Educate me on EV charging cables.

[atikovi]

I bought two EVs today, a Bolt and a Focus, and of course they are missing the charging cables. I see used level 1 cables on Ebay for around $150 like this,

https://www.ebay.com/itm/196263961199?

Are these universal such that they will also plug into the Focus or most any EV?

I also see some level 2 cables like this for twice as much,

https://www.ebay.com/itm/126335283036?

Do they plug into a dryer outlet?

 

[JeffKeryk]

I have 3 different plugs for my Tesla Mobile Charger:

1. NEMA 5-15 110v that delivers 4 mpg
2. NEMA 14-50 240v 4 prong that delivers 29 mpg on our Model 3 (newer dryer outlet)
3. NEMA 10-30 240v 3 prong (older dryer outlet)

Here's the Tesla chart. I hope this helps. I highly suggest you google the home charging for those vehicles. There are numerous configurations.

 

[The Critic]

If you plan to buy/sell more EV's in the future, I recommend having a 50A circuit for a home charger. The 32a NEMA 14-50 chargers are limited in speed for the newer vehicles with large batteries.

 

[atikovi]

I don't have a problem using 110. Even charging a Bolt to full capacity would take no more than 2 days. And if I wanted to use level 2 currently, I'd have to run an extension cord to the laundry room and that would be a pretty heavy and expensive cord first off, and I 'd have to leave a door or maybe a window cracked open for the cord to reach the driveway.

Just for the sake of argument, I have this 10-30 dryer outlet on a 40 amp breaker,

Is there an adapter available for the GM charging cable which has a 14-50 plug?

 

[y_p_w]

I have 3 different plugs for my Tesla Mobile Charger:

1. NEMA 5-15 110v that delivers 4 mpg
2. NEMA 14-50 240v 4 prong that delivers 29 mpg on our Model 3 (newer dryer outlet)
3. NEMA 10-30 240v 3 prong (older dryer outlet)

Here's the Tesla chart. I hope this helps. I highly suggest you google the home charging for those vehicles. There are numerous configurations.

Tesla has the advantage in that they have a modular plug adapter system where each plug type reflects a set current limit based on the requirements for that plug type.

The Tesla Mobile Connector now comes with the 5-15 and 14-50. Others (or replacements) can be pricey.

 

[atikovi]

Are the Tesla cables and adapters only usable on Teslas?

 

[atikovi]

Or is this what I need?

https://www.amazon.com/FALDAA-Charger-Adapter-Charging-Compatible/dp/B0BFCW1P1K/ref=sr_1_10?

 

[y_p_w]

I bought two EVs today, a Bolt and a Focus, and of course they are missing the charging cables. I see used level 1 cables on Ebay for around $150 like this,

https://www.ebay.com/itm/196263961199?

Are these universal such that they will also plug into the Focus or most any EV?

I also see some level 2 cables like this for twice as much,

https://www.ebay.com/itm/126335283036?

Do they plug into a dryer outlet?

Those are J1772, which is designed for Level 1 or Level 2. That’s the primary standard in the US now, but that’s being muddied with Tesla’s North American Charging Standard (NACS) being used by others. A Tesla (or other NACS port) can accept power from J1772 with an adapter.

Level 1 or Level 2 basically just passes on the voltage from grid power to the car, but of course with protection circuitry.

The second one you linked looks like an OEM GM unit. It should come with a 4-prong 14-50 plug, or at least did when new. There are other plug types available, but pricey. As for “dryer plugs”, these generally aren’t meant for frequent plugging/unplugging. Some industrial grade outlets handle frequent use better.

https://www.chevypartspros.com/sku-...MIr-zjhrHMhAMV5QitBh3xXwsSEAQYAyABEgL0u_D_BwE

Level 1 is inherently less efficient than Level 2. DC fast charging is even more efficient but comes at a cost of increased battery wear in addition to losing the convenience of charging at home.

 

[y_p_w]

Are the Tesla cables and adapters only usable on Teslas?

I saw one of their systems that added an adapter duct taped to the Tesla connector. It was at a Hertz airport location.

Tesla does have a new unit they call the Universal Wall Connector. It has a built in adapter that locks on and supposedly will only release to a cradle.

 

[atikovi]

https://www.chevypartspros.com/sku-...MIr-zjhrHMhAMV5QitBh3xXwsSEAQYAyABEgL0u_D_BwE

That says it only fits 2022-23 Bolt. Won't it work with a 2017?

 

[y_p_w]

That says it only fits 2022-23 Bolt. Won't it work with a 2017?

I think that was a specific model from 2023, but it says it’s compatible with pretty much anything that accepts the J1772 connector. Should also work with NACS (Tesla) with the adapter that comes with Teslas.

Compatible with all electric vehicles equipped with an SAE J1772 vehicle connector.​

 

[Kiwi_ME]

Just for the sake of argument, I have this 10-30 dryer outlet on a 40 amp breaker,

I don't live in the US but even I know that receptacle is way out of date! With two EVs presumably in the same garage and a 40 amp circuit, if you own the property I'd suggest getting a hard-wired wall charger installed set to deliver 32 amps.

 

[y_p_w]

I don't live in the US but even I know that receptacle is way out of date! With two EVs presumably in the same garage and a 40 amp circuit, if you own the property I'd suggest getting a hard-wired wall charger installed set to deliver 32 amps.

It's actually not bad using one if it's still in good shape using equipment that's designed for it. If the equipment has a modular plug in 10-30, it should automatically limit the current to what is safe for 10-30.

It's my understanding that new installations can't use 10-30 receptables, but in an existing installation they can be replaced and they're still sold. Heck - I've personally replaced a North American two prong outlet, which is what most of my house has. The outlet was really loose, and my local home improvement store had them. They were also really expensive compared to the almost identical looking 3-prong (5-15) outlets. I could get the same brand and ostensible quality in a 10-pack of 3-prong for US 5.50, but the single 2-prong double outlet was $3.

I have a natural gas dryer connected to power with a North American 5-15 plug. But I previously lived in an older home with a 10-30 cable. When I bought the dryer, the installer had to figure out what cable to install as it didn't come with one and there were options.

 

[Torrid]

It's actually not bad using one if it's still in good shape using equipment that's designed for it. If the equipment has a modular plug in 10-30, it should automatically limit the current to what is safe for 10-30.

It's my understanding that new installations can't use 10-30 receptables, but in an existing installation they can be replaced and they're still sold. Heck - I've personally replaced a North American two prong outlet, which is what most of my house has. The outlet was really loose, and my local home improvement store had them. They were also really expensive compared to the almost identical looking 3-prong (5-15) outlets. I could get the same brand and ostensible quality in a 10-pack of 3-prong for US 5.50, but the single 2-prong double outlet was $3.

I have a natural gas dryer connected to power with a North American 5-15 plug. But I previously lived in an older home with a 10-30 cable. When I bought the dryer, the installer had to figure out what cable to install as it didn't come with one and there were options.

I had a 14-30 plug installed. I would have had to upgrade wiring to my garage to go to a 14-50.