Any GTAM'ers own an electric vehicle?

[GreyGhost]

If you have a second gen volt all you have to do is plug the evse in to 220v and you will have level 2 charging. All you need is a double 15 breaker for the evse. Dont cut the plug off the charger as it has a overheating sensor in it make a adapter from a 220 plug to a 110 socket.

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Hang on a sec are you advocating making an adaptor that sends 220V through a plug that standards say should only carry 120V? That will technically work, but it is dangerous as hell because someone won't know any better and plug something else into that adaptor and let the smoke out (or worse). If somebody goes this route, treat that sketchy thing like a stick of dynamite because in every other persons hands but the person that made it, that's what it is.

It is cool that the EVSE charger is dual voltage, it is annoying that they didn't do something like an easily replaceable lead from the factory so you could safely switch back and forth between power sources.

EDIT: Here's a video someone posted on making one of these sketchy adaptors. (He also switched a 240V receptacle, how much do you want to bet he only switched a single leg?)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lGcSgzVtv4I

 

[Scuba Steve]

Hang on a sec are you advocating making an adaptor that sends 220V through a plug that standards say should only carry 120V? That will technically work, but it is dangerous as hell because someone won't know any better and plug something else into that adaptor and let the smoke out (or worse). If somebody goes this route, treat that sketchy thing like a stick of dynamite because in every other persons hands but the person that made it, that's what it is.

Unfortunately that is the safest way as it maintains all the original safety features on the charger you can tape the unit together if there is any risk of it being used by someone​ who doesn't know what it is I also painted mine bright red. If you change the plug on the evse you lose the overhead protection. You could also shrink tube the plug to the adapter for extra security.

Sent from my Nexus 5X using Tapatalk

 

[GreyGhost]

Unfortunately that is the safest way as it maintains all the original safety features on the charger you can tape the unit together if there is any risk of it being used by someone​ who doesn't know what it is I also painted mine bright red. If you change the plug on the evse you lose the overhead protection. You could also shrink tube the plug to the adapter for extra security.

Sent from my Nexus 5X using Tapatalk

If they are permanently connected that seems reasonable. I am sure sparkies will lose their crap over this.

 

[HDRod]

Hang on a sec are you advocating making an adaptor that sends 220V through a plug that standards say should only carry 120V? That will technically work, but it is dangerous as hell because someone won't know any better and plug something else into that adaptor and let the smoke out (or worse). If somebody goes this route, treat that sketchy thing like a stick of dynamite because in every other persons hands but the person that made it, that's what it is.

It is cool that the EVSE charger is dual voltage, it is annoying that they didn't do something like an easily replaceable lead from the factory so you could safely switch back and forth between power sources.

EDIT: Here's a video someone posted on making one of these sketchy adaptors.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lGcSgzVtv4I

Ya, I don't think I'm going to go that route. As far as I can tell, Wynne is paying for half of the install up to $1000, so I'll take that money before voting her out next spring (Weed at LCBO, last straw!) ... May look at cheapest option for an outdoor plug. Please let me know if you've had a bad experience with any particular brand!

Thanks!

 

[nobbie48]

A buddy said something about Tesla announcing a transport EV. Maybe a highway driver can elaborate but buddy indicated a problem with logs in that recharge times would be clocked as driving hours. The 200? mile range would suck if that was the case.

OTOH I gave up driving diesel because of tinnitus and I drove mostly city delivery, less than 200 miles a day. Most of my time was spent loading and waiting to unload. EV trucks make more sense in the city.

Way back when Silverwood's Dairy had a place on Dupont they ran some lead acid EV Divco's. They were all equipped with tow hooks on the front so the gas trucks could pull them back to the plant at night.

 

[Rick CH]

http://www.reuters.com/article/us-t...or-200-to-300-miles-on-a-charge-idUSKCN1B42GC

EV trucks do seem to make more sense for in-city uses, or around a plant/terminal.

http://insideevs.com/byd-delivers-first-of-27-us-built-zero-emission-trucks/

But the thing that will make all of this more feasible is the advances being made with wireless charging.
It won't be online soon, but someday in the future we'll see electrified versions of the autonomous trucks that were in the movie Logan.
http://news.stanford.edu/2017/06/14/big-advance-wireless-charging-moving-electric-cars/

 

[GreyGhost]

A buddy said something about Tesla announcing a transport EV. Maybe a highway driver can elaborate but buddy indicated a problem with logs in that recharge times would be clocked as driving hours. The 200? mile range would suck if that was the case.

OTOH I gave up driving diesel because of tinnitus and I drove mostly city delivery, less than 200 miles a day. Most of my time was spent loading and waiting to unload. EV trucks make more sense in the city.

Way back when Silverwood's Dairy had a place on Dupont they ran some lead acid EV Divco's. They were all equipped with tow hooks on the front so the gas trucks could pull them back to the plant at night.

Cummins beat Tesla to announcement of electric heavy trucks. Who knows who will be first to market.

I'm with Rick, I can't see these replacing trucks on the 401 any time soon, but I could see these swarming around intermodal yards to do the final leg of the delivery.

I like the story about towing dead trucks home at night. Very entertaining.

 

[SunnY S]

Hang on a sec are you advocating making an adaptor that sends 220V through a plug that standards say should only carry 120V? That will technically work, but it is dangerous as hell because someone won't know any better and plug something else into that adaptor and let the smoke out (or worse). If somebody goes this route, treat that sketchy thing like a stick of dynamite because in every other persons hands but the person that made it, that's what it is.

It is cool that the EVSE charger is dual voltage, it is annoying that they didn't do something like an easily replaceable lead from the factory so you could safely switch back and forth between power sources.

EDIT: Here's a video someone posted on making one of these sketchy adaptors. (He also switched a 240V receptacle, how much do you want to bet he only switched a single leg?)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lGcSgzVtv4I

It appears, He has it fused at 30amps? yet the wiring and the charger is only rated for 15amps? Is the charger fuse protected at 15amps or 20amps?

the purpose of fuses and breakers is to protect the wire.


On Instagram, there is a #electricalhacksandotherscrewups hashtag. That video belongs there....

 

[PrivatePilot]

Hoping to get some advice RE the EVSE chargers. I just purchased a Volt, and would like to get Level 2 charger for the garage. It looks like I could add 240V to the garage (two 40A breakers used in main panel for the garage; garage panel is rated for 120V/240V and there are enough empty slots in the garage panel). Does it matter which charger I get? I don't think I need "smart" chargers as the car seems smart enough. What should I expect to pay for charger and installation? Currently, I'm waiting on a quote from AC Electrical for instal.

Thanks!

Congrats on the Volt. What generation?

As was mentioned, if it's the second generation Volt the included Clipper Creek EVSE is indeed 220V compatible via the methods also described in the comments before mine. Yes, you have to wire a "regular" plug to 220V to make it work, but it works, and it charges at about 13-14 amps at 220V. My charge time is in the range of 3.5-4 hours now from dead using the Gen2 clipper creek unit.

If it's the generation 1 charger however it is NOT compatible with 220V, so be sure you know what charger you own.

There's a few versions of the Gen1 charger but they all generally look like this:

The generation 2 Clipper Creek units (which are 240V compatible) look like this:

I was lucky and found someone who had just bought a new Volt but already had a home charging station installed (and apparently didn't want the factory EVSE, even for travelling) who was selling it for $300. I snapped it up, knowing what it was capable of as a Level2 option for home.

Myself, I put the receptacle up in the rafters where nobody would ever be able to reach it without a ladder, much less accidentally plug something 120V into it. If and when we move I'll remove it, or at least remove the plug and terminate the wires in a junction box clearly marked 220V, but in the meantime it works.

For the volt you only need a 20A 240V circuit as the car (and the Clipper Creek EVSE) only draw up to 16 amps at their absolute max which is within code for a constant draw on a 20A circuit. The advantage here is that you can use 12/2 wiring which is quite inexpensive - I used a roll of 12/2 armour cable which was $50 for 75 feet (pre cut) at Home Depot.

https://www.homedepot.ca/en/home/p....wire-gauge-122-ac90-122---20m.1000417713.html

Now, this is NOT future friendly, and only applicable for an EVSE that draws no more than 16A like the clipper creek. More amp hungry EVSE's (or even ones capable of drawing more than 16A) would not be code for 12/2, even though the Volt itself will never exceed the 16A - the risk is that if someone else with an EV plugs into it one day and the car negotiates 30 amps for example, the EVSE will try to oblige. But the wiring can't carry it, of course.

I know that if we buy something like a Bolt down the road and I want a faster Level2 rate I will have to run heavier wiring to the garage, but for the meantime since the Volt (or more importantly, the EVSE itself) can't exceed the safe ratings for what I have installed, it's cool.

Anyhow, in the end I installed my own Level 2 for about $75, plus the cost of the EVSE.

 

[PrivatePilot]

As for other options, checkout the Duosida line on amazon.ca - they are about the best bang for the buck on lower-amp level 2's, and lots of people have great results with them. They can be had for <$400 and some (not all, so shop carefully) ship them quite fast.

There's also quite a few EVSE's on Kijiji and such.

If you bought brand new, yes, you are eligible for the rebate on your EVSE itself as well as the installation (so the whole discussion above might be moot, you can buy a REALLY nice charger and still end up not paying a huge amount), so that changes things a lot..however, if you bought used these are not offered.

 

[fastar1]

Wouldn't it make more sense to wire a 240v outlet to code, then finagle a 240v male to 120v female adaptor to use for the charger?

 

[PrivatePilot]

Wouldn't it make more sense to wire a 240v outlet to code, then finagle a 240v male to 120v female adaptor to use for the charger?

Yes, and no. Technically the adapter itself is probably still not code and someone could still just plugin a 120V item into the end of the adapter, so you're no further ahead.

In short, to reach "perfect" code the plug on the EVSE needs to be changed to something like a twist lock or a sideways prong 240V plug, but the issue with that as was mentioned is that the clipper creek EVSE (as well as others) have a temperature sensor molded into the plug itself that monitors for overheating. If the plug is cut off, that sensor goes with it, and then the EVSE won't work.

 

[mimico_polak]

You can pick up an EVSE from GM in the states for about $250USD + $30 shipping to NIagara Falls, NY. It's UL approved but haven't been able to confirm its ULC approved.

i found a L2 charger with a blown fuse here for $80 so have sent it to an electrician to see if he can get it fixed as the fix seems easy from research (if you're comfortable with it) so best case I got a charger for $80. Worst case I lost $80. I've lost more on less useful items lol.

 

[PrivatePilot]

Wow....here's a deal on Amazon (.com, not .ca, so USD...but for this item it shows they will ship to Canada) on a 40A EVSE with a dryer plug preinstalled.

https://www.amazon.com/DOSTAR-Type-...id=1505216542&sr=1-2-fkmr0&keywords=cebea+40a

$150USD shipped to your door.

No reviews though....but it's Amazon, if it sucks or it isn't what it's supposed to be you get your money back pretty easily.

 

[GreyGhost]

Wow....here's a deal on Amazon (.com, not .ca, so USD...but for this item it shows they will ship to Canada) on a 40A EVSE with a dryer plug preinstalled.

https://www.amazon.com/DOSTAR-Type-...id=1505216542&sr=1-2-fkmr0&keywords=cebea+40a

$150USD shipped to your door.

No reviews though....but it's Amazon, if it sucks or it isn't what it's supposed to be you get your money back pretty easily.

They spelled Ready "Reaoy". Pass.

EDIT:
It says to only use with an RCD protected circuit. (That would be GFCI in NA). Is that typical? Are people putting 240V GFCI breakers on their EV charging points? Those aren't cheap breakers.

 

[mxs]

That charger looks suspect, honestly. Probably zero actual warranty either ....


Since we are talking chargers. I stopped by EV national Driving day on Sat and asked the guys with EV's about their experience with chargers etc. ....

1) I was told to buy one with 3 year warranty, if I can swing it. They highly recommended Elmec ... https://www.elmec.ca/evduty-2/ ...... especially due to 3 year warranty and made in Canada factor. They said that the cheaper chargers on the market simply break down too early. So either you pay a bit more upfront or expect to deal with early failures. I can imagine, having EV and non-functioning charger with a weak warranty support cannot be fun. Plug-in hybrid is a different story ....

2) Does anybody know, if you have to own EV or plug-in hybrid to get the money back from the province for the charger and labor to install a charger? I want to own go ahead and bring 240V in my garage, but definitely will not be buying EV soon, since I will be waiting for the right car. I can use the 240V for other things, especially in the winter ....

 

[PrivatePilot]

They spelled Ready "Reaoy". Pass.

EDIT:
It says to only use with an RCD protected circuit. (That would be GFCI in NA). Is that typical? Are people putting 240V GFCI breakers on their EV charging points? Those aren't cheap breakers.

Most lower budget EVSE's are from China so spelling mistakes and that sort of thing in the ads shouldn't be surprising.

For what it's worth there is/was a similar level of skepticism for the Duosida EVSE's, but those who own them report nothing but great results.

It's important to remember that the EVSE itself is really just a glorified extension cord with a tiny bit of circuitry that doesn't send voltage down the line until the car confirms it's ready for or it. The actual charger itself is in the car on all EV's.

And I suspect the GFCI thing is just CYA. I don't believe any NA EVSE's carry this requirement for that matter, and EVSE's have been known to be problematic on GFCI circuits actually due to the high sustained amp draws.

 

[HDRod]

Congrats on the Volt. What generation?

Thanks PP; it's a Gen2. I may future proof a little and get something capable of 30amps, even though I know the Volt won't charge at that rate. I'd rather not modify the EVSE that comes with the vehicle, for a few reasons, including using it as a 120V travel charger.

Now, if only I could get an electrician to call me back!

Picking up the Volt tonight ... mixed emotions, as I'm sad to see the 'Yota FJ go.

 

[PrivatePilot]

MX, yes, you have to have proof of having purchased a *new* EV (used is not eligible) to get the rebates.

I would be very careful about having any receipts for hardware/installs dated before the actual car purchase as well – not sure if they would honor that either. Could be wrong.

 

[mxs]

MX, yes, you have to have proof of having purchased a *new* EV (used is not eligible) to get the rebates.

You have to purchase NEW car to get rebate on a new charger??? I understand to get the car rebate, you need a new car, that makes sense. For charger, not so .... but who knows, it would not be the first time politicians flopped an idea. I will have to look into it a bit more, or find a way to do it myself then ...