Feature Spotlight: Chevrolet Volt Factory Charger Can Handle Level 2 Charging Speeds
Sponsored Links
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.
- Sweepstakes Of The Month: Win a 2021 C8 Corvette Z51 Convertible. Details here.
Sponsored Links
Download Latest foreign Songs
One Of the best article i have read today. Please keep writing articles like this.
Thanks for the article, i will make sure i bookmark this page.
i love this
Woow really informative content will share
You can get some of the songs on yahiphop.com
Good one here
when will this come to nigeria. but i am not sure we are reading for it yet
Hi everyone. I have an 18 Volt coming to the U.K.
we have 240v outlets everywhere but like your 120v they are live neutral and ground. Your 240V is live ground live. How will this affect the adapter plug when I plug it in? Am I right in thinking I just need to take off the normal US plug and put a normal U.K. 3 pin household plug on instead or do I need an adapter? Our plugs have internal 13A fuses.
This is a very helpful post but it does need updating a little.
Heat is produced by current not voltage.
At 120V the EVSE can supply the car with 12A
At 240V the EVSE can supply the car with 12A
The car at 240V will charge in 1/2 the time.
There is no difference in the amount of heat in the cables or EVSE at 120V or 240V since the current is the same in both applications.