[MGreen34]

Hello Everyone! I have recently purchased a Chevy Bolt 2021 and I'm trying to figure out the best way to charge my car at home the fastest way possible as I'm averaging about 50 miles per day and about 150 miles on the weekends with no breaks in between

I'm currently renting a house. Unfortunately, my landlord will not allow me to install in-wall level 2 charger.

Is it possible to use the Dryer outlet to charge using a level 2 NEMA 14-50 32AMP charger in 30AMP NEMA 10-30 using the following? I'll be charing out side the garage (outlet to car is about 40 feet)

Current Dryer outlet:
NEMA 10-30 30AMP

Level 2 charger:

Amazon.com: PRIMECOM 32A & 40A Electric Vehicle (EV) Charger, Level 2, 240V, 32A/40A, NEMA 14-50 Electric Car Charger for All EVs, 30, 40, and 50 Feet Lengths (50, 32Amp) for Tesla : Automotive

Buy PRIMECOM 32A & 40A Electric Vehicle (EV) Charger, Level 2, 240V, 32A/40A, NEMA 14-50 Electric Car Charger for All EVs, 30, 40, and 50 Feet Lengths (50, 32Amp) for Tesla: Battery Chargers - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases

www.amazon.com

NEMA 10-30 to NEMA 14-50 32AMP Adapter:

Amazon.com: JuiceBox Electric Vehicle Charging 30A (3 Prong) Adapter 240V NEMA 10-30P to 240V NEMA 14-50R : Automotive

Buy JuiceBox Electric Vehicle Charging 30A (3 Prong) Adapter 240V NEMA 10-30P to 240V NEMA 14-50R: Accessories - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases

www.amazon.com

Please help! It's truly appreciate it!

Thanks,
Mike Green

 

[obsoperator]

Mike, that is the right plug adapter, but the wrong EVSE/charger. It says right in the description that it only covers 32 and 40 amp charging, and you need 24 amp charging. You need to select a different EVSE. You have to think about how the unit gets the charge current set - do you want cell-phone control by WiFi or other communication, buttons on the EVSE, soft-buttons on a screen on the EVSE, DIP switches inside so you have to remove the cover of the EVSE? Do you want absolutely the cheapest EVSE? Just asking, not urging one or the other. Do you understand that while the Bolt will never ask for more than 32 Amps, the Level 2 rate is set on the EVSE, not on the Bolt. (It's only the little OEM 5-15 charger where the car has a choice on a menu.)

Note that the adapter is, to use an imprecise term, not "legal", but because the dryer outlet probably has a 30 Amp breaker, it's not (IANA licensed electrician) reckless to use it! Forget about setting the EVSE to 32 amps with a 30 amp circuit breaker. It's not safe and it won't work.

BTW, because I'm retired and live in a dense suburb, I use 24 amp charging even though I have a 50 Amp outlet. That's to go easy on the battery. I get the charge I need overnight, anyway. I charge about once a week.

 

[ARob]

Yes, you can use the dryer outlet. The adapter looks fine if the EVSE you choose has 14-50.

A 30A outlet will limit you to a 24A EVSE (80% or the circuit's rate load) for safety. There are some units with adjustable charge rates, may be safer than trying to pull 32A from a 30A circuit! I suspect the landlord would prefer a wall mounted unit vs a fire!

At 240V\24A, your charging rate would be 5.76kW or roughly 20 miles per hour. A 16A unit would charge at 3.84kW or 15 miles/hr. 24A would be more than enough for the miles you state. Even your 150 mile weekends would top off in 7-8 hours. 16A would be a bit tight, but 10-11 hours to recover weekend miles.

Pre-2022 Bolts max out at 32A on AC charging.

 

[MichBolt]

As others have said, do NOT plug a 32A EVSE into a 30A circuit. At most, you want a 24A load on that circuit. Primecom offers a different EVSE that can be adjusted for a lower current: Amazon.com: PRIMECOM.TECH Level 2 Electric Vehicle (EV) Charger Amperage Adjustable (10Amp - 16Amp - 20Amp - 24Amp - 32Amp) 30Ft Cable EVSE Plug-in Hybrid (30 FT, 14-50P): Automotive

Also, the Juicebox EVSE (same company as the plug adapter you linked to) can be adjusted to a lower current in the app: Next Gen JuiceBox 32 Amp Car Charger | Enel X

 

[teaser38]

MuStart Travelmaster has a 10-30 plug option. You could also go get the Tesla portable and adapters as needed.

Grizzl-E or JuiceBox would be other options with 14-50p, but UL listed and dialable.

Edit: Seems Clippercreek doesn't offer a 10-30 plug. I swore they did.

 

[teaser38]

Oh, also the OEM charger is good enough for your applications probably. Just get a 10-30p whip and a 5-15r that can handle 10AWG cord. That's good for 2.9kW or 10 mph charging.

Edit: Or buy this Amazon.com: Accell NEMA 6-20 to NEMA 10-30 Plug Adapter for AxFAST Level 2 EVSE Charger: Automotive . I highly recommend getting/making one as having a backup EVSE is a very useful thing to have.

 

[ARob]

MuStart Travelmaster has a 10-30 plug. You could also go get the Tesla portable and adapters as needed.

Nice thing with Travelmaster is is auto-adapts to whatever plug you attach, no room for error. An, if OP ever moves somewhere with longer commute and 40-50A service, just swap plugs and get full Bolt L2 charging speed.

 

[Jerry Duke]

I found a new Tesla UMC Gen 2 on eBay and bought a Tesla to J1772 adapter. It came with 2 plugs, standard and 14-50.
It and the the car automatically handle all the energy needed.

 

[MGreen34]

As others have said, do NOT plug a 32A EVSE into a 30A circuit. At most, you want a 24A load on that circuit. Primecom offers a different EVSE that can be adjusted for a lower current: Amazon.com: PRIMECOM.TECH Level 2 Electric Vehicle (EV) Charger Amperage Adjustable (10Amp - 16Amp - 20Amp - 24Amp - 32Amp) 30Ft Cable EVSE Plug-in Hybrid (30 FT, 14-50P): Automotive

Also, the Juicebox EVSE (same company as the plug adapter you linked to) can be adjusted to a lower current in the app: Next Gen JuiceBox 32 Amp Car Charger | Enel X

Wow, this is very helpful. that gives me exactly what I need. I just found out Primecom is in my local city!! I just called them up and spoke to David, he was very helpful with lots of knowledge. I'll be going down there to pick up the charger with the splitter tomorrow!! Thank you all so much...

 

[MGreen34]

MuStart Travelmaster has a 10-30 plug option. You could also go get the Tesla portable and adapters as needed.

Grizzl-E or JuiceBox would be other options with 14-50p, but UL listed and dialable.

Best option would be to bite the bullet and get a 24A Clippercreek with the 10-30 plug.

Can you charge at a Tesla charing station??

 

[MGreen34]

Nice thing with Travelmaster is is auto-adapts to whatever plug you attach, no room for error. An, if OP ever moves somewhere with longer commute and 40-50A service, just swap plugs and get full Bolt L2 charging speed.

The issue here I need something that comes in with 40 feet length at minimum, I can't find the Travelmaster for that length..

 

[ARob]

Can you charge at a Tesla charing station??

Nope, well yes at L2 (Destination Chargers) with an adapter, but never at Superchargers.

 

[p7wang]

Question for all: Between the MuStart Travelmaster (~$390) or Tesla UMC and then spending another $45 for the NEMA 14-50 and another $160 for a Tesla adapter (~$480), which solution would you get?

I guess another way to see this would be spending $90 more to be able to charge at Tesla Destination Chargers... (and be like Tesla Karen https://www.reddit.com/r/PublicFreakout/comments/mf5bm3 )

MuStart: $389

Amazon.com

- or -

Tesla Gen2 UMC: $275

Gen 2 Mobile Connector Bundle

The Gen 2 Mobile Connector Bundle allows you to plug into any standard 110v household outlet to begin charging. Features: Max power output of 1.3kW Charging speeds between 2-3 miles of range per hour Includes: 1x Mobile Connector - 20’ cable 1x NEMA 5-15 Adapter 1x storage bag

shop.tesla.com

Tesla 14-50 adapter: $45

Gen 2 NEMA Adapters

Use a variety of household outlets to charge your Tesla with a Gen 2 NEMA Adapter. Simply attach the appropriate adapter to your Mobile Connector, plug into the corresponding outlet and begin charging. Adapter Max Distance Gained Per Hour of Charge Model S Model 3 Model X Model Y 5-15 3...

shop.tesla.com

Tesla adapter: $160

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Lectron-Tesla-to-J1772-Adapter-Max-40A-and-250V-Compatible-with-Tesla-High-Powered-Connector-Destination-Charger-Electric-Vehicle-Charger-White/5000867183

 

[teaser38]

The issue here I need something that comes in with 40 feet length at minimum, I can't find the Travelmaster for that length..

In addition to getting a super long EVSE you can....

You can get a 10-30 extension cord (possibly with a type change....). Sub-optimal, but probably safe with regular inspection.

If the plug is otherwise unused, you can get some "armored" MC 10/3 cable and a couple junction boxes and rig yourself a semi-permanent translocated socket or hardwire a charger (best option). Just a few holes in the wall, but requires a bit of skill.

J1772 extension cords are also a thing.

 

[RoadTripBiker]

With home circuit breakers the maximum continuous current is 80% of the breaker rating. i.e. a 20A breaker is good for 16A, a 30A breaker is good for 24A etc. It is possible to connect a 32A charger to a 30A breaker but the breaker will trip. Make sure whatever charging unit you get can be set to charge at 80% of the rating of the breaker or less. Also note I'm talking about a single load circuit here. If you have a breaker with other stuff connected and that stuff is drawing current while you are charging it is very easy to overload the breaker and cause it to trip. You probably already know this but just in case.

As you are aware, since you are renting there are limitations to what you can do. Looks like you have found a good solution. I would recommend checking all the connections - ie does the plug get hot? It may get a little warm but should not be hot. I would also check the breaker panel. Easy way is to use an IR temperature gun (I have one I bought for $15 to check trailer wheel bearings). I am charging using the OEM charger and an adapter cable to charge at Level 2 12A. It works very nicely for me. I expect 16A would probably meet you charging needs if you charge overnight. Lowes has some reasonable priced 16A level 2 chargers if you change your mind on the Primecomm.

 

[ARob]

Easy way is to use an IR temperature gun (I have one I bought for $15 to check trailer wheel bearings)

Funny story, Pikes Peak has a brake check station at the entrance, as cars come down the highway from the peak, they check brake temps with an IR temp gun, and have people pull over and park for a while to allow their brakes to cool. They don't bother with EVs, cause they know how Regen works.

 

[JaxEVLyftUber]

"It is possible to connect a 32A charger to a 30A breaker but the breaker will trip"

Actually, in my experience, it won't. For 3 years I powered a JuiceBox 40 using an existing 30 Amp circuit in my garage. Most of the time I dutifully limited the JB to 24 Amps via its app...every now and then...and more frequently lately as my daily driving mileage has increased, I have bumped the limit to 27 Amps and even 32 Amps when the need arose for faster charging.

I kept a close eye on the temperature of the breaker, the 10 gauge cable, and the receptacle / plug. At 32A the 30 Amp setup got quite warm but never dangerously hot...Knowing I was "pushing it" a bit I made sure all terminations were tight. I also avoided exceeding 24 Amps during hotter weather since the capacity of an electric circuit depends somewhat upon ambient temperatures.

If one takes a look at circuit breaker trip curves (current vs time) it becomes clear that the labeled limit isn't an absolute limit - for example a typical 30 Amp breaker (very temporarily) allows double or even triple rated current flow while starting an HVAC compressor.

I do know that the 30 Amp breaker will trip in a minute or so when it is asked to both charge a car at 24 Amps and also run a shop compressor at 16 Amps (Oops...)

A month or so ago I remembered that our handyman had left 60+ feet of 6/3 cable in a bin in our attic, so I finally got round to installing a proper 50 Amp NEMA 14-50 circuit. Interestingly enough, the 14-50 plug on my Juicebox 40 gets a bit warm after an hour+ at 32 Amps...its cable diameter suggests it is just 10-4...I'm not sure how they get away with that....I can't imagine how warm it would be after several hours at 40 Amps feeding a beefier EV!

Let me be clear that I don't advocate anyone exceeding the 80% limit for continuous loads...note that 32 Amp EV charging is both at higher current and potentially far longer duration than virtually any other typical household load - water heaters, clothes dryers, electric ranges and even up to 5 ton HVAC systems don't load a circuit anywhere near as much and as long as an EV charging at 32 Amps for hours on end.

Keep a close eye on your home EV charging circuit - regularly check temperature of breaker, cable, receptacle and plug at least monthly whenever the car has been plugged in for an hour or more.

 

[MGreen34]

Question for all: Between the MuStart Travelmaster (~$390) or Tesla UMC and then spending another $45 for the NEMA 14-50 and another $160 for a Tesla adapter (~$480), which solution would you get?

I guess another way to see this would be spending $90 more to be able to charge at Tesla Destination Chargers... (and be like Tesla Karen https://www.reddit.com/r/PublicFreakout/comments/mf5bm3 )

MuStart: $389

Amazon.com

- or -

Tesla Gen2 UMC: $275

Gen 2 Mobile Connector Bundle

The Gen 2 Mobile Connector Bundle allows you to plug into any standard 110v household outlet to begin charging. Features: Max power output of 1.3kW Charging speeds between 2-3 miles of range per hour Includes: 1x Mobile Connector - 20’ cable 1x NEMA 5-15 Adapter 1x storage bag

shop.tesla.com

Tesla 14-50 adapter: $45

Gen 2 NEMA Adapters

Use a variety of household outlets to charge your Tesla with a Gen 2 NEMA Adapter. Simply attach the appropriate adapter to your Mobile Connector, plug into the corresponding outlet and begin charging. Adapter Max Distance Gained Per Hour of Charge Model S Model 3 Model X Model Y 5-15 3...

shop.tesla.com

Tesla adapter: $160

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Lectron-Tesla-to-J1772-Adapter-Max-40A-and-250V-Compatible-with-Tesla-High-Powered-Connector-Destination-Charger-Electric-Vehicle-Charger-White/5000867183

If you use the Tesla adapter, do you just pull in to any Tesla charing station and charge your Bolt?

 

[ARob]

If you use the Tesla adapter, do you just pull in to any Tesla charing station and charge your Bolt?

No. Tesla adapters only help with destination (L2) chargers. If you use a Tesla Mobile or wall charger with an adapter, that is L2 as well. Superchargers are entirely different, no third party EV can charge on SC yet (maybe never).

 

[CHASBOLT]

I have a Nema 10-30 outlet for my dryer so what charger would be best for me? I just don't understand this stuff. Neocharger makes a box that plugs into my dryer outlet with two outlets on it for around $450. Or can i just buy a charger that plugs into the outlet without any extras?