Portable Charger

[dtomlin]

I bought my 22 Lariat Ext Range used a year ago and I only use the portable charger at 240v. But the charging rate varies between 3.7 to 7.4 kw/hr. On my Nissan Leaf it was consistant at 6.6 and my Tesla Model 3 the charging rate always stays above 7? With each vehicle, I used the charging cable that came with it. So, is it my charging cable or my Ford truck that causes my charging rate to vary?

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[TaxmanHog]

On occasion my FCSP will vary the charging rate when measure by the seconds & minutes in Emporia, I see this more so when I'm remote starting or using departure timer to pre-condition the truck, but I've also seen it during bulk recharging sessions.

Can't say for certain if the EVSE or the trucks onboard charge controller is commanding the slow downs, most likely it is the truck.

This mornings plugged in departure timed session preparing for long road trip today, past 8am it's modulating the energy output of the PTC to warm the cabin.

 

[TaxmanHog]

Last nights charging session preparing for Saturday trip.

 

[dtomlin]

I wonder if a Ford Tech could give insight or if Ford could offer a softward fix. I bought my truck used and it didn't come with a wall mount charger. I have been waiting on a bi-directional charger other that the one what Sunrun offers. Every year since 2022, different companies say they will have their charger ready by the follow year. Still hasn't happened.

 

[potato]

You may have to be more specific than "the portable charger". There is more than one model.

But I would suspect a flaky (maybe overheating) EVSE especially if you're talking about a Ford mobile charger.

 

[dtomlin]

I use the Ford mobile charger than came with the truck.

 

[Heliian]

What's your charge limit and current soc? Is the battery hot or cold? Do you have precondition times set? Is your charger location set?

 

[dtomlin]

Battery is cold

 

[RickLightning]

Likely fhe charger. Charging at another level 2 charger would confirm that.

 

[No Oil HaHa]

I also have the Ford mobile charger that came with my ‘22 and experience the exact same charging scenario. I think it’s the Ford charger as every time I notice the kWh drop to 3.7 the charger no longer has a solid blue light but half blue and half amber.

 

[dtomlin]

I have noticed the very same thing. As I stated in an earlier post. I am waiting for the right bidirectional charger to come on the market before making a purchase for a wall mounted unit. I wonder if someone from Ford would give some feedback on the portable charging cable.

 

[RickLightning]

No, they won't.

 

[RailroaderJ]

At home the truck is constantly fluctuating the charge. At public stations they may meter you.

 

[djwildstar]

In my opinion, your issue is with the Ford Mobile Charge Cord. Ford uses a rebadged Webasto Go unit for their portable charger. It's serviceable and has both 5-15 Level 1 (120V 12A) and 14-50 (240V 30A) charging. However, it also has a reputation for being a bit sensitive -- if it sees a high temperature at the plug, in the body of the unit, or at the vehicle, it'll reduce charging power or even stop charging completely.

The problem is often lose connections that cause overheating. Check that the 240V "pigtail" is fully and firmly seated in the charger body, and that the plug is fully seated in the 14-50 receptacle. Also make sure that your 14-50 receptacle is rated for EV charging use, is in good condition and there aren't any loose connections or hot spots. The FMCC could be picking up on overheating in the receptacle and reducing charging power for that reason.

Check the truck by charging from a different J1772 charger, for example at a shopping center or event venue. If you see the same charging power fluctuation, then the problem is in your truck.. If the truck charges at a constant rate, then the problem is either your charger or the receptacle in your garage.

Very strongly consider going to a hard-wired charger (Autel, ChargePoint, DeWalt, Emporia, Enphase, Flo, and WallBox all make good ones). It should be a minimum-cost electrician visit to replace the outlet with a hard-wired charger. You'll get both faster charging (9.6kW versus 7.2kW) and more-reliable charging. Not only are there two fewer pluggable connections to work lose or fail, but you may also be able to have the electrician swap the circuit's GFCI breaker for a plain breaker to further improve charging reliability.

If you absolutely must have a plug-in charger, then if your existing receptacle isn't EV-rated, then have an electrician come out and replace it with one that is (Hubbell 9450A or Bryant 9450FR). If your existing receptacle is EV-rated, it might be worthwhile to do a quick check to see if there are any signs of overheating in the receptacle. Either way, replace the Ford Mobile Charge Cord. Reputable mobile charger brands include DeWalt, J+, Webasto (either as Webasto or under the Ford or GM brands), and BMW.

 

[dtomlin]

I used the same outlet to charge a Nissan Leaf I had before the truck. The Leaf gave a consistant charge. I didn't use a ground fault breaker because the outlet is in the ceiling of my 9' garage. I have unplugged it and replugged it. It never seemed warm. My local dealer said I could bring it in to be checked, but they would need it for a couple of days. I charged the Lightning at a publc free charging yesterday. It added 12kwhs in 1 hour and 42 minutes. I guess that is normal. Before I buy a wall unit I am still hoping for a bi-directional charger. Thank you for the information.

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