[nanzsolterra]

I would like to purchase an extra Level 1 (16A) charging cable. Today I drove almost 100 miles before I realized I had left the charging cable at home. I think I need to keep one in the car. Subaru wants an exorbitant amount for a cable- a whopping $900! I see online they cost no more than $200. Anyone have one they would recommend? I see many reputable sites are selling a LECTRON cable so I’m leaning towards that one but could use some advice. Thanks.

 

[n6nl]

Highly recommended is the one GM supplies with the Bolts. It has multiple adapters with it that allow you to plug it in to both 120V and 240V outlets (at 240V, it has double the charge rate, compared to 120V).

Somewhere in a previous thread I had posted the GM part number. Try searching the forum for it.

I think that EVSE was about $200.

Perhaps the best way to confirm this is to visit your local Chevy dealer with a Bolt on the lot, open the hatch and pull out the likely sealed package with the EVSE and all the adapters. I‘ll bet there’s a part number on it. Have that dealer’s parts department order you a cable kit (EVSE + adapters).

The adapters are not from various plugs to some common AC socket (which could be used or mis-used in all sorts of unsafe ways), but to some specific mating connector on the EVSE cable.

Try looking up Bolt EVSE.

The company that makes it, does so for a bunch of different car companies.

I believe it has a 100-250V input range.

Very handy.

It is what I would buy if I wanted some easily portable EVSE for occasional use on trips.

 

[n6nl]

Ah, here’s a link to my post in the earlier thread.

120V, 240V & DC Charging Guide For New EV Owner and...

2023 Chevy Volt EUV will ship standard with a dual-level charging cord (EVSE). There are two short cables, one for 120V and one for 240V, that mate with their EVSE. It sounds like the 240V one is limited to a 32A rate, since it wants a 14-50R outlet on a 40A breaker...

www.solterraforum.com

Webasto is the actual manufacturer of the Bolt‘s EVSE.

Here’s the brochure, including both 120V and 240V cable adapters in the included picture:

https://www.webasto-group.com/fileadmin/webasto__media/webasto-group.com/Images/Teaser/Charging/Charging_US/Webasto_Level_2_EV_Cordset.pdf.pdf

It’s actually considered an L2 charger, but if you properly set the Solterra current limit, you can safely use it on a typical 120V 15A circuit (North America). It may also set the proper limit itself (that’s what an EVSE is supposed to do and why they exist) when the 120V 15A cable is connected.

Webasto private labels these EVSE for car manufacturers.

IMO, This is the one that Subaru should be shipping with the Solterra, not the wimpy L1 Toyota-sourced model.

 

[JayEM]

To reinforce what @n6nl just said...

I used the Webasto unit as my L2 for over 5 years, I was very satisfied with it.

Mine's just the 240v model, I wish I'd bought the 120/240v unit but at the time didn't see the need.

 

[nanzsolterra]

Thanks for your replies. I haven’t yet been able to figure out how to purchase these cables. The Chevy site says the cost is $550 (???). Too high for me but, as suggested, I will contact a Chevy Bolt dealer to see if I can order through them and for what cost.
I wrote to Webasto asking if I could purchase the cable since I didn’t see any way to purchase it on their website. Waiting on their reply.
I see there are many Level 1 and Level 2 portable charging cables for sale on the web. Many are getting good reviews but I’m holding off on the purchase until I can get more info on the ones you’ve recommended. Again, thank you both!

 

[JayEM]

And weird, the Webasto TurboCord isn't showing up on Amazon either, which is really unusual.

BMW is selling the TurboCord for about $450, same with Mini (essentially the same company).

I see on the Webasto site it's only the ONLY-240v TurboCord unit that's sold old.

The one that's like what Chevy sells is available, but their price is also $550-ish.

Webasto Go - Dual Voltage Portable Cordset

Webasto Go - Charge Easily On The Go Webasto Go is a premium dual-voltage (120V & 240V) portable electric vehicle charger designed to charge all types of EVs whether at home or on the go. Intelligent Grid Plug Assemblies allow for safe and reliable charging anywhere. Safe. Reliable. Rugged. UL...

store.evsolutions.com

You might want to check Audi too, they offer a 120/240 unit with their Q4 (but knowing Audi prices, maybe not competitively priced).

 

[Ducatista]

If you have a Tesla to J1772 adapter already, then I would get the Tesla Mobile Connector. By far the best bang for your buck. Comes with both NEMA 5-15 (standard household plug) and NEMA 14-50 adapters and can charge up to 32A (level 2). You can also buy an adapter individually for pretty much any plug you may come across or buy a bundle of the adapters.

$315 (plus tax) CDN
$230 (plus tax) USD

Tesla Mobile Connector:

The various adapters:

 

[JayEM]

How much is the Tesla to J1772 adapter, if you don't already have it?

 

[Ducatista]

How much is the Tesla to J1772 adapter, if you don't already have it?

This one is the one I bought (gets rated well on youtube). But the ones from Tesla Tap (Tesla Tap Mini I believe its called) are supposed to be the best but cost more.

All in, still cheaper to get this adapter and the tesla mobile connecter.

 

[Ducatista]

These are the Tesla Tap Mini options.

 

[JayEM]

This one is the one I bought (gets rated well on youtube). But the ones from Tesla Tap (Tesla Tap Mini I believe its called) are supposed to be the best but cost more.

All in, still cheaper to get this adapter and the tesla mobile connecter.

View attachment 1673

I've had that in my "hold for later" for a while now. If the price was lower I would have bought it already.

TBH, I haven't been many places that have Tesla destination chargers that don't also have J1772s (and I don't do a lot of L2 charging away from home). But if I was going to buy the Tesla Mobile Connector I would definitely buy this.

 

[R P]

You know, there are a lot of cheaper portable non-oem EVSE's that will give you a lot of options. This is a good one, as I learned from my time on the Kona forums. I have a Morec, but doesn't have the multiple current adjustments.

Amazon.com

And with an adapter you can charge at 120V outlets with it, too. I built my own (after learning how to do it on the forums) adapters, so can charge from anywhere now, at any voltage and current. Very useful when in the boonies (where no public chargers available or at campgrounds with TT-30 outlets or just 15A outlets. Here are some links incl where you can buy these adapters.

CarCharging.us

Advice for EV Charging in North America

carcharging.us

EVDoctor - #1 Expert on the Web. The Amazing EVDOUBLER for Level 1 Chargers, EV Charger Repairs and Upgrades, New & Used Repair Parts

EVDoctor - #1 Expert on the Web. The Amazing EVDOUBLER for Level 1 Chargers, EV Charger Repairs and Upgrades, New & Used Repair Parts

evdoctor4earth1.weebly.com

EVSE Adapters – Electric vehicle charging solutions, adapter cords for EV, RV, welders, and more. Charge anywhere.

www.evseadapters.com

 

[grandizer52]

I highly recommend carrying a charger and adapter(s), i can show you my adapter kit we take everywhere, and anytime we go 100 miles from home, we carry 2 cords, I also recommend an RV type surge protector so you don't go to like an RV site and fry your portable unit. it seems overkill, but you'd be surprised how the adapters come in handy on longer trips, like truck stops, or say a welding plug,,,get the juice