EV Articles by Paul Gipe

I’ve pulled together all my articles on EVs and driving electric under one heading–as much for my own benefit as for the benefit of readers.

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Update to Solar-Augmented EVs? Is this a Thing?

By

Paul Gipe

I took a fair amount of flak for my article Solar-Augmented EVs? Is this a Thing? This was surprising as …

EVgo "50 kW" DCFC kiosk in a parking garage in downtown Visalia, California. 2018.

EVgo Plug & Charge Works—Wow

By

Paul Gipe

We just tested EVgo’s Plug & Charge feature at a station here in Bakersfield. Lo and behold, it works. Hallelujah–the convenience of a Tesla at half the cost.

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Solar-Augmented EVs? Is this a Thing?

By

Paul Gipe

Putting solar cells on an EV to augment home or fast charging could become a thing, particularly in sunny places like California.

Aptera solar agumented EV, Wikimedia Commons.

Wind Turbines on EVs and Why That’s a Bad Idea, But Solar Yes That’s a Winner

By

Paul Gipe

I recently got a query from an engineer about an inventor who thought it was a brilliant idea to put a wind turbine on an EV to charge it while it moves. The engineer was rightly suspicious and sent the idea on over to me, the wind world’s resident skeptic.

Extension cord temporarily used with our Nissan Leaf in 2014. New 120 volt, 20 amp outlet and heavy duty extension cord. The 20 foot extension cord was rated at 15 amps or 12 amps in continuous draw. Therefore, the EVSE could charge at a maxium of 12 amps or 1.4 kW.

Charging an EV with an Extension Cord from an Outlet?

By

Paul Gipe

I got this question recently. “Any thoughts on extension cord charging off a regular outlet? I’ve done a little research and the reviews are mixed.”

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Capacity of 2020 Chevy Bolt with 2022 Replacement Battery after One Month

By

Paul Gipe

Our 2020 Chevy Bolt’s traction battery was replaced under warranty on 6 May 2022 by our local Chevy dealer.