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Browse conversations about charging, adapters, road trips, troubleshooting, and everyday EV life.

Recent Questions

24 discussions · 850 answers
35votes
Charging rate dropped from 48A to 32A right after a software update — related?
Just got a software update, and now my charging rate dropped from 48A to 32A. Anyone else have this happen after an OTA update?
staticpollenstaticpollen
68
answers
55votes
Installer never mentioned GFCI for my L2 outlet — should that worry me?
My installer never mentioned GFCI when we talked about my garage outlet for the L2 charger — is that something I should be asking about, or a non-issue for a...
lunarcratelunarcrate
17
answers
78votes
App said the public charger was available but it wouldn't start — what now?
Public L2 charger wouldn’t start charging today, even though my app said it was available. What steps should I try before calling support or leaving a bad Pl...
randomkiwi27randomkiwi27
5
answers
34votes
Charging cable is a couple feet too short — any extension that won't void the warranty?
Charging cable on my EvoCharge iEVSE is a couple feet too short for my driveway. Are there any UL-listed extension cables that won’t void my warranty or crea...
northpicklenorthpickle
23
answers
37votes
NEMA 14-50 outlet burned out after 6 months — bad brand or bad luck?
NEMA 14-50 outlet burned out after 6 months of use. Anyone else with Leviton or Hubbell have this issue? Wondering if I should switch brands or go hardwired.
bluehazel_31bluehazel_31
88
answers
27votes
Breaker trips every time I charge — how do I tell what's actually at fault?
Breaker keeps tripping every time I charge with my new EVSE. How can I tell if the problem is with my wiring, the charger, or the car? Any step-by-step troub...
paperiguanapaperiguana
40
answers
29votes
J1772 adapter stuck in the car after an overnight charge — non-destructive fix?
J1772 adapter stuck in my Tesla after an overnight charge. Already tried the touchscreen unlock and the app. Any non-destructive ideas before I call for a tow?
lampthreadlampthread
15
answers
30votes
Why do DC fast chargers keep failing once it's below freezing?
Why do DC fast chargers always fail when it’s below freezing? Four out of six chargers at my local EA site were down this morning. Is this a hardware issue o...
nimbus_rooknimbus_rook
26
answers
35votes
EVSE outlet got hot to the touch at 32A overnight — electrician or normal?
My Grizzl-e EVSE outlet got hot to the touch after 40 min at 32A last night. Breaker didn't trip. Should I call an electrician, or is this just normal in win...
cloudspindlecloudspindle
49
answers
37votes
Charge port frozen solid at -18°C and remote unlock isn't working — now what?
Woke up to my Model 3's charge port frozen solid at -18°C. Tried remote unlock, no luck. Anyone have safe thawing tricks? Is the manual release easy to acces...
lunarcratelunarcrate
83
answers
54votes
Charging a Rivian through a 14-30P to 14-50R adapter — bad idea long-term?
Trying to charge my Rivian using a 14-30P to 14-50R adapter on a 220V dryer outlet. Should I be worried about damaging the vehicle or battery in the long run?
staticpollenstaticpollen
16
answers
60votes
Inherited an EVSE held together with extension cords and a splitter — rip it out or trust it?
Moved into a place last month with an EVSE that's already hooked up through what looks like two extension cords and a splitter into the garage outlet. Previo...
copperfogcopperfog
6
answers
110votes
Do the 'universal' portable EVSEs that fit every outlet actually work?
Has anyone tried one of the so-called 'universal' portable EVSEs that claim to work with 5-20, 6-20, 14-50, and even TT-30? I want one charger that covers al...
pixelmango19pixelmango19
56
answers
92votes
Renters using adapters long-term instead of a 'proper' install — how's that working out?
I rent and getting a quote for a 'proper' EV install was outrageous. Who here is using adapters or dryer outlets as a long-term solution? Any insurance or la...
driftbadgedriftbadge
7
answers
50votes
Can you actually ground an old 10-30 dryer outlet safely, or is a new line the only option?
Is it possible to safely add a ground to an old 10-30 dryer outlet using those Amazon adapters? Or is running a new line the only truly safe option? Looking ...
paperiguanapaperiguana
12
answers
78votes
Mobile charger won't start on my brand-new NEMA 14-50 — handshake issue?
Just got a NEMA 14-50 installed for my Mach-E, but my mobile charger won’t start charging at home even though it works at work and Level 1 is fine. Anyone el...
nimbus_rooknimbus_rook
13
answers
60votes
Used portable charger keeps shutting off mid-charge — dead or fixable?
Bought a used portable EV charger from Facebook Marketplace but it keeps shutting off mid-charge. Any recommendations for weatherproof chargers (and how to t...
northpicklenorthpickle
50
answers
31votes
Splitting a dryer outlet between the EV and the laundry — playing with fire?
I bought a splitter and extension cord to share my old NEMA 10-30 dryer outlet between my EV and the washer/dryer. It works, but am I playing with fire? How ...
bluehazel_31bluehazel_31
46
answers
23votes
Anyone used the GM 14-30 adapter kit instead of a new circuit?
Anyone have experience with the GM 14-30 adapter kit for L2 charging? My garage only has a dryer outlet and I’m not paying $2k for a new circuit. Any gotchas...
lampthreadlampthread
27
answers
26votes
Only have a dryer outlet in the garage — is adapting it for EV charging actually safe?
My new place only has a dryer outlet in the garage (10-30 or 14-30, not sure which). Everyone online says I can just get an adapter for EV charging — is that...
patchgravelpatchgravel
34
answers
67votes
Is a 14-50 to 5-15 adapter actually dangerous for slow charging?
Moving soon and the new place only has a NEMA 14-50. My portable charger is just a 5-15 plug. Is there any real danger using a 14-50 to 5-15 adapter for slow...
cloudspindlecloudspindle
31
answers
29votes
Range dropped after switching to a NEMA 6-20 — is something wrong with my battery?
Just started charging on a NEMA 6-20 next to my garage instead of whatever I had before, and my range seems noticeably lower now — like 10% less overnight. I...
thistleknotthistleknot
77
answers
88votes
Does 'IP66 rated' actually tell you anything about cold-weather performance?
Shopping for a portable Level 2 charger for road trips up into Canada and every listing just says 'IP66 rated' like that settles it. Does that actually tell ...
hollowtickethollowticket
16
answers
60votes
Level 1 charging barely adds anything at -25°C — is that normal?
I've noticed my Level 1 charger sometimes gives almost zero net charge overnight when it's -25°C. Is this normal, or do I need a heated garage?
driftbadgedriftbadge
45
answers