Recent Questions

78 votes
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_rook nimbus_rook_2
13
answers
59 votes
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...
northpickle northpickle_2
50
answers
16 votes
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_31 bluehazel_31_2
46
answers
15 votes
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...
lampthread lampthread_2
27
answers
16 votes
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...
patchgravel patchgravel_2
34
answers
67 votes
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...
cloudspindle cloudspindle_2
31
answers
21 votes
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...
thistleknot thistleknot_2
77
answers
88 votes
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 ...
hollowticket hollowticket_2
16
answers
60 votes
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?
driftbadge driftbadge_2
45
answers
119 votes
Charge port keeps freezing shut in Toronto — is there an actual fix?
Had my charge port freeze shut twice this month (Toronto). Anyone found a reliable fix, or is this just a Canadian EV owner rite of passage?
bluehazel_31 bluehazel_31_2
39
answers
73 votes
First real winter road trip coming up — what should I actually pack?
Planning a January road trip up through Alberta and getting a little nervous after reading about iced-over public chargers. Never dealt with real cold before...
foghorn_jt foghorn_jt_2
22
answers
46 votes
Condo board voted no on EV chargers — anyone actually flipped one?
I live in a condo and our AGM just voted no to chargers. Has anyone successfully convinced their building to install EV charging? Tips?
randomkiwi27 randomkiwi27_2
10
answers
127 votes
Is Level 2 actually worth it for a 20-30 mile daily commute?
Only drive about 20-30 miles a day and trying to decide if I actually need to pay for a Level 2 install or if Level 1 is enough. Recently moved somewhere a l...
dustpebble_r dustpebble_r_2
33
answers
94 votes
Got quoted $15k for a Level 2 install — is that actually normal?
Just got quoted $15k for a Level 2 install and about fell over. Is that a normal price or am I getting ripped off? House is on the older side if that matters...
fernclip fernclip_2
17
answers
61 votes
Portable charger for road trips, or is fast-charger planning enough?
Do I need a portable charger for EV road trips, or is planning around fast chargers enough? Any favorite brands or must-have adapters for North America?
paperiguana paperiguana_2
26
answers
16 votes
How much range do you actually lose in serious Canadian cold?
Canadian winter owners: How much range do you really lose at -20°C or worse? My Model Y dropped nearly 40% last week. Curious if anyone's got real stats or t...
lampthread lampthread_2
75
answers
17 votes
Is Level 1 charging actually enough for a short daily commute?
Everyone keeps saying Level 1 charging is useless, but I've been using my regular outlet for 4 months and it's been fine for my 30-mile daily commute. Am I m...
cloudspindle cloudspindle_2
54
answers
45 votes
Is an EV worth it if you can only charge in public?
Apartment dwellers: is an EV actually worth it if you can't charge at home? I've been relying on public charging and it's way more expensive than I expected....
nimbus_rook nimbus_rook_2
18
answers
17 votes
What do you wish you knew before your first EV arrived?
Just got my first EV (2026 Ioniq 5) and realized the dealership told me basically nothing. What do you wish you knew on day 1? Any must-have accessories or r...
lunarcrate lunarcrate_2
32
answers
60 votes
Do Canadian NEMA outlet codes differ from the US for EV charging?
Canadian EV owners: Are there any key differences in NEMA outlet code or adapter usage vs the US? My electrician mentioned some unique issues with dryer outl...
cloudspindle cloudspindle_2
30
answers
12 votes
Is there an up-to-date list of which automakers are actually on NACS now?
Is there a comprehensive list yet of which automakers are switching to NACS in 2026? I want to know if it’s worth upgrading my home charger now.
randomkiwi27 randomkiwi27_2
18
answers
20 votes
What adapter do I need for a NEMA L6-30 outlet, and is it risky?
If I have a NEMA L6-30 outlet in my building, what adapter do I need for my EVSE? Is there a risk of damaging my car or the wiring?
northpickle northpickle_2
55
answers
21 votes
Does leaving my NACS-to-J1772 adapter on year-round hurt it in a Michigan winter?
Is leaving my NACS-to-J1772 adapter attached to the wall charger year-round going to mess it up, especially through a Michigan winter? Never worried about we...
paperiguana paperiguana_2
52
answers
127 votes
Which CCS/NACS/CHAdeMO adapter are people actually using in 2026?
For anyone with a 2026+ EV: which DC fast charging adapters are you using (CCS↔NACS, CHAdeMO)? Are there speed or compatibility issues I should know about be...
paperiguana paperiguana_2
32
answers