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2018 Prime Newbie Charging Question

Discussion in 'Prime Plug-in Charging' started by Colorado_Hiker, Jul 8, 2018.

  1. Colorado_Hiker

    Colorado_Hiker Junior Member

    Joined:
    Jul 8, 2018
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    Location:
    Denver, Colorado
    Vehicle:
    2018 Prius Prime
    Model:
    Plug-in Advanced
    Please forgive me if this has been posted before, but I haven't seen it. I'm picking up a new 2018 Prime (Advanced) this Thursday. Although I've owned a 2008 & 2013 Prius, this is my first Prime/plug-in.
    So...
    What type of charging cable comes with the Prime? 110V or 220v? I have a dedicated 120v 20a line in my garage. Will that suffice for charging? I'm thinking I'd like the "high-speed" charge so I'm happy to put in a 220v line. I'm guessing it will need to be a 30amp? Do I need to buy a separate cable to handle the 220v? Or should I buy a separate cable anyway so I always have one in the car and I can just leave one at home?
    Is there a recommendation as to which cable to buy?

    Thanks in advance - I appreciate any help!! :)

    Jim
     
    #1 Colorado_Hiker, Jul 8, 2018
  2. Blue-Adept

    Blue-Adept Active Member

    Joined:
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    Location:
    Grand Rapids, Michigan
    Vehicle:
    2018 Prius Prime
    Model:
    Plug-in Advanced
    Your 20 amp circuit should be fine if it is not connected to other high amperage devices.

    I put a 50 amp 240 volt circuit in for my Juice box. Charges the car in 1 hour 50 minutes. It is also future proofs my garage for a full electric in the future.
     
    #2 Blue-Adept, Jul 8, 2018
  3. Blue-Adept

    Blue-Adept Active Member

    Joined:
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    Location:
    Grand Rapids, Michigan
    Vehicle:
    2018 Prius Prime
    Model:
    Plug-in Advanced
    Amazon has some reasonably priced chargers that run on 110 and 220.

     
    #3 Blue-Adept, Jul 8, 2018
  4. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

    Joined:
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    Location:
    boston
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Base
    congrats and welcome!

    prime comes with an L1 (120v) evse. your dedicated line is perfect.

    if you put in a 240v outlet, the oem evse can charge twice as fast with a simple adapter. there is a thread here with details.
    or you can buy an L2 evse, there are threads here with selection advice.

    no need to carry your cable unless you have somewhere to plug in.

    all the best!(y)
     
    #4 bisco, Jul 8, 2018
  5. Colorado_Hiker

    Colorado_Hiker Junior Member

    Joined:
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    Location:
    Denver, Colorado
    Vehicle:
    2018 Prius Prime
    Model:
    Plug-in Advanced
    "Juice Box" ?? Sounds more than a cable. I'm assuming its a charging station and not just an outlet for a different cable. Is it better to go this route (putting in a charging station) versus just a new power outlet? Any particular specs for a charging station?

    Thanks!
    Jim
     
    #5 Colorado_Hiker, Jul 9, 2018
  6. CharlesH

    CharlesH CA HOV Decal #5 on former PiP

    Joined:
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    Location:
    Roseville, CA
    Vehicle:
    2017 Prius Prime
    Model:
    Prime Advanced
    When charging cars, you always need more than just a cord and plug,due to the safety protocols (J1772) used by the charger in the car. You always need something to handle that protocol, whether it is a simple "brick" like what comes with the car, or a more complex one that includes things like WiFi control and charging reports.
     
    #6 CharlesH, Jul 9, 2018
  7. JimboPalmer

    JimboPalmer Tsar of all the Rushers

    Joined:
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    Location:
    Greenwood MS USA
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius v wagon
    Model:
    Three
    A 110 volt 12 amp charger comes with the Prime. it will work on a 15 amp breaker or bigger.
    Amazon has many 220 volt 16 amp EVSE cords. They will work on a 20 amp breaker or bigger.

    The Prime will not charge higher than 16 Amps, you can set it for 8 amps as well.

    [I have not installed this yet]
    I got my daughter a 20 Amp double pole breaker for her specific service
    50 foot of 12/2 with ground romex
    An outdoor, weatherproof box and a 6-20 receptacle.
    And a 220 EVSE cord with a 6-20 plug.

    Other cars with larger batteries my charge at higher Amps, but the Prime does not.
    Her charger will be in the garage, but between the garage doors, so I am treating it as outdoor for moisture.
     
    #7 JimboPalmer, Jul 9, 2018
    Last edited: Jul 9, 2018
  8. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    Plug-in Base
    her charger is in the car, but will be in the garage if the car is. just not between the doors where you are mounting the evse.
     
    #8 bisco, Jul 9, 2018
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