Charging battery at public charging stations

Babs

Hi, 

I have a 320s 2018 tab and was wondering if using public charging stations used for electric cars (and advisory recommendations) will take 30 amp plugs?  See https://afdc.energy.gov/fuels/electricity_infrastructure.html#dc

Denny16

No, these charging stations are normally 220VAC systems, and you could get fined using them on anything but a EV.  Also, they EV charging stations do a handshake communication with the vehicle, before starting to charge them.   Doubt you could even find an adapter to connect one to the TaB, and if you did, the TaB is not going to establish a handshake connection.
So I think this is a non-starter idea.
cheers

ScottG

Welcome, Babs. I don't know much about electric vehicles, but it looks from your link like there are a variety of proprietary receptacles that are very different from a standard 120V/30A RV receptacle. This may be because automotive charging stations are more than just a power outlet, but rather incorporate complex charging circuitry that works along with the vehicle's systems. Seems like a lot of variables in play.

So, I say the short answer is no (but I'm interested in hearing any alternative opinions).   

Babs

Thank you both!  I was wondering about charging the battery on the road with available resources in case places are locked down again (COVID).  Any thoughts are appreciated.

VictoriaP

Babs said:

Thank you both!  I was wondering about charging the battery on the road with available resources in case places are locked down again (COVID).  Any thoughts are appreciated.

Generator, solar, or spend the night with full hookups every few days. Both generators and solar panels have their pros/cons, and both have a learning curve that means you need to study up before investing. I carry a tiny 900 watt propane generator as a backup power source; it probably wouldn’t run my Danby AC unit, but it’s plenty to recharge the trailer. You probably should upgrade the battery if it’s a stock group 24 wet cell, which is what most dealers provide...there are better and larger alternatives out there. Learn to conserve power, install kill switches on all parasitic drains (such as the Jensen stereo and TV, each draws power even when theoretically “off”).

There are tons of threads on here around the subject. One note: With a 2018 320s, you do have a 3 way fridge. Unless you are absolutely, 100% certain your vehicle alternator is capable of charging your trailer battery while also powering the fridge while in transit, don’t run the fridge on 12v while driving. Many vehicles are not able to compensate for that extra drain, so don’t simply assume that yours can. 

But I agree with Denny, you almost certainly can’t just recharge at an EV charging station, so you’ll need a better plan if you’re boondocking. And if you’re fulltiming right now? I’d make plans on where you intend to hunker down in the event of another shutdown. 

Babs

Again, thank you.  Looks like I will be learning a great deal from contributors here.  Great insights!

pthomas745

Hmmmmm:  Note to self:  Set up RV charging stations around the US.  Charge per hour.  Profit.

Bayliss

Fantastic entrepreneurial idea @pthomas745!!  Do all current T@B owners get grandfathered in with a 50% discount for life????  

Denny16

Charge per KW of power used.  More Profit!  
Cheers

pthomas745

The secret 50 percent discount password will be "Ampersand".