Using the Primes 120v Charger at 240 Volts, Cost $20 !!!

Good luck getting that plug into that receptacle.

Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.

 

Good idea, but it doesn't look to me like the plug and receptacle match. The center connectors look different, at least in the picture.

 

*** This does not work any longer. I just did this conversion. Still charges at 120v.

Installed a 20a dual breaker, NEMA 10-30 outlet, bought a NEMA 5-20 to NEMA 10-30 converter.
Checked continuity, Both hots went to each leg, including outlet from and to breaker.
Tested with meter, 120v at each.

Still charges @ 120v.
Just a "FYI". So don't waste your time like I did.

Time to shop for a REAL 240v charger.

 

Just curious. Did you have 240 between the two legs? If it's wired properly and the converter you bought is behaving as expected, I don't see electrically how it could not work.

 

@Joeteck's post notwithstanding, too bad this is a 120V. Wonder if there is a 240V version. Very compact, just changes the male plug type, no cord involved. Could tape it to the EVSE plug so there would be no chance of a 240V outlet looking like a 120V.
Connecticut Electric 20 Amp/30 Amp RV Adapter-AD2030 - The Home Depot

 

******************* FALSE ALARM *******************

This method works perfectly!
When I charged my Prime with 20 miles left on charge
I was expecting it to show 5 minutes, but showed 30 minutes.
So I thought it was not working correctly.

When I drove 15 miles today, and plugged in with 10 miles left

IT SHOWED: FULL CHARGE IN 1:30 MINUTES

MUCH BETTER.
THANK YOU ROB43!
​

 

Technically speaking, the slower you charge & discharge a lithium battery, the more cycles you'll see out of it:
Fast and Ultra-fast Chargers - Battery University

When it comes to the Prius, I wouldn't split hairs too much over it. Like most EV mfgrs, the battery is built over spec to account for some losses over time. For example, my new Prime has a capacity of 105.3%, providing some overhead as the pack ages.

Just plan for a pack rebuild in 10-15 years to get your EV range back if you plan on keeping the car forever. By then, rebuild prices would have fallen and lithium pricing in general.

Heck, maybe by then graphene supercapacitors would have fallen in price enough to retrofit for ~5 minute charge time.

 

Bought an adapter for $50,

 

Looks good and easy.

 

Actually I cancelled this order, and ordered

for only $16.1

 

I think I will not use the adapter cord often, cheaper is better.
I only have dryer outlet indoor, so the cable need to go through garage door and let the door partially open.
Any here's my calculation, to fully charge the car need about 6.5 KWH. Our electric rate is $0.18, so that's $1.17. Suppose EV can run 25 miles, if use gasoline, 25/55 = 0.45 gal. Current gas price is $2.65, so 0.45 gal is $1.2. EV $1.17 vs gas $1.2, only 3 cents saving per charge.

 

You live in high electricity rate area as I do. As you stated, in those areas at a current low gas price, the EV is not a saving. I have been watching the gas price going up last few months, and every time it goes up, I grin with pleasure. I can't wait to see it gets above $3.

 

They do, but you need pay higher rate for on peak, which is 7am to 9pm. For winter maybe ok, for summer the AC use much more electricity. The Prime is only 6.5 kWh and not everyday. Not a good choice. I did use the EV rate when I was in GA with a Nissan Leaf.

 

Tried first time, got full charge in 2.5 hrs, the highest temp on EVSE is 89 degree.