Level 1 extra cable?

su_A_ve

su_A_ve

Active Member
I'm not sure if I will get a level 2 charger at this time. I will be charging at work for free so more likely I'll just charge once or twice during the weekends and only at night. Electricity rates are fixed (no smart meters yet), so no need to worry about when to charge.

So I thought about having an extra cable instead of taking it out of the car. Do I need an actual charger or just a cable? Not sure what comes with the car as I haven't picked it up yet.
 
The cable that comes with the car is a level 1 with a standard 120 volt plug. I would not get an extra level 1 cable, just unplug it and put it in your trunk for use a work. I use a TSA lock, which fits the level 1 cable, to lock it when charging outside of my garage. The level 1 charging is not as efficient as a level 2 and a full charge can take 10 or 12 hours compared to about 2 1/4 hours using a level 2 charger.
 
You will need an actual charger not just a cable. It’s more accurately called an EVSE ( electric vehicle supply equipment). The car charger/ converter communicates to it to request the current. The max EVSE we can make use of is a 32 Amp Level 2 EVSE. Make sure you get one with the J1772 car plug which is the Clarity standard.
Car comes with a Level 1 EVSE that will give a full charge in about 12 hr vs 2 1/4 for a 32 Amp Level 2.
Most people can make do with the OEM Level 1 and over night charging unless they want to make multiple EV trips over their range in one day or are trying to charge within their utility’s lowered rate window.
 
Thanks - We have level 2 chargers at work, so I'd use the one that comes with the car for emergency use or home. Depending on the overall cost on installing a level 2 (I can do it myself as the panel is in the garage - only thing I need to verify if I do need to get any permits), I thought on simply getting an extra Level 1 and keeping it in the garage.
 
Whether you need a permit depends on the State you live in. Many states allow the home owner to do the electrical work and then have it inspected. Some don't. Check with your local building permit requirements.
 
Looking at Zencar chargers in Amazon, the best priced one is actually a 100-240 system so can be either L1 or a slow L2 since it's only 16amps. There's a few others for a little less.

That said, not sure why a 16amps charger comes with a 15amps plug...
 
su_A_ve said:
Looking at Zencar chargers in Amazon, the best priced one is actually a 100-240 system so can be either L1 or a slow L2 since it's only 16amps. There's a few others for a little less.

That said, not sure why a 16amps charger comes with a 15amps plug...
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Thats for when you plug in to the NEMA 6-20, if you use the adapter for 110V your outlet won't give you more than 15A anyway
 
bpratt said:
The cable that comes with the car is a level 1 with a standard 120 volt plug. I would not get an extra level 1 cable, just unplug it and put it in your trunk for use a work. I use a TSA lock, which fits the level 1 cable, to lock it when charging outside of my garage. The level 1 charging is not as efficient as a level 2 and a full charge can take 10 or 12 hours compared to about 2 1/4 hours using a level 2 charger.
Click to expand...

Just be aware that a TSA lock can be easily picked. All you need is access to a 3D printer to print the master keys. You aren't traveling across the border with luggage, get a regular lock, no need for TSA lock.

https://lock-picking.wonderhowto.co...a-approved-luggage-locks-are-useless-0164446/
 
Kranberry said:
Just be aware that a TSA lock can be easily picked. All you need is access to a 3D printer to print the master keys. You aren't traveling across the border with luggage, get a regular lock, no need for TSA lock.

https://lock-picking.wonderhowto.co...a-approved-luggage-locks-are-useless-0164446/
Click to expand...

I used the TSA lock because it fit the small hole in the charger. To fix the problem, I just filled the key hole in the TSA lock with 5 minute epoxy. The combination part still works. Thanks for the heads up on TSA locks.
 
su_A_ve said:
Thanks - We have level 2 chargers at work, so I'd use the one that comes with the car for emergency use or home. Depending on the overall cost on installing a level 2 (I can do it myself as the panel is in the garage - only thing I need to verify if I do need to get any permits), I thought on simply getting an extra Level 1 and keeping it in the garage.
Click to expand...

I'm not sure if there is a need for an extra level 1 charging cable that you might never use.
There is already an emergency plan for our car, that's the gas engine.
 
su_A_ve said:
Thanks - We have level 2 chargers at work, so I'd use the one that comes with the car for emergency use or home. Depending on the overall cost on installing a level 2 (I can do it myself as the panel is in the garage - only thing I need to verify if I do need to get any permits), I thought on simply getting an extra Level 1 and keeping it in the garage.
Click to expand...
I was all worked up to get a level 2 charger at my house. But later found out there is there is free level 2 charging about 3 miles from my house. I can also charge off peak at my home over night and it works great for me aince my battery is rarely below 50 percent when i get home. I would reccomend charging at work and then trying the level one at home. After more thought i realized i will probably never install a level 2 at my house. You also can control your battery level somewhat by the driving mode you select. Experiment with your actual routine and also bear in mind the electricity cost at home. It may make sense to just do conservative level one chaging at home.
 
Hi guys.

First time here. Got a clarity few weeks ago.

For those with level 2 chargers at work, do those chargers come with the cable or you have to bring your own cable to use it?

I guess the question applies to all level 2 charging stations out there.

Thanks.

Sent from my SM-N950U using Tapatalk
 
bulls96 said:
Hi guys.

First time here. Got a clarity few weeks ago.

For those with level 2 chargers at work, do those chargers come with the cable or you have to bring your own cable to use it?

I guess the question applies to all level 2 charging stations out there.

Thanks.

Sent from my SM-N950U using Tapatalk
Click to expand...

Level 2 chargers have built in plugs and cables. Just drive up and plug in. Or authenticate if required (I.e. ChargePoint stations)
 
I live in an apartment with no place to charge at home. I also live where there are quite a few level 2 public charging stations (about equal numbers free or with a fee). When I was still shopping plug in hybrids I thought I'd get a level 2 charger at home as soon as I buy a house (or condo with a garage). Now I'm not so sure. They actually don't seem to be that expensive ($150-600 depending upon brand and if you get a plug in or hardwired unit) plus a few hundred to a thousand for the electrical work (if you don't/can't do it yourself), so it can be done fairly inexpensively. However, my experience keeping my car charged tells me it may not be needed. Yes, level 1 charging takes about 12 hours if you are charging from an empty battery. However, if you can charge it at work or partially charge it (and occasionally fully charge it) at public chargers while going about your business, you'll very rarely have an empty battery. On a partially charged battery, and especially with just a little top off, a level 1 charger will do just fine. My plan for myself (and my advice for anyone else) is to give the level 1 charger that came free with the car a month or two to see if you really need to invest in the level 2 charger.

If the OP is considering a 2nd level 1 charger, one for home and one for the car, I wouldn't bother. They are portable so you can always put it back in the bag and take it with you whenever you think you may need to use it, though there aren't many times I can think of where it would be useful: camping, going to a hotel without level 2 chargers but that will let you plug into their outdoor sockets, and that is about it (sure, I see on Plugshare that there are some restaurants and stores that will let you use their outdoor sockets, but how much charge will you get from your level 1 charger the 30-60min you are there).
 
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People who live in cold climates will see an EV range of 37 miles or less in the winter. So, if you need to make more than one trip in a day, that reduced range might warrant a Level 2 EVSE. We rarely drive further than 47 miles in a day, so my only justification for our 40-amp Level 2, 125-minute EVSE is Tim Allen's "Tool Time" mantra: "More Power!"
 
insightman said:
People who live in cold climates will see an EV range of 37 miles or less in the winter. So, if you need to make more than one trip in a day, that reduced range might warrant a Level 2 EVSE. We rarely drive further than 47 miles in a day, so my only justification for our 40-amp Level 2, 125-minute EVSE is Tim Allen's "Tool Time" mantra: "More Power!"
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Not your only justification... Future Proofing!

Despite what I said, I can see possibly getting a level 2, and a more powerful one than the Clarity needs (though maybe not right away), on the justification that I am sure there will be some BEV in my future (and probably not that far into the future) now that I'm getting to really like driving on electricity. The Clarity...Talk about a "gateway drug" :)
 
So... first day with the Clarity. Love it... Put about 85 miles after charging it fully at work. Came back home with just 9% remaining and would test the 120v charger.

Except it's short by about one foot! No choice but to get an extension cord, as the ones I currently have are rated for 13amps.
 
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