Charging Modern Electric Cars with Historical Chargers: How Far Back Can We Go?

When discussing the compatibility of modern electric vehicles (EVs) with historical chargers, one might wonder just how far back in time one could go and still be able to charge a modern electric car. This article explores the history of charging standards and whether an OpenEVSE level 2 charger or a 1886-era setup from the Great Barrington experiment could be used to charge a Nissan Leaf.

Modern Electric Cars and Their Charging Needs

Today, a Nissan Leaf can be charged using a variety of standards, including Level 1 and Level 2 chargers. A typical OpenEVSE Level 2 charger operates on a voltage range of 110–250V and can be programmed down to 6A, providing a minimum power of about 660W. According to the Nissan Leaf manual, it can be charged on 110V, suggesting that it might potentially work with the 100V 3kW available in 1886.

Historical Chargers and Their Capabilities

The history of chargers begins with the Great Barrington experiment conducted by Stanley in 1886. In this demonstration, a Siemens generator was set up to produce a voltage of 500 volts, which was then stepped down by six Westinghouse transformers to 500 volts. This setup powered thirty 100-volt incandescent bulbs in twenty shops along the main street of Great Barrington, essentially creating a basic form of grid power that could have been adapted to charge early electric vehicles.

Similarly, in the UK, the current 230 V 13A BS1363 domestic plug and socket with wiring specifications was introduced in 1948. Even earlier, in 1934, a standard 240V 15A plug and socket with adequate wiring was defined under BS 546. These plugs, known as Type M, are still used in some specialist applications and are standard in South Africa, ensuring compatibility with modern chargers.

Given this historical context, a modern electric car could indeed be charged from the domestic supply of a UK house last rewired in 1934, albeit with some safety precautions. The Fire Brigade may need to be on standby in case of any issues.

Evolution of Charging Standards in the USA

In the USA, the formalization of electric standards began in 1967. Prior to that, home fuse boxes were generally lower in amperage than today's standards. However, if they could be set for low-amp circuits, a modern EV could still be charged. In 1954, 120-volt systems became standard, and with proper circuit settings, it could support level-1 charging. Before that, 110-volt systems were common since the beginning of electrification in the 1880s.

It is important to note that while charging a modern EV might not have been as plug-and-play as it is now, it was possible. For instance, Hippolyte Pixii's AC generator built in 1832 was capable of providing 324V. Although it was hand-cranked, it could only produce a maximum of 400W, which is insufficient for the 600W minimum power required by many modern EV chargers.

Conclusion

In summary, the compatibility of a modern electric car with historical chargers depends on the power supply and the configuration of the circuits. While the 1886 setup from Great Barrington could theoretically support a modern EV, the availability of the right settings and wiring is crucial. Similarly, a UK house rewired in 1934 or a 1954 automobile with 120-volt supply could also potentially charge a modern EV with some modifications.

Historical chargers, though impressive in their own right, do present significant challenges compared to today's standards. Nonetheless, they offer a fascinating glimpse into the evolution of electric vehicle technology and the journey toward the fully charged future we anticipate.