Doodle said:
From reviewing previous posts, I need to make sure I change the setting to charge at 12 amps before I plug into a public charger. Any other tips for me? The NEMA 14-50 is a viable option correct? However with the standard charging equipment that comes with the car, it will still only charge at 12 amps, correct? Thanks!
Um, maybe (or not quite, or maybe even "no"). If you use 'a public charger' (and not 'a public plug') then you don't need to set anything - the car will just charge. (A public charging location will have a unit with a " J1772 " plug on it - you won't need to use the 120V EVSE that came with the vehicle.) A public charging spot will charge at the maximum 3.3 kW rate the Spark will accept (about 15 miles range added each hour, depending on your speed, wind, rain, hills, etc.).
NEMA 14-50 is a
240V socket - you can't use that with the EVSE that comes with the car, you'd have to buy a 240V EVSE. (There are quite a few inexpensive 240V 'charging cords' available these days - around $300 - well worth it IF you are often going to be using your EV out of range of home.)
The included 120V EVSE gets plugged into a standard 120V household socket, and defaults to 8 amps of charge (at 120V, or about 0.95 kW charge rate). You would have to increase the draw to 12A
each and every time you use the included 120V EVSE.
I *highly* recommend using a public charging location to get your car home (if it isn't too expensive) - as it will charge 3-4 times as fast as the default EVSE that comes with the car. How much is 3 hours of your time worth?
Use https://www.plugshare.com/ to find charging spots close to your route, and sign up for whatever charge companies have networks in your area BEFORE picking up your car. Also add the PlugShare and ChargePoint (and probably EVgo) apps to your smart phone TODAY. Many companies (such as greenlots) have free signup - if you don't ask for an RFid (physical) card - you can authorize over the phone (*
IF* you have signal!).
It looks like Blink is present around Chicago - but then just about everybody is (I don't like Blink). SemaCharge has a few around here & there, as does GE. ChargePoint seems to be the biggest one in the area, followed by EVgo (depending on where you are, exactly). Heck, I've signed up for every network I can get for free - and I've only ever used ChargePoint. But I'm covered if I get 'almost stranded' somewhere.
And "Other" (which may be 'free', not networked, private installations) are *
all over the place*.
Also, the plugshare app can list "home chargers" - people who have EVs and have said they are willing to let other EV drivers use their home charger for emergencies (and driving home a new purchase might just qualify). Check out the options in the ChargePoint app. You want to list "J1772" and "Wall" (i.e., 120V) home chargers.