Since it’s the actuarial forum… charging involves high current for extended periods of time, which can generate heat and cause a risk of fire. One, don’t exceed 80% of the capacity of the circuit, if it’s on a 30A breaker only use at most 24A of charging. Two, if you’re going to do this long term I’d try to hard wire a charger if you can. If not, maybe replace the recep with something like a Hubbel part.
And for those extra-safety conscious, check/re-tighten connections on your circuit used to charge you EV once a year. Lugs on the fusebox/circuit breaker and at the outlet/hardwire connection of the charger. Long periods of high amperage cause higher temperature therefore more expansion/contraction than typical circuit.
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Is this any different than the circuits that power other 220/240V devices? Why would charging a car be different than my electric oven?
I think the main difference is that your oven may be on for hours at a time, but it’s not going to be pulling 30A for the whole time. It’ll pull a lot while it preheats, but then it cycles up/down to maintain. An EV will sit there for hours drawing 30A or whatever.
And I don’t think it’s a major risk, I’ve only seen a couple of stories where someone melted an outlet charging an EV.
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Good to know, especially with our toddler’s room right above the gargage
I guess the question then is how long the circuit takes to heat up to a steady state? The chargers pull 7kw per hour? The app for my dryer suggests it pulls up to about 5kw in an hour, that one might be a better comparison that might run more consistently while being used, but the 2kw difference likely means the heat buildup is probably well below tolerances, assuming it hits steady state in less than the hour it will run.
Yeah, I was thinking about that earlier, I’ve no idea. It feels like the clothes dryer is a better analogy, that’ll pull a heavy current for 60-90 minutes. And a dryer gets used often, like charging an EV.
So I don’t know, it feels like you’d hit peak temp in 60-90 minutes but what do I know?
The other maybe relevant factor is how often you may or may not unplug the thing and plug it back in. A dryer, about once every 5-10 years. If you aren’t taking the EV charger with you when you travel, about the same. If you throw it in the trunk on road trips, maybe more.
As I said, this is an abundance of caution. Me? I have a 40A breaker, all of the wiring was done in 2020, the charger is 30A. I have it set to 25A because that’s way more than I need 99.9% of the time.
This is a gamechanger.
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Canada will probably get it in the next couple of years. Might have to pop across the border to see what it’s like living in the 21st century.
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You mean this?
So much for cheap Chinese EVs coming into Canada. Although the six figure cost of the Lotus Eletre should keep their numbers low.
Lotus plans to be among first to sell Chinese-made EVs in Canada under new quota program
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A Lotus Eletre charging at the company’s stand at the 20th Shanghai International Automobile Industry Exhibition in 2023.HECTOR RETAMAL/AFP/GETTY
Lotus, the British sports car brand that currently sells just one model at low volume in Canada, is aiming to be among the first companies to sell Chinese-made electric vehicles in this country under the federal government’s new import quota system.
The brand, known as a cult-favourite maker of lightweight performance cars, is now under the umbrella of Chinese giant Geely, which also owns Volvo and Polestar.
The car it is hoping to start shipping to Canada is the Lotus Eletre, a battery-powered “Hyper SUV” made in Wuhan, China. It is already listed on dealer websites and is expected to land in Canadian showrooms in the third quarter of 2026, according to Massimiliano Trantini, president and chief executive officer of Lotus Cars Americas.
And yet this EV weighs almost three tons, oof. Plus it starts at 230k USD, I think you’re right on the low-volume comment.
Can probably find a more fun Lotus for a lot less.
But, it’s a Lotus. How many days per year could I drive it?
2011 with 28K miles, for $40,000.
Could anyone save $190,000 on gas?
I see a few Lotus here in Vancouver but waist high cars have never appealed to me.
Well, if you’re a potential buyer, maybe another option is a private jet, could result in a lot of fuel savings!
But yes, the correct answer for a $230k budget would be a used Elise plus whatever else to use as your daily. Or a Caterham 7 if you’re a maniac.
$10/gallon adds up fast.
The new Beaver Beamer is nearly here. Looks great - 400 mile EPA range. I might be tempted to buy one in 2 or 3 years when the first used ones hit the market.
https://electrek.co/2026/03/17/bmw-ix3-orders-surge-past-50000-deliveries-now-underway/
I’d prefer the new i3 if it were a wagon and didn’t cost so damn much.
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Actually, you’re right. I didn’t realize that there were two models and the i3 looks better (440 miles EPA! - probably because it’s a sedan). I’m fine with a sedan.
Electric vehicle maker Rivian Automotive (RIVN) secured a major victory in Washington state, gaining the right to sell vehicles directly to consumers after a prolonged fight with dealership groups.
The breakthrough came after Rivian signaled it would take the issue to voters through a ballot initiative. Facing that threat, dealer organizations dropped their opposition and supported a narrow law allowing direct sales for Rivian and Lucid Motors (LCID).
The decision challenges long-standing franchise laws that require automakers to sell through independent dealers. Newer EV companies argue that selling directly offers better customer experience and stronger control over pricing, branding and service.
Traditional automakers such as General Motors (GM), Ford Motor Company (F) and Toyota Motor Corporation (TM) opposed the change, warning it could give startups an advantage and potentially open the door to additional competitors.
Rivian (RIVN) is now looking to replicate the strategy in other states with similar legal frameworks, particularly where ballot initiatives are possible, The Wall Street Journal reported on Saturday.
The outcome highlights growing tension between consumer demand for more flexible buying options and the entrenched dealership system, which argues it provides competitive pricing and essential services like financing and repairs.
While the Washington law is limited in scope, it may serve as a template for broader changes. For Rivian (RIVN), which is preparing to launch a more affordable SUV and push toward profitability, expanding direct sales could be a key advantage.