L2 Charging Issue, 2015 Leaf, Duosida EVSE

[alozzy]

@DeudeMann I've had absolutely no issues with my ZenCar EVSE, which is portable and operates at various preset amperage levels.

With my setup (I created some cables and adapters), I can charge using RV park sources (TT30, 14-50R), dryer outlets (14-30R), standard NEMA 5-15R, NEMA 14-50R outlets. You can order it with a NEMA 6-20 plug if you wish, but obviously you would need to choose an appropriate amperage preset (i.e. 16A).

Cost was very reasonable, direct shipped from China to my house.

http://www.e-zencar.net/product/evse-32a/

Most portable EVSEs are fixed current, I find the ability to adjust the current output (via RFID key) is a very valuable feature that sets this apart from the Duosida like competition.

FYI, it's not UL certified, if that's important to you.

 

[jjeff]

From looking around, the Duosida still appears to be the best (only?) option for a (truly) portable L2 EVSE that will work with a NEMA 6-20 plug. I have to be able to take it with me since my commute is long and I need to charge at work and at home.

Zencar, but sure looks like a Duosida.....
https://www.amazon.com/100-240V-Portable-Electric-Charging-Compatible/dp/B075GJK2S9/ref=sr_1_9?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1519257444&sr=1-9&keywords=level+2+ev+charger
The original portable L2 EVSE, Turbo Cord:
https://www.amazon.com/AeroVironment-TurboCord-Plug-Charger-UL-Listed/dp/B00KZ3201O/ref=sr_1_14?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1519257444&sr=1-14&keywords=level+2+ev+charger
Maxgreen:
https://www.amazon.com/Maxgreen-Electric-100-240V-Compatible-Fusion%EF%BC%886-20P/dp/B07839C685/ref=sr_1_26?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1519257444&sr=1-26&keywords=level+2+ev+charger
Another Duosida clone:
https://www.amazon.com/Maxx-16-Portable-Electric-220V-240V-mounting/dp/B0758GSKBG/ref=sr_1_45?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1519257789&sr=1-45&keywords=level+2+ev+charger
I have one like this, it works great, mine is an Ebusbar but identical to this one:
https://www.amazon.com/Electric-Vehicle-Charger-Charging-Station/dp/B078NH8VDH/ref=sr_1_59?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1519257874&sr=1-59&keywords=level%2B2%2Bev%2Bcharger&th=1

 

[DeudeMann]

I need to take another look at the ZenCar charger. It is actually appealing. I would either have to use adapters and knock down the charge current, or change the outlets on both ends (home and work). I am considering it so thanks for pointing it out.

So, the new unit faulted as well. Same deal... faults at home, never faults at work. Ugh. However I did notice something interesting a few evenings ago. I was outside when a very distant thunderstorm was approaching. During a couple of lightning strikes (very far away, maybe 20 miles) there were some very mild flickers on the power grid, normal thunderstorm stuff. However, right after the strikes, I heard this very strange buzzing noise coming from nearby. It sounded like an electronic cricket. buzz buzz buzz... Turned out it was one of the outside GFCI outlets. I am not an electrician, but I wonder if somehow a faulty GFCI could be creating some kind of induced line noise that would trip the fault condition?

At any rate I have replaced the faulty GFCI and will see if that makes any difference.

 

[SageBrush]

When electric stuff works for a while and then stops I figure over-heating somewhere. I"d re-do the connections at the breaker and in the outlet.

 

[DeudeMann]

About the only thing I have not done at this point is to replace the (dedicated) breaker for that plug. I checked/redid the connections on both ends, no difference.

The GFCI change out made no difference so that was not it either. I charged it all day today and it never faulted once. It seems to be more prevalent in the evenings so I am thinking about other household appliance usage patterns.

 

[duanehaas]

I am having what sounds like the exact same issue except on a 2017 Ford Fusion Energi. I'll be following this to keep track if you fix it or not. Thanks!

 

[PrimeRisk]

I have one question for you about your dedicated plug for your EVSE. Is the plug connected to the main circuit breaker panel or a sub-panel? If it's from the main panel, stop reading here.

If it is a sub-panel, open it up and make sure that neutral is not bridged to ground in the sub-panel, only in the main panel. Also ensure that the sub panel is correctly bonded to an earth ground. These mistakes are made and often overlooked in sub-panel installs as the panels come with the bridge installed by default.

I'm not an electrician or pretending to be one, so if you don't know what you're looking for inside of a breaker panel, then don't. Call an electrician to inspect the sub-panel.

 

[ElectricEddy]

panels come with the bridge installed by default.

Only panels with a main breaker come with the neutral bar bonded to ground. Typically called "the brass screw"