What to do w/ my 240V 20a outlet

[thejinftw]

I have a 240V 20a outlet in my garage for this central vacuum that never gets used so I thought it would be perfect for an EV. Unfortunately it seems that my outlet doesn't match with the included Mach E charger. Would I be able to just replace the outlet with a 14-50 or do I need to also pull wires + upgrade breaker to 30a+ as well?

Pic of my current outlet

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[generaltso]

If the wiring is only rated for 20A, you‘d have to pull new wiring. Alternatively, you could get a 16A EVSE with a NEMA 6-20 plug. Something like this would work (though it’s not UL listed).

https://www.amazon.com/Morec-NEMA6-20P-Charging-200-240V-Compatible/dp/B08QMVNC6G/ref=sr_1_21?crid=3BYHM4OSGQSUN&dchild=1&keywords=16+amp+level+2+charger&qid=1619916643&s=automotive&sprefix=16+amp+,automotive,173&sr=1-21

Keep in mind though that 16A is only 3.8kW, which would only get you around 12 miles per hour.

 

[Murse-In-Airy]

Trying to put more current through 20 amp wiring would overheat it and cause a fire. So larger gauge wire would be needed for more than a 20 amp appliance.

 

[carbonizedbrett]

Wouldn't it be nice if there was a dongle for the Ford Mobile Charger for a NEMA 6-20?

If it could signal the controller to limit current to 16 amps, you'd get a 3.8kW charging rate, which is half what you'd get with the NEMA 14-50 but twice what we get with the NEMA 5-15....

 

[EddieHaskell]

Pretty much what GeneralTso wrote... The existing wiring isn't appropriate.

However, I've taken my MME to my folks' place at the beach, built in the mid-80s which, like yours, had a central vac system. I have a NEMA 6-20 (3.8kW) EVSE that I keep there and it works pretty well!

https://www.amazon.com/Keruida-Portable-Charging-Adjustable-Currents/dp/B09MHT6WSM?th=1

Does it match up to my Wallbox Pulsar Plus 9.6KW in my garage at home? Not even close, but the 12 miles restored per hour is so much better than the (not quite) three / hour I get with the Level 1 at the ski condo. (I feel like I'm collecting EVSEs at this point.)

The 6-20 EVSE is totally usable for me, especially when I'm on vacation.


I hope you'll keep us updated with how it works out for you, good fortune!

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