Today's New York Times had a story about evseupgrade.com, the folks that modify a 110v Leaf charge cord to handle 240v and be used with the Volt.

This mod was reported way back in May. At least a few people bought and started using the converted units. It's been 5 months since I've seen any reports or discussion. Does anyone have an update? Any problems?

I heard of Leaf owners modifying their 120 volt EVSEs. As I understand it, the modified EVSEs charges in half the time by plugging into a standard dryer outlet. Not a bad idea, but I don't think it is as viable for Volt owners for the following reasons:

1. I think the Volt EVSE is part of the Voltec equipment that is warranteed. Modifying it obviously voids the waranty on the unit, but it may also void the warrant on the other Voltec components like the battery and charging electronics. Personally I wouldn't suggest risking the warranty on a $40K car to save a few hundred bucks.

2. The upgrade is for the Leaf's EVSE which is manufactured by Panasonic, so I would think they would have to come up with something new for the Volt. I guess you can use a Leaf unit, but they you would have to convince some Leaf owner to sell it to you.

3. The cost of the upgrade is about half the cost of a Voltec 240 volt EVSE. As such, I would think a better option would be to purchase the Voltec and simply install a cord compatible with a dryer outlet. A better idea is hard wire it in as it was intended to be used. If you buy the Voltec unit, you will two EVSEs, both designed to work with the Volt, and a backup in case one goes out.

They just reported that the basic unit (110v) has gone way up in price.
That would be for those who wanted to purchase an extra for travel.

http://www.mynissanleaf.com/viewtopic.php?f=26&t=6207

they can adapt the Panasonic to work with the Volt.

http://evseupgrade.com/?2

I am still using my upgraded Panasonic unit from evseupgrade.com as my daily charger. I am going to send it in for the rev2 upgrade which will improve my average 4:20 charge times somewhat.

My EVSE upgrade was delivered a few days ago, but the Volt did not recognize it and accept a charge. Apparently the device is faulty, so it's shipping back today for replacement/repairs. I was hugely disappointed, as I had an electrician install a curbside 240v outlet in anticipation of the unit's arrival. I'll have the replacement by the weekend and will report back then.


Today's New York Times had a story about evseupgrade.com, the folks that modify a 110v Leaf charge cord to handle 240v and be used with the Volt.

This mod was reported way back in May. At least a few people bought and started using the converted units. It's been 5 months since I've seen any reports or discussion. Does anyone have an update? Any problems?

Breaking news - with the 2011 software update, the Leaf EVSE now works with the Volt without modification!

I took my car to Phil @ EVSEUpgrade.com today, and had him upgrade my Panasonic EVSE from from 12-amp to 16-amp output. We also tried removing his Volt modification, to see if the recent software upgrade had removed the "pickiness" of the Volt onboard charger, and it has!

I am now happily charging my Volt with an upgraded Panasonic unit from evseupgrade.com, in less than 4 hours!

@artsci, has your car had the software upgrade? If so, I'll bet that Phil has to remove his Volt modification on your unit as it is no longer needed, and that is why your unit is not working. You are going to be very happy when your unit is back and charging you up at full Level 2.

I am very pleased that GM has made this change, now we can share chargers with our Leaf brethren, and the 240V upgrade on the Panasonic unit no longer requires a workaround to be Volt-compatible.

Breaking news - with the 2011 software update, the Leaf EVSE now works with the Volt without modification!


Has anyone tried the "unmodified" unit with a 2012 yet? I have been leaning towards getting the upgraded Panasonic as my 240V charger solution before too long...

(I thought the 2011 update was mostly just bringing the 2011s up to the software configuration of the 2012s, but I'm not positive.)

volt crazy,

You're right! Just talked to Mark and learned that my car has the GM software update, which is why the EVSE unit did not work. To make matters worse, Federal Express seems to have lost the unit I was returning to EVSE Upgrades, thinking it was defective.

But all is well. Phil shipped the Leaf unit tonight, which, with the GM software update, no longer needs the Volt modification. I'll have it tomorrow and be happily charging at Full Level 2 tomorrow night.

Now my only problem is the Federal Express screw-up.


Breaking news - with the 2011 software update, the Leaf EVSE now works with the Volt without modification!

I took my car to Phil @ EVSEUpgrade.com today, and had him upgrade my Panasonic EVSE from from 12-amp to 16-amp output. We also tried removing his Volt modification, to see if the recent software upgrade had removed the "pickiness" of the Volt onboard charger, and it has!

I am now happily charging my Volt with an upgraded Panasonic unit from evseupgrade.com, in less than 4 hours!

@artsci, has your car had the software upgrade? If so, I'll bet that Phil has to remove his Volt modification on your unit as it is no longer needed, and that is why your unit is not working. You are going to be very happy when your unit is back and charging you up at full Level 2.

I am very pleased that GM has made this change, now we can share chargers with our Leaf brethren, and the 240V upgrade on the Panasonic unit no longer requires a workaround to be Volt-compatible.