alozzy said:
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This is one area where standardization is really needed for EVs if there's going to be made adoption. So many people have zero patience and would just throw their hands in the air over little details like this. Fortunately, I'm pretty patient
I don't disagree, the problem is in N. America we have so many different type of 240v plug styles, it's kind of mind-boggling from someone just used to the standard 120v wall outlet(NEMA 5-15 standard). The reason we have so many different type of plugs is the plug style denotes the maximum current the outlet will supply. We have 15a, 20a, 30a and 50a. Then we have different type of plugs for various applications. The 6-xx standard for example doesn't use the neutral, just 2 hots and a ground. Then there is the 14-xx standard which gives you 2 hots, a ground and neutral(for things like a camper than need not only 240v but also 120v). Then there is the somewhat obsolete 10-xx standard that uses 2 hots and a combined neutral/ground for things like old ranges that need 240v but also 120v for things like a light bulb or 120v convenience outlet, this plug standard isn't really code anymore but lots of old ranges still use it. Not to mention the various L standard plugs that are what I like, they are a locking type outlet that won't pull out like a standard plug, they are also smaller than the normal larger amp 240v plugs.
Tesla kind of standardized on the 14-50 standard which is probably the most common high amperage range outlet and like our Leafs they don't need the neutral and my guess?? is they omit the neutral pin on the plug so you could plug it into a 6-50 or even 14-60 outlet if available.
EVSEupgrade standardized on the L6-30 plug which is what I like and since they never exceed 30a it works well for them, finding a L6-30 outlet out and about is very rare, hence why people like me have made various outlet adapters and for that the L6-30 works great.
Many higher amperage EVSEs for sale in the US seem to follow Teslas lead and use the 14-50 plug, I've never seen another EVSE use the 6-50 plug the EVduty uses which is normally used for things like a welder that doesn't need the neutral, smaller amperage 240v EVSEs use a variety of plug styles, generally trying to mimic a 240v AC plug or dryer or range outlet.
While it would be nice to have one plug do it all(like the standard 120v plug) unfortunately that will probably never happen due to the wide range of amperages and whether a neutral is needed or not.
Heres a link to a chart that shows the various outlet types, go down about 2 pages and on the right side is the chart.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NEMA_connector
The EVSE Tony Williams sells is nice in this respect, depending on the plug you use it adjusts the output amperage, you pay a bit more for this but kind of takes the guess work out of things.
http://shop.quickchargepower.com/JESLA-is-THE-40-amp-J1772-portable-charging-solution-JESLA.htm;jsessionid=480C9EB0DFEFBDFE4E05599F36CCB326.p3plqscsfapp002