Leaf 240V charging via the portable 120V EVSE

[scottf200]

Well the forum subtitle includes hacks....check this out:

This story:
http://www.allcarselectric.com/blog/...but-is-it-safe
let me to this thread:
http://www.mynissanleaf.com/viewtopi...ilit=EVSE+hack

The Nissan Leaf ships with an 120V 12A portable EVSE for "on the go" charging. I just completed designing and testing an upgrade to it that allows 240V charging while still retaining the 120V capability. This means you can use the supplied EVSE at home without needing to install an (expensive) additional unit and still have a reasonable charge rate. (over 2.8kW) The full safety features including the GFCI protection are still 100% functional, and the unit automatically switches voltage.

[Rusty]

One must wonder if that would work with the Volt supplied EVSE...

[Raymondjram]

According to the article, the 240 V conversion should work, and cause no damage to the EV. But how many 240 VAC outlets are available, in comparison to the common 120 VAC outlets? I see some EV owners who visit friends and relatives asking where is the clothes dryer or water heater so they can use that outlet (with a converted plug) to charge their vehicles at 240 VAC. Maybe some businesses that have external 240 VAC outlets for special power equipment (or electric welders) can provide charging for a small cost. Personally I have not seen any public 240 VAC outlets in my area. But my worksite has plenty of 240 VAC power in our Computer Room (on the fifth floor), so I will need a very long cable!

Raymond

[Michael]

Since the installation cost, via SPX, is a minimum of $900 just to get wires run from the 240 charger to an existing 240 outlet/box, it would be nice to have the ability to switch between 120 & 240 on the portable charger.

[voltcrazy]

I just read the entire 20-page post. Hopefully they will offer upgrades to the Volt EVSE as well. If not, I might have to buy the Nissan unit.

No 240V where you are going? No problem....two 120V outlets and an extension cord and you're set. http://www.quick220.com/220_catalog.htm

[voltcrazy]

I ordered one of these upgraded Nissan units a few weeks back. I should receive mine late this week or early next. I'll report back on my results. :-)

[ctdeng0]

I was told by someone familar with the pre-production Voltec charger that the pc board in the 120 and 220 EVSE's were the same. I don't know if this holds for the production charger or not. The current is the same, so you need to make sure that it can handle 220 vac.

[hermperez]

"One must wonder if that would work with the Volt supplied EVSE.."

I asked and the designer is looking into it, perhaps its practical to convert.. everyone has a 240V socket somewhere in their homes, and if you dont an electrician can add one for not too much... btw Rusty, I prefer using the acronym FEC (Fancy Extension Cord) instead of EVSE, it really answers a lot of questions by just using that simple acronym

[George S. Bower]

No 240V where you are going? No problem....two 120V outlets and an extension cord and you're set. http://www.quick220.com/220_catalog.htm

In order for this to work the kit includes a device to check the 2 110v outlets before plugging in. It says it will check for no GFI. I also assume it will check to make sure that the 2 outlets are out of phase so the peak to peak V is 220. So it may take awhile to find an outlet that is out of phase since chances are the one right next is "in phase".......thats probably what the extension cord is for.

Also most newer houses have most power plugs on GFI's esp in shop/garage areas.

[hermperez]

note that the modified evse can be plugged either into 240v or 120v sockets, it autoselects.