Has anybody had experience charging at home (L2) in cold/snowy climates? My AWD ID.4 should arrive next month (fingers crossed...), the charger's getting installed soon, and I'm wondering whether heavy snow, wet snow, frozen rain, etc., can cause problems for the charging port if it's left plugged in overnight and outdoors. Does anybody have experience with this, and suggestions on possible fixes? My home/commute situation means that there will likely be multiple occasions I'll have to have it charging while it's snowy outside—is this a non-issue, or do I need to cover it with a plastic bag or something?
Charging in snow?
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I've charged my 2018 e-Golf in my uncovered driveway through 3 snowy New England winters, and I've found this charge port cover to be indispensable in keeping out snow and ice:
ecosolaris.com
It uses strong magnets to hold the cover in place. I keep the car plugged in all the time in the winter, even when not charging, so that I can precondition the cabin and defrost the windshield remotely.
You might be able to find something similar for cheaper somewhere else, but this is where I bought mine in 2018.
Electric cars ECO-DOME XLC charging port protection
ECO-DOME electric car charging port lid cover protection- protect from ice, sleet, freezing rain and snow during winter
ecosolaris.com
It uses strong magnets to hold the cover in place. I keep the car plugged in all the time in the winter, even when not charging, so that I can precondition the cabin and defrost the windshield remotely.
You might be able to find something similar for cheaper somewhere else, but this is where I bought mine in 2018.
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I have charged with Level-1 during rain overnight (heavy sometimes) without issues. I imagine snow would be similarly ok. It hasn't gotten cold enough for accumulating snow here yet. I have charged overnight when it got in the lower 30s overnight and all ok. My understanding is plug and cable are fully insulated. The actual charger and associated plug (or direct wire connect) probably not (but your model might). I have never let those under the rain.
Charging speed might be affected by cold temperatures, though. I kind of felt it took longer that cold night.
Charging speed might be affected by cold temperatures, though. I kind of felt it took longer that cold night.
the locking actator tends to freeze shut in icy/snow weather.
so then either it doesn't want to lock the cable (limiting the charge speed) or doesn't release the cable.
Some guys over here in the EU have bought these from the Skoda sister car: OEM Skoda ENYAQ iV Charging port cover
and apparently that works fine. but as we have a different plug, not sure if that works for the US.
so then either it doesn't want to lock the cable (limiting the charge speed) or doesn't release the cable.
Some guys over here in the EU have bought these from the Skoda sister car: OEM Skoda ENYAQ iV Charging port cover
and apparently that works fine. but as we have a different plug, not sure if that works for the US.
That cover will be worth it's weight in gold on rainy, snowy nights with subfreezing temps - That's the difference between being able to unplug when you're ready to go and not being able to get to work on timeI've charged my 2018 e-Golf in my uncovered driveway through 3 snowy New England winters, and I've found this charge port cover to be indispensable in keeping out snow and ice:
Electric cars ECO-DOME XLC charging port protection
ECO-DOME electric car charging port lid cover protection- protect from ice, sleet, freezing rain and snow during winter
It uses strong magnets to hold the cover in place. I keep the car plugged in all the time in the winter, even when not charging, so that I can precondition the cabin and defrost the windshield remotely.
Yep. The thing doesn't look very elegant, but it works like a charm.
Also, folks should be aware that, when shut, charge port doors can ice over and freeze shut in the right conditions so that it's very difficult to get the door open (I've had this happen on a fossil car as well). For my e-Golf, I've had to use a hair dryer plugged into an inverter plugged into the 12v plug in the rear of the car to de-ice the charge port door a couple of times after an ice storm when I forgot to put the magnetic cover on.
Hi! No problem here in Québec City, Canada, with already lots of snow and an ID.4 sleeping outside with a permanent EFSE installed outside as well. Just make sure the cable does not lay on the ground and gets stuck in frozen snow or ice. About snow on the connector and handle, no worry, just wipe it out quickly with your hands or gloves! I had a Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV before and never had a problem with snow over it. The only problem could be closing the door after disconnection if some ice from freezing rain eventually blocks the door path.
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Post #2 is great solution for this issue ⬆⬆
This was an appropriately timed post, I had trouble this morning closing a frozen charging port door. We got our first snow fall of the season last night. My ID4 was plugged in and the charging door wouldn't close due to ice and snow. Do any EV's have a heating element in that area to keep this from happening? Is my only resort to put a hat on my charging door during freezing inclement weather? I also couldn't get the app to change the charge percentage or even start the climate system remotely, it kept timing out, beyond frustrating. Only resort, go out in snow, open frozen car door and plug in seatbelt to keep the climate system running. The app we have access to is embarrassing at this juncture, VW needs to outsource software to Apple or another "tech" company. Obviously VW isn't monitoring these forums because its been crickets for quite some time. Additionally, how many members in cold climates have experienced creaking with the panoramic roof while going over speed bumps etc?
Here's a hack: You can buy a 12v inverter, an extension cord, and a hair dryer and keep them in the back of the vehicle. Then when needed, use one of the 12v DC outlets with your inverter to use the hair dryer to get rid of the ice on the charge port door.
I already carry the extension cord and have an old hairdryer, so I will definitely pick up an inverter to keep in the back as well. Fortunately I installed a 110 outlet below my charger, so I am all set at home. Thanks for the tip
This one should do the job.....https://www.amazon.com/BW-150-Inver..._5?keywords=110v+outlet&qid=1639142922&sr=8-5
Could also buy one with the 12v plug already built in:
This one should do the job.....https://www.amazon.com/BW-150-Inver..._5?keywords=110v+outlet&qid=1639142922&sr=8-5
LOL.....even better, never knew they made those. That's the ticket!
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