More Zero DSR Charging Strategies

Can we use a Nissan LEAF granny charger to charge the Zero DSR, thereby increasing the charge speed using just two domestic power sockets?
Can the myenergi zappi use its Eco+ mode with the bike so that the charge rate alters depending on the availability of spare solar power?
The answers to these questions and more revealed in this video.

[@RWBHere]

This is an old video, so apologies if you've already learned more, John. I don't know the size of the battery on the Zero, but recharging at over 3 kW with over 80% state of charge is probably close to the fastest safe limit for it. When you resumed charging and only saw 2kW, the BMS might have selected that lower rate, because the battery was already at 85% SOC. Recharging rate should be reduced when a Li-Ion battery is close to being fully discharged or fully recharged, in order to protect the battery and ensure optimum battery longevity. It would have been very interesting to see how it performed when at between about 30% and 70% SOC. The recharging rate throughout that range might have been even faster. Thanks for running the tests. 🙂👍

[@markkitaoka8783]

Hey John I just wanted to let you know that here in the US if there are two ChargePoint level 2 chargers available I plug one into my 6.2kW charge tank and the other into my onboard 1.3kW charger by using a J1772 to C13 female plug into the side of my DSR. This then allows me to charge at 7.5kW (6.2kW charge tank PLUS 1.3kW onboard charger) I've written about this on my own zerodsr website. In researching the ability to charge my 2 EV bikes (the DSR and my Sur Ron) from my solar generator, I can charge my Sur Ron using my Montek 1000w solar generator, but not the DSR. After sending Montek the stats of the DSR's onboard charger (in the US that's the 120v model) they advised me that I'd need a 2500w inverter to charge the Zero. So at some point I will be able to charge the DSR using solar as long as the inverter is at least a 2500 version. I'm using the newer Bluetti PV200 solar panel which is wired in parallel on the cells. And I'm only using a portable generator and solar panels, not an at home unit. I like to boondock camp so having the ability to charge out in the desert is wonderful using solar. I forgot to add that I purchased a Tesla Tap thanks to Sam from NewZeroLand who alerted me to its existence. I can now charge at Tesla Destination chargers which are much more reliable than ChargePoint stations. It also opens up 30% more charging options for me and they are located at nicer hotels and restaurants too. Which means by staying at places which have one I can now charge while I stay at those hotels or restaurants. Much better than stringing a long extension cable out of my room. LOL. I've never encountered one that was out of service or less than 7.5kW of charging power, unlike ChargePoint which sometimes has shared power lowering it to 3.1kW or more likely being out of service. So much ACTUAL EXPERIENCE charging on the road rather than just at home.

[@SantaridesaKTM]

Great to know.

[@agilablue]

Hi just saw your post found it very interesting I’ve recently bought myself a zero sr with the type 1 charger and was looking at getting a Nissan Leaf granny charger to take some of the strain of the bikes charger just wondering what the out put was from the Nissan charger on it’s own that’s if it worked on it’s own watching your video it looks a bit temperamental thank you 😊

[@erikcramer]

Im a bit confused about the charger, Is this a normal connector on the Zero's or one you put on your self or is this on the newer models only ?

[@jtchivers]

It's the 6 kW Type 1 Charge Tank which I had fitted when I decided to keep the motorbike when my finance package ended and I had the option to have it retrofitted. Newer Zero bikes already have Type 2 AC fast charging included, but it was an expensive option and limited to 2.5 kW when I originally bought my DSR in 2016.

[@kevinmair7571]

Hi John, Just ordered a charge tank but having second thoughts. Does not seem that many public chargers have type 1 connector. Would you still recommend end this ? Thanks Kevin

[@jtchivers]

Hi Kevin. You just need a type 2 to type 1 lead. They're easily obtainable from multiple outlets. It's the same as the original Nissan LEAF uses. And yes, I would 100% recommend a Charge Tank. 👍

[@joanantonim.p.2400]

Thank you very much... 👍👍👌👌🙏 "SALUDOS... 👋🙋😃 " 🏍🏍🏍🏍🔋🔋🔋🔋🔋🔌🔌☇☇☇☇

[@wrightwells]

I’m confused as the amps are being calculated at 110v and you are in the UK, so it appears that the Zero app doesn’t calculate it correctly.

[@jtchivers]

It doesn't matter that we have 240 Volts AC as standard mains supply in the UK. We're constrained by what the bike can do. You can see the battery Volts are the constraint. When the bike is fast charging, the Amps increase, but the battery Volts go from 96ish when almost empty to 116 when fully charged. Multiply the Amps by the battery Volts and you can see the kW figure is accurate.