[Aalfred]

Looking to get an IX soon and have been waiting to pull the plug due to the logistics of it. Have a 2 car garage but both are currently occupied and the IX will have to sit outside in the cold and sub zero temps for winter which could last 3-4 months. Wanted to install a level 2 charger in my garage but wondering how I would charge it with the IX parked outside and if the cord will be long enough - like 30 ft or more and the cord sturdy enough to be run under a closed garage door. Can install the charger outside but then worried about the longevity of it and potential problems while selling the house. Also wondering about the loss of charge if its kept outside in the cold/freezing temps every night. This will be my DD and I can plug it in every evening esp in the cold months but wondering if anyone has any experience dealing with these type of issues...esp my Canadian neighbors

[exxxviii]

My hot take: Install an EVSE outside, near the car. Pick one that has a flexible cable that does well in the cold.

Most EVSEs only come with around 20' cables, and I think that extensions are discouraged. So, it sounds like an indoor-mounted EVSE would not reach unless you used a non-sanctioned extension.

Many EVSEs are designed for outdoor use in harsh conditions, so that is not a huge problem. You probably would have to replace the cable more often, so select one that has an easily replaceable cable.

You would run the conduit underground and then terminate at a post to support the EVSE. So if selling the house is a concern, you could easily remove the post, cap the circuit, and disconnect it at the breaker box.

Charge loss is nothing to worry about. The impact would be largely the same whether you charge inside or out. BEVs just consume more during cold, regardless of how they are charged.

[ggalanis]

Originally Posted by Aalfred

Looking to get an IX soon and have been waiting to pull the plug due to the logistics of it. Have a 2 car garage but both are currently occupied and the IX will have to sit outside in the cold and sub zero temps for winter which could last 3-4 months. Wanted to install a level 2 charger in my garage but wondering how I would charge it with the IX parked outside and if the cord will be long enough - like 30 ft or more and the cord sturdy enough to be run under a closed garage door. Can install the charger outside but then worried about the longevity of it and potential problems while selling the house. Also wondering about the loss of charge if its kept outside in the cold/freezing temps every night. This will be my DD and I can plug it in every evening esp in the cold months but wondering if anyone has any experience dealing with these type of issues...esp my Canadian neighbors

Hi,
the cords are sturdy, but I wouldn't run it under the garage door. Find a EVSE(charger) that is well rated for outdoor use and install it outside. There is a max length of something like 25ft on most of them which is likely linked to electrical codes, but that's a guess on my end.

The car doesn't lose charge because it sits in the cold. However, you will use much more energy warming up the car's cold cabin. In VERY cold temps (like -20C), the car will slightly limit output until the battery is warm enough to allow full output, but it is a small limitation even at -20C. i.e. you still have 90% power or more available.

Setting up a pre-conditioning schedule for your morning commute will avoid this and will pull most (if not all) the energy needed from the wall charger instead of the battery.

[Aalfred]

Originally Posted by exxxviii

My hot take: Install an EVSE outside, near the car. Pick one that has a flexible cable that does well in the cold.

Most EVSEs only come with around 20' cables, and I think that extensions are discouraged. So, it sounds like an indoor-mounted EVSE would not reach unless you used a non-sanctioned extension.

Many EVSEs are designed for outdoor use in harsh conditions, so that is not a huge problem. You probably would have to replace the cable more often, so select one that has an easily replaceable cable.

You would run the conduit underground and then terminate at a post to support the EVSE. So if selling the house is a concern, you could easily remove the post, cap the circuit, and disconnect it at the breaker box.

Charge loss is nothing to worry about. The impact would be largely the same whether you charge inside or out. BEVs just consume more during cold, regardless of how they are charged.

Thank you !!! I have a detached garage and had brought in a new service line to the garage a few years ago. So I should be able to get a line from the panel use a conduit and get it to my outside garage wall. Also good to know that they can last better in the cold. My current X3 keeps cracking its coolant reservoir and hose every winter despite me using the BMW recommended fluid. I thought these German cars were built to handle the cold. Thought about putting a warming blanket but worried about critters nesting in the engine bay !!!

[Aalfred]

Originally Posted by ggalanis

Hi,
the cords are sturdy, but I wouldn't run it under the garage door. Find a EVSE(charger) that is well rated for outdoor use and install it outside. There is a max length of something like 25ft on most of them which is likely linked to electrical codes, but that's a guess on my end.

The car doesn't lose charge because it sits in the cold. However, you will use much more energy warming up the car's cold cabin. In VERY cold temps (like -20C), the car will slightly limit output until the battery is warm enough to allow full output, but it is a small limitation even at -20C. i.e. you still have 90% power or more available.

Setting up a pre-conditioning schedule for your morning commute will avoid this and will pull most (if not all) the energy needed from the wall charger instead of the battery.

Thanks !!! Thats an excellent idea. I was planning on setting up a charge timeslot between 12 AM-6 AM to make use of my Electric companies lower cost. Adding the preconditioning schedule would really make it much more comfortable.

[jono987654321]

Aalfred I’d be interested to know what valuable items are in the garage that would force you to keep an iX outside. 😀

[ggalanis]

Originally Posted by Aalfred

Thanks !!! Thats an excellent idea. I was planning on setting up a charge timeslot between 12 AM-6 AM to make use of my Electric companies lower cost. Adding the preconditioning schedule would really make it much more comfortable.

get a charger that can implement this timeslot for you. The BMW implementation of the time slot charging leaves a lot to be desired and has some quirks to it that are not obvious. Also, it seems currently broken in the latest OTA update.

[ggalanis]

Originally Posted by Aalfred

Thank you !!! I have a detached garage and had brought in a new service line to the garage a few years ago. So I should be able to get a line from the panel use a conduit and get it to my outside garage wall. Also good to know that they can last better in the cold. My current X3 keeps cracking its coolant reservoir and hose every winter despite me using the BMW recommended fluid. I thought these German cars were built to handle the cold. Thought about putting a warming blanket but worried about critters nesting in the engine bay !!!

I have had several modern BMWs parked outside all winter and none have had issues. My 1989 E30 sits outside all winter too without issue. This may be a design defect but much more likely that this cracking is a symptom of a different underlying issue. If not, many Canadian X3s would be constantly broken.

[Aalfred]

Originally Posted by jono987654321

Aalfred I’d be interested to know what valuable items are in the garage that would force you to keep an iX outside. 😀

The wife has her car on one side and my M3 is on the other side. Cant leave my M3 out in the cold.......so the IX gotto go....

[Aalfred]

Originally Posted by ggalanis

I have had several modern BMWs parked outside all winter and none have had issues. My 1989 E30 sits outside all winter too without issue. This may be a design defect but much more likely that this cracking is a symptom of a different underlying issue. If not, many Canadian X3s would be constantly broken.

I cant figure it out either. I has happened the last 2 winters and during the summer its been running fine. Have replaced the coolant hose and the reservoir twice. No issues during the summer. Im bracing myself for a 3rd time and it will give me an excuse to get the IX...so its a win--win

[Aalfred]

Originally Posted by ggalanis

get a charger that can implement this timeslot for you. The BMW implementation of the time slot charging leaves a lot to be desired and has some quirks to it that are not obvious. Also, it seems currently broken in the latest OTA update.

Thanks. My utility company discounts the Chargepoint charger if I right.

[exxxviii]

Originally Posted by Aalfred

Thanks. My utility company discounts the Chargepoint charger if I right.

My power company discounts the ChargePoint Home Flex too - I think I got mine for $350. It is great, because it is really easy to replace the cable. And, as another killer benefit, they already offer a NACS cable for when our next generation of cars switch to the J3400 connectors.

[thebishman]

Originally Posted by Aalfred

Thanks. My utility company discounts the Chargepoint charger if I right.

Another vote here for the ChargePoint Flex. I have mine set to start charging at 00:00 and end at 08:00, but I’m almost always at 80% before 06:00 when my extremely low rates end.

Think about a partial enclosure for the Flex to try and limit the build up of snow; ice, etc.

If you set a departure time at for example 07:00 and the Flex is set up to still be able to charge at that time, the car will in essence use ‘shore power’ to heat up/cool the cabin and maintain the SoC % that you’ve set, by replenishing any battery capacity that you’ve used for the above.

[Aalfred]

Originally Posted by thebishman

Another vote here for the ChargePoint Flex. I have mine set to start charging at 00:00 and end at 08:00, but I’m almost always at 80% before 06:00 when my extremely low rates end.

Think about a partial enclosure for the Flex to try and limit the build up of snow; ice, etc.

If you set a departure time at for example 07:00 and the Flex is set up to still be able to charge at that time, the car will in essence use ‘shore power’ to heat up/cool the cabin and maintain the SoC % that you’ve set, by replenishing any battery capacity that you’ve used for the above.

Thank you. Excellent point. Will see if I could find a partial enclosure on Amazon or maybe just build it myself...lol.

[jono987654321]

I’d be building an enclosure for the car 😜

[Aalfred]

Originally Posted by jono987654321

I’d be building an enclosure for the car ��

Tried to do a car port instead and wifey shot it down. lol She says if you want 2 cars, you gotto choose...cant have it both ways...lol. Maybe better off moving to a new house with a 3 car garage once kids r out of school...lol

[jono987654321]

Perhaps an enclosure for the wife, then? She sounds a feisty one.

[ggalanis]

Originally Posted by Aalfred

Thank you. Excellent point. Will see if I could find a partial enclosure on Amazon or maybe just build it myself...lol.

I think that will just annoy you more than anything; If you aren't sure about the chargepoint being exposed to the elements, I'd suggest getting a FLO charger. They apparently finally came out with 50A versions now. I have a 30A one myself. Very robust.

[ggalanis]

Originally Posted by Aalfred

Tried to do a car port instead and wifey shot it down. lol She says if you want 2 cars, you gotto choose...cant have it both ways...lol. Maybe better off moving to a new house with a 3 car garage once kids r out of school...lol

It is a daily driver SUV. Just park it outside. Who cares.

[Aalfred]

Originally Posted by jono987654321

Perhaps an enclosure for the wife, then? She sounds a feisty one.

[Aalfred]

Originally Posted by ggalanis

It is a daily driver SUV. Just park it outside. Who cares.

Its just the annoyance when it snows....pain in the butt to keep scraping the snow off the car and the ice build up. Also keeping in clean during the summer months is another pita !!! But you are right, its my DD and is gonna see a lot of miles on it and not look pretty...lol

[whoa_]

we don’t have a garage, and have wired our charger on our home’s exterior and had no issues whatsoever. Make sure your charger is rated to be outdoors and work in the temperature threshold that you live in. We went with an Autel Maxicharger, and also looked at the Grizzle charger. Best part is the ability to precondition the vehicle before departure while plugged in.

In most instances, we would precondition up to 30 mins before departure, and each time most of the ice and snow would melt off, and the interior of the car would be nice and toasty. Bonus that our vehicle has the radiant heating panels inside, along with heater surfaces like armrests. Plus, preconditioning the car also mildly preconditions the battery, which increases range.