[ravadac]

All,

I'm looking for suggestions on a 240v charger. I have a 50a subpanel out in the garage to feed it *but* I have 2 EVSE's running off of that subpanel. I'd like to be able to charge both my Volt and my Bolt at the same time. My options as I see them are to go with 2 smaller chargers or with 1 large charger and 1 small charger ( limiting the charge output of the larger one ).

My Bolt doesn't really get used that much so I don't mind the slower charge rate, but I'd like to be able to bump it up if my needs change ( without buying a higher amperage charger ).

Any thoughts? Anyone have any suggestions on an EVSE? I was thinking of a Juicebox Pro but I'm game to anything.

 

[v8318cid]

To each their own, but to me it seems somewhat unsafe to have two EVSEs operating on the same circuit. Regardless of that, you may consider a unit that has an adjustable output rating. I use a Siemens VersaCharge (2011 model, 30A) that has an adjustable amperage rate via an internal knob (rheostat?). I cannot say whether others support this, but if you're concerned about limiting amperage draw, make sure any model you research has that option.

 

[NYRob]

I had a wattmeter on my 2014 Volt a few times while it was on my 240V L2 Juicebox EVSE... it maxed out at 13.5amps
I haven't seen my Bolt pull more than 30amps on that same 240v EVSE.

If both were drawing at the same time... it would add up to 44amps or so.
A 50amp sub could handle that if it was designed to handle 50amps continuous duty cycle.

 

[wildgoose]

If both were drawing at the same time... it would add up to 44amps or so.

A 50amp sub could handle that if it was designed to handle 50amps continuous duty cycle.

I advice you not to exceed 40 amps continuous draw from a 50amp breaker. The wires and breakers are rated 50 amp, but supported continuous draw is usually lower to give you a safety buffer, and you probably want that safety buffer.

If you look at clipper creek's EVSE, they usually have a specification for breaker size (ie, 50amps), and continuous draw, ie, 40amps.

The gen1 volt have a 3.3 kW charger, so it draws about 13amps from a 240v circuit.
The gen2 volt have a 3.6 kW charger, slightly larger.
The Bolt have a 7.7 kW charger, so it may draw up to 32amps.

You can get a smaller charger for the Volt, something like the LCS-25/30 (supports 20 and 25 amp continuous) which would be plenty for Volt gen1/gen2/gen3/etc. Get a slightly larger charger for the Bolt (say 40amp continuous), but one that allows you to set the max charge rate manually. So you can charge the bolt at a reduced rate normally (slower rate is better for the battery), and bump it higher if you need to charge it in a hurry. This way you are within the safety buffer, and have the option to go higher rate on the bolt should the need arise.

The OpenEvse charger for example allows you to configure the max charge rate (though I have not personally used it myself). I plan to get this one when I get my 2nd EV eventually.

 

[tibble]

Probably too expensive but Clipper Creek makes one that shares a 40A circuit. ~$1500.....

https://store.clippercreek.com/featured/Share2-HCS-40-Bundle

 

[pickeringvolt]

For some reason I can't make an original post, I keep getting a message something like: "Sorry posting messages is closed at this time". So here's the message I wished to post:

I'm wondering what's happening while on HOLD when I lift my foot off the accelerator pedal or shift to LOW? When on the "NORMAL" or "SPORT" mode the battery charges. But on HOLD there is no indication the battery charges while slowing down. Seems like the Volt's momentum is wasted while "breaking". My question is, "what's happening to this energy?" (I have the 2014 Volt)

 

[BillG]

Here is the perfect solution for your situation (if budget isn't an issue).

Introducing ClipperCreek's Share2™ enabled HCS-40 bundle. Share2™ allows charging station owners to install two 32A, Level 2 charging stations on one 40A circuit. The Share2™ is an inexpensive solution for any location looking for an easy way to double the number of charge points without running additional 240V circuits. The Share2™ enabled HCS-40 will offer full power if one vehicle is requesting a charge and automatically splits the power if a second vehicle requests a charge at the same time. When one of the vehicles completes charging, the other station reverts to full power for the second vehicle.

 

[Sheldon]

50 amp breaker -- so you could buy an LCS20 for the Volt (16 amps) and an LCS30 for the Bolt (24 amps). The LCS30 will be somewhat limited to charging the Bolt at about 20 miles/hour, instead of 26 miles/hour with an HCS40, but the gen2 Volt will charge at its maximum rate of about 12 miles/hour.

 

[2VoltFamily]

You should be able to do it just fine. Keep each EVSE on its own circuit. I did that with a sort of portable sub-panel here: http://gm-volt.com/forum/showthread.php?282593-2-Volts-charge-off-split-circuit

Then buy two of the Duosidas EVSEs (they max out at 16 amps) in the link below which you can get a pair of them for under $300. Your Gen 1 Volt will max out just under 14A and your Bolt will max out at 16A. That will leave you some room for a 120V outlet for something else.

http://gm-volt.com/forum/showthread.php?277065-Thoughts-on-cheap-Level-2-EVSE&p=3882529#post3882529

 

[GSP]

Here is the perfect solution for your situation (if budget isn't an issue).

This is indeed the best option. It has the most flexibility with the OP's current cars, and also is future-proof supporting two cars with 32 Amp chargers, which is likely to be in the OP's garage someday.

GSP

 

[2VoltFamily]

This is indeed the best option. It has the most flexibility with the OP's current cars, and also is future-proof supporting two cars with 32 Amp chargers, which is likely to be in the OP's garage someday.

GSP

"Perfect Solution" and "Best Option" to me would not include $1500 price tag.

 

[good2go]

Before doing anything exotic, it might be worth your while to do a little more investigation and verify what the specs are for the wire feeding that 50A sub-panel. It is entirely possible that you could get lucky and find that a larger gauge was used and it was just "under-breakered" at 50A (i.e. it may support a 60A breaker). An extra 10A of headroom could make all the difference in your case.

.02

 

[EldRick]

Everybody has a hardware recommendation.

Here's a zero-dollar software solution: set the two cars so they are not charging at the same time...

 

[Fourdoor]

All,

I'm looking for suggestions on a 240v charger. I have a 50a subpanel out in the garage to feed it *but* I have 2 EVSE's running off of that subpanel. I'd like to be able to charge both my Volt and my Bolt at the same time. My options as I see them are to go with 2 smaller chargers or with 1 large charger and 1 small charger ( limiting the charge output of the larger one ).

My Bolt doesn't really get used that much so I don't mind the slower charge rate, but I'd like to be able to bump it up if my needs change ( without buying a higher amperage charger ).

Any thoughts? Anyone have any suggestions on an EVSE? I was thinking of a Juicebox Pro but I'm game to anything.

I would get one 32 amp capable aftermarket EVSE, under normal circumstances plug the Volt into the aftermarket EVSE and the car will self limit to 13 amps if gen 1 and 15 amps if gen 2. Take the stock EVSE from with Bolt and use an adapter cable to plug it into 240 volt outlet, it will be limited to 12 amps. Total draw will be 27 amps. If you need faster charging for the Bolt unplug the Volt and plug the Bolt into the 32 amp EVSE.

Keith