[Matrix21]

Hi guys,

Since i can't find a definitive answer using the search button on this forum, i will try to ask my question in a new thread.

I recently bought an used 2012 Volt Premium a few weeks ago. Since i live in a condo and i can't install a L2 charger (no space), i will have to use our 110v outlet and the L1 portable charger that came with the car.

To secure the charger outside, i'm using a bicycle lock to tie it on the aluminum fence so it can stay upward. However, i'm still not convince i can let it stay outside while it rains/snow.

I found out someone put the charger inside the trunk. I made sure the cables did not pinch, but the cargo light doesn't go off. I'm afraid it will drain the battery out...

There is also the rubbermaid box outside and locking the cable on my fence...

What you guys think about all that ?
Any suggestions ? (no...moving to a house is not an option right now lol)

Thanks.

 

[Murrcar]

You can turn off the interior light. There is a 3 way switch on the overhead consul.

 

[Matrix21]

You can turn off the interior light. There is a 3 way switch on the overhead consul.

Really ? lol
i will check that out tonight.
So if the cargo light is off while the trunk is not fully closed, there won't be any issue ? other than the fact it's not air tight closed...

Thanks again.

 

[2VoltFamily]

Some have used a lockable weather proof box to put it in as you have described.

 

[TSquare]

The interior lights should turn off by itself after 10 minutes of door inactivity.

 

[jbakerjonathan]

The interior lights should turn off by itself after 10 minutes of door inactivity.

This feature has saved my butt more times than I can count. After pulling into my garage which is dark, I turn on the driver's map light and enter my data on my spreadsheet. So many times I forget to turn it off before shutting down the car and opening the door. I get back in the next day and start the car to discover the light coming on!

 

[Mcgsp]

What I do is place the (120v) EVSE that came with the vehicle in the hatch area, plugin and to protect the cord I use stiff foam or rubber piece, (foam pipe insulation would work) piece wrapped on the cords and then close hatch. No issues with cords, as for the hatch light , it will eventually turn off. so no worries there.
I try to keep it simple an for 4.5 years, it works fine. I should add thus far no one has tampered with the setup, except once a tourist unplugging the vehicle thus setting off the alarm.

I have been charging on the street for the last 4.5 years, densely populated urban area. The only concession I give to the elements is when it snows, so before any big snow storm with snow totals over 8" I disconnect all the cords and safely store them. Not because of the snow on the plug but because of the weight on the hatch as I do not wish to take chances on the cord, just a precaution.

 

[Ztirffritz]

I put the charger inside the hatch and ran an extension cord to it. The cord to the charge port and the extension cord are small enough that you can actually close the hatch then the charger is locked inside the car. The weather strip seals around the cords