Notices
Panamera 2010-Current
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by: Porsche San Diego

E-Hybrid Porsche Universal Charger Question

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Aug 25, 2016 | 10:12 AM
  #1  
jkjones1's Avatar
jkjones1
Thread Starter
2nd Gear
 
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 2
Likes: 1
From: Maryland
Default E-Hybrid Porsche Universal Charger Question

Greetings everyone - I am a new Porsche owner with my recent purchase of a certified 2015 panamera e-hybrid. The universal charger didn't come with a manual and upon plugging it into a 240V outlet, it asked me to select the "current" at either 50 or 100%. I selected 100% and it seemed to charge just fine. However, I was wondering if anyone had any information on what would be the reasons/pros/cons for setting it at either setting.

Any thoughts you could provide would be greatly appreciated it.

Thanks and look forward to participating in the forums.

Josh
Reply
Old Aug 25, 2016 | 01:46 PM
  #2  
mdosu's Avatar
mdosu
Instructor
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 211
Likes: 63
From: SF, CA
Default

Sorry, I don't have an answer for you. I'm a prospective PSEH buyer as well. I'm eyeing a 2014, so I'm curious as to what the answer is too. I notice this when I was playing around with the charger at the dealership.

Did you buy a car at a dealership or a independent dealership/private party?
Reply
Old Aug 25, 2016 | 02:25 PM
  #3  
jkjones1's Avatar
jkjones1
Thread Starter
2nd Gear
 
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 2
Likes: 1
From: Maryland
Default

Thanks. I bought it at a dealership who had used the car as a service loaner. It was clear they pieced together the charging unit from stuff they had on hand so of course the manual was missing. I found someone on 6speedonline who had the manual and it noted that for maximum charging performance to use 100%, but that the unit would automatically set to 50% if it was plugged into an "industrial charging outlet" - not sure what that means. I did try it at 100% and the car seemed to accept it just fine.

Good luck on your search!
Reply
Old Aug 26, 2016 | 11:10 PM
  #4  
sirish19's Avatar
sirish19
Instructor
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 158
Likes: 32
From: Tokyo, Japan
Default

Originally Posted by jkjones1
Thanks. I bought it at a dealership who had used the car as a service loaner. It was clear they pieced together the charging unit from stuff they had on hand so of course the manual was missing. I found someone on 6speedonline who had the manual and it noted that for maximum charging performance to use 100%, but that the unit would automatically set to 50% if it was plugged into an "industrial charging outlet" - not sure what that means. I did try it at 100% and the car seemed to accept it just fine.

Good luck on your search!
Congratulations on your purchase. I also have recently bought the Cayenne S e-hybrid and have the manual for the charging unit. As you have noted, there are two options of charging at 100% or 50%. When you plug into a normal household outlet (220v in EU, 110v in US or 100v in Japan) the unit will set the default to 100%. When you are plugged into an Industrial outlet (230v in EU, 240v in US, and 200v in Japan), it will set to default at 50%. The Industrial charging outlet is the higher voltage outlets that you may see with washing machines and dryers for example. This is a safety measure to prevent overheating. If you are going to be charging with this unit at home, I would recommend having an electrician install an Industrial outlet where you install the unit. The main impact is how much juice is getting to the battery and how long it takes to charge up.

According to the manual, the charging times may vary but would be approximately:

Household Electrical Outlet:
EU = 3.8 hours
US = 8.2 hours
Japan - 10 hours
China, Switzerland, Australia, Brazil = 5.2 hours

Industrial Electrical Outlet:
EU = 2.3 hours
US = 2.3 hours
Japan - 2.3 hours
China, Switzerland, Australia, Brazil = 2.3 hours

This is assuming your on-board charger is the standard 3.6 Kw. Times are faster if you have the 7.2 Kw on-board charger.

I am actually glad that I found this thread because I had been charging with an Industrial charger at a hotel near my office and was a little disappointed at how little charge I got in a couple of hours. Now that I have read the manual, I know that it has been setting at 50% so not getting the full charge. I am looking forward to trying it out again and setting to 100%.

Hope this helps.
Reply
Old Jul 23, 2018 | 12:35 PM
  #5  
txhokie4life's Avatar
txhokie4life
Drifting
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 2,140
Likes: 76
From: Austin, Texas
Default

Originally Posted by sirish19
Congratulations on your purchase. I also have recently bought the Cayenne S e-hybrid and have the manual for the charging unit. As you have noted, there are two options of charging at 100% or 50%. When you plug into a normal household outlet (220v in EU, 110v in US or 100v in Japan) the unit will set the default to 100%. When you are plugged into an Industrial outlet (230v in EU, 240v in US, and 200v in Japan), it will set to default at 50%. The Industrial charging outlet is the higher voltage outlets that you may see with washing machines and dryers for example. This is a safety measure to prevent overheating. If you are going to be charging with this unit at home, I would recommend having an electrician install an Industrial outlet where you install the unit. The main impact is how much juice is getting to the battery and how long it takes to charge up.

According to the manual, the charging times may vary but would be approximately:

Household Electrical Outlet:
EU = 3.8 hours
US = 8.2 hours
Japan - 10 hours
China, Switzerland, Australia, Brazil = 5.2 hours

Industrial Electrical Outlet:
EU = 2.3 hours
US = 2.3 hours
Japan - 2.3 hours
China, Switzerland, Australia, Brazil = 2.3 hours

This is assuming your on-board charger is the standard 3.6 Kw. Times are faster if you have the 7.2 Kw on-board charger.

I am actually glad that I found this thread because I had been charging with an Industrial charger at a hotel near my office and was a little disappointed at how little charge I got in a couple of hours. Now that I have read the manual, I know that it has been setting at 50% so not getting the full charge. I am looking forward to trying it out again and setting to 100%.

Hope this helps.
Just picked up a new to me 2015 S E-Hybrid -- how can I figure out if I have the 3.6 or 7.2Kw charger?

My build date was 10/14 according to the door marker.

Mike

Reply
Old Jul 24, 2018 | 04:35 AM
  #6  
rsyed's Avatar
rsyed
Racer
5 Year Member
 
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 298
Likes: 36
Default

Originally Posted by sirish19

Household Electrical Outlet:
EU = 3.8 hours
US = 8.2 hours
Japan - 10 hours
China, Switzerland, Australia, Brazil = 5.2 hours

Industrial Electrical Outlet:
EU = 2.3 hours
US = 2.3 hours
Japan - 2.3 hours
China, Switzerland, Australia, Brazil = 2.3 hours

This is assuming your on-board charger is the standard 3.6 Kw. Times are faster if you have the 7.2 Kw on-board charger.

.
Nearly right :-)

Charging rate depends on your on-board charger and/or electricity supply (voltage, amp, # of phases) - whichever is lower is the bottleneck and defines the charging rate.

For example:
if you have a 7,2kW charger but you are hooked to a standard 220V/16amp power supply (typical for EU), you will be charging the car at 3,6kW --> so 14 kWh/3,6 = 3,88 hours. Add 20% overhead = 4,66 hours
if you have a 3,6kw charger and you are hooked to a standard 220V/16amp power supply (typical for EU), you will be charging the car at 3,6kW --> so 14 kWh/3,6 = 3,88 hours. Add 20% overhead = 4,66 hours
if you have a 3,6kw charger and you are hooked to a standard 400V/16amp power supply (typical for EU industry), your powersupply is capable of 11kW (400V x 16 amp x 3^0,5) --> so 14 kWh/3,6 = 3,88 hours. Add 20% overhead = 4,66 hours
if you have a 7,2kw charger and you are hooked to a standard 400V/16amp power supply (typical for EU industry), your powersupply is capable of 11kW (400V x 16 amp x 3^0,5) --> so 14 kWh/7,2 = 1,94 hours. Add 20% overhead = 2,33 hours
Reply
Old Jul 24, 2018 | 07:14 PM
  #7  
cometguy's Avatar
cometguy
Burning Brakes
5 Year Member
 
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 1,152
Likes: 242
From: CARB state, USA
Default

I think the 7.2-kW charger would be listed as an add-on option; I assume that you have a list of the options added to your car above the standard model... If it's not listed with the options, you most likely have the 3.6-kW charger...
Reply
Old Jul 25, 2018 | 01:00 AM
  #8  
jnolan's Avatar
jnolan
Pro
 
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 742
Likes: 76
From: Southwest Florida
Default

I am really glad I stumbled on this thread. I’m getting my build together for a Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid Sport Turismo and the configurator is not much help when it comes to the charging options. The 7.2 Kw charger is a $840 option. I still have some time before I have to lock in the build.
Reply
Rennlist Stories

The Best Porsche Posts for Porsche Enthusiasts

story-0

9 Vehicles Porsche Helped Engineer that Aren't Porsches

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

9 Features and Characteristics That Only Porsche People Understand

 Verdad Gallardo
story-2

I've Written 500 Rennlist Articles: Here's How Porsche Has Changed Along the Way

 Joe Kucinski
story-3

10 Most Unnecessary Porsches Ever Built (And Why We Love Them)

 Verdad Gallardo
story-4

Porsche 911 GT3 S/C vs 718 Spyder RS: 10 Categories, One Winner

 Joe Kucinski
story-5

This Builder Is Turning Heads With Its Slantnose 911 Creation

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

Porsche 911 GT3 Artisan Edition Pays Homage to Japanese Culture

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

Porsche Reveals Coupe Variant of the Electric Cayenne With a Fresh Look

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

10 Porsche Colors That Have More Personality Than Most People

 Verdad Gallardo
story-9

Guntherwerks' Final Speedster Creation Is the Ultimate Porsche Restomod

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Jul 25, 2018 | 04:46 AM
  #9  
rsyed's Avatar
rsyed
Racer
5 Year Member
 
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 298
Likes: 36
Default

Originally Posted by jnolan
I am really glad I stumbled on this thread. I’m getting my build together for a Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid Sport Turismo and the configurator is not much help when it comes to the charging options. The 7.2 Kw charger is a $840 option. I still have some time before I have to lock in the build.
i have spent a lot of time researching this because my dealer was a joke and did not know his stuff.

To answer this question, ideally you need to answer the following questions: where will you be charging primarily? home or office? what power supply do you have there? how much time do you have to charge the car (for example you charge at teh office but your car rarely stays parked as you have lots of appointments outside your office and you end up driving around a lot)?
Reply
Old Jul 25, 2018 | 10:55 AM
  #10  
JCBH's Avatar
JCBH
Rennlist Member
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 1,335
Likes: 146
From: Los Angeles
Default

Originally Posted by rsyed
i have spent a lot of time researching this because my dealer was a joke and did not know his stuff.

To answer this question, ideally you need to answer the following questions: where will you be charging primarily? home or office? what power supply do you have there? how much time do you have to charge the car (for example you charge at teh office but your car rarely stays parked as you have lots of appointments outside your office and you end up driving around a lot)?
Yes, this is important - dealers are not really set up to be of much help on this stuff it seems. My dealer was great, but the documentation was a bit sparse...
We set up our main charger (that came with the car) at the house and got a 240/50 amp feed setup, so it charges fully (from empty) in 2.4 hours....but we then added a charger at my office (originally had a normal 110 feed to it...) but quickly realized that I wanted a quick charge there, too, as I would stop in for a few hours, head out to appointments, and the result was that the car would not be charged very much in that time via the 110 feed. Therefore, we had it upgraded to the 240/50 setup, as well. Now it is much more useful. Also, we have the 7.2 onboard charger...definitely a must-have.
Lastly, we added a third charger for our car storage/hangar, and it is a bit of a pain to get 240/50 where the car is parked...and the car mostly just gets parked in this facility overnight when it is there, so the 110 is really fine...if possible, we will upgrade there, but for now it works.
Jeff
Reply
Old Jul 25, 2018 | 12:10 PM
  #11  
jnolan's Avatar
jnolan
Pro
 
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 742
Likes: 76
From: Southwest Florida
Default

thanks. The electrical specs for the charger are not an issue for me. 240 volt (not amp) power is just household current that uses a different receptacle, or in my case would be hardwired to the panel. 120 volt power is 3 legs, 1 hot, 1 neutral and 1 ground. To run 240 volts through it, swap the circuit breaker out and run the 1 neutral to hot resulting in 2 hot, 1 ground. It is really pretty simple, 2 x 120 volt = 240 volt, which also doubles the amount of amperage that is delivered. Volts equal force, amperage equals the volume of electrons being delivered. But in order for it to matter, the motor (in this case, the charger) needs to be matched to the voltage configuration. A 240 volt supply line won't do you much good if the charger isn't equipped to handle it.

It is this part that is a little confusing when reading through the Porsche material. The car doesn't come standard with the 7.2kw charger, which seems like a pretty big #fail in a $210k car. Therefore, even if I have the proper wiring for the fast charge, the car itself would not be capable of taking advantage of it without the 7.2kw charger. Right? The charger is integral to the car, the thing that plugs into the power source and delivers power to the car seems to be administrative (manage the flow of electricity, etc.). This is my first hybrid EV, so it's all fun and new learning for me.

Insofar as other details, we park our vehicles outside so I researched it and the huge enclosure that Porsche gives you to park the brick-sized "important bits thing" is rated for outdoor installations. We have a long driveway with a carriage house, which conveniently is where the electrical panels (3 of them) for the main house and other services are. Running the power to mount the charger outside will not be an issue.

Lastly, fast vs. slow... I always opt for fast, it's why I buy Porsche
Reply
Old Jul 25, 2018 | 02:02 PM
  #12  
rsyed's Avatar
rsyed
Racer
5 Year Member
 
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 298
Likes: 36
Default

Originally Posted by jnolan
It is this part that is a little confusing when reading through the Porsche material. The car doesn't come standard with the 7.2kw charger, which seems like a pretty big #fail in a $210k car. Therefore, even if I have the proper wiring for the fast charge, the car itself would not be capable of taking advantage of it without the 7.2kw charger. Right? The charger is integral to the car, the thing that plugs into the power source and delivers power to the car seems to be administrative (manage the flow of electricity, etc.). This is my first hybrid EV, so it's all fun and new learning for me.
Yes that is unfortunately true. Even if you have the right power supply at home, if the car comes with the standard charger, you will be charging at a 1/2 the speed. So if you have the right power supply, then you should also have the 7,2kw charger to take advantage of the power suppy. On the other hand, if you have the 7,2 kw charger but don't have the right power supply, you will also be charging at 1/2 the speed. This charger is integrated in the car so it is nothing you can change once the car has been produced. And if you can, it would be more than the 800$ they are asking you when you spec it for your order.

If you charge only at home, and probably do that at night, the 7,2kw charger is not necessarily needed because whether it takes 2,x hours or 4,x hours to charge at night makes no difference. I primarily charge at home at night but still took the 7,2kw charger because I thought, in case I have the option to charge outside for free, I would to charge as much as possible in as little time as possible - totally stingy as hell
Reply
Old Jul 25, 2018 | 02:15 PM
  #13  
jnolan's Avatar
jnolan
Pro
 
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 742
Likes: 76
From: Southwest Florida
Default

Based on this thread, I added it to the build along with all the other options for charging. I do anticipate charging at home, this is my wife's car and she will be coming and going from home, primarily. Having a fast charge option will be useful during the daytime hours.

Originally Posted by rsyed
Yes that is unfortunately true. Even if you have the right power supply at home, if the car comes with the standard charger, you will be charging at a 1/2 the speed. So if you have the right power supply, then you should also have the 7,2kw charger to take advantage of the power suppy. On the other hand, if you have the 7,2 kw charger but don't have the right power supply, you will also be charging at 1/2 the speed. This charger is integrated in the car so it is nothing you can change once the car has been produced. And if you can, it would be more than the 800$ they are asking you when you spec it for your order.

If you charge only at home, and probably do that at night, the 7,2kw charger is not necessarily needed because whether it takes 2,x hours or 4,x hours to charge at night makes no difference. I primarily charge at home at night but still took the 7,2kw charger because I thought, in case I have the option to charge outside for free, I would to charge as much as possible in as little time as possible - totally stingy as hell
Reply
Old Dec 21, 2019 | 05:10 PM
  #14  
gssd124's Avatar
gssd124
3rd Gear
 
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Default Question about hybrid

can someone help me with hybrid charging. I’m shipping my 2016 hybrid US spec to Germany while I am there for work for 6 years. Will the plug in work there they are on 220v I believe. Also is the plug the same on US spec and EURO versions?
Reply




All times are GMT -3. The time now is 09:16 PM.

story-0
9 Vehicles Porsche Helped Engineer that Aren't Porsches

Slideshow: Long before engineering consulting became trendy, Porsche was quietly helping other automakers build everything from supercars to economy hatchbacks.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-15 12:44:44


VIEW MORE
story-1
9 Features and Characteristics That Only Porsche People Understand

Slideshow: Some brands build cars. Porsche builds traditions, obsessions, and a few habits that stopped making sense decades ago but somehow became part of the charm.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-13 18:46:13


VIEW MORE
story-2
I've Written 500 Rennlist Articles: Here's How Porsche Has Changed Along the Way

Slideshow: Six years and 500 Rennlist articles later, these are the biggest changes at Porsche.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-11 09:52:55


VIEW MORE
story-3
10 Most Unnecessary Porsches Ever Built (And Why We Love Them)

Slideshow: Some Porsches exist for very specific reasons-others feel like they were built just to see if anyone would notice.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-06 18:00:32


VIEW MORE
story-4
Porsche 911 GT3 S/C vs 718 Spyder RS: 10 Categories, One Winner

Slideshow: Choosing between the 911 GT3 S/C and 718 Spyder RS in 10 key categories to determine one surprising winner.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-05 12:51:46


VIEW MORE
story-5
This Builder Is Turning Heads With Its Slantnose 911 Creation

Slideshow: A small Polish tuner has reimagined the Porsche 911 Slantnose for the modern era, blending 1980s nostalgia with widebody tuning culture and serious performance upgrades.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-01 10:49:43


VIEW MORE
story-6
Porsche 911 GT3 Artisan Edition Pays Homage to Japanese Culture

Slideshow: Porsche has created a Japan-only 911 GT3 Artisan Edition that blends track-ready hardware with design cues inspired by traditional Japanese craftsmanship.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-28 19:37:40


VIEW MORE
story-7
Porsche Reveals Coupe Variant of the Electric Cayenne With a Fresh Look

Slideshow: Porsche's latest electric Cayenne Coupe blends dramatic styling with supercar acceleration, turning the brand's midsize SUV into a 1,139-horsepower flagship.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-27 19:39:30


VIEW MORE
story-8
10 Porsche Colors That Have More Personality Than Most People

Slideshow: Porsche's wildest paint colors aren't just shades-they're full-blown personalities on four wheels.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-27 19:38:13


VIEW MORE
story-9
Guntherwerks' Final Speedster Creation Is the Ultimate Porsche Restomod

Slideshow: The last of the Speedsters doesn't just close a chapter, it makes quite the bold, air-cooled statement.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-22 17:55:04


VIEW MORE