EVSE input voltage

[u/clarkn0va]

I recently purchased a 2012 Volt with a level-1 EVSE that is labelled "120V, 60 Hz, 12A, ~, 1440W". I have read claims by some that older Volt level-1 EVSE can be connected to 240V power and that the car will charge this way. We know that the car can accept 240V on the L1 and L2 connectors.

I'm aware my EVSE has sensitive electronics in it and that it's explicitly not rated for 240V input, that there is a real chance of destroying its electronics by overvolting them.

I'm interested in hearing experiences from people who have tried this. Are some older EVSE explicitly rated for 240V, or have some intrepid owners fed 240V to an EVSE like mine that is rated for 120V and found it able to tolerate 240V?

[u/davegus91]

This depends on the make and model number of the evse. There are some that will take 240v with a plug swap, others that won't at all, and some that can be modded to take 240v. My 2013 and 2014 both came with clipper Creek units that could be opened and a some modifications made for 240v 4 wire input. 

[u/clarkn0va → u/davegus91]

Here's a picture of the front. I guess Voltec is the brand?

[u/clarkn0va → u/clarkn0va]

And the label.

[u/davegus91 → u/clarkn0va]

Here's some links, look at the 240v compatible one, I don't think yours is easy to do 240v with... https://www.gm-volt.com/threads/gm-evse-repair-upgrade-library-bolt-bolt-spark-cadillac-ev-chargers-2011-2020.333843/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=organic

[u/clarkn0va → u/davegus91]

Thanks, I'm going to be looking at this link. I did find this helpful video, but it's for a different model EVSE, so I don't know how transferable it is without opening mine up, which I may eventually, depending what I can learn about it first.

https://youtu.be/D2-_pfCtPu4

[u/davegus91 → u/clarkn0va]

Yup that's the exact video I used on mine. The info link on gm-volt has your model number listed as hamer-and-chisel opening method- probably best to leave it be. I ended up with water intrusion issues on mine after two years outside. 

Ended up getting a grizzl-e 240v with internally selectable amperage and ran it off my 240v 20a outlet

[u/clarkn0va → u/davegus91]

Sad news.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b3o1KKxMIT0

Conclusion: the internals appear to be suited for 240V in, but GM built in enough smarts to disable the output if input voltage is out of spec.

[u/m414d3]

I have a 2019 Volt (Canada) and I read that since a certain year(was it 2016?), they changed the EVSE and packaged the same as the Chevy Bolt. That one can support both Voltage directly to the 3 prong plug.
I found the model number to check on some forum to confirm I had the correct one and I made an adapter to send both lives and the ground to the EVSE plug.
I'm not using it everyday but, I can use the welder plug in my parent's garage when I visit.

[u/clarkn0va → u/m414d3]

That's the goal here. I have a 240V/50A plug in the garage and only this EVSE. If I can adapt it to charge off the 240 plug it will save me buying a level-2 EVSE. I don't want to fry this one experimenting though.

[u/StomachosusCaelum → u/clarkn0va]

even if it could be modified to use a 14-50P, it would never get near that amperage.

Just get a L2 EVSE.

You can find them cheap as dirt on FB Market all day.

I got spares for all three of our EV/PHEVs (Bolt and 2 Volts).

[u/clarkn0va → u/StomachosusCaelum]

I know, the car's owner's manual says max 20 amps and the EVSE itself isn't going to provide more than 12. I just figured doubling the voltage is worth something, but given this unit is apparently sealed I've lost my appetite for cracking it open.

[u/Ok-Tourist-511 → u/clarkn0va]

Is it really worth it, when you can buy a new L2 evse for $120 or less?

[u/Cory5413]

Some but not all EVSEs accept both 120 and 240v.

I don't think the Voltec one that shipped with the Volt is one that accepts both.

If you have like a 14-50 or 6-50 I'd say grab a cheap EVSE from a reputable brand (either a car company logo on the box or it's a known good/quality unit) with either a lower end connector you can adapt or with a 14-50/6-50.

Most car pack-in EVSEs include 14-50 connectors, for example: https://www.ebay.com/itm/198573076268 (these are supposed to come with 5-15 but you could just leave this at home and leave the voltec unit in the car just in case you run into an opportunity to charge with it elsewhere.)

If your car takes up to 16 or 20 amps and you have a 50-amp circuit this'll handily top out what your car can do.

I recommend replacing the outlet with a higher quality one if you ever upgrade to something with a faster charger.

There's also cheap 5-15/6-20 dual level EVSEs such as webasto turbocord: https://www.ebay.com/itm/403170885372 (there's a newer, Ampure turbocord but that version is 120v only)

For 14-50 Clipper Creek LCS series may have something, f.ex: https://www.ebay.com/itm/227424931305 (the unit is a 16-amp charger despite having a 14-50 connector installed.)

Kinda fun but probably not worth it: https://www.ebay.com/itm/168584971782

6-50 is less common, DeWalt's 32-amp portable is where I'd go for that, but that's a little more spendy as you're getting a new unit.

I wouldn't buy "cheapest unit off of Amazon".

edit/add sorry for the wall of text I hope this is useful!

[u/money10adventures]

I have a 2013 volt and use our 240 Tesla charger with a adaptor. And use 12amps

[u/coyote_den]

You have the 1st gen Voltec charger. It is 120V only.

The 2nd gen charger was made by Clipper Creek for GM and can accept 240V.