Bolt No ICE

[woodgeek]

Do they then not have outlets for electric? That may be a dumb question, but it is our owning a gas dryer that causes us to have the unused electric outlet. I suppose it depends whether the electrician gave them an option, but I would think the wiring would be there. (Electrical wiring is so not my thing. Please don’t laugh at me.)

You're brilliant. I never even checked.

 

[spirilis]

I have one of those 20ft J1772 40 amp extension cables... they are god-awful expensive but useful in more scenarios and should dissipate less heat due to the thicker wiring. Luckily I already did the 14-50 outlet and JuiceBox 40A but I also discovered an easter egg, the 2017 Ford 120V convenience cords can work off 240V, so I have a few 240V adapters with a 5-15 socket (mostly for the C-Max energi).

 

[woodgeek]

Didn't mean to rain on Jim's parade...I think he will love his Bolt.

Despite my seat rant, it really hasn't been a big deal at all. That said, I just did the DIY padding upgrade to both front seats....took about an hour taking my time...

To view this content we will need your consent to set third party cookies.
For more detailed information, see our cookies page.

Accept third party cookies

I added high-density green foam from Joann's fabrics, two 1" thick pieces...cut such that I added 1" under the whole seat and 2" under the back half.

Looks like it came from the factory that way, much more comfortable, and doesn't interfere with the seat heater in any way.

 

[begreen]

Someone give that guy a tripod or a camera clamp. I'm nauseous after watching the video .

 

[jebatty]

A gas dryer likely has a 120V outlet to run the motor and fan. Good for 12 to 16 amps depending on the wiring.

 

[DuaeGuttae]

A gas dryer likely has a 120V outlet to run the motor and fan. Good for 12 to 16 amps depending on the wiring.

Yes, our gas dryer is plugged into a 120V outlet for electricity. There is, however, a 240V outlet as well, presumably to accommodate someone who already owns or prefers an electric dryer. Maybe this is the exception rather than the rule, but perhaps Woodgeek’s siblings’ laundry rooms might be equipped for the possibility of an electric dryer even if gas service is available.

 

[DuaeGuttae]

By the way, you fellows prompted me to call the salesman today to inquire about the Level 2 charger. He admitted to having forgotten completely about it and will call back. Let’s hope he doesn’t forget again.

 

[TonyVideo]

By the way, you fellows prompted me to call the salesman today to inquire about the Level 2 charger. He admitted to having forgotten completely about it and will call back. Let’s hope he doesn’t forget again.

Bet he didn't forget. He was hoping you did.

Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk

 

[jebatty]

... prompted me to call the salesman today to inquire about the Level 2 charger.

The Level 2 charger is an add-on for the Bolt. The 120V charger is built into the car.

Deep Portage just bought a Bolt LT, well equipped, 2 weeks ago. DP has been using the 120V charger so far while it awaits delivery of its Level 2 charger. Yesterday the DP Bolt took a 122 mile trip, dry highways, some gentle hills but mostly fairly level, outside temps between -5F and +16F, interior temp set at 62F, steering wheel heat "on," and the Bolt used 42.2 kWh = 2.9 miles/kWh. Highway speed was kept at 55-60 mph. Effective winter range of 174 miles, 74% of 238 miles rated.

 

[woodgeek]

By the way, you fellows prompted me to call the salesman today to inquire about the Level 2 charger. He admitted to having forgotten completely about it and will call back. Let’s hope he doesn’t forget again.

This sounds a little suspicious. For many people, 'L2' would mean an EVSE that can power the EV at its max rate of charge. For the 2017 LEAF, that is 6.6 kW, and 28A at 240V. EVSEs this powerful are typically >$600 MSRP (new), not including installation, which can be $500 more. So it seems he promised you a $500-$1000 item on a used car purchase...and then 'forgot' about it.

While you should certainly push him to keep his promise, if it becomes clear that it will not happen you have other options...

My neighbor got a very nice 40A unit (which only uses 28A for his 2016 LEAF) for a steal on EBay (like $200 used, rather than $700 MSRP), by watching for a couple months. And using the stock L1 in the meantime. He is one of those 'get a good deal' types of people.

I got a 16A 240V 'Duosida' EVSE from EBay for $175. It will charge your LEAF from empty to full in 8 hours, in other words, overnight. So you will be 'full' every morning. I got one of these and tested it extensively, and had no trouble with it. If you don't like EBay, the same thing is on amazon for $230.

For example:
(broken link removed to https://www.ebay.com/itm/EVSE-Electric-Car-Charger-Level-2-220-240-Volt-16-Amp-NEMA-14-50-Plug-25ft-Cord/162836264200?hash=item25e9cc3508:g:sZYAAOSwmuVaTsAa&vxp=mtr)

 

[DuaeGuttae]

Bet he didn't forget. He was hoping you did.

Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk

He’s a young and pretty inexperienced guy. I’m not sure he’s learned used car salesman tricks yet. I could be wrong, but the dealership did put it in writing for us.

 

[DuaeGuttae]

The Level 2 charger is an add-on for the Bolt. The 120V charger is built into the car.

Deep Portage just bought a Bolt LT, well equipped, 2 weeks ago. DP has been using the 120V charger so far while it awaits delivery of its Level 2 charger. Yesterday the DP Bolt took a 122 mile trip, dry highways, some gentle hills but mostly fairly level, outside temps between -5F and +16F, interior temp set at 62F, steering wheel heat "on," and the Bolt used 42.2 kWh = 2.9 miles/kWh. Highway speed was kept at 55-60 mph. Effective winter range of 174 miles, 74% of 238 miles rated.

I just had to do a quick google search to figure out what “Deep Portage” is. I haven’t read anything I found, but it looks very interesting.

 

[jebatty]

Lots of charger choices. For the Bolt I got a Bosch Power Max 2 Electric Car Charger 40 Amp 25' Cord Plug-in NEMA 6-50P for $864, list price at $1080. Buying it from the dealer with the car resulted in the new car warranty also covering the accessory. The dealer matched the lower price advertised by an internet seller. The plug-in was important because my shop (heated) already has a 6-50R which I use with the MIG welder. I could use a 50A circuit in the garage, but that will not be easy or cheap.

For travel purposes I have ordered from Amazon the Maxx-16 (220-240V) with nema 6-20 plug. I already have 6-20R receptacles both in the garage and shop. No new wiring required for this. Maybe just stay with the 16A in the garage and not put in a 50A circuit.

 

[DuaeGuttae]

This sounds a little suspicious. For many people, 'L2' would mean an EVSE that can power the EV at its max rate of charge. For the 2017 LEAF, that is 6.6 kW, and 28A at 240V. EVSEs this powerful are typically >$600 MSRP (new), not including installation, which can be $500 more. So it seems he promised you a $500-$1000 item on a used car purchase...and then 'forgot' about it.

While you should certainly push him to keep his promise, if it becomes clear that it will not happen you have other options...

My neighbor got a very nice 40A unit (which only uses 28A for his 2016 LEAF) for a steal on EBay (like $200 used, rather than $700 MSRP), by watching for a couple months. And using the stock L1 in the meantime. He is one of those 'get a good deal' types of people.

I got a 16A 240V 'Duosida' EVSE from EBay for $175. It will charge your LEAF from empty to full in 8 hours, in other words, overnight. So you will be 'full' every morning. I got one of these and tested it extensively, and had no trouble with it. If you don't like EBay, the same thing is on amazon for $230.

For example:
(broken link removed to https://www.ebay.com/itm/EVSE-Electric-Car-Charger-Level-2-220-240-Volt-16-Amp-NEMA-14-50-Plug-25ft-Cord/162836264200?hash=item25e9cc3508:g:sZYAAOSwmuVaTsAa&vxp=mtr)

Thanks for the information about other options. My husband has been suggesting that if the dealership doesn’t produce the cable for us that they could write a check for us to buy one. We’ll see what happens.

It seems that when the first owner traded in his car, he didn’t include either charging cable but that was part of the deal. We knew the cables were missing when we bought the car. The Chevy dealership loaned us one of their cables which we’ve been using ever since and did sign a written promise for the 6.6 charger. We knew there was some risk, but it was one we were willing to take for the particular car we got. We’d been LEAF shopping for a while.

If it turns out to be a problem for us, I’ll come back here and get wisdom from you experienced folks. In the meantime I’ll keep watching for pictures of jebatty’s new arrival.

 

[woodgeek]

The dryer circuit is likely a 40A circuit (breaker) good for 32A sustained current. If so, she could try to pick up a 32A-ish EVSE if the cost difference (a few hundred $) was not a big deal.

Hey DG, how big is the circuit breaker on that dryer circuit?

Edit: 6.6 kW EVSE draws 27.5A, fine if the dryer plug is hooked to a 40A or larger circuit.

 

[jebatty]

Our electric dryer is on a 30A circuit per the manual, spec plate on the dryer rates it at 28A.

 

[spirilis]

Someone gave this EVSE a try and did a review - convenient since it's portable and variable-current, up to 32A:
(broken link removed to https://evseadapters.com/collections/ev-chargers-and-evses/products/16-30a-adjustable-120-240v-charger-evse)

Review:

To view this content we will need your consent to set third party cookies.
For more detailed information, see our cookies page.

Accept third party cookies

 

[jebatty]

Made a parking space for the Bolt in my heated shop. Did not want salt and water on the shop floor, and hopefully this tarp will prevent that from happening. Will need to mop up periodically. The Bolt is a little less than 14' long and 6' wide. The shop has 240V-200A service, lots of power for any charger.

 

[Where2]

If anyone's 240V charging setup needs a 4-wire extension cord, HFT has a 25' 10AWG cable with L14-30 ends, it's $40 before coupons. Search term: Generator Cord. I use them for their intended purpose. I'm fortunate, electrical wiring doesn't scare me, and I already debated dropping a 50A circuit near the driveway at both homes.

 

[Highbeam]

Made a parking space for the Bolt in my heated shop. Did not want salt and water on the shop floor, and hopefully this tarp will prevent that from happening. Will need to mop up periodically. The Bolt is a little less than 14' long and 6' wide. The shop has 240V-200A service, lots of power for any charger.

View attachment 222840

I would be worried about damage from things being trapped under the tarp. Salt water trapped down there.

 

[begreen]

So glad we don't have to deal with road salt.

 

[DuaeGuttae]

Made a parking space for the Bolt in my heated shop. Did not want salt and water on the shop floor, and hopefully this tarp will prevent that from happening. Will need to mop up periodically. The Bolt is a little less than 14' long and 6' wide. The shop has 240V-200A service, lots of power for any charger.

View attachment 222840

It’s a nice parking spot, but where is the picture of the car? It’s sort of like those stove install pictures where there’s no fire burning.

 

[DuaeGuttae]

The dryer circuit is likely a 40A circuit (breaker) good for 32A sustained current. If so, she could try to pick up a 32A-ish EVSE if the cost difference (a few hundred $) was not a big deal.

Hey DG, how big is the circuit breaker on that dryer circuit?

Edit: 6.6 kW EVSE draws 27.5A, fine if the dryer plug is hooked to a 40A or larger circuit.

Remember that post earlier where you kindly said I was brilliant. Now you’ll see that you were optimistic about that.

I don’t know what circuit is for the dryer. Nothing in our box is labeled properly, and we need to get it figured out and relabeled. It looked like there were a bunch of 10 Amp circuits in the box, and I’m totally confused by that. (Electricity is really not my thing. I’m rather scared by wiring, so I tend to leave that to my husband and his father. Kind of embarrassing for an EV owner.)

The dryer plug I believe I have correctly identified as a NEMA 14-30, so one would expect a 30 Amp circuit, right? (There’s a lot of electrical stuff around here that isn’t quite what one would expect, though.).

 

[jebatty]

Timing could not have been worse/better.

Worse #1. Driver of the Bolt, driving in really cold MN temps, ran out of juice about 10 miles before reaching my house. Time is about noon. He stopped on the highway at an auto repair shop owned by a friend of mine to plug in the 120V charger furnished with the Bolt. If he hadn't run the heat, fan, and all electrical systems with abandon, he would easily have made it all the way. Trip was about 130 miles, and driver said he left without a full charge. Driver left before I could make it to the auto shop.

Worse #2. I get in my car to meet the driver at the auto repair shop. On the way, about 5 miles from home and driving down the state highway, another driver at an intersection failed to stop at a stop sign and blew into the intersection. Collision with me and my car totaled. Fortunately, neither I nor other driver appear to be injured. Many thanks to safety laws: front airbags deployed and prevented me from slamming into the steering wheel and windshield, and I was wearing, which I always do, the shoulder and lap belt. State HP arrived and investigated. Other driver cited. Picture of my car is below.

Better #1. Wife was home, and she came to pick me up, drove to the auto shop to take a look at "Ruby," our new Bolt. Will pick up Ruby later today after the battery is charged.

Better #2. My car totaled, but now I have a replacement car, the Bolt, and likely no need to get a rental car. Serendipity.

Better #3. I was supposed to meet the Bolt driver and give him a check paying for the Bolt. Since the driver left, I now have the Bolt plus the money! What a deal. Will mail the check today to the dealer. "It's in the mail." That's my story and I'm sticking to it.

Better #4. My wife spotted a private party for sale ad for a 2009 Camry at a nearby town, only 190,000 miles on the Camry. My totaled car was a 2007 Camry just shy of 200,000 miles. We're going to take a look at the 2009 this morning before picking up the Bolt, price looks fair. We need an ICE car to pull our small tear drop camper. Not a job for the Bolt.

Better #5 to Best. In the mail yesterday was the Level 2 - 16A charger. Picture of Ruby the Bolt will be coming later today.

 

[DuaeGuttae]

Wow. So glad everyone is okay, even if the Camry is not. They are great cars for longevity if one can avoid collisions. My mother drives a 1986 version, I believe. (It has low miles for that age because my father retired in the late nineties, and it’s only used intermittently for those many years.)

Nice that Ruby’s driver made it to an established business. Even nicer that the owner is a friend of yours.

We knew when we bought our LEAF that getting it home would be a challenge as the dealership was in a city about 100 miles from our house (and our house is a significant elevation change upwards). We were doing everything we could to maximize the range. I drove instead of my husband since I’m lighter. No heat, no fan, no interstate. (We had nothing like Minnesota cold to deal with; it was in the fifties, but I did have a blanket.). We had planned our trip to be able to use a charging station midway in a little tiny town (Plugshare site). It had 24/7 free charging, and we were able to use it to get enough power to get us home, but our range estimator went completely blank about five miles from our house. I knew there was power there, and I debated parking outside the closed Nissan dealership. I opted to have the car crawl home, knowing I could park on the subdivision streets if I didn’t have enough power, but it was rather nerve-wracking. It sounds like the delivery driver really didn’t know what he was doing in terms of energy usage.