How to secure/lock level 1 cable (EVSE)

I have used these two locks since 2012 (on my 2012 PIP and now my Prime. If there's no where to lock the EVSE I use the passenger side rear tire to lock it.

 

Reading several plug-in forums, this is an issue but it's something that's not big.........yet. I think once plug-in's are more widely adopted, word on the street amongst a certain element will spread about the amount of copper in these EVSE's. Some public charge stations have had their cables cut off too.

Some folks use an appropriate rated extension cord from the 120v outlet to the inside of their car, plug their EVSE to it, and run the charge handle out to the exterior charge port through a door (the door gaskets have enough give to allow the door to shut and lock) so the EVSE is locked inside the car. A side benefit is it stays protected from the elements.

Some EVSE's accept a small lock thru the handle which would stop most opportunists but not a determined thief. Also, some cars can now internally lock the charge handle in the port.

 

I use the small lock to connect the EVSE cable to it and the Larger snake cable, then I loop the snake cable through the rear tire.

 

I can't take credit for the idea, someone else on PriusChat came up with it way back in 2012

 

I thought that with the Advanced that the cable was automatically locked to the car while charging. Isn't that sufficient?

 

yes, on Advanced model only

 

Since you have an Advanced, why are using a lock and snaking the cable thru your wheel? I am assuming that since most thieves wouldn't know about the Advanced built-in lock, they might cause some serious damage if they tried to yank the cable off of my car. So maybe your idea does make sense.

 

As I stated earlier I got these two locks when I got my 2012 PIP.

 

Advanced can be locked, it's not locked unless you push the small rectangular button to lock it, but of course a thief cold also push the small rectangular button to unlock it.

Back to the cable, anyone know of an inexpensive replacement cable that is complete?

 

Only if they have your smart key in range.

 

There are how-to photos here...

John's Stuff - Toyota Prius Photo Album 173

 

One day after purchasing Prime, and doing two L1 charge on my drive way. I am not so sure If I would carry this cable with the car all the time. My work place does not have outlet in parking, and I don't know any public place I may be charging. Keeping the cable in my garage all the time seems to be the safest bet.

 

I have my EVSE in my condo garage sitting on a metal shelving unit. I'm locking it in place with 2 padlocks - one locks the cable to the wire shelving, the other locks the plug into the outlet throng a metal outlet cover.

 

Advanced and Premium. Just not the Plus.

 

Per @priuscatprimeguy 's suggestion I picked up the lock and cable and keep it permanently attached to my EVSE charger. Makes it quick and easy to deploy the cable/lock when needed but a bit of a pain to pack back into the little storage area.

You can always lock the charger to the charge port (Premium and Advanced trims only) but I prefer to leave it unlocked. I would much prefer damage to my locking cable versus some moron damaging my charging port. I can only imagine how expensive replacing the charging port would be.

 

I have the Prius Prime Premium and the charge cable locks as well (if you hit the lock button).

 

By using the Auto Lock & Auto Unlock setting, you can "cord-share" and allow others to unplug your Prius when charging is complete.

Check out the setting for how the connector lock operates for the PREMIUM and ADVANCED levels (Page 118 of the manual):

Changing the charging connector lock settings

The method for locking and unlocking the charging connector can be changed as follows in the “Vehicle Settings” settings on the multi-information display.

Refer to P. 231 for details on how to change the settings.

Setting.
Operation description

“Manual Lock” (Default setting)
The charging connector is locked and unlocked by pressing the charging connector lock switch when carrying the electric key or after unlocking the doors.

“Auto Lock”
The charging connector is automatically locked when the charging connector is connected.*1, 2

“Auto Lock & Auto Unlock”
The charging connector is automatically locked when the charging connector is connected and automatically unlocked when charging is completed.*1, 2, 3

1. *1: Carrying the electric key and unlocking the doors is not necessary.
   
   
2. *2: The charging connector can be locked and unlocked by similar operations to that of “Manual Lock”.
   
   
3. *3: The charging connector will be unlocked if power supply is interrupted due to a power outage etc. after the charging connector is automatically locked.