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      01-26-2014, 05:52 PM   #13
jadnashuanh
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Drives: 535iGT x-drive; i3 BEV
Join Date: May 2010
Location: USA

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I did a little research since I was curious...

A level 2 charger is required when you want to charge faster than the 120vac cable that comes with the vehicle.

The L2 charger has various safety circuits built into it which include a proximity detector to ensure the cable is properly installed before applying the 240vac and it generates a 1KHz square wave to announce it is there and capable of providing power. The car responds by changing the height of the square wave (attenuates it) and the charger responds by energizing the relay to actually apply the power. This is simplified, but functionally accurate as I understand it. Part of that negotiation is an indication of the amount of power the vehicle can accept and what the charger can provide.

While the standard allows up to around 62A, most charging stations do not provide that much. Most are in the order of 30A or so. You'd need to match the circuit breaker and wiring size to the charger you buy...I do not remember the max the i3 can accept on its level 2 input.

DC fast charge could exceed 100A.
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