miles per minute of charge.

@Drake
That’s interesting. With my Tesla, I can lower the current to match my excess solar power output. I’m considering getting a Porsche soon.

Jordan said:
@Drake
That’s interesting. With my Tesla, I can lower the current to match my excess solar power output. I’m considering getting a Porsche soon.

The PMC Connect charger, as well as the free one Porsche provides, both allow you to limit the current.

I use a $140 VEVOR adjustable charger for my TAYCAN and MACHE, and it works seamlessly.

Is that the charger Porsche ships? I’ve never opened the bag since I have three other chargers already.

Weston said:
Is that the charger Porsche ships? I’ve never opened the bag since I have three other chargers already.

Not sure, I got it with my Certified Pre-Owned vehicle.

I’ve been using the previous generation model, not as advanced but still offers 7kW charging without needing another wall charger. Been great for three years, but it doesn’t connect to smart charging systems, which I think this new model does.

I switched to a ChargePoint unit because it charges faster than the Porsche one, which only comes with a standard 13amp plug and is painfully slow.

Cleo said:
I switched to a ChargePoint unit because it charges faster than the Porsche one, which only comes with a standard 13amp plug and is painfully slow.

Yeah, my home charger connects directly to my electricity meter and charges at 7kW, much faster than this portable one. I had a Tesla before with a similar charger; it was just as slow without the fancy screen.

@Drake
Still waiting on a replacement for the 14-50 adapter from Porsche’s recall. Love the cars, but the constant recalls and issues don’t justify the high cost for me.