Flyct said:
watchdoc said:
I've read a bunch of threads about portable adjustable EVSE's and I wanted to hear everyones opinion on brands and models they like.
I'm shopping for a portable "swiss army knife" EVSE for my 22 SV+. Models like the Zencar/Megear, Mustart, PrimeCom, and Shell all come to mind.
It would seem to me that the latest crop of 40 amp versions are sort of a waste since the Leaf can only accept 27.5 amps of level 2 charging. The 40 amp models seem much heavier and bulkier. The 32 amp models are cheaper and lighter. Thoughts on 32amp vs latest 40 amp versions?
For my usage, I would like to charge at home via 14-50 outlet (FULL POWAH) , charge by my Champion 3400 watt generator via TT30 outlet (120v @ 24 amps hopefully) if the power goes out or Campground TT30/14-50 outlets when we travel with our RV. Being able to trickle charge at 120v 12amps is important as well.
I like the way you are thinking. The TT-30 from your Champion Generator will be difficult. I’ve never seen an EVSE that could utilize full capacity of the TT-30 120v/30 amp supply. Even the Grizzl-E mini can only output max of 15 amps in 120v mode. https://grizzl-e.com/grizzl-e-mini/
Almost all my portable L1/L2 EVSEs support the same max on 120v as they do on 240v, which on a Leaf generally means 27.5a max. This is one reason it's important to get one that lets you adjust the amperage. I really like my Zencar, ordered directly from the mfg. in China but my one complaint is the limited number of current settings. It has 13a(actually 12a) for a standard 120v outlet, 20a which is actually more like 19a which lets me charge on a proven 20a circuit, albeit monitoring it and generally for less than 2hrs and 30a for a 14-50 outlet or again as the Leaf only draws 27.5a I also use this for short term maximum charge speed on a known good 30a 240v outlet.
My old Juicebox premium EVSE will let me adjust the output in 1a increments but is bulky and very heavy, it has a 14-50 plug, my Zencar has the nicer L14-30 plug so when I need to plug into a 14-50 outlet I use one of the several L14-30 to 14-50 outlet adapters I've made or purchased. I have many outlet adapters for various 120 and 240v plugs, most made, some purchased where I could find them and if they weren't too expensive. I prefer the EVSE to have a L14-30 plug due it its compactness but the 14-50(which is what Tesla originally started using) is more common and really what you should be using if your EVSE draws much over 24a, although the L14-30 plug itself is rated for 30a continuous, it's a 30a breaker that is only rated for 24a continuous.
New Juicebox adjustable EVSEs use your phone and an app to adjust the current, something I'd not really like, my old Premium uses a tiny RF remote that came with it. My Zencar uses an odd concept, you violently shake the EVSE during the first 20? seconds of plugging it in, each shake increments the amperage to the next setting, after 30 it goes back to 13a, it also remembers your last setting. Kind of hokey IMO, I think newer ones uses an RFID card? which might be something to get lost IMO. Personally, I'd prefer a simple waterproof button and the ability to adjust to each amp from say 6a-30a, I've seen some EVSEs that only let you adjust to even amps, guess that might be OK too.
Note for L2 charging I just said 240v but all EVSEs I've seen(other than the OEM Leaf L2 EVSE) also let you charge on a somewhat common commercial power of 208v, actually I've used mine down to around 200v, not sure what the cutoff would be.
Oh and IMO having a good cable, 24' is nice and a quality rubbery type of cable that remains flexible even in sub Zero temps is a must for areas that get get much below freezing.