[life_o_reily]

I just bought a 2013 Volt and am having a tough time figuring out what EVSE I have here. I would like to use this for 120 and 240 charging, and the orange button seems to be a selector for one or the other. Is it possible that I just need an adapter pigtail to plug this into 240 like the new EVSE units? -Mike

 

[2VoltFamily]

This one cannot be modified at all to a L2 EVSE. (I suppose if you completely remove the internals but then you may as well buy one.)

 

[Chris TX]

I just bought a 2013 Volt and am having a tough time figuring out what EVSE I have here. I would like to use this for 120 and 240 charging, and the orange button seems to be a selector for one or the other. Is it possible that I just need an adapter pigtail to plug this into 240 like the new EVSE units? -Mike

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I sent this information in response to your PM, but it would be good for other people to know what their options are:

That is an EVSE from a 2011-12 Volt and I have done conversions on those. Unfortunately, I am not publishing the details for the conversion because there are 2-3 steps that people could omit and create a hazardous situation. I can tell you now, that if your EVSE has seen normal use, there are several internal components that need to be replaced and are on the verge of failing. Every one of those orange button EVSEs I've seen have these failed internal components.

If you're interested in the conversion, let me know. Once it's converted, you can use the same Level 2 adapters that the Gen2 EVSEs use.

 

[wizard_of-ahs]

I use this one: http://www.evadviser.com
I got the combo one with the 110 pigtail

 

[life_o_reily]

I sent this information in response to your PM, but it would be good for other people to know what their options are:

That is an EVSE from a 2011-12 Volt and I have done conversions on those. Unfortunately, I am not publishing the details for the conversion because there are 2-3 steps that people could omit and create a hazardous situation. I can tell you now, that if your EVSE has seen normal use, there are several internal components that need to be replaced and are on the verge of failing. Every one of those orange button EVSEs I've seen have these failed internal components.

If you're interested in the conversion, let me know. Once it's converted, you can use the same Level 2 adapters that the Gen2 EVSEs use.

Chris,
Thanks for the PMs and this. Sounds like I got an early EVSE with my '13 . Anyway, I might be interested in your service depending on the cost and turnaround time. Let me know by post or PM. What exactly is the orange button for? - it's not in my owners info or anywhere I can find online.

-Mike
2013 Volt and selected gas guzzlers

 

[life_o_reily]

Chris,
Looks like your PM box is full, so I am posting to the thread.

Your upgrade service for my orange button charger seems quite reasonable. I have a small TIG welder that uses a 6-20 connector, which should work for this application, right? I have a few of these plugs laying around, so I could probably make my own adapter pigtail, unless you don't think that's a good idea. I wanted to confirm that the upgrade you do eliminates the weak components that you alluded to being prone to failure in this particular model. Once I send this to you, what is a normal turn-around time?
Thanks,
Mike

 

[Loboc]

Rather than modifying this older EVSE, it might be smarter to buy a used 2016/2017 Volt EVSE that needs no internal modification.

Are we sure this is a 2013 and not a 2012 Volt? Seems strange that it would have a 2011/2012 EVSE.

 

[Barry]

I think the orange button is for changing the EVSE between 8 amps and 12 amps. But your 2013 Volt has the setting for that within the car, accessed through the center console. The 2013 is not intended to be used with an EVSE that has that button. I'm not sure how those would work together. Probably have to have both the EVSE and the car set to 12 to get 12 amp charging.

 

[life_o_reily]

Yeah, I think I got gypped by the seller (a local BMW dealer). Maybe the car got turned in with no charger and they found the cheapest one that would work and through it in the trunk. The 2016 charger is definitely an option.
Thanks, I am learning fast!

 

[Chris TX]

Chris,
Looks like your PM box is full, so I am posting to the thread.

Your upgrade service for my orange button charger seems quite reasonable. I have a small TIG welder that uses a 6-20 connector, which should work for this application, right? I have a few of these plugs laying around, so I could probably make my own adapter pigtail, unless you don't think that's a good idea. I wanted to confirm that the upgrade you do eliminates the weak components that you alluded to being prone to failure in this particular model. Once I send this to you, what is a normal turn-around time?
Thanks,
Mike

Inbox is cleared out. Yes, that 6-20 would safely work with the converted orange button EVSE. You would need an adapter, like you said. Once it's converted, it will work just like the late 2014-15 Lear units that can use the Level 2 adapters. You'll just have the option to push the button which changes the pilot signal to the car, telling it its maximum amp draw is 8A or 12A, regardless of the voltage. Once the 2013 Volt sees the Level 2 voltage, you won't have to tell it to do 12 amps in the menu. It will always try to use the higher amps available.