Alternative 240v Charging Dock - EV2104

[LGA]

This what I always called a "stove plug". The typical "Dryer Plug" is 30 Amps.

[airton]

yes the plug is rated @ up to 40 Amps (it's stamped on there)

[DarkStar]

Hi Airton,

I've published my review of the EV-Charge America EV2104 to the MyNissanLeaf.com forum at http://www.mynissanleaf.com/viewtopic.php?f=26&t=2041.

I'm concerned that you received a very similar unit to the one I received and unless certain precautions are taken, could be dangerous. Thanks!

[ChrisC]

Wow, that's pretty damning. Nothing connects to the signal pins at all? Nice. Well, at least you got the case and the J1772 plug out of the transaction, and "just" need to simulate the pilot signal

[Marty]

Hi Airton,

I've published my review of the EV-Charge America EV2104 to the MyNissanLeaf.com forum at http://www.mynissanleaf.com/viewtopic.php?f=26&t=2041.

I'm concerned that you received a very similar unit to the one I received and unless certain precautions are taken, could be dangerous. Thanks!

It looks from the photos that there is a copper braid or shield on the J1772 cable that is just chopped off. This along with the missing GFCI really makes the possibility of a damaged cable or plug highly dangerous.

Of note, the coiled cord in the Voltec unit doesn't seem to be shielded. It has five conductors - two line, ground, pilot, and one other, most likely the LED flashlight.

I think the proximity signal is toward the vehicle, not toward the EVSE. Proximity pin tied to ground perhaps via a diode or resistor for verification. Its purpose is to prevent the vehicle from powering up and moving while the cord is in place. The proximity signal is optional in the spec. Vehicle makers could just as easily use a microswitch or optical sensor to detect the presence of the charging plug.

[DarkStar]

It looks from the photos that there is a copper braid or shield on the J1772 cable that is just chopped off. This along with the missing GFCI really makes the possibility of a damaged cable or plug highly dangerous.

Of note, the coiled cord in the Voltec unit doesn't seem to be shielded. It has five conductors - two line, ground, pilot, and one other, most likely the LED flashlight.

I think the proximity signal is toward the vehicle, not toward the EVSE. Proximity pin tied to ground perhaps via a diode or resistor for verification. Its purpose is to prevent the vehicle from powering up and moving while the cord is in place. The proximity signal is optional in the spec. Vehicle makers could just as easily use a microswitch or optical sensor to detect the presence of the charging plug.

In the cable, it appears there are two additional wires that aren't connected to anything on either end and a copper braid. The proximity pin should be grounded through a resistor in the J1772 plug, but here it goes through the cable. When I go to modify the unit, I'll probably use this pin to verify initial connection to the vehicle instead of trying to read the voltage on the control pilot pin, since it will be easier to just turn on a set control pilot.

I was most suprised by the Parallax components, as one poster stated, I'm considering an "upgrade" to Arduino! :-)

[Cari]

Airton, I am so impressed. Nice work. How much did this kit and all cost you? We are hoping for free charger, but there are some supply issues and other things we have to deal with (Buying from outside of our Market - DFW doesn't go on line with Volt Sales until about March or April)

[honoreitiscom]

I've published my review of the EV-Charge America EV2104 to the MyNissanLeaf.com forum at http://www.mynissanleaf.com/viewtopic.php?f=26&t=2041.

DarkStar feels the EV Charge America unit would not charge a Leaf or Volt. Airton: Have you actually used your EV Charge America unit to charge a Leaf or Volt yet? Thanks.

[mbartosik]

So what exactly does the 240v charger do?

I can see need for over current protection.
Ground leakage / fault protection.

But a correctly wired pool plump has this too, and a 20A two pole GFI breaker is only about $30.

In addition I can see a possible need to signal to the EV how much current it may drain.
Also a need to switch on/off power when EV is connected/disconnect - so as not to leave a powered cable dangling in the wet - as cable is wired to the charger.

What else does it do for all those $$$?

[PatsVolt]

It looks like a big ripoff to me... Thanks for doing the review. I think I will stick to the Voltec charger for less money. I could go with either one as I have the appropriate 240V 40A circuit already available to me, but will install a subpanel and take advantage of the 40A's.

P