I made a thing to charge 2 cars...

[Sean1]

Just wanted to share a thing I built inspired by Ben Nelson's project DIY Home Automation Controller for Electric Car Charging - 300MPG.org.
I've been charging my TM3 LR RWD for 2 years on a 240v/20A circuit that I had before and was getting about 10-11MPH which was OK, but we just added a MY AWD and I needed to up the charging rate. I couldn't justify 1 wall charger not alone 2 and I've found my mobile charger to be more than adequate. I just needed a way for both cars to charge over night during the lowest rate available. I think Tesla's scheduled charging interface isn't very intuitive and lacks flexibility so I made my own dual charger smart switch with programmable times for each car and an over ride switch option with remote capability. Plus a voltage/usage reader that I can reset every month to see the total KWH I've used for charging the cars. Connected to an upgraded 50A with 6 gauge SOW rated wire and Nema 14-50, TM3 get's charged from 9pm to 2am and MY from 2:01am to 8am at 30-32MPH, it covers more than what we need for our daily driving
This was something I wanted and needed to do even if there is a software route available.
I know there may be some critical of my project, but that's fine, it works for me and that was the goal.

 

[Watts_Up]

What kind of timer are you using?

 

[Sean1]

I'm using a Sonoff dual smart switch that has a schedule feature for each channel

 

[israndy]

More details, the rest of us want to build these too. Perhaps you could create an Instructable about it

 

[Sean1]

I wouldn't mind creating a wiring diagram and a parts list if there is enough interest.

 

[Watts_Up]

I'm using a Sonoff dual smart switch that has a schedule feature for each channel

Thank you, I noticed the device but I didn't know it was controlled by WiFi.
I needed a similar device but I wanted to have sunset and sunrise programming integrated.

Can you explain the switch function(s) on the right.
Is it only on and off for both relays or can you select to turn on only one of the relays?

 

[Watts_Up]

I wouldn't mind creating a wiring diagram and a parts list if there is enough interest.

Yes, I would be interested knowing which online store you may recommend for the box, the relays, lamp, rails...
Some can be found on amazon but not always at the best price, or aliexpress but shipping takes time.

 

[Sean1]

The Sonoff Dual controls 2 switches independently. I can control each charger at any time as desired. The app for the Sonoff is eWelink which is available on Google play store and I would image the Apple store as well. Take a look at it and you'll see that it has many customizable functions from timer to schedule to even setting up Scenes.
I will put together a parts list I used. I got all from Amazon.

 

[Sean1]

Yes, I would be interested knowing which online store you may recommend for the box, the relays, lamp, rails...
Some can be found on amazon but not always at the best price, or aliexpress but shipping takes time.

Display unit

Voltmeter Ammeter Display, 100A AC 80~260V Digital Power Meter Monitor Voltage KWh Watt Voltmeter Ammeter with LCD Display and Current Transformer CT - - Amazon.com

Voltmeter Ammeter Display, 100A AC 80~260V Digital Power Meter Monitor Voltage KWh Watt Voltmeter Ammeter with LCD Display and Current Transformer CT - - Amazon.com

smile.amazon.com

Small distribution block

Amazon.com: 80A Power Distribution Block, Din Rail Terminal Block, 3x5 AWG, 3x10 AWG Din Rail Mount : Industrial & Scientific

Amazon.com: 80A Power Distribution Block, Din Rail Terminal Block, 3x5 AWG, 3x10 AWG Din Rail Mount : Industrial & Scientific

smile.amazon.com

LED lights

https://smile.amazon.com/mxuteuk-DC110V-Indicator-Warranty-AD16-22D-5S-110V/dp/B07SGWSVLS?pd_rd_w=mJ8fi&pf_rd_p=ba22ea03-d3c1-4ebb-8d3e-472aa0cf3b30&pf_rd_r=CK8Z80TAT4CA3EFJPP2A&pd_rd_r=cff3f707-b11a-465b-a186-b7fd7b4f547b&pd_rd_wg=iWAxS&pd_rd_i=B07SGWSVLS&psc=1&ref_=pd_bap_d_rp_1_t

Main switch

Baomain Mini Circuit Breaker NXB-63 D40 AC 400V 40Amp 3 Pole DIN Rail Mounting Work for Motor Protection and Air Compressor - - Amazon.com

Baomain Mini Circuit Breaker NXB-63 D40 AC 400V 40Amp 3 Pole DIN Rail Mounting Work for Motor Protection and Air Compressor - - Amazon.com

smile.amazon.com

Contactors. I went with 4 pole but you should be able to do 2 pole unit also

Baomain 4 Pole Contactor with 120volt AC Coil 50A Universal Circuit Control 35mm DIN Rail Mount HC1-63: Amazon.com: Industrial & Scientific

Baomain 4 Pole Contactor with 120volt AC Coil 50A Universal Circuit Control 35mm DIN Rail Mount HC1-63: Amazon.com: Industrial & Scientific

smile.amazon.com

Alternate 2 pole contactor

Baomain AC Contactor HC1-63 110V 63A 2 Pole Universal Circuit Control DIN Rail Mount: Amazon.com: Industrial & Scientific

Baomain AC Contactor HC1-63 110V 63A 2 Pole Universal Circuit Control DIN Rail Mount: Amazon.com: Industrial & Scientific

smile.amazon.com

Ground terminal block

https://smile.amazon.com/Sscon-Terminal-Position-Electrical-JX5-6003/dp/B07V3JQQDJ?pd_rd_w=IXa9a&pf_rd_p=ba22ea03-d3c1-4ebb-8d3e-472aa0cf3b30&pf_rd_r=7K3H3X5KH5FNWSVNRMBF&pd_rd_r=8dc85fdd-6cc7-4f8a-8c11-d9930829aa4d&pd_rd_wg=8KcJO&pd_rd_i=B07V3JQQDJ&psc=1&ref_=pd_bap_d_rp_1_t

Override switch 3 position

https://smile.amazon.com/mxuteuk-Positions-Waterproof-Latching-LA155-A1-20XSD-B/dp/B084MF6YPB?pd_rd_w=jxVg1&pf_rd_p=ba22ea03-d3c1-4ebb-8d3e-472aa0cf3b30&pf_rd_r=ZDGCEK20K1CR2WJB63B9&pd_rd_r=1d10a60c-61ec-4aa8-bab6-2433b46a8605&pd_rd_wg=cEPAj&pd_rd_i=B084MF6YPB&psc=1&ref_=pd_bap_d_rp_1_t

Sonoff Dual smart switch

https://smile.amazon.com/Sonoff-Metering-Certified-DualR3-Assistant/dp/B091HYC35J?pd_rd_w=53c76&pf_rd_p=ba22ea03-d3c1-4ebb-8d3e-472aa0cf3b30&pf_rd_r=P9XWXB50HX54QTF5NCKV&pd_rd_r=8d0a369f-b82c-4da3-861f-0ecde1b67b25&pd_rd_wg=WZblo&pd_rd_i=B091HYC35J&psc=1&ref_=pd_bap_d_rp_1_t

Small terminal block for my Neutral line

Server Busy

14-50 outlets x2

https://smile.amazon.com/Enerlites-Receptacle-Electric-Vehicles-Electrical/dp/B07BNBLLSL?pd_rd_w=DsDfT&pf_rd_p=ba22ea03-d3c1-4ebb-8d3e-472aa0cf3b30&pf_rd_r=PB8XYP80B4MQD68K9083&pd_rd_r=ddc985cd-7548-47fe-91cf-8f0c92e80731&pd_rd_wg=IlWiL&pd_rd_i=B07BNBLLSL&psc=1&ref_=pd_bap_d_rp_1_t

Din Rail

https://smile.amazon.com/TWTADE-Slotted-Aluminum-7-5mm-300mm/dp/B07RL53HWY?pd_rd_w=nJdeT&pf_rd_p=ba22ea03-d3c1-4ebb-8d3e-472aa0cf3b30&pf_rd_r=6XV68EGEE7JTNCNZ2PXT&pd_rd_r=881aeb4e-0579-43e6-a071-dbd01b07fa67&pd_rd_wg=b9ZFl&pd_rd_i=B07RL53HWY&psc=1&ref_=pd_bap_d_rp_1_t

Junction box. Looks like Amazon is out of the box I used but here is another retailer

DJC Supply Co. 12"x10"x4" Weather & Dust Proof IP65 PS Plastic Universal Electrical Junction Conduit Box and DIY Project Enclosure, Use for Outdoor and Indoor (1 Pack) Updated Stronger Material Hardware Supplies

DJC Supply Co. 12"x10"x4" Weather & Dust Proof IP65 PS Plastic Universal Electrical Junction Conduit Box and DIY Project Enclosure, Use for Outdoor and Indoor (1 Pack) Updated Stronger Material Hardware Supplies Features:✔ STRONG & LIGHTWEIGHT POLYSTYRENE (PS) PLASTIC This space age material is...

www.2daydeliver.com

 

[Watts_Up]

Thanks a lot for the list.

- I was wondering about the need to have a circuit breaker for the Neutral?
Also the Neutral wire seems to have a very small gauge.

- Also, what the function of the "Override switch 3 position".
Is it a way to manualy turning on and off charging?
If so, does this disconnect the other car if the timer was activated.

Note: For the links, for more clarity you could have deleted everything starting with the '?' sign.

 

[Sean1]

Thanks a lot for the list.

- I was wondering about the need to have a circuit breaker for the Neutral?
Also the Neutral wire seems to have a very small gauge.

- Also, what the function of the "Override switch 3 position".
Is it a way to manualy turning on and off charging?
If so, does this disconnect the other car if the timer was activated.

Note: For the links, for more clarity you could have deleted everything starting with the '?' sign.

Neutral doesn't need to be run through the main shut off but I had an extra terminal so I used it. There is no power in the neutral line so 16 gauge is plenty.
The over ride switch is basically a manual switch that you can turn on either chargers outside the scheduled times. For example, my low rate is available all weekend long from Friday night to Monday morning so I can turn either charger on via the app or in person once the car is plugged in.
The app has a feature for setting up "scenes" which I haven't played with but theoretically you should be able to set it up where if one is on and another is turned on, the 1st would automatically shut off to avoid overlap.

Thank you for the tip on the links. I didn't know this.