Charging our new Mini.

Unfortunately not on its own breaker. I tried a remote switch that I use for my fountain but it threw a fault at the EVSE, and I had to go outside to make it activate.

 

Yes I would use the MINI app to set departure time, but I want to be able to turn the charger of without getting wet, and yes that would occur very often!

 

When I was doing Level 1 charging I successfully used an Eve Energy smart plug, and had no issues with power draw. I'd think any number of smart plugs would work.

A bonus was being able to track consumption.

 

That looks like what I need! Many thanks.

 

Most of the WiFi outlets running a version of Tuya control have very low power or current limits, often on the order of ~400-600 Watts or maybe ~5 Amps. There are a couple of dongle-style controllable outlets that have higher limits, claiming to be able to handle 1200 W resistive loads — I think Geeni makes one. But it’s likely more reliable to go with a fixed outlet device like those from Leviton or GE that can handle 15 A on the controlled receptacle. These most often work with a communications protocol and radio frequency (that requires an external steering device, such as a smart home hub), either Zwave or ZigBee. Else, a dedicated heavy-duty relay such as the 40A units from GE and Aeotec.

 

I have Geenie outlets throughout the house, but I was worried that they couldn’t handle the draw. I’ll try one tomorrow for giggles.

 

Smart outdoor plug like https://a.co/d/0inhZwA might help if Wi-Fi is accessible there.

 

I got a dongle-style one for my mom a couple of years ago, and I believe it’s good for 15 Amps — there was a picture of a car on the front, probably signifying it’s used for block heaters.

 

@Rogwp it was this one, yup, 15A at 125V.

 

….and it’s in stock at my local store! Many thanks @SameGuy

 

Be sure to tell us how you get this command to work: "Alexa, charge MINI to 80%."

 

Lol

Perhaps not, but he can just keep an eye on the widget and when it’s approaching it he can ask her to shut off the outlet. It’s still a passive solution, but better than having to go outside to unplug.

 

I have a solution, I think. It’s an app called Kilowatt on my iPhone. It has the MINI info in there and you just input the current SoC, select the charging level (in Kw) and hit the 80% button. It displays a countdown timer with a finish time. All I need to do is set the Wi-Fi plug to turn off at that time. All without getting wet - the important part.

 

I have an EVSE that can do timed charging.
1% charge per 2.7minutes is pretty close at max AC charge rate (7.2kW)

 

Just need to take into account the overhead. For lvl 1 charging it is something like 30%. So if you need to add 10kWh to your battery you will need ~13kWh from the outlet.

 

Yes thanks, I will adjust the timing as needed when I get the WiFi outlet.
Edit:
I think the app includes that, for the MINI, on the app it shows level 1 as 1KW and I have 1.2KW.