[vinnydabody]

Howdy all,

Finally joined the ranks of Bolt owners. Purchased a "new" 2020 LT that the dealer had used as a courtesy vehicle. Only 5k miles on it, perfect for my usual mission of in-town short hops. This is replacing my 2004 Prius with 95k miles that will likely go to my almost 16-yo once he starts driving.

Had a minor panic attack when I got home and the L1 charging cable wouldn't work in the garage outlet I plugged into (it's probably not properly grounded, the house was built in the early 1950s). But the outlet on the other side of the garage gave a green light on the charger and I'm charging at 8A.

Now to settle in for some manual reading.

 

[ARob]

Howdy all,

Finally joined the ranks of Bolt owners. Purchased a "new" 2020 LT that the dealer had used as a courtesy vehicle. Only 5k miles on it, perfect for my usual mission of in-town short hops. This is replacing my 2004 Prius with 95k miles that will likely go to my almost 16-yo once he starts driving.

Had a minor panic attack when I got home and the L1 charging cable wouldn't work in the garage outlet I plugged into (it's probably not properly grounded, the house was built in the early 1950s). But the outlet on the other side of the garage gave a green light on the charger and I'm charging at 8A.

Now to settle in for some manual reading.

If the outlet is on a circuit that is not using anything else, or little else, you may be able to toggle it to 12A on the energy screen and charge a bit faster.

Welcome, and congrats on the new to you ride!

 

[vinnydabody]

If the outlet is on a circuit that is not using anything else, or little else, you may be able to toggle it to 12A on the energy screen and charge a bit faster.

Welcome, and congrats on the new to you ride!

I'll have to check the circuit. I'm sure the garage door opener is on the same circuit but besides that probably just inside and outside lights (detached garage).

Since I don't get a QMerit install I'm not sure if I want to spring for a L2 right now as it would involve digging a trench as well as tunneling under the concrete patio at the back of the house to reach the panel in the basement.

 

[ARob]

I'll have to check the circuit. I'm sure the garage door opener is on the same circuit but besides that probably just inside and outside lights (detached garage).

Since I don't get a QMerit install I'm not sure if I want to spring for a L2 right now as it would involve digging a trench as well as tunneling under the concrete patio at the back of the house to reach the panel in the basement.

If your daily use is under 50-60 miles, you may be able to get by on 12A.

 

[GJETSON]

I'll have to check the circuit.

If you feel competent, turn off the breaker, pull out the socket, and tighten the wire lug screws. Check breaker/fuse? connections too. Being an old house, I assume it doesn't have any of those garbage screwless, barb connectors. If all connections are sound, you might try the 12 amp setting. Feel the breaker, socket, and plug occasionally, to make sure nothing is getting warm.

 

[MichBolt]

I'll have to check the circuit. I'm sure the garage door opener is on the same circuit but besides that probably just inside and outside lights (detached garage).

If you check the circuit and discover that:

• The outlet is the only thing on it
• The gage is sufficient for 20A
• There's sufficient space on your panel

You might be able to convert it to a 240V x 20A outlet relatively cheaply, then use a level 2 EVSE at 16A or lower.

Since I don't get a QMerit install I'm not sure if I want to spring for a L2 right now as it would involve digging a trench as well as tunneling under the concrete patio at the back of the house to reach the panel in the basement.

If you do decide to get a 240V outlet installed, remember that you may be eligible for a federal tax credit for 30% of the cost (up to $1000).