Newbie question about chargers

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evboy

Well-known member
Joined
Feb 7, 2013
Messages
95
Location
Las Vegas
Need help guys. I plan on buying a Leaf in Cali and shipping it to Vegas. I plan on doing most of my charging for free at the casinos. When desperate, I can charge it from a 110 socket in my apartment, and leave the car outside the apt.My question is this, does the level 2 charger already have the wire on the station and i just plug it into the infrastructure built into the car when new, or do i have to buy a level 2 charger to bring with me to the casino and then plug it in to the one at the casino. can you guys clarify.
 
^^^
First off, please get EVSEs vs. "chargers" straight. See http://www.mynissanleaf.com/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=14728&p=332668#p332668" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;.

Generally, intended for public use L2 EVSEs (charging stations) are J1772 and thus you just plug that connector straight into your car. If you see only NEMA 5-15 or 5-20 outlets (http://evseupgrade.com/images/categories/outlet-types.png" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;)then you need to plug in your own 120 volt L1 EVSE. That's what comes w/the car. It looks like http://www.pluginamerica.org/accessories/nissan-level-1-cordset" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;. The '13+ Leaf L1 EVSE is smaller and has a different handle design but the basic premise is the same.

Can you give some example locations on http://www.plugshare.com" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; of charging for free at casinos?

If you leave your L1 EVSE outside and it get stolen, it's usually ~$600 to $1000 to replace. The PCS-15 at http://www.clippercreek.com/store/product-category/all-products/on-the-road/page/2/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; would be a suitable replacement at $500. You could take measures to somewhat secure EVSEs (e.g. padlock thru the trigger hole, if it has one and charging lock on '13+ Leafs). But, the charging lock latch on '13+ Leafs looks like it's nylon or plastic, so it can be broken w/enough force. Or, the wires could simply be cut.

If casinos provide 208/240 volt outlets like that of dryers or RV parks and NOT an L2 EVSE w/J1772 handle, then yes, you'd need to bring a proper portable 208/240 volt capable EVSE. Again, best to provide Plugshare links.

Examples of L2 EVSEs at https://www.chargepoint.com/guides" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;. The CT2100 family has a single J1772 handle + a 120 volt (NEMA 5-20) outlet under its metal door.

Again, as we pointed out to you before, you will have horrible battery degradation in Vegas due to the crazy high temps in summer. Hope your driving needs on a charge are modest.
 
^^^
Well, there are also DC fast chargers, which in the US could be CHAdeMO, J1772 CCS (aka SAE Combo aka Frankenplug) or Tesla Supercharger... In those cases, the charger isn't on-board the car.

Many more examples of L2 EVSEs can be found at http://www.pluginamerica.org/accessory-tracker?type=Charge+Station%2C+SAE+J-1772&level=2&nrtl=All" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;.
 
The closest casino to my apartment is the Venetian which is zipcode 89109. the other casinos near there that have level 2 are mgm, NyNY, luxor, mandalay bay, bellagio and a few others. I really want a electric car, so i did the math and if i pay 13k for a 2011, i would save 1k in gas a year. in 3 years that brings the cost down to 10k. If i can sell it for 9k, i t only cost me 1k to drive it for 3 years. The question is what if its worth 4k in 3 years. Thats the million dollar question you guys can help me figure out. as long as you dont buy new, which is financial suicide, it could be a good deal.btw, there are no level 3 stations in vegas which is a bummer.
 
If the casino lists EV charging then they will have a cable that connects direct to your car.
Nothing else is needed.

Although you may need an access card to activate the EVSE. Contact the casino for details.
 
There are issues with relying on public charging as a primary source.

  • The EVSE's are sometimes ICED. I don't know what NV law is like in regards to a non-EV blocking an EVSE.
  • The EVSE's may all be in use when you get there. This is most likely to happen at free charging stations, but has also happened at paid ones.
  • EVSE's may be broken when you most need it.

If you want an EV, and don't have access to workplace charging, then plan on charging at home. If you live in an apartment, or you will be using an HOA-paid electricity source, make sure you check to see if it's OK to plug in. There is a recent thread by another member about being scolded by an HOA board member for plugging into one of their sockets, and that person has no alternative but to use public charging stations until they can move elsewhere.
 
^^^
Yep on all of the above. And, the EVSEs may not remain working or free or reasonably priced.

Check http://www.plugshare.com/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; for an idea of reliability. One can at least look up pricing on http://www.chargepoint.com/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; network EVSEs on their site or using their smartphone app.

It is interesting that there appears to be a fair amount of charging available on The Strip. I looked at a few, but http://api.plugshare.com/view/location/16738" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; stands as as unusual. Looks like they only have NEMA 14-50 outlets, so you'd need to bring your own compatible EVSE to use w/that (probably 208/240 volts).

OP, I don't believe you've answered what I probably asked before.

What are your daily driving needs in terms of miles? How much city vs. highway? Will you have the ability to charge at your work/destinations?
 
I think it is very unlikely your 2011 Leaf will be worth $9,000 after 3 years in Las Vegas. If you really want a Leaf (and make sure that is what you want, considering some of the concerns posted above), it may be worth leasing a brand new one for 3 years. It will cost you about $7,500, not $1,000, but that is definitely what it will cost you. The used one could actually wind up costing you more, and be less satisfying to own and drive.
 
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