Recent content by PPL

Thanks for the response. Will look into this replacement.

I got to do this myself, hate those Bridgestones which chirps at the slightest power. Did you just change the fronts? How much does the Yokohamas cost? I hope they can be found easily. No, the Fiat is quicker from a dead stop. GM went too conservative, until you get rolling to above 10mph, it...

Most Level 2 EVSE stations (TurboCord and Clipper Creek L25 series aside) are meant to be mounted outside and the casing is designed for weather protection. Sometimes I think the size and rugged looks are part of the marketing perceived value for how much they cost. I just received my Bosch...

When in doubt of policy coverage, please do check with your insurance agent. If you are lucky enough never to had to use your home insurance policy, I am glad for you. In our last house, we had a major roof leak during a major storm that caused water damage in the internal wall. I certainly saw...

The "fine print" is what's on your home insurance coverage rules. Just ask a friendly insurance agent about using non-National Electrical Code approved wiring in your house and see what he/she says. If these adapters does have an approval, do let us know. You say that GND and neutral should be...

I think name-calling someone you don't know as "fear mongering" is a bit strong for just providing the facts. I never told anyone not to use the adapters, I never said it does not work, just warning the code violation. If you can show me that these 10-30 adapters meet National Electrical Code...

Safer to change outlet to 14-30. Yes, AFAIK none of the Level 2 EVSE uses the neutral line. Inside all EVSE, there is CAN board that communicates to the EV and triggers the relay to turn on the AC. That circuit board is powered by an AC (one of the hot legs) to DC circuit that is referenced to...

While it may work, from a safety point of view, there is a danger. NEMA 10-30 outlets have 3 wires without ground (black, red, white), which has 2 out-of-phase hots and a neutral--there is no ground! On a dryer with 3 wire connection, the neutral is "bonded" to frame of the dryer. So while you...

If you are planning to use NEMA 10-30 outlet, a word of caution. Most older 10-30 dryer outlets are 3 wires w/o a GND line. If you are planned to use a dryer outlet, make sure you have a 4 wire version NEMA 14-30 or 14-50, which has L1, L2, Neutral & GND.Most, if not all Level 2 EVSE, requires a...

I got interested in EV becos' of Fiat 500e but ended up with the Spark EV. The key reasons were 4-doors (well hidden), useable back seat (Fiat is really a 2 seater) and DC charging (for future). Fiat is actually quicker to 30mph but Spark is beats it to 60mph, even with 4 adults inside. Chevy...

For 2014 Spark EV owners, you should take advantage of the Bosch $500 discount before it ends this year. After I got an account setup, I never managed to get hold of anyone to discuss this offer. I tried multiple times and finally got through to someone who told me who to contact at Bosch. You...

Anyone got a callback from Bosch after setting up an account? I called Bosch for the $500 rebate on Level 2 EVSE a couple of weeks ago. A nice agent set up an account for me, told me that a EVSE specialist will contact me. Never heard back from anyone since. Anyone have better luck? The agent...

Just a wish due to lack of SAE DC charging stations. I got the Spark EV with the optional DC FC and have not been able to find any public chargers that support SAE. I am sure you noticed that ReGen mode in any EV is quite efficient at adding more miles back. Very noticeable in a long downhill...

Thanks for the feedback. I figured as such but wanted confirmation. Basically, anything I do in the car uses up the main 21kW battery running or not. Glad I did not get the 2015 Spark EV with 19kW battery.

Curious on how the on-board 12V battery on the Spark charges? Is this done from the main 21kW drive battery power or does it have a Alternator driven by a belt of the main electric motor? Good to know when trading off mileage for heat and accessories usage. Thanks!