Didn't see this coming...
We've been hearing of the advantages of plug-in hybrids and all-electric cars like the Tesla roadster. Just plug 'em in and in a few hours you're all charged up and ready to go.
Well, yeah--but there's a big "if" here: If your house has a 70-amp 220 circuit in your garage to do the charging. If not, and you're using a typical 15-amp 110 outlet, the charging time could be around 32 hours.
Now granted that time was quoted for the all-electric Tesla, and it might not be the same with a plug-in hybrid. Then again it might... Nobody's mentioned--to my knowledge--anything about what kind of electrical power is needed. You may well have to hire an electrician to put in a dedicated 220 line, otherwise charging could take forever--or 32 hours, which is almost like forever.
Here's Green Car Advisor's take: 32 Hours Needed to Charge a Tesla Roadster Using Common Electrical Outlet
7driver says:
08:05 AM, 07/10/08
Well DUH! Sounds like some journalist discovered math that he hasn't used since 2nd grade. The Tesla Roadster's battery pack capacity has been publicized long ago and it's common knowledge that common 3-prong household outlets are often 15 amps. Mr. mathematically-challenged-english-major also failed to mention that 3 prong outlets are sometimes 20 amps and that electric dryers and stoves use a 4 prong outlet which are 30-50 amps. Finally, 32 hours is for a full charge which you'll only need if you go the full range (221 miles rated). If you only drove 55 miles that day using 1/4 of the battery's capacity, then it's only 8 hours to top it off.
As for plug-in hybrids, let's look at the Volt. Since it's still in development, specifications aren't finalized but early designs are reported to have 16kWh batteries. Common 3-prong outlet = 110V * 15amp = 1.650kW. Let's round that down to 1.6kW to make things easier. 16kWh/1.6kW = 10h for a full charge.
However, the above is assuming the battery is going from 100% to 0% to get the full electric-only range. It's also reported that for longevity reasons the Volt's battery will only be allowed to go from 80% to 30% which would mean charge time takes half what I computed. Same goes for the Tesla (I don't know offhand what states of charge are allowed for its pack).
fordlepka says:
02:00 PM, 07/14/08
The Lotus of the EEV