Newbie charging question(s)

[Yowzerhead]

Have a 26 GGT. First electric car - so forgive me if this is a "duh" question. I normally charge my Gravity at home with the mobile charger using a hardwired 240v 40 amp (50 amp capable) outlet in a dedicated spot in my garage. Last night, I stayed at a hotel and the valets thought it would be really nice if, unasked, they charged my car (gotta love California!) - they put on their own NACS adapter - I believe to an older model Tesla charger (J1772) and plugged it straight into the car. When they went to get it the next morning - it had not charged and after removing the plug it still said "CHARGING" and underneath that "Unable to engage (or something like that I dont remember exact words...) and "contact customer care". The car was rendered inert - almost bricked - with a message that wouldn't change and it wouldn't respond to pretty much anything. So I performed a reset and everything came on as normal. Is there anything I should be aware of when using what looked like a fairly standard charger set up at the hotel garage? Could it have been their adaptor? Anyone else have an experience like this? The only other time I tried charging it was using the Lucid NACS adapter at a level 2 J1772 charger run by TurnonGreen - also never got it to work! Any charger stations that you recommend using? Avoiding? (I am assuming apart from dedicated Tesla chargers with NACS plugs...) Any kind responses appreciated!

 

[Ron_Burgundy]

Have a 26 GGT. First electric car - so forgive me if this is a "duh" question. I normally charge my Gravity at home with the mobile charger using a hardwired 240v 40 amp (50 amp capable) outlet in a dedicated spot in my garage. Last night, I stayed at a hotel and the valets thought it would be really nice if, unasked, they charged my car (gotta love California!) - they put on their own NACS adapter - I believe to an older model Tesla charger (J1772) and plugged it straight into the car. When they went to get it the next morning - it had not charged and after removing the plug it still said "CHARGING" and underneath that "Unable to engage (or something like that I dont remember exact words...) and "contact customer care". The car was rendered inert - almost bricked - with a message that wouldn't change and it wouldn't respond to pretty much anything. So I performed a reset and everything came on as normal. Is there anything I should be aware of when using what looked like a fairly standard charger set up at the hotel garage? Could it have been their adaptor? Anyone else have an experience like this? The only other time I tried charging it was using the Lucid NACS adapter at a level 2 J1772 charger run by TurnonGreen - also never got it to work! Any charger stations that you recommend using? Avoiding? (I am assuming apart from dedicated Tesla chargers with NACS plugs...) Any kind responses appreciated!

Depending on the charger, folks have said Tesla home wall chargers do not work/charge the GGT at 80A and all of those default to 80A. So my guess is the hotel has a Tesla wall connector set to 80A so it wouldn’t charge.

Now, the message and behavior? I can’t speak to that as I’ve not tried to charge with our 80A Tesla wall charger, but others here have.

It definitely shouldn’t brick a car - so restarting makes sense.

 

[socktucker]

Have a 26 GGT. First electric car - so forgive me if this is a "duh" question. I normally charge my Gravity at home with the mobile charger using a hardwired 240v 40 amp (50 amp capable) outlet in a dedicated spot in my garage. Last night, I stayed at a hotel and the valets thought it would be really nice if, unasked, they charged my car (gotta love California!) - they put on their own NACS adapter - I believe to an older model Tesla charger (J1772) and plugged it straight into the car. When they went to get it the next morning - it had not charged and after removing the plug it still said "CHARGING" and underneath that "Unable to engage (or something like that I dont remember exact words...) and "contact customer care". The car was rendered inert - almost bricked - with a message that wouldn't change and it wouldn't respond to pretty much anything. So I performed a reset and everything came on as normal. Is there anything I should be aware of when using what looked like a fairly standard charger set up at the hotel garage? Could it have been their adaptor? Anyone else have an experience like this? The only other time I tried charging it was using the Lucid NACS adapter at a level 2 J1772 charger run by TurnonGreen - also never got it to work! Any charger stations that you recommend using? Avoiding? (I am assuming apart from dedicated Tesla chargers with NACS plugs...) Any kind responses appreciated!

Some bugs still in the system, as you see.

 

[DrK]

Tesla destination chargers have had varying generations. They are significantly different. L

Superchargers: Lucid supposedly informs you about superchargers that work and those that do not but in any given location that has different types you need to pick the right one.

Destination and mobile chargers: I believe wall chargers are in their third generation. Gen 1&3 don’t work on Lucid’s ( and 2020 Tesla Model S). Sales of third started in Jan 2020.

Staff and management know very little about protocol and equipment. Hint, the third generation charger has a glass facec

 

[DrK]

Typo: gen 1&2 don’t work. 3 does.

 

[Yowzerhead]

Depending on the charger, folks have said Tesla home wall chargers do not work/charge the GGT at 80A and all of those default to 80A. So my guess is the hotel has a Tesla wall connector set to 80A so it wouldn’t charge.

Now, the message and behavior? I can’t speak to that as I’ve not tried to charge with our 80A Tesla wall charger, but others here have.

It definitely shouldn’t brick a car - so restarting makes sense.

Thank you - makes sense!

 

[DrK]

The third generation tesla charger has significant tech differences:1- the communication protocol between charger and car 2- the early max 80 A charge rate was reduced and the wires therefore lighter and less expensive .

It is my understanding it was and is the #1 change in communication protocol that keeps Tesla 2020 Model S and all Lucid’s from charging.

Nonetheless just like the glass front of the third gen identified it, the 80 A charge rate identifies a charger that does not work.

 

[Yowzerhead]

The third generation tesla charger has significant tech differences:1- the communication protocol between charger and car 2- the early max 80 A charge rate was reduced and the wires therefore lighter and less expensive .

It is my understanding it was and is the #1 change in communication protocol that keeps Tesla 2020 Model S and all Lucid’s from charging.

Nonetheless just like the glass front of the third gen identified it, the 80 A charge rate identifies a charger that does not work.

Thank you!

 

[Kent]

Have a 26 GGT. First electric car - so forgive me if this is a "duh" question. I normally charge my Gravity at home with the mobile charger using a hardwired 240v 40 amp (50 amp capable) outlet in a dedicated spot in my garage. Last night, I stayed at a hotel and the valets thought it would be really nice if, unasked, they charged my car (gotta love California!) - they put on their own NACS adapter - I believe to an older model Tesla charger (J1772) and plugged it straight into the car. When they went to get it the next morning - it had not charged and after removing the plug it still said "CHARGING" and underneath that "Unable to engage (or something like that I dont remember exact words...) and "contact customer care". The car was rendered inert - almost bricked - with a message that wouldn't change and it wouldn't respond to pretty much anything. So I performed a reset and everything came on as normal. Is there anything I should be aware of when using what looked like a fairly standard charger set up at the hotel garage? Could it have been their adaptor? Anyone else have an experience like this? The only other time I tried charging it was using the Lucid NACS adapter at a level 2 J1772 charger run by TurnonGreen - also never got it to work! Any charger stations that you recommend using? Avoiding? (I am assuming apart from dedicated Tesla chargers with NACS plugs...) Any kind responses appreciated!

Yowzer: you and I sound the same...brand new to the EV experience. However, you are a bit brighter, knowing how to perform a reset. Would you please explain how to do that for me? Thanks!

 

[Yowzerhead]

Yowzer: you and I sound the same...brand new to the EV experience. However, you are a bit brighter, knowing how to perform a reset. Would you please explain how to do that and hold the brake pedal, the X and the microphone for about

Yowzer: you and I sound the same...brand new to the EV experience. However, you are a bit brighter, knowing how to perform a reset. Would you please explain how to do that for me? Thanks!

Press and hold the brake pedal, the X Button and the microphone button for about 25 to 30 seconds; it’ll tell you "let go to reset" or something like that and screens will go blank, it’ll cycle through a reset/restart and that should do it!

 

[Smorgasbord]

Gen 1&3 don’t work on Lucid’s ( and 2020 Tesla Model S).

This is incorrect. A 2020 Model S should work on with all Tesla destination chargers. I leased such a vehicle for 3 years and charged all over the place. If a Tesla vehicle doesn't charge on a Tesla destination charger, there's a bug somewhere.

Gen 3 especially should work fine with Lucid's. I'd be surprised if Gen 1 didn't. For the Air, a good J1772->NACS adapter should filter appropriately and provide compatibility.

Gen 2 when set to over 48 amps will probably not work with Gravity. Setting dip switch #2 differently may fix that, but I haven't done enough testing to say for sure.

 

[Ron_Burgundy]

This is incorrect. A 2020 Model S should work on with all Tesla destination chargers. I leased such a vehicle for 3 years and charged all over the place. If a Tesla vehicle doesn't charge on a Tesla destination charger, there's a bug somewhere.

Gen 3 especially should work fine with Lucid's. I'd be surprised if Gen 1 didn't. For the Air, a good J1772->NACS adapter should filter appropriately and provide compatibility.

Gen 2 when set to over 48 amps will probably not work with Gravity. Setting dip switch #2 differently may fix that, but I haven't done enough testing to say for sure.

Is the question Gen 1 and 2 wall chargers or super chargers? If the former yes, they work dialed down to 48A. If the latter, that’s more nuanced and not even all 3/4 gen superchargers will work with Lucid or others as Tesla locks some for Tesla only.

 

[Smorgasbord]

Is the question Gen 1 and 2 wall chargers or super chargers? If the former yes, they work dialed down to 48A. If the latter, that’s more nuanced and not even all 3/4 gen superchargers will work with Lucid or others as Tesla locks some for Tesla only.

OK, sorry - but the OP and early posts were clearly talking about AC / L2 charging. SuperChargers aren't called "Gen," they're called "Version."

The deal with Tesla SuperChargers is:
V1 & V2 - Only Teslas
V3 - Technically capable of charging non-Teslas, but Tesla has chosen to block non-Teslas from some high-usage V3 chargers (for instance, at Madonna Inn in Central CA).
V4 - Capable of charging non-Teslas. Tesla could block non-Tesla vehicles, but I don't believe they have done so for any V4 charger.

I've seen YT videos of Tesla owners complaining about how slow V1 and V2 SCs are, so we're really not missing much.

 

[Ron_Burgundy]

OK, sorry - but the OP and early posts were clearly talking about AC / L2 charging. SuperChargers aren't called "Gen," they're called "Version."

The deal with Tesla SuperChargers is:
V1 & V2 - Only Teslas
V3 - Technically capable of charging non-Teslas, but Tesla has chosen to block non-Teslas from some high-usage V3 chargers (for instance, at Madonna Inn in Central CA).
V4 - Capable of charging non-Teslas. Tesla could block non-Tesla vehicles, but I don't believe they have done so for any V4 charger.

I've seen YT videos of Tesla owners complaining about how slow V1 and V2 SCs are, so we're really not missing much.

Good point re: nomenclature. It’s hard to keep track of it all!

I do find it interesting that folks buying $100,000+ cars are upset they MAY need to buy a different $1,200 home charger (for which they’ll get a 30% federal credit) to get ideal charging speed. Yes, I know one doesn’t get rich by wasting money, but the discussion in this thread shows you can throttle down old Tesla wall chargers to 48A and it’s all good.

 

[Smorgasbord]

Good point re: nomenclature. It’s hard to keep track of it all!

I do find it interesting that folks buying $100,000+ cars are upset they MAY need to buy a different $1,200 home charger (for which they’ll get a 30% federal credit) to get ideal charging speed. Yes, I know one doesn’t get rich by wasting money, but the discussion in this thread shows you can throttle down old Tesla wall chargers to 48A and it’s all good.

I'm one of those really bummed that my Gravity can't take advantage of all my two Tesla Gen-2 chargers can offer. And, it's not just buying two $1200 chargers, it's whether they can share a single 100-amp circuit - if not I've got some major re-wiring costs.

I do understand Tesla isn't quite doing the J1772 standard thing, but Gen-2 was a while ago. As more OEMs come out with native NACS ports it'll be interesting to see if any support compatibility as the stand-alone adapters provide.

I do have DIP switch #2 in the "legacy" position - next step is to see if that helps with more than 48amps delivered.

 

[Ron_Burgundy]

I'm one of those really bummed that my Gravity can't take advantage of all my two Tesla Gen-2 chargers can offer. And, it's not just buying two $1200 chargers, it's whether they can share a single 100-amp circuit - if not I've got some major re-wiring costs.

I do understand Tesla isn't quite doing the J1772 standard thing, but Gen-2 was a while ago. As more OEMs come out with native NACS ports it'll be interesting to see if any support compatibility as the stand-alone adapters provide.

I do have DIP switch #2 in the "legacy" position - next step is to see if that helps with more than 48amps delivered.

I am not an electrician and don’t understand sh-t about it, but, we have two wall chargers on the same 100A circuit and the wall chargers are “dumb” I guess as there’s some sort of load managing device the electrician installed that effectively manages the load between the two (if both are in use) since the devices weren’t able to do so on their own.

Agree that as NACS becomes more widely used in vehicles, home solutions will be interesting to watch. I expect many folks who have “old” J1772 chargers will start by just using a NACS adapter to start.

 

[Smorgasbord]

but, we have two wall chargers on the same 100A circuit and the wall chargers are “dumb” I guess as there’s some sort of load managing device the electrician installed that effectively manages the load between the two (if both are in use) since the devices weren’t able to do so on their own.

What brand wall connectors? If they're truly dumb then I don't get how that works, unless each one is configured to pull no more than 40 amps.

 

[hwy17er]

Also a "newbie" question (and FWIW @Yowzerhead, there aren't a lot of "duh" questions on this forum as most everyone here is helpful and not judgmental & we were all just beginning to get into this at some point):

We're only our 3rd plug in vehicle (2nd BEV) with my GGT order, but I thought it was still worth it to get the 80A Lucid Charger wired in as an "upgrade" to the 40A 14-50 NEMA plug L2 type we've been using for the Taycan in case we needed a faster charge sometimes at home. Easier to manage the need to switch the 2 EV's in the one car driveway as well as the cable won't quite reach the parking spot on the street in front of our house. Is the increased charging rate significant enough to matter?

 

[Adnillien]

Also a "newbie" question (and FWIW @Yowzerhead, there aren't a lot of "duh" questions on this forum as most everyone here is helpful and not judgmental & we were all just beginning to get into this at some point):

We're only our 3rd plug in vehicle (2nd BEV) with my GGT order, but I thought it was still worth it to get the 80A Lucid Charger wired in as an "upgrade" to the 40A 14-50 NEMA plug L2 type we've been using for the Taycan in case we needed a faster charge sometimes at home. Easier to manage the need to switch the 2 EV's in the one car driveway as well as the cable won't quite reach the parking spot on the street in front of our house. Is the increased charging rate significant enough to matter?

The 80A charger will be twice as fast as you 40A NEMA 14-50. In very hot or very cold weather it will be more than twice as fast since a lower percentage of the power will be going to the BMS system warming or cooling the battery. That said, if you usually charge overnight, you likely will not notice the speed difference so it will not matter.

 

[Kent]

Press and hold the brake pedal, the X Button and the microphone button for about 25 to 30 seconds; it’ll tell you "let go to reset" or something like that and screens will go blank, it’ll cycle through a reset/restart and that should do it!

Thanks, Yowzer!