Hello, First timer here (please be gentle). I just purchased a 2020 Toyota Prius Prime. It's the base model. The charger they provided me plugs directly into our 120v outlet in the garage, but from what I understand if you plug the charger into a 240v outlet, it should cut the charging time from 5.5 hours, to 2 hours & 10 minutes. I have an electrician coming over to hardwire install a 240v outlet in my garage. 1) Does Toyota have a different charger, for those who wish to charge at 240v, or will the OEM charger handle the task if plugged into a 240v outlet? 2) Because I need an extension cord, could you please provide me with a link to an *IDEAL* extension cord that can handle the load without any problems? I'm sure Toyota would discourage any use of extension cords, but I need a longer cord! I don't know what gauge or number of amps will suit my needs. Please be as specific as possible (links to suitable solutions are greatly appreciated!) Please help.
Welcome to PriusChat and congratulations on your purchase! 1. No. You'll have to go 3rd party. Alternatively, you can build or purchase an adapter to convert your 5-20 plug (from the OEM charger) to your 240V outlet. See details here Using the Primes 120v Charger at 240 Volts, Cost $20 !!! | PriusChat Note that because the OEM charger maxes out at 12A (instead of 16A), it'll be 2.5 hours instead of 2h10 minutes... but that's not really a big deal considering the price difference between the adapter and buying a whole 240V EVSE unit. 2. If you're using the standard outlet at 12A, then get one that is rated for 15A (just as a buffer). The Canadian Tire outdoor extension cords are rated up to 13A but I don't know how well they work as I haven't tried (and I have outlets close by). I'll let those who have purchase extension cords give you the exact specifications needed.
Welcome to PriusChat ! ************************* I custom build exactly what you want in any length that you need using 10 AWG Pure Copper Cord, everything gets tested before I ship so they're perfect. Since you don't have an outlet installed yet, I'd recommend a NEMA 14-50R. Send me a private message if you want one. Rob43
Not sure there is an ideal extension cord as you aren't suppose to use an extension cord with the Prime. However, some best practices when choosing one would be: Use a wire gauge appropriate for the amps (i.e. I wouldn't go anything thinner than a 12 gauge wire personally) Get a high quality cord (i.e. not the cheapest off Amazon. Ones designed for power equipment might fit the bill) If you plan to use the cord externally, get one rated for the outdoors Buy the smallest length that would achieve your goal (i.e. never get a 100ft cord when a 10ft would do) Treat your cord with care! Never coil it while plugged in or put it in a position where it would be crushed by a garage door or stepped on! As much as possible, keep it sheltered from the elements. If that's not entirely possible, at least cover up the connection points. If you don't get a cord with a built-in GFCI, always try to plug it into a GFCI outlet.
I built this 3 ft long 10 AWG Pure Copper cord adapter earlier today for a PriusChat member, it tested with 0% resistance which translates into a perfect working adapter. Rob43
Lets discuss safety. If you use (as I do) one of Rob43's 240 volt to 5-20R (looks like 120 volt) adapters, he has warning labels at the '120 volt end' (see above) If you attach a 25 foot 120 volt extension cord to that, what is warning folks that it is NOT 120 volts at the far end? I do not like that solution. www.amazon.ca/Coleman-Cable-50-Foot-Outdoor-Extension/dp/B000A3I3GA However Amazon.ca has quite a number of 10/3 tt-30 240 volt extension cords you can not accidentally plug a 120 volt device into. If your electrician wired you a NEMA tt-30 'RV' plug and you got a 240 volt extension cord www.amazon.ca/Conntek-14363-Durable-Extension-Straight/dp/B00F17Q8BM Then Rob43 can make you a tt-30 to 5-20 adapter and the only plug that looks like 120 volts has warning labels. I think this is much safer, personally. Rob43 prefers a 14-50 outlet, but an extension cord for that is pricey www.amazon.ca/NU-CORD-94561E-50-Feet-50-Amp-Extension/dp/B005GXQDHU Other than money, it is safer than my thought. (Thicker wire)
OP, Just to clarify: I personally like the NEMA 14-50R receptacle for this reason: It's "probably" the most common 240v 50 amp outlet. It will work for most appliances & it's relatively EV car "Future Proof". Future Proof means this: down the roads several years from now when you possibly buy a BIG battery EV car, this 50 amp plug will do a decent job of charging that car without you spending big $$$ in another electrical upgrade. Rob43
I just got one of Rob43s conversion cables last week. Works like a charm. I bought one of the YellowJacket 2991 20 amp 50 foot cords for 60.00 on Amazon. I am reluctant to post any details about how I ran the cord due to comments from more knowledgeable members than me. There is an interesting video on YouTube describing essentially the process with a Volt. I also found an OEM Prime EVSE cable on EBay for 200.00. I am using this one (in case a problem arises, which I don’t think one will) and keeping the original in my car. Some suggest the 150-200 dollar eBay or Amazon level 2 chargers, but by using an OEM used cable with one of Rob43s conversion cables, I feel like I’m less likely to have any problems than with a Chinese made EVSE. You can find used Leaf EVSEs on eBay quite often for less than 150.00. Per Rob43 you can uses those just like the Primes EVSE cable at 240 12amp. The Leaf EVSE part number that Rob43 suggested is 29690 3NF2E.
I've read (while researching 240v service installation data), that newer 240 volt appliances are using 4 wire 240 volt connections. These provide newer appliances with 1/2 leg 120 volt access to power controls. @Rob43 have you heard of this or have any thoughts regarding 4 wire 240 volt circuits?
The NEMA 14-50 is a commonly used 240 volt outlet with a neutral leg and ground. Look at the left most part of this diagram, ignore all the references to 30 Amps. (to the right you see you lose the ability to use 120 volts if you lose neutral)
When I started researching a sub panel for the garage about 10 years ago, I ran into an issue understanding bonding neutral. I get how the hot and the neutral form the circuit. I get how the ground is an added safety measure that moves the ground away from the appliance / motor case into the wiring, kinda. I never knew enough about appliances back during two wire when appliance casings were the ground for the circuit. Thus the service neutral bar and the ground bar look the same, but serve different functions at the appliance end of the circuit.
Thanks for all the replies. I'm not really that electrical savvy, so I don't think I want to customize anything. I'll be doing some research for a while I guess. LOL. I did come across this item though : I believe my 2020 Prius Prime utilizes the standard J1772. Is this correct? What are your thoughts on the charger I provided a link to? It says it'll also work on my car. The last thing I want to do is plug in an aftermarket accessory and fry my car, or worst....my entire electrical panel.
You'll probably want to read through this thread: Certified EVSEs? | PriusChat Short answer: I would go with an EVSE/charger with a UL-listed or ETL certification. The one you posted does not appear to have either.
OP, Using your Toyota OE 120v EVSE unit at 240 volts is far safer (and cheaper) than charging with any of those Chinese built units. Not to mention how poorly the Chinese charging handle fits into your Prime each time you use it. Rob43
Hi Rob, Thanks for all the info you share on this site, I've learned a lot. I'm a new Bolt owner, just using the supplied oem charger in a 120V line. Having a 240V line installed with a 14-50 outlet. I understand that my Bolt evse also will handle 240v and am interested in one of your adapters. Please let me know if you can put one together for me.
YMS_1975 apologies for my questions directed to Rob43 in your thread. I've recommended Rob43 's pigtails in other threads and I'll do the same in your thread. The only reason I don't have one of Rob43 's adapters yet is that I don't have a 240 volt outlet to plug it into, yet. I am planing to have a 50 AMP sub-panel installed to host a 240 volt 50 AMP outside outlet. Specifically for use with the Primes OEM charging unit. Again, sorry if my posts created any confusion. Bonding to the neutral is probably not to hard to understand, unless like me one tends to over think things in general.
