Portable Charge Cable for 2018 LEAF?

[EVDRIVER]

I have been trying to get ACCURATE info on the supplied Level 1/2 cable that is standard issue on 2018 Leaf’s as will be sold in Canada. I understand it is optional in the USA.

I had to go through multiple layers and transfers in Nissan’s Help system. It is very frustrating when you know more about their product than the Sales people or the help lines. Sorry for the rant.

Here is what I found out so far. The plug as supplied by Nissan is. 14-50P. When I asked for the charging rate I was told 40 amps. I believe however this is actually the breaker rating not the EVSE output. This is great news for me as it saves about $1000 Cnd on the purchase of an EVSE for my garage. Still have to install the 14-50R on the wall, but was going to that anyway.

I wish there was more info on this, like how it works with the onboard charging timers, if there are any Smarts that work with the car or Nissan Connect etc.

I only have about 6 weeks till my car arrives, hopefully more will be known about this by then. Reporters need to talk about these features of the car rather than moan and moan about not beating the Bolts range.
More ranting, sorry again.

Bob

There is no difference in the way it works other than the amp rating and the adapter, it's the same as all the other cables.

[MikeD]

EVDRIVER: I don't understand your last response, could you please elaborate somewhat more, please?

[EVDRIVER]

The cable has no impact on times and no special intelligence. It is the same design with a new adapter and heavier wire for a higher map rating, that's it.

[MikeD]

EVDRIVER:
1) Where are you getting your info about the 2018 portable EVSE and how complete/accurate is it?
2) When you write "it's the same as all the other cables", do you mean just all the other previous Nissan Leaf portable EVSEs?

I agree with rparry51 that there needs to be much more detailed info about this EVSE to help new Leaf buyers decide whether it is sufficient for every day use or not. Many existing Leaf owners may also want to consider buying this EVSE, so its approximate cost would be of interest as well.

[MikeD]

rparry51: The NEC allows a 14-50 receptacle to be wired (most commonly) with 6-3 NM cable w/ 50a double breaker for up to 40a continuous load/50a non-continuous load or with 8-3 NM cable w/40a double breaker for up to 32a continuous load/40a non-continuous load (assuming no special conditions requiring thicker wire).

Because the only (near?) certainty when looking at a 14-50 receptacle is that it is good only for the above latter load is why I think that ANY Nissan portable EVSE with a 14-50 plug will allow only a maximum changing rate of 32a. (If the EVSE has been modified, you may no longer have that assurance).

So I agree with your assessment that "40a" only referred to the circuit capacity/breaker rating. Although a recent (non-Nissan) report suggests the 2019 Leaf may have options for its on-board charger to charge up to 11 kW (and maybe even 22 kW), the Nissan advertising for the 2018 Leaf of 22 miles additional range per hour of charging suggests the on-board charging rate has not changed from the 2017 Leaf.

[fooljoe]

Does all trim levels of the car come with one Portable charge cable? The Portable charge cable option is just an extra cable? I mean, it wouldn't make sense to sell a rechargeable car with no charge cable. Maybe the Portable charge cable option is not necessary? I mean, you could just bring the one charge cable that is included with the car everywhere with you so you don't really need an extra Portable charge cable?

Since it doesn't look like anybody's directly answered the question yet:

All trims include a standard 120V charge cable that will allow charging from a normal outlet.

Included with the SL trim and with various options in other trims is a 120V/240V charge cable that can charge from both normal outlets and 240V outlets (like dryer outlets) as long as you have the right plug adapter.

Details on what adapters are included, what adjustability is available, and the operating amperage(s) are not forthcoming from the Nissan site.

[webeleafowners]

Does the new Leaf still charge at only 6.6Kw.

Have there been any rumours on what rate the charger in the 2019 will charge at.

Obviously referring to on board charger for both questions above.

[EVDRIVER]

Does all trim levels of the car come with one Portable charge cable? The Portable charge cable option is just an extra cable? I mean, it wouldn't make sense to sell a rechargeable car with no charge cable. Maybe the Portable charge cable option is not necessary? I mean, you could just bring the one charge cable that is included with the car everywhere with you so you don't really need an extra Portable charge cable?

Since it doesn't look like anybody's directly answered the question yet:

All trims include a standard 120V charge cable that will allow charging from a normal outlet.

Included with the SL trim and with various options in other trims is a 120V/240V charge cable that can charge from both normal outlets and 240V outlets (like dryer outlets) as long as you have the right plug adapter.

Details on what adapters are included, what adjustability is available, and the operating amperage(s) are not forthcoming from the Nissan site.

Do you have a link that references different adapters other than a 14-50 and 120V? I have not seen any other reference to other adapters for dryers, etc.

[Evoforce]

Let me start off by saying, everyone gave good technical advice. I think fooljoe has the right approach. Sometimes people can become overwhelmed by technical knowledge and jargon. An early adopter/enthusiast usually will dig in to absorb as much as they can about EV's.

We are starting to enter a time where these cars are starting to appeal to mainstream buyers. These buyers are less likely to care or think about the tech. They are mostly interested in just using the car.

Sure they have to learn the basics of how to fuel and where to find charge stations, but mostly want it to look good while being cheaply and easily transported where they want to go.

We don't want to overwhelm these buyers/potential buyers. We may have to be a little easier on them and simplify as much as possible. They are not going to care why it works, just that it does work and fits their needs.

To round out my thoughts, I'm just glad that they are not dumping gas down a hole!

[LeaferSutherland]

Does the new Leaf still charge at only 6.6Kw.

Have there been any rumours on what rate the charger in the 2019 will charge at.

Obviously referring to on board charger for both questions above.

I didn’t see this answered so just to be clear, yes, charge rate is 6.6Kw with 240 volt supply. I’m using the 8/3 wire and 40 amp breaker. 6-7 hours to full charge from empty from what I’ve read- have not done that yet though.