How do I safely charge my PHEV travelling across the Continent

Berty · 02-01-2023 03:12AM #1

As I will be traveling in Europe , mostly France granted, I figure that my PHEV would be best charged for, it's short beach and touristy stuff, hops with charging via the granny cable into available trusted sockets.

Following some googling the internet has frightened me to avoid simply using an adapter and most results offer up a UK company who, although will ship here, will allow DPD to collect much charges and fees for it. I won't link them but it's Tough Leads.

I could live solely working off Hybrid and Petrol but after 1000s of KMs any saving would be appreciated by the wallet, seeing as I've technically rented both the accommodation and the electricity in the wall.

Any thoughts on it, advice on what to buy, where etc, thanks in advance.

loopymum · 02-01-2023 04:36AM

There was a thread here before about the opposite & someone French visiting mayo I think. Might be worth looking for?

I think the recommendation was to borrow one from a boards.ie.

You could get one buy a UK one & get it shipped to you destination in France but would it be worth your while?

joe1303l · 02-01-2023 08:46AM

If you know somebody in N.I, get it sent to them and have them post it on to you ? Another solution is to buy a new/used granny charger for your car with the correct plug from eBay.fr or similar. If it’s a Type 2 to Schuko that you need they are about €180-€200. Unless you’re going to be there for weeks, it might be cheaper to forget about charging it and just buy petrol.

crisco10 · 02-01-2023 08:51AM

In terms of adaptors, I had same issue as you re tough leads so I just got an eu plug to commando and a commando to 3 pin plug and plugged them together to get a more robust adaptor for my granny charger.

I.e.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Faithfull-Power-Plus-FLYLEAD-240V/dp/B006XBT0R4/ref%3Dmp_s_a_1_3?adgrpid=105458292176&gclid=CjwKCAiA-8SdBhBGEiwAWdgtcK4IeDvvWu7g4BfCDYZC_JvV7an28JhpseB0aI3Xl4RcCcsSiPPtMBoCxXYQAvD_BwE&hvadid=451233303016&hvdev=m&hvlocphy=1007850&hvnetw=g&hvqmt=b&hvrand=11546330129664617009&hvtargid=kwd-927808111815&hydadcr=24984_1816958&keywords=commando+plug+adapter&qid=1672645488&sr=8-3

Plus

https://www.amazon.co.uk/European-Adaptor-Coupler-Caravan-Camping/dp/B00EHI8WR4/ref%3Dasc_df_B00EHI8WR4/?tag=googshopuk-21&linkCode=df0&hvadid=375456294447&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=9276315095771832935&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=1007850&hvtargid=pla-893918196917&psc=1&tag=&ref=&adgrpid=79769156634&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvadid=375456294447&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=9276315095771832935&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=1007850&hvtargid=pla-893918196917

Now, this setup only avoids any issues with getting a robust adaptor for a reasonable price in Ireland. It still has the issues about prolonged use of an adaptor, and thermal cut out switch being neutered somewhat. So I just monitored it when I was using and didn't leave overnight plugged in .

the_amazing_raisin · 02-01-2023 10:29AM

So the first thing you'll want to do is ask the property owner where you're staying if it's okay to plug in, they might have concerns about the power draw that you should address

You need to make sure the adaptor and socket you're plugging into are rated for over 10A since this is what the granny lead will be drawing

You might also want to reduce the charging current of your car if possible to give you some extra breathing room

As others said you can get stuff posted to NI perhaps, there's an Amazon pickup counter in Newry which is handy if you're coming from Dublin

Berty · 02-01-2023 11:51AM

Thanks for the replies. Getting it through somebody in NI or going to NI isn't an option. I'm in Co Clare.

Purchasing a proper EU version isn't a viable option to save as I won't save much as they're not cheap.

Frankly then the option of running the customs gauntlet is probably the better option, at least today(I won't order today) because I don't see the similar leads sold indirect. If I found one on Amazon or FR/DE/ES/IT I'd have more confidence on not being charged extra prior to delivery.

I can always charge when I opt for hotels connections (where available) on some parts of my stays outside of campsites(mobiles not tents). I'll investigate supermarket charging as I did read in July 22(France) that some supermarkets are free when the store is open and in some cases you ask for a card at customer service.

I'll have both types of cables with me, type 2 and granny. I've factored pure petrol driving costs to my budget, a few years ago when fuel was about 1.40 I did a landbridge journey to Nice and back, fuel costs added it up alright in a petrol Mondeo but when you factor in worst case scenario you're at least prepared. I'm sure Hybrid mode will be some benefit over just a petrol car, just not when doing 130 kmh through France, won't lash it down the Autobahn in Germany though. It's not the sound of the engine screaming, it would be the wife screaming.

crisco10 · 02-01-2023 11:57AM

Yeah Le Clerc is free 7 or 11kw in some locations but you need to get a card (tied to their loyalty card) as you say.

Giant Casino is free plug and play in some stores, but only 3kW.

Also, there are a lot of type 2 AC chargers around in mlst departments, and they tend to charge by the minute rather than kWh.

the_amazing_raisin · 02-01-2023 01:07PM

A lot of the campsites have chargers, although they might not advertise them

Some of them have their own EVs for maintenance and they sometimes let the customers use the chargers

Berty · 02-01-2023 01:16PM

Last year, had a rental so no need and the site had a charger but it was advertised. Never saw it used. Neighbour who owned his mobile was certainly granny charging his(he was french so had the connection). Only site I've booked so far doesn't advertise having one but as you say it could have one. There's a Hyper and Super U near my first stop so I'll start there in research.

kanuseeme · 02-01-2023 02:48PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058277784/how-do-i-safely-charge-my-phev-travelling-across-the-continent

make your own extension cable, suitable cable and socket from here, if possible the euro plug also, if not then pay a visit to a hardware store over there . Some assembly required .

How do I safely charge my PHEV travelling across the Continent

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