Feature Spotlight: Chevrolet Volt Factory Charger Can Handle Level 2 Charging Speeds
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The second-generation hides a nifty trick that some owners may not be aware of. With every 2016+ Volt comes a standard charger capable of plugging into a 120-volt outlet, which provides a slow trickle and long charging times.
However, for owners with the proper electrical lines, the charger can actually handle 240VAC, thus pulling Level 2 charging speeds without the need for a charging station. The tip has been around since early 2016 after users on the GM-Volt Forum explored the possibility. Users found the factory charger actually comes from Clipper Creek and is already manufactured to handle the higher amperages.
But, owners will need to do a little conversion to unlock the Level 2 charging capability. An adapter, which you can make yourself or purchase, allows the charger’s 5-15 plug to go from hot-neutral-ground of 120VAC to hot-hot-ground of 200-250VAC.
As the owner of a 2018 Chevrolet Volt, the solution immediately intrigued me since there’s a 220-volt outlet in my garage. With the adapter, I’ve had no issues with overheating—just ultra quick charging after depleting the car’s electric range. In fact, the standard plug also features a thermal sensor to protect from overheating.
While a 120 outlet normally took 10 to 11 hours to charge a fully dead battery, my 220 outlet has brought the time down to around five hours.
Of course, this is a modification to be done at an owner’s risk with no responsibility on General Motors or this publication.
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To all that know how the SAE J1772 EVSE standard works for Level 1, it is obvious that the internal relay can switch another 120 VAC live instead of just the neutral for Level 2. The internal electronics take power from the first 120 VAC line. This change works for all EVs that use Level 1 or Level 2 EVSE charging, too.
Love this, nice improvement!
I’m getting close to upgrading my outlet so this could save me hundreds but wife would rather see a more professional and authorized adapter. More info would be great.
I installed a 32 and level two charger and plugged it into my 2017 V and it will only charge up to 15 A 240. Why does it not go up to 32 A?
Nope, only the 2019 model is capable of charging at 32A unfortunately
This is a superb addition, how often can one find these.
Hi there,
I would like more information about what changes were made to adapt this Level 1 charger to make it Level 2 capable. is it the plug and the cord that goes into the charging box or is it just the plug? the information on the box attached to the plug cord says it is for 120v. also, what amp level are you using with your 220v outlet? i will be installing a 240v outlet.
thank you,
Mary
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Nice i really need to get this
Love this, its great
Very Nice
this is nice .. i dont know why you guys don’t like it
The factory charger on my 2017 Volt came with a 220v dryer plug but my built in receptacle is the 50’s style 3 prong while my charger is the newer style of 3 prong. I went to the local electrician supply to make the adapter and it works great.
yeah chuck The factory charger on my 2017 Volt came with a 220v dryer plug but my built in receptacle is the 50’s style 3 prong while my charger is the newer style of 3 prong. I went to the local electrician supply to make the adapter and it works great.
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And the guy I bought my 2017 paid 350.00 to have his plug changed to a 240 volt twist lock and thinking a bunch charger electronics were changed. Oh well! The charger works great off of my 30 amp dryer receptacle. About 5.5 hours for a full charge and 53 miles of EV.
keep
up the good work!
Nice one from him though
Wow! when will electric car arrive my country South Africa. Thanks for sharing
Wow! when will electric car arrive my country south africa