Using Dryer 220 outlet for Level 2 charger

[G-StarRock]

I am new at the PHEV scene and owning a 4xe have come to the conclusion that the only way to fully appreciate the gas mileage benefits is by plugging in frequently. Don't want to spend exuberant amount on an electrician installing a level 2 charger (wire run and labor) - Northern California prices. The dryer in my laundry room - which is 30 feet away uses a 220V outlet. We don't use the dryer all the time and there is plenty of opportunity when it's not in use.

Can I simply plug in my level 2 charger in the dryer outlet? Do I need to worry about a certain amperage or using a certain brand of level 2 charger? Thanks,

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[MARSHMELLA]

Yes, with an adapter. I just spent about 14 seconds doing a search on Google

 

[Sjbiss]

Check our Switchvolt or Neocharge. This is what I will be doing. Electricians want $1500 for a dedicated line which isn’t worth it for the savings.

 

[G-StarRock]

Thanks - appreciate the response.
@Sjbiss - I think I can do without the splitter as it's rare to have both the dryer and charger running at the same time. Simply unplugging one will work.

Any recommendations for a level 2 charger with long 30 foot cable?

 

[Sjbiss]

Thanks - appreciate the response.
@Sjbiss - I think I can do without the splitter as it's rare to have both the dryer and charger running at the same time. Simply unplugging one will work.

Any recommendations for a level 2 charger with long 30 foot cable?

I went with the Grizzl - e. Middle of the road in terms or pricing but seemed to have solid reviews.

I have 7 people in my house so the dryer is in use quite a bit!

 

[Echo4papa]

You can also make this easy on yourself and get a splitter for the outlet to keep your dryer and your charging cable plugged in instead of swapping them back and forth.

 

[Shasta_Steve]

Most dryer outlets are only 30 amps so about the best you could charge would be 24 amps. The Grizzl-e has settings for 16-24-32-40 amps.

 

[G-StarRock]

@Shasta_Steve this is great info. Thank you. That would increase the charge time to probably 3+ hrs. Looks like I am cornered and may just need to take a dedicated line to my garage for the charger.

 

[Gregj]

I would also be concerned with all the plugging and unplugging loosening the outlet and creating a poor connection. That could become a fire hazard.
Gregj

 

[The Last Cowboy]

Why not just have an electrician do it properly vs messing with the dryer outlet? Spend $50k on the 4XE, but not $500 to have a electrician do some work. I don't get it.

 

[Jehovasfitness]

Why not just have an electrician do it properly vs messing with the dryer outlet? Spend $50k on the 4XE, but not $500 to have a electrician do some work. I don't get it.

not to mention there is a 30% tax credit for such an install up to $1,000 credit as well as some states may offer one as well.

 

[G-StarRock]

It's costing me $2500 to get the job done - (a) everything is x5 in California and (b) the wire run is long for me.
For now I will use public charging - the J adaptor really opens a lot of options, until I can find better alternatives. Thanks.

 

[Echo4papa]

It's costing me $2500 to get the job done - (a) everything is x5 in California and (b) the wire run is long for me.
For now I will use public charging - the J adaptor really opens a lot of options, until I can find better alternatives. Thanks.

Ouch.

My house was built in the 50's and it won't be cheap to get anyone to touch any of the wiring internal to the house. The other alternative is to wire it from the sub panel outside on the other side of the house, then run the wires all the way to the carport. Either way, it's not a $500 job.

Eventually a significant portion of the house is going to be rewired but I'm not ready for that yet. I have a couple minor remodels (bathrooms & kitchen) that have to be planned out first so we can get all the electrical work (or as much as possible) done at one time. I don't want to start doing small pieces here and there then have to redo portions of that for other projects because it wasn't all planned out properly to begin with.

Adding an adapter to the dryer outlet is cheap. It saves me from swapping plugs back and forth, and yes, I will have to set the Grizzl-e to 24 amps for now, but it's still more effective than the level 1 charger in the short term and once I get these other projects planned out and the electrical work underway, then I can have a dedicated outlet setup for the charger.

 

[G-StarRock]

@Echo4papa - do you know approx. how long will 4xe take to charge at 24 amps?

 

[Echo4papa]

@Echo4papa - do you know approx. how long will 4xe take to charge at 24 amps?

I don't know enough to hazard a guess other than to say significantly faster than the level 1 charger.

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