Add 2019 Volt Fast Charge mode to Older Volts
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Considering exactly zero folks have posted success in dropping the 3.6kW OBCM > 3.3kW OBCM from Gen2 into the Gen1, I predict an equal number of people will have similar success in the future 7.2kW > 3.6kW retrofit into previous generation(s) of the Volt...
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I don't think the 3.6KW Gen 2 charger physically fits in the Gen 1, which would be the first impediment to the faster charging. Also the time difference from 3.3 to 3.6 simply won't be that much given the Volt's battery size.
On the other hand, I would be very surprise of the 2019 7.2KW charger isn't a perfect fit for the 2016-2018 Volt, especially since the 2019 also has the 3.6KW charger. Halving the charge time would make a difference, especially for those who pay by the hour vs. KW to charge. I suspect it won't be as simple as just dropping in the faster charger however, since the computers will have to be updated to reflect the faster charger.
The wiring from the charging port to the on-board charger and from the charger to the battery pack would need to be up sized to handle the increased amperage. The coolant flow rate to the on-board charger might have to be increased to provide additional cooling capacity. Updating the Volt's software is probably the biggest hurdle.
The wiring from the charge port to the on-board charger isn't hard to replace as well if you're going to swap the on-board charger itself. Coolant flow, thats a none issue, the computer monitors temp, if it exceeds a certain value it runs the thermal management system. So if charging at a faster rate increases temps then the on-board system will just run more often on its own. The biggest hurdle I believe is going to be software. If the charge rate is limited by software in another module besides the charger then it may present an issue.
Totally different, as previously stated physical dimensions were different and 3.3 to 3.6 is not worth the money but for shear convenience 7.2 is way better than 3.6. Countless times I could've made my trips on all electric if the charge rates were higher.
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The 7.2kw charging on the 2019 LT is a $750 option. Imagine what it would cost to buy the needed parts over the counter?
When GM installs it at the factory, the 3.6kw unit stays on the shelf. Done as a retrofit you end up having purchased both units, and it's doubtful the 3.6kw unit pulled out will have much resale value.
Taking that into account, what would the payback time be for using less gas and more electricity?
It would be great to have and I wish we could have waited a year to get our Volt. As a retrofit it does not make much sense to me.
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When GM installs it at the factory, the 3.6kw unit stays on the shelf. Done as a retrofit you end up having purchased both units, and it's doubtful the 3.6kw unit pulled out will have much resale value.
Taking that into account, what would the payback time be for using less gas and more electricity?
It would be great to have and I wish we could have waited a year to get our Volt. As a retrofit it does not make much sense to me.
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Unless gas goes to $10/gallon, I'm guessing the payback would be measured in millions of miles...
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But a French Volt dealer in Quebec has installed a DC QC into newer volts using Spark EV parts
Nothing is impossible (well, almost nothing). But cost and practicality have to be a factor. Would you pay $20K for this upgrade? Obviously not since you'd just buy a new Volt. Heck, what about upgrading the battery? Why not retrofit a Volt with higher energy density batteries as they come available? Not completely impossible, but cost and practicality would negate any possibility.
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Is this higher charging rate verified/confirmed working on this Volt and is it still on the road or just a one-off experiment?
Link would be helpful...
The CODA’s battery also charges faster than its competitors primarily due to an on-board 6.6 kW/240 VAC charger. By comparison, the Leaf and Volt both have 3.3 kW chargers.
The CODA's on-board charge consists of two 3.3 kW 240VAC chargers. Double the competition.
https://acarisnotarefrigerator.com/2011/11/05/goodbye-gas-stations-hello-coda/
If cost/time wasn't a factor, someone here would have posted already how they reverse-engineered their old out-of-warranty Gen1 with a pair of Lear 3.3kW High Voltage Chargers in parallel for 6.6kW charging capacity total like the now-failed CODA Automotive tried back in the day!
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If one wanted to utilize 7.2kw charging at home too, then that can of course introduce more additional costs.
In our case it would mean running new wiring 85' from our house to the garage as well as buying a new charge station. Not to mention how a 40 amp circuit just for the charge station may tax our 100 amp service.
I'm not even sure if it would pay off if one is on a budget and buying an LT. Paying $750 extra is pretty stiff. I'm sure it might in some cases though. The LT even without the 7.2kw is up by $300, but it does have some improvements standard.
It makes much more sense on the Premier where the 7.2kw is standard. The Premier is up by $550 but you get the power driver's seat and the other improvements too.
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In our case it would mean running new wiring 85' from our house to the garage as well as buying a new charge station. Not to mention how a 40 amp circuit just for the charge station may tax our 100 amp service.
I'm not even sure if it would pay off if one is on a budget and buying an LT. Paying $750 extra is pretty stiff. I'm sure it might in some cases though. The LT even without the 7.2kw is up by $300, but it does have some improvements standard.
It makes much more sense on the Premier where the 7.2kw is standard. The Premier is up by $550 but you get the power driver's seat and the other improvements too.
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Battery Charger - GM (24285717)
FWIW: Bolt's 7.2kW onboard battery charger currently list at @$700USD at the random part link above so I would expect the Volt's 7.2kW OBCM should be in that ballpark when avail...
FWIW: Bolt's 7.2kW onboard battery charger currently list at @$700USD at the random part link above so I would expect the Volt's 7.2kW OBCM should be in that ballpark when avail...
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That's not too bad if that's all that is needed for a retrofit into a 2018 or earlier Volt that never came with a 7.2 kw charger in the first place. I'm guessing that may not be the case though.
Even if it were that simple, I can say there is no way I would recoup the 700 bucks.
Someone will try it though and it will be interesting to see what it entails.
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The existing Volt charger is like a grand to start with. I can't imaging that the new one will be cheaper.
My wifes company has EV charging as a perk. However they only allow each car a two hour time slice. It is enough to cover one way of her commute. If the Volt had 7.2kW charging, she could literally only charge it at work and not even bother to charge it at home. Except on weekends, of course.
Unfortunately her next work gig will start soon with a 58-68 mile daily round trip. Not sure if there will be any EV charging yet. So she'll probably start using a bit of gas every day. So much for our voltstats...
Unfortunately her next work gig will start soon with a 58-68 mile daily round trip. Not sure if there will be any EV charging yet. So she'll probably start using a bit of gas every day. So much for our voltstats...
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