Nervous but Excited Posted June 14, 2022 Report Share Posted June 14, 2022 (edited) Is there any reason to not just buy the cheapest thing on Amazon? i.e. this: https://www.amazon.com/Lectron-Level-Charger-Extension-UL-Certified/dp/B08HHBDQ88/ref=sr_1_10?crid=W7Z1FBLB7VZ5&keywords=ev+charger&qid=1655241996&sprefix=ev+char%2Caps%2C137&sr=8-10 There is also a used C-Max charger in my area on Facebook Marketplace: https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/549173226513315/?ref=search&referral_code=marketplace_search&referral_story_type=post&tracking=browse_serp%3Aa5c80214-9c7f-4257-9eac-bb40f62bbee0 Any thoughts would be much appreciated. Edited June 14, 2022 by Nervous but Excited Updated the link Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fbov Posted June 15, 2022 Report Share Posted June 15, 2022 On 6/14/2022 at 5:12 PM, Nervous but Excited said: Is there any reason to not just buy the cheapest thing on Amazon? Not really (assuming it has all the safety approvals). The only reason I see is if you planned to upgrade, EV-wise, to something that needs more power. 1.7kW from a 110v circuit only cuts it for plug-in hybrids. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cr08 Posted June 15, 2022 Report Share Posted June 15, 2022 To elaborate a bit further: With xEV charging (EVs and PHEVs alike), as a baseline here in the US they use J1772 as the standard plug and protocol for Level 1/2 AC charging. Being standardized, EVSEs/cords work with everybody across the board. The obvious exception being the weirdness Tesla has set up. As @fbov mentioned however, if you plan to ever migrate to a full EV, you may want to consider a higher capacity cord (given your electrical supply is up for it) to future proof. You can use a much higher capacity supply with the C-Max and it will only pull the max it can take which is around 1200-1500w on a 110v circuit or 12 amps. This is also part of the J1772 standard where the cord indicates to the vehicle the max it can supply and the vehicle will only pull up to that amount to the max itself can take. One caveat with some of those cheaper 'Duosida' clones on Amazon as someone pointed out recently on /r/electricvehicles is those sold and supposedly rated for 220/240v and higher amperages above the 12a baseline may not be fully reliable at those levels. Some have reported them failing at those higher loads. For the C-Max being limited to 12a, it's likely not an issue but just something to be aware of in case you do ever plan to upgrade to a vehicle that can charge at higher rates. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oldbeyondmeasure Posted June 16, 2022 Report Share Posted June 16, 2022 My understanding is that a Level 2 (220V/240V) charger is more efficient (less energy lost in the charging process) than a Level 1 (120V) charger. It is also more expensive and requires a 220V/240V circuit so it may not be cost-effective. C-MaxA2 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nervous but Excited Posted June 16, 2022 Author Report Share Posted June 16, 2022 Thanks everybody - great answers as usual! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nervous but Excited Posted July 13, 2022 Author Report Share Posted July 13, 2022 Update - my regular charger miraculously started working again. No idea why. BUT - I moved to a new apartment, and this place has a high voltage outlet. Any advice for buying a HV charging cable? Or can I again just buy the cheapest thing? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nervous but Excited Posted July 14, 2022 Author Report Share Posted July 14, 2022 Whoa... a bit of exploring online and I see there are millions of different plugs. Here is a photo of my outlet. I thought a NEMA 14-50O would work for me, but only one side of the 90degree prong at the bottom would be filled. Any insights? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nervous but Excited Posted July 14, 2022 Author Report Share Posted July 14, 2022 (edited) The receptacle seems to be a NEMA 14-30R... But this doesn't seem standard for level 2 chargers..? I'm going to get a convertor: https://www.facebook.com/commerce/products/nema-14-30p-to-6-20r-receptacle-adapter---ev/5105350399580671?ref=messenger_share&rt=54 And a level 2 charger: https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/5103966699710748/?ref=search&referral_code=null&referral_story_type=post&tracking=browse_serp%3Ad38044b2-d80e-4239-9d01-bc12d4f7322b Edited July 14, 2022 by Nervous but Excited Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stolenmoment Posted July 14, 2022 Report Share Posted July 14, 2022 If you're at all into camping, check out the receptacles are campgrounds, so you can plug in there if you wish. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nervous but Excited Posted July 14, 2022 Author Report Share Posted July 14, 2022 (edited) Thanks! I have a regular 110V charger too - will take that along when I don't know what I'll be finding. Edited July 14, 2022 by Nervous but Excited Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jzchen Posted August 7, 2022 Report Share Posted August 7, 2022 Splitvolt 24A NEMA 14-30 is available on Amazon in two lengths. I wouldn’t downgrade to a 20 A receptacle. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.