New Leaf owner in SW Washington

[Gusset]

Hi everyone,

We just purchased a 2019 Leaf SV+. Silver, SV Tech Package, with just under 35k on it.

This is our first EV. It will generally be our around town car, probably more used by my wife than me. I wanted a plus for the occasional day-trip to visit our daughter who’s 70 miles away, and for similar length trips as needed. We have a couple of recurring short-ish road trips (300 miles) that I may tackle with it.

Now to get a Level 2 charger. Our garage has a 30A circuit (14-30 outlet). I’ve identified a couple of possibilities, but if anyone has a recommendation, I’m listening…

Cheers!

 

[LEVE]

I'm also in SW Washington. My trips are about 140 to 180-mile round trips. I charge in the garage with a L2 charger.

You have a 30 amp outlet... I'd look at the wiring to see if I could change that to a 50-amp breaker. It would depend on the wire size. Then, if the wire would support it, I'd install a 50 amp breaker. Then you could easily buy a 32 amp 240v EV Charger from AliExpress or Temu, often for <$100.

As I see it the problem with charging from the Garage is that pesky 30 amp. The 50 amp plug on the charger defines the socket you need on the wall. Upgrading the socket and outlet should be a piece of cake.

Here's an example of what I'd purchase:

https://www.temu.com/g1--2-ev-charger-32amp-240v--14-50p---evse-sae--ev---charger---current-----ev--g-601099651576304.html?_oak_mp_inf=EPDj09mm1ogBGiAyNWEwYzA3ZDE2NjE0YjUzOWE2NzlkOTVjNzYxNzM3NyDEpqvkqDI=&top_gallery_url=https://img.kwcdn.com/product/fancy/953f141e-b990-49d2-8c4b-69ac027fca17.jpg&spec_gallery_id=2367385547&refer_page_sn=10009&refer_source=0&freesia_scene=2&_oak_freesia_scene=2&_oak_rec_ext_1=ODU1Nw&_oak_gallery_order=1117902762,746032278,1867227148,2111994635,767963956&search_key=EV Charger 30 amp&refer_page_el_sn=200049&refer_page_name=search_result&refer_page_id=10009_1728934762149_89qeqxm63p&_x_sessn_id=8gjphlnkkl

 

[cornbinder89]

It is very unlikely that the 30 amp outlet was "over wired" with needed heavier wire, and if it was, it is likely that it is so far from the breaker box, that the larger gauge would be needed to prevent voltage drop on a 30 amp load.
That said, a 30 amp circuit is good for a 24 amp continuous load. The OBC on the Leaf is only a 27.5 amp load. So down grading the supply to 24 amps doesn't slow the charging that much.
Look for a 24 amp EVSE and use the 30 amp circuit you have now, as long as that circuit is wired to code and can take a 24 amp continuous load.
There are adjustable rate EVSE's and there may be a fixed rate 24 amp EVSE you can buy.
It would be a lot cheaper than pulling new 6 ga cabling and installing a 50 amp socket.
The difference works out to a 5.76 kw charging on a 24 amp line vs. a 6 kw charging on a 40 or 50 amp line, hardly worth the cost of running new wire.

 

[fjord]

Does your utility offer any incentives or deals on residential L2?

 

[Kenny]

Hi everyone,

We just purchased a 2019 Leaf SV+. Silver, SV Tech Package, with just under 35k on it.

This is our first EV. It will generally be our around town car, probably more used by my wife than me. I wanted a plus for the occasional day-trip to visit our daughter who’s 70 miles away, and for similar length trips as needed. We have a couple of recurring short-ish road trips (300 miles) that I may tackle with it.

Now to get a Level 2 charger. Our garage has a 30A circuit (14-30 outlet). I’ve identified a couple of possibilities, but if anyone has a recommendation, I’m listening…

Cheers!

If you’re never going to put a dryer in your garage I would recommend changing the plug to a NEMA 6-20R and purchasing an inexpensive 3.6 kw EVSE from Amazon. The 3.6 can fully charge your Leaf from empty in 10 hours.

 

[cornbinder89]

If you’re never going to put a dryer in your garage I would recommend changing the plug to a NEMA 6-20R and purchasing an inexpensive 3.6 kw EVSE from Amazon. The 3.6 can fully charge your Leaf from empty in 10 hours.

3.6kw will not charge a Leaf+ in 10 hrs. it could a 40kwh Leaf, or close to it.

 

[henrydehoja]

@cornbinder89 mentioned the 24 amp load on the EVSE for a 30A circuit, so I would stick with that for now.

I would replace the 14-30 receptacle with a 14-50 receptacle because you will find that most plug-in style EVSEs come with a NEMA 14-50 or 6-50 plug.
I would also go for an adjustable EVSE so you can adjust it to 24A now, and allow room for future proofing.
There are a lot of great, reasonably-priced adjustable EVSEs out there -- like Grizzl-E, Autel, Lectron, ChargePoint, etc. -- so you have a good selection to choose from.

 

[cornbinder89]

@cornbinder89 mentioned the 24 amp load on the EVSE for a 30A circuit, so I would stick with that for now.

I would replace the 14-30 receptacle with a 14-50 receptacle because you will find that most plug-in style EVSEs come with a NEMA 14-50 or 6-50 plug.
I would also go for an adjustable EVSE so you can adjust it to 24A now, and allow room for future proofing.
There are a lot of great, reasonably-priced adjustable EVSEs out there -- like Grizzl-E, Autel, Lectron, ChargePoint, etc. -- so you have a good selection to choose from.

Never put a higher amp outlet on a smaller circuit. YOU may know it is a 30 amp supply, but whoever comes next will not. It will also be a red flag to any inspector that looks at the house in the future.
Most adjustable rate EVSE can be supplied with a correct 14-30 (if a neutral and ground are present) or 6-30.
You can also get 14-30 plug to 14-50 outlet adaptors, although I wouldn't recommend them.

Get the right plug to the right EVSE and you'll never have a problem.

 

[Steve52]

Everything that cornbinder89 has said is right on. On the other hand, if you want to future proof your Level 2 EVSE capability, putting in a 50 amp circuit, (if possible) would not be a bad investment. It all depends on whether you're staying in the house for the longish term and want the capability to charge at the full 6.6 kW rate of the Leaf, especially on + model Leaf.

 

[Gusset]

Thanks for taking the time, everyone, it's appreciated!

I should have been more specific. When I stated that I had a 14-30 plug/30A circuit in my garage, I meant that that's what I intend to use. Given the limited potential gains, spending money to replace my existing circuit seems silly. If I had no 220 outlet to begin with and this was a fresh install, then obviously a 14-50 would be the right call. Maybe in the future I'll decide the extra capacity is worth paying to upgrade, but for now it's not appropriate.

@fjord , my local utility does have an incentive...up to $500 for a wi-fi enabled unit, and $100 for one that's not. Their list of approved wi-fi units is really long. I'm pretty sure most of the ones on the list are old models and not available to purchase, and they're largely identified by product numbers only (no model names). Going through the list would make my head spin. If someone has a model to recommend, I'd love to check it out and see if it's on their list, but I'm content with the $100 incentive otherwise.

At the moment, I've come across one charger that seems to fit my situation well, a Grizzl-E Mini. Capable of dishing out as much current as I'm ever likely to need (now or in the future), variable current settings via dip switches, and comes with adapters so I can plug it into my 14-30 outlet, so it's to a large degree intended to fit my specific need. I'm assuming it would be reliable given what I've heard about the company.

I know there are other possible models of EVSE out there that I should consider. What else should be on my short list?

(edit: typo)

 

[cornbinder89]

I agree, that is the way to go.
I have a Primecon adjustable that came with the car when I bought it. One cavate, mine sets a DTC when used with the car's OBC timer. No operational problems, but when you 1st turn the car on in the morning you get a yellow triangle on the dash, that goes away with subsequent "starts" of the Leaf.
My OEM trickle charge cord does not set the yellow triangle.
Just something to keep an eye out for when buying aftermarket EVSE's, not all EVSE's a built alike, even when they are supposed to be built to the same standard.
Grizzl has a good rep on here I believe, so not likely to have a problem.
As long as you are charging a Leaf, I doubt you'd notice the difference in charge times between the 24 amp and 32 amp setting, anyway. May be some other EV that can take advantage of higher input current you'd notice.
Although I have full 50 amp circuit (40 amp continuous) in my garage, I normally charge at either the 10 or 16 amp setting. Of course having a 24 kwh pack means that I can never use as much as you can in a day.

 

[cornbinder89]

P.S. If you get the mini 40, let us know how you like it and how well it works. I read through the manual (available on line as a PDF) and am interested. Might replace my Primecon that set the codes.

 

[marshallinwash]

You can probably get by with just the 120 volt outlet.

I would have, but my local utility chipped in $600 so I got my electrical permit and hardwired a Grizzel-E EVSE to the 30 amp circuit that was already in the garage.

 

[Dooglas]

I have a '19 SL+. I use a Clipper Creek EVSE plugged into a 30A outlet in my garage which was repurposed from a previous 30A circuit for a hot tub. I have had this charger in use for over 10 years with good service and no issues. I find this set up completely satisfactory for home charging of my 62kwh LEAF. Now, I'll admit a 50A circuit and a larger capacity EVSE might better serve your future needs if you up graded to a different EV which was capable of higher capacity charging - but you really don't need to invest in a higher capacity system to meet your current needs.

 

[marshallinwash]

I have a '19 SL+. I use a Clipper Creek EVSE plugged into a 30A outlet in my garage which was repurposed from a previous 30A circuit for a hot tub. I have had this charger in use for over 10 years with good service and no issues. I find this set up completely satisfactory for home charging of my 62kwh LEAF. Now, I'll admit a 50A circuit and a larger capacity EVSE might better serve your future needs if you up graded to a different EV which was capable of higher capacity charging - but you really don't need to invest in a higher capacity system to meet your current needs.

I wouldn't spend the money on a 50 amp circuit., since the future needs may include bidirectional charging at 80 amps or more. Plus, a circuit upgrade may come with a purchase of new EV, like what Ford is doing now.

And if they can make a 120 volt outlet work, then I wouldn't even buy an EVSE and install it unless the local utility is going to pay for it.

 

[cornbinder89]

Look at it this way:
120 volts x ~12 amps = ~1.4 kw x 10 hours (overnight) means that a 120 volt EVSE is only good for about 14kwh. If you can live with that, and that is a best situation, not allowing for any inefficiencies.
Thats around 50 miles.
If that works for you then I would stick with the 120 volt cord.
It doesn't allow for an unplanned 2nd trip or a power outage.
Given that the O/P opted for a Leaf plus and not a 24kwh battery pack Leaf, it would seam range is a major factor.
You can skew those numbers by charging whenever and all the time the car is home, but that effects the rate if you get off peak rates.
I could live without a level 2 but I also have cranked mine up to max the car can take to do a double trip in one day.
If I had the Grizzl mini, I would use the software in the EVSE, to limit the kwh supplied to the battery and leave the max current at the max. I would just set it to replace what I use everyday (around 7 kwh), and use the "override" function if I needed to make a 2nd trip in the day.

 

[Wrench7747]

I doubt you'd notice the difference in charge times between the 24 amp and 32 amp setting, anyway. May be some other EV that can take advantage of higher input current you'd notice.

Agreed; the Leaf can't do 32 amps. Its charger maxes out at 6.6kw, so the most it would pull on a 32A setting would be 27A at 240V.

Not a huge value increase from 24 to 27.

 

[Dooglas]

As cornbinder89 observes, limiting the home charging capability of a '19 LEAF SV+ to L1 (120V) basically defeats the purpose and utility of the 62kwh battery pack. It makes sense to use an EVSE which takes advantage of the 30A circuit already available per the OP. And I know of no basis to conclude that restricting charging to L1 (120V) significantly extends the life of a healthy generation 2 chemistry battery pack.

 

[marshallinwash]

As cornbinder89 observes, limiting the home charging capability of a '19 LEAF SV+ to L1 (120V) basically defeats the purpose and utility of the 62kwh battery pack. It makes sense to use an EVSE which takes advantage of the 30A circuit already available per the OP. And I know of no basis to conclude that restricting charging to L1 (120V) significantly extends the life of a healthy generation 2 chemistry battery pack.

I didn't buy my Leaf plus to be a road tripper. I bought the extra battery capacity just in case the traction battery lost it's too much of it's capacity over the next ten years.

 

[cornbinder89]

But you are not the original poster to this thread!