[glasspilot]

I searched the forum and couldn't find this specific question.

If you are charging a Gen 2 with 240 volts, is the amps automatically 12 amps? Or do I still have to choose before I shut down every time?

 

[Steverino]

That's for the L1 120V charging. You do not need to choose the Amps for L2 240V charging.

 

[Norton]

I searched the forum and ....

Did you search the Owner's Manual?
Why take opinions from a bunch of Knuckleheads? I mean EV enthusiasts!

 

[glasspilot]

Thanks Steve! And yes, I'll try to find that in the manual. (I've already read it through once, but I have CRS disease.)

 

[jcanoe]

You don't need to change any settings, the Volt's on-board charger automatically detects when it is connected to a Level II 230V/240V EVSE. The estimated charging time is displayed on the Energy-Charging information screen as the local clock time for completing recharging shown for Charging Station.

The maximum amperage draw for Level II charging is 16 amps at 240VAC for 3.6KW (for the Gen II Volt). I know that when I connect to public charging station (Semaconnect) the Sema charging station typically displays 3.2KW power being supplied to the Volt while charging. I attribute this lower power level to the commercial power source being 230VAC 3-phase power instead of 240VAC residential power.

 

[FourOhFour]

Did you search the Owner's Manual?
Why take opinions from a bunch of Knuckleheads? I mean EV enthusiasts!

Sometimes us knuckleheads know more than the manual. Like the option that turns off the beep when you plug in also turns off the blinking charge port. Manual doesn't know that!

 

[marcusm]

You don't need to change any settings, the Volt's on-board charger automatically detects when it is connected to a Level II 230V/240V EVSE. The estimated charging time is displayed on the Energy-Charging information screen as the local clock time for completing recharging shown for Charging Station.

The maximum amperage draw for Level II charging is 16 amps at 240VAC for 3.6KW (for the Gen II Volt). I know that when I connect to public charging station (Semaconnect) the Sema charging station typically displays 3.2KW power being supplied to the Volt while charging. I attribute this lower power level to the commercial power source being 230VAC 3-phase power instead of 240VAC residential power.

Thanks I wondered why it charges faster at home (240/16 amps) than at a commercial station!


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[OneMatt]

In addition to this, if I am running the included portable EVSE on 240v, does the same happen? Or is there some sort of communication that the car knows I am on the portable EVSE, regardless of voltage, and derates accordingly?

 

[srmarti]

No. It only applies to the 120vac evse. Full current on Gen 2 249vac is closer to 16 amps.

 

[srmarti]

In addition to this, if I am running the included portable EVSE on 240v, does the same happen? Or is there some sort of communication that the car knows I am on the portable EVSE, regardless of voltage, and derates accordingly?

If the EVSE is capable of supplying the rated current, I think that's what you'll be able to get. Of course if the Voltage is lower, the actual power will be less.

 

[marcusm]

Also the oem EVSE I believe draws 12 amps at 240, so it supplies less than max, around 2.6 kw/hr instead of 3.6 which is what you get at 16 amps/240.


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[rkjnsn]

To summarize: the 8 vs 12 selector only applies when charging at 120V. When charging at 208V or 240V (charging stations on 3-phase power supply 208V, not 230V), the car will charge at the available amperage advertised by the EVSE up to the car's maximum of 16A. This includes running the stock portable EVSE at 240V: the car will charge at 12A (the amperage the EVSE advertises) regardless of the 8A/12A setting.

 

[accelerus]

Sometimes us knuckleheads know more than the manual. Like the option that turns off the beep when you plug in also turns off the blinking charge port. Manual doesn't know that!

One option if you don't want the beep but still want the blinking light:

Remove the fuse in the rear block that controls the pedestrian safety signal. The beep when plugging in will go away since I'm assuming its from the same horn/speaker that emits the static/warble sound.

I forget the fuse number (I'm at work) but it's in the rear fuse area under the floor, I used the fuse puller from the front fuse block and stored the spare fuse up there as well so I can put it back to stock in 30 seconds if I ever feel the need.

 

[marcusm]

To summarize: the 8 vs 12 selector only applies when charging at 120V. When charging at 208V or 240V (charging stations on 3-phase power supply 208V, not 230V), the car will charge at the available amperage advertised by the EVSE up to the car's maximum of 16A. This includes running the stock portable EVSE at 240V: the car will charge at 12A (the amperage the EVSE advertises) regardless of the 8A/12A setting.

Correct


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[marcusm]

Example: I bought an aftermarket portable EVSE that is 120/240 dual capable (like our OEM volt portable charger) but the aftermarket one draws 16 rather than 12 amps max. So it provides (at home 240, (thanks for the explanation on the limit of commercial 3 phase power)) in theory a little more (3.8 kw/hr) than the 3.6 max kWh the Volt can draw. As I use a heavy gauge extension cord (12 or 10) I'm not sure it quite gets to the absolute max the car can draw (you lose a little voltage per length of cord with more loss the thinner the gauge) but if not at 3.6, it would be very close to the car's max with this setup.


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