I love my new 2018 Prius Prime. I’m up to 99.2 mpg so far! I don’t have a garage so I’m using my outside outlet at the front of my house. I’ve run a short extension cord from the outlet to my driveway along a flower bed. Rather than store it in the back of my car every day, plugging it in and out which is kind of a pain, I’ve just coiled it up outside. This doesn’t seem like a good option but I’m not sure what else to do. Anyone have an idea?
Congratulations on your new to you Prime! Budget? Desires? Your question above is similar to someone asking on Better Homes and Gardens - "I want to make the front of my house look better". Unlimited possibilities, especially as budgets go well over a billion dollars. But, for $5, not much to do, other than prune weeds by hand. The following site has some nice examples of mounting options for home chargers: Buyer's Guide to Home EV Charging Stations Code: https://clippercreek.com/residential/ Some examples: https://cc-wp.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/HCS-EVSE-Residential-Installation-CARE.jpg https://cc-wp.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/LCS-charging-station-install-3.jpg https://cc-wp.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Customer-Installation-of-LCS-25-EV-Charging-Station-Zaniewskiw-2.jpg https://cc-wp.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/LCS-EVSE-Customer-Install-on-fence.jpg https://cc-wp.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Customer-Installation-of-HCS-40-EV-Charging-Station-Ware-2.jpg https://cc-wp.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/HCS-40_ChargeGuard_Nissan-Leaf-White_02-2.jpg On the simpler, lower cost end, get a weather proof charger with a long cord. You can also place the charger portion in a weather proof box. Use a bigger box, to allow for better heat dissipation. Many of those EV chargers are weather-resistant, far from weather-proof. For your outside outlet, there are good weather "proof"/resistant covers. Home Depot carries them. Btw, the EV charger portions don't generate a lot of heat. But, they do have electronics. And, all electronics generate some heat. Good luck!
An extension cord to the EVSE (Electric Vehicle Service Equipment) charger cord, is not recommended. But, as long as the cord is heavy duty enough, like a 12/3 gauge 15' extension cord that should be OK as long as it's plugged into a 15 amp circuit that isn't used by any other appliances while the car is charging. You can get away with the thinner wire 14/3 gauge extension cord, but it will start to get noticeably hot while charging the car during the ( day in summer while in direct sun). Don't use a normal 16/3 gauge extension cord, it will get hot even in winter and melt snow the entire length of the cord while charging the car. Southwire 15 ft. 12/3 Convention Center Flat Extension Cord 31481508 It's also a very good idea to protect the EVSE, and all exposed plugs and sockets from rain and snow.
Below is an EV Charger that uses a standard 5-15P plug (120V home outlet), and has a 50ft cord: Note: The EV charger below will only charge at a max of 10amps at 120v. If you want, in the Prime, you can adjust the max charge current to be 8amps. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09QKBQQPS Code: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09QKBQQPS PRIMECOM.TECH Level 2 Electric Vehicle (EV) Charger Amperage Adjustable (10Amp - 16Amp - 20Amp - 24Amp - 32Amp) 30Ft Cable EVSE Plug-in Hybrid (50 FT, 5-15P 120v) Price: $699.00 Size: 50 ft There are also lower cost EV chargers on ebay. Do a google/ebay search for: Level 2 Electric Vehicle Charging Station,EV Charging Cable,50FT-J1772,120V-240V Level 2 Electric Vehicle Charging Station,EV Charging Cable,50FT-J1772,120V-240V Price: $299.75 Shipping: Free 4 day shipping Located in: Colorado Again, I suggest that the controller be kept clear from weather. I'm not sure if the following box is big enough for the controller, the size of the controller would need to be measured. Code: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006EUHT2W/ SOCKiTBOX – The Original Weatherproof Connection Box – Indoor & Outdoor Electrical Power Cord Enclosure for Timers, Extension Cables, Reels, Transformers, Power Strips, Lights & Tools – Large – Green Price: $29.99 Approx size: 11"x14" Good Luck!
Any chance you could set up a trade / rent with a neighbor so you can shorten the length of the extension cord? In general, standard extension cords aren't thick enough / safe once you get up above 14 amps or so. I recently restored a Sauna we bought a brand new 2kw/110v heater for and it runs at 18 amps and so I built my own extension cord with super heavy duty cable that's sold by the foot at Lowe's and Home De pot. Just under 20 feet is distance of cable and it's never warm to the touch, whereas the extension cord felt too hot for comfort, especially because it's outside where it will experience more challenges than indoors.
