Smart, quick and easy ways for connecting charger

Joined
Feb 26, 2018
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154
I want to hear/see some smart solutions for connecting a electric scooter to a socket for charging outside.
So that it is super easy.
I find the more difficult it is to use the charging cable the less i want to use it.

I am thinking about having a automatic cable roll up like those some vacuum cleaners have so you all you have to do is pull out the cord and maybe press a button for it to roll in when you are done charging.

And i think it would be smart to be able to drive up to the socket and put the connector in the socket without getting of the scooter.
So maybe the socket hangs in same height as the mirrors and you drive up and stick it in.

I also want to know about solutions so the connector etc. will not brake if you drive off without removing the connector.
Maybe it could even be made this way on purpose so that you just drive away slowly to disconnect and the cable will roll up.

I also think about using the charging cable as a combined lock so you can lock the scooter to a pole or something at the same time.

Because it gets wet outside maybe sometimes it can be dangerous so i would also like to know ways to avoid this danger.
I was thinking maybe contactless induction could be used to avoid this danger.
 
OK, I'll bite.

Implementing **all** of this is IMO over-complicated and unnecessary.

High-amp Andersons are my choice, long as being regularly used. Weather "resistant" boots are available but not needed, fresh water is just not that conductive.

Deutsche (AMP/TE) are my go-to when true waterproof is required.

Put in a location where getting on and starting up is very obviously **awkward** while still plugged in. Opposite of your idea about hooking it up while still seated (really?)

The mounting angle should be such that driving away is a clean pull-out.

The roll-up idea's been implemented, my over 50 y.o. Electrolux barrel style vacuum cleaner's is still working just fine, reverse engineer from that.

DO NOT try to use the charge cable as an anti-theft device, silly idea, could result in manslaughter, and copper's too soft anyway.

 
I'm taking about the AC connection between the charger and the socket.
Like a 220 volt shuko connector for example.

I want to have the charger constantly connected inside the scooter.
And hopefully i can charge the battery with the same cable used for discharging.

The automatic roll up drum i have seen from vacuum cleaner does not seem to be good for wet/moisture.
But i would like something like that but the wires should not be exposed or something where water can get in.

Even if i hang the schuko connector under a cover so it can rain directly on it i think it will still get wet from the water in the air so maybe i would not feel safe plugging in a wet connector so would like to know what can be done there other then having to wipe off the water before inserting the connector.
Maybe the connector can be enclosed in a airtight protector or something.
 
The location where your mains power outlet must be in a protected dry location.

The extension cord that I guess you're plugging into that outlet, and then your charger plug into the other end, must be very stout - how long? how many amps? suitable gauge. . .

Your rollup device can be self-contained stored indoors, or a fixture attached to the wall near your mains outlet if that is indoors.

Otherwise look at the designed for purpose power pedestals, as used on marina docks and in campsites, and the very robust 30A / 50A power cords and adapters used in those environments.


 
Its not the AC socket i want to build outside home.
I want to be able to drive around places and use the AC socket that they might have different places.
Like public sockets maybe at a shop or whatever.
So i can drive to the shop and charge while i shop and then drive to maybe cinema and charge while a watch a movie.

Why should it be stout?
It seems the thinnest AC cable/connector i can get is for 10/16 amps and the charger input is 3 amps.
I dont know the length but i have 5 meters in mind just in case i am not able to get close to the socket with the scooter.
Like maybe i have the scooter outside a building and have the cable go inside a window.
It would suck to have 3 meters cable and then one day you need 3,5 meters to reach the socket.

I made 2 adapters for 16 and 32 amps to be able to use those bigger amp sockets like seen at marina and kitchen etc. in case there is no shuko sockets but i want to focus on just smaller shuko style sockets. Then in case i need to use those other sockets i have the adaptors.
The connectors and wires for 16 and 32 amps are so big and heavy and i dont need that many amps.
If the charger/battery was able to charge faster and use more amps that would be cool but it seems i will not be able to do so without reducing battery life so so i will stick to the small connector/cable as long as i cant use more amps.
 
Yes if your charger only pulls a few amps gauge can be smaller but quality must be robust, check often for wear points.
 
Before leaving it always connected check how much parasitic draw there is from the charger. All of mine have LEDs lit when plugged to the charger but not the wall, but I don't know how much drain it is. I kept an old broken vacuum with a retractable cord just for what you have in mind, but haven't gotten around to putting it to use.

I've gone to larger capacity packs, so charging is a non-issue as I generally only need to charge once or twice a week. For longer than typical rides I plan ahead to have a full battery before leaving. Otherwise I keep the packs below 4V/cell and above 3.5V/cell for maximum life, and reasonably expect my packs to last 10 or more years. If I may be going more than 100km that days I put the charger in my backpack.

Chargers are somewhat fragile, and they can and do fail in a manner that they can exceed their set cutoff voltage, which can have devastating effects, so the only chargers I'd consider installing on one of my bikes is one built for that purpose that is both shock resistant and water resistant.

Like you I'm a big fan of convenience, and I've found large capacity packs to be the most convenient with charge concerns being a thing of the past. I'd build a fold out when parked solar charging rig long before I'd go back to hunting for a socket to plug into for some juice.
 
For this thread i just want to talk about how to connect the charger smart, quick and easy.

Even if you have high battery capacity you will have to charge so even if it doesnt happens as often it would still be nice to have it smart, quick and easy rather then complicated.

I also want to show other people have its done so maybe they will get a electric scooter or be more happy to use it.

It dont seem many of the scooters i have seen have a really smart system.
Its more like they put a non-waterproof charger with 0,8 meter cable under the seat and then write that you should not leave the charger under the seat when charging.
I dont think the cable/charger should take space on the seat it would be more smart to have other places.
 
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