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[MostlyBonkers]

It seems to me that the charge tank can only be used with level 2 charging points that provide a J plug or Mennekes plug, depending on what part of the world you live in. Does anyone know if there are other inputs? I presume you could get an adapter with a normal domestic plug on one end, but then you have to carry it everywhere.  I also wonder, do zero supply an adapter with the charge tank so you can use it at home etc?

[Justin Andrews]

What if I told you that 2013 and 2014 Zeros used CC-CV power supplies that only went to 58 volts?

I'd say, I'm aware of that, having owned a 2013 Zero-S which needed one of its chargers replacing after its cable got damaged. 

I'm fairly certain, though I could be wrong, that in the install video, it looked like there was only one charger unit.

Well, most people would be suprised.  :p
I know I was.

In a way it was not a bad idea, certainly when one of them packed up, I was still able to charge and ride the bike to the dealers to get it fixed, something that would have been trickier with a single charger. I guess there were issues with the setup that meant they went with a single charger solution.

As for the type 2 of the charge tank Tom, I'd say you'd probably need an home EVSE unit to use the tank, bit like most electric cars need.

[protomech]

It seems to me that the charge tank can only be used with level 2 charging points that provide a J plug or Mennekes plug, depending on what part of the world you live in. Does anyone know if there are other inputs? I presume you could get an adapter with a normal domestic plug on one end, but then you have to carry it everywhere.  I also wonder, do zero supply an adapter with the charge tank so you can use it at home etc?

In the US, the base onboard charger will max out a conventional 15A domestic socket. No need for an expensive / bulky adapter, just plug in with a standard IEC C13 cable.

A domestic socket in the UK can supply more power - it's what, 230V / 10A max with a 13A fuse? In this case you would need a "smart" EVSE that can inform the charging system the maximum current that it can supply, so that it could restrict its current draw. I doubt Zero supplies a cable (as one wouldn't be needed for the US), but they're relatively common.

https://evcables.co.uk/evcables/type-1-portable-charger/

This would charge at around 2.3 kW maximum, better than the standard onboard @ 1.3 kW but not quite to the full 3.8 kW potential.

[Erasmo]

An EVSE box isn't that hard to make, and a lot of EV-drivers already have a charging station in their garage or at an outer wall.
If you take a standard 16A fuse and dedicate it to charging you should be able to charge with 3,6kW.

[dv8sean]

Full disclosure: I am a Zero employee. Reading thru this thread, a couple tidbits about the Charge Tank that may be relevant and/or useful.

First, the Charge Tank is an isolated system. From a safety and longevity perspective, Zero felt this best. Plus, there are regulatory requirements placed upon an OEM (original equipment manufacturer).

Second, the charger at the core of the Charge Tank operates at 2.5 kW (continuous) and works in tandem with the on-board 1.3 kW charger for a total of 3.8 kW. As a Charge Tank user myself, I frequently see 4.0 kW charge rates via the app. Zero designed the board and logic to conform to the J1772 standard and sort out the integration of the two chargers.

Third, if you're in Europe where typical household circuits operate at 230V and 16A, a bike with a Charge Tank will take advantage of the higher power even when plugged in via the OEM side connection and standard cable.

[Kocho]

Would that also be true for US models? Many households have 240V outlets.

Third, if you're in Europe where typical household circuits operate at 230V and 16A, a bike with a Charge Tank will take advantage of the higher power even when plugged in via the OEM side connection and standard cable.

[MrDude_1]

Would that also be true for US models? Many households have 240V outlets.

Third, if you're in Europe where typical household circuits operate at 230V and 16A, a bike with a Charge Tank will take advantage of the higher power even when plugged in via the OEM side connection and standard cable.

YES! I have the same question.. is it only amp limiting and therefore going to pull more watts if we feed it 240?

[MostlyBonkers]

Thanks for pitching in dv8.

Please note that the maximum fuse that fits a domestic plug in the UK is 13A. That provides a little over 3kW at 240V.

The practical limit is 3kW. You can buy kettles rated at 3kW but I've never seen higher.

Do I understand correctly that you can plug the kettle lead into the normal socket on the side of the bike and the on-board charger and charge tank will pull up to 13A in combination?

If I've got that right, then that feature is genuinely useful. It's what we want from the on-board charger alone here in Europe, but it makes the charge tank about ten times more useful.

I was thinking that the charge tank was probably a waste of money and valuable glove box space, unless someone has the need to use a level 2 charge station on a daily basis.  This new information changes things considerably.

I'm still disappointed that the charge tank is only rated at 2.5kW.  Why doesn't Zero just strike a deal with the Diginow guys and then they can provide it as an option? Do the same integration as mentioned above to make the best of 240V and 13A plugs and everyone is a winner!  Apart from the current charge tank supplier of course, but only providing 2.5kW of extra charging does seem a little misguided.

May I suggest that this info is made clear on the website if it isn't already? It's too important to miss and should help sales considerably.

[MostlyBonkers]

Also, thanks for the other responses gents. Very helpful as always. :-)

[dv8sean]

A vehicle equipped with a Charge Tank and connected to a 220V (or 230V, or 240V) circuit via the standard side charger inlet will utilize the Charge Tank's 2.5 kW charger, thereby basically doubling the standard 1.3 kW on-board charging power (and roughly halving charge time). This would apply to both standard UK and continental European outlets, as well as 220V (or 240V) outlets in the USA.

When connected via a J1772 level 2 charging station (be it public or a private EVSE), the Charge Tank will work in tandem with the on-board, for a total of 3.8 kW of charging power, approximately three times the standard 1.3 kW rate.

Regarding vendor relations, component sourcing, etc...naturally, I can't comment.

[MostlyBonkers]

Thanks again Sean, that's most helpful. I think you've enlightened a few of us!

[MrDude_1]

A vehicle equipped with a Charge Tank and connected to a 220V (or 230V, or 240V) circuit via the standard side charger inlet will utilize the Charge Tank's 2.5 kW charger, thereby basically doubling the standard 1.3 kW on-board charging power (and roughly halving charge time). This would apply to both standard UK and continental European outlets, as well as 220V (or 240V) outlets in the USA.

When connected via a J1772 level 2 charging station (be it public or a private EVSE), the Charge Tank will work in tandem with the on-board, for a total of 3.8 kW of charging power, approximately three times the standard 1.3 kW rate.

Regarding vendor relations, component sourcing, etc...naturally, I can't comment.

That is an awesome feature.  Thank you!
Instead of remaining undocumented, it should be published front and center. Faster wall outlet charging AND J1772 charging.

[dv8sean]

Quick point of clarification regarding the Charge Tank and the standard side inlet:
In order to stay within limits of various household circuits as well as the capacity of the side inlet, the Charge Tank will draw up to 2.1 kW when connected to a 220V source, so not quite as optimistic as I had previously reported (but still significantly better than standard 1.3 kW charging).

[MrDude_1]

Quick point of clarification regarding the Charge Tank and the standard side inlet:
In order to stay within limits of various household circuits as well as the capacity of the side inlet, the Charge Tank will draw up to 2.1 kW when connected to a 220V source, so not quite as optimistic as I had previously reported (but still significantly better than standard 1.3 kW charging).

sounds like I still want a EVSE at home... I have a NEMA 6-50 plug in the garage for the welder.

[MostlyBonkers]

Ok, thanks dv8. I'm a little disappointed to be honest, but I appreciate you letting us know the facts so people don't get disappointed further down the line. Overall it's good news for those buying a charge tank with 220/240 volts at home or work.

Having followed the developments of the charge tank and the Diginow Super Charger over the last few months, my conclusion is that the business of charging is not simple!  One of those things that sounds simple but in reality is far from it!

It needs to be as quick and simple as filling up with petrol. That's why hydrogen  is still in the game, as much as I hate it for being inefficient, produced from fossil fuels and highly taxable.