Programming Charge Current

Does the RAV4EV have the capability to be programmed to only draw a certain amount of current from the EVSE like the Tesla models can? This would allow one to take their EVSE (in portable mode) with them and plug into any available 240VAC socket, regardless of current rating. As an example, since most homes have a 240V/30A circuit for clothes dryer, I was hoping the RAV4EV could be programmed to only pull 24A when the EVSE is plugged into a 30A socket.

Marc

Current drawn by a RAV4 EV while charging is limited to the output "rating" of the Level 2 EVSE up to 40 amps (at 240Vac). A plug-in outlet used by the EVSE has to be rated for a higher current to prevent the wiring from overheating causing a fire hazard. You cannot use an electric clothes drier outlet if it is only rated for 30A, UNLESS the EVSE is rated well below that amount of current. I think 24A would be the EVSE's limit in that case. The "portability" of most Level 2 EVSEs is questionable because most household 240V outlets are supposed to be "dedicated".

What you want to do with your EVSE can be done, but you must not use it in an 240V AC outlet that is not rated at least 125% higher (with that same amount of circuit breaker protection) than the maximum current rating of that EVSE.

Remember, the RAV4 EV does NOT limit the current drawn to charge its battery based on the AC outlet your EVSE is plugged into. It limits the current based on the output rating of the EVSE itself!

Kohler Controller said:

Does the RAV4EV have the capability to be programmed to only draw a certain amount of current from the EVSE like the Tesla models can?

Click to expand...

No, it doesn't. It's an awesome feature on the Tesla car, however.

Those of us who have built our own EVSE generally include that capability into the unit. If you're reasonably handy with a soldering iron and wiring, you could build your own OpenEVSE.

There's now a company building a custom metal box to house the electronics, so you don't even have to do any cutting (besides wire leads).

http://code.google.com/p/open-evse/