USA EV Charger 120 to 220 Volts Conversion

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EVMan

Well-known member
Joined
Feb 25, 2017
Messages
340
Location
USA, DC
I have read many reports that the USA version of charger made by Clipper Creek and shipped with GM Volts supports 220 volts also , even though it only states as 110 Volts. You can google .
https://goo.gl/images/WNyhQM

I need a lower 20 Amp 220 Volts occasional use charger
I was wondering if the BMW i3 charger made by delphi also supports 220 Volts 16 Amps.
Any one, any idea ?

You can see on ebay , people are selling i3 220 volt charges. Are these just a plug conversion or is there any change of electronics as well ?
ebay : - https://www.ebay.com/itm/BMW-i3-i8-LEVEL-2-ELECTRIC-CAR-BATTERY-EV-CHARGER-PLUG-IN-220-240V-20A-23Long/222508398594
 
It's hard to say without an in depth review of the bits in the device itself.

While it's not hard to make a 110-220vac power supply, if the one in the EVSE is not, it won't last long before it gives up the ghost while trying to regulate the higher input voltage to the required level. There is logic in the EVSE and that needs a properly operating power supply. THen, the actual switching circuit itself may or may not survive long with double the voltage applied. Every component tends to have a maximum voltage rating, and while some will work at higher voltages, they may not survive all that long.

The OUC sold with the i3 is, at most, a 12A device as sold in the USA, so 16A is not likely to work well long-term, and, to get 16A, you'd have to adjust the pilot signal to tell the EV that it can support 16A (if that's adjustable without rewiring, or changing components), otherwise, it would still report 12A (assuming the power supply didn't fry).

Last (that I can think of), the UL approval on the thing would not be valid if you changed it internally or externally to support that increased output...so, if something did happen like a fire, you might have problems with your insurance by using an untested/certified device.
 
OK.
Upgrading is probably not worth it.

Found this .
This auto configures , based on the adapter you attach.
Offers so much value for $300 . Adapters are $35.

https://shop.tesla.com/us/en/product/vehicle-accessories/model-s_x_3-gen-2-mobile-connector-bundle.html

If only the Tesla to Jplug was cheaper...
 
I don't think you can 'upgrade' (whatever that means) a 120v EVSE to 220v, unless it's rated for 220v.

I'm looking at this 220v 16amp EVSE for use once a week:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Duosida-25-Feet-Level-2-EV-Electric-Car-Charger-Compact-16A-120V-240V-NEMA-6-20P/123012052879
 
bwilson4web said:
This is what I use:
http://www.mybmwi3.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=10&t=5241&p=43843&hilit=KHONS#p43843

Bob Wilson

This also looks very good, feature rich. Where did you buy it from ? Is the quality reliability good ?
 
Nyken said:
I don't think you can 'upgrade' (whatever that means) a 120v EVSE to 220v, unless it's rated for 220v.
EVSE Upgrade upgraded our Level 1 Mitsubishi i-MiEV EVSE to be a dual-voltage Level 1/Level 2 EVSE. EVSE Upgrade can do this for many Level 1 EVSE's included with EV's, but not the i3 OUC for some reason.
 
"EVSE Upgrade upgraded our Level 1 Mitsubishi i-MiEV EVSE to be a dual-voltage Level 1/Level 2 EVSE. EVSE Upgrade can do this for many Level 1 EVSE's included with EV's, but not the i3 OUC for some reason."

Great resource. Thanks for the suggestion.
 
EVMan said:
bwilson4web said:
This is what I use:
http://www.mybmwi3.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=10&t=5241&p=43843&hilit=KHONS#p43843
. . .

This also looks very good, feature rich. Where did you buy it from ? Is the quality reliability good ?

I bought it using their web page: https://www.evseadapters.com

So far, it has worked every time I've used it. The one problem is the small display as it is hard to see in daylight.

Bob Wilson
 
Lol
https://www.evseadapters.com/collections/ev-chargers-and-evses/products/yesla-tesla-powered-j1772-120-240v-charger-evse
The original one is only $300.
Perhaps, Tesla is the only company i know of which sells propriety things at a discount. unlike the apple lightning cable....
 
EVMan said:
I was wondering if the BMW i3 charger made by delphi also supports 220 Volts 16 Amps.

The one that came with my 2018 is a Delphi, only 120V/10a. I also got a BMW-branded TurboCord charger that will do 120V/16a (Nema 5-20) or 240V/16a (Nema 6-20). Pretty sure I'll be selling both since I've already got a ChargePoint home 32a and need an outdoor charger since my garage is difficult to access.

There's a similar thread on the e-Golf forum and several have pointed out the best value for a portable chargers by far are the Tesla Gen 2 Mobile Connectors ($300) adding whatever adapters are needed for $35/each. I'd probably get a 10-30 and 14-30 to go off a dryer and a 6-20 as those are sometimes seen in garages.
 
Mine are both Delphi, 120V/12A.
And i am very curious how come the looks are identical to clipper click , including cosmetic design.

While the Tesla Gen 2 Mobile Connectors ($300) is best value and best design, the J adapter costs close to 275.
Unless you are buying a tesla for sure soon, the J adapter breaks the value part.
 
Not sure what your exact requirement is , but you can use the Turbo cord to charge outside. Since you already have it .
You can install the plastic enclosures for the NEMA 6-20R

apart from low power , what is the issue ? it says its water tight.
If its public-ally accessible ,what solution do you have in your mind ?
 
EVMan said:
While the Tesla Gen 2 Mobile Connectors ($300) is best value and best design, the J adapter costs close to 275.

Whoops, right. I missed the the obvious. Fortunately you can get them both for $500 with the Jesla Jr. tusconev.com has a similar product.

EVMan said:
You can install the plastic enclosures for the NEMA 6-20R

True, but I've already invested nearly $900 in the ChargePoint, which I've been very happy with...well other than not qualifying for the tax credit. I suppose I could take it all down, sell it on the used market, and replace it with a 6-20 with weather covering, but it doesn't seem worth the hassle.

The biggest problem I see with the TurboCord is 5-20 outlets are fairly rare, and even if you find one, it's only 33% faster than a regular 5-15. It's a great option if there's a 240V 6-20 in the garage and you want an "official" BMW charger (I'm using the quotes because it's really a regular TurboCord charger with a BMW label slapped on it)

I'd love to see a portable 24a charger and with interchangeable 14-50, 14-30, 10-30, 6-20, and 5-15 plugs (with auto-detecting downgrade when using the latter two). Now that would be well worth $500!
 
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