HELP Charging with generator

[Hyfly]

So we do not miss anything the vehicle will charge when you plug into household power correct just not with the generator?

looking at your generator specs it claims less than 3% total harmonic distortion. Not bad for a generator.

wondering if Rivian can review the error log for your vehicle and help with any specific issues the vehicles does not like

again keeping in mind small generators do not typically do well charging EV’s

Yes. I’ve used a normal plug and it charges fine. Just not with the generator plugs. Good idea. I’ll ask rivian if that’s possible.

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[Hyfly]

It is possible that the generator is not putting out a pure sine wave. Instead it could be putting out a modified square or simple sine wave. Most EV charging cables and other sensitive electronics will see this as dirty or bad power and refuse to charge or power on.

For those that want to buy a solution for the specific purpose of extending range. Blink has a good solution. https://blinkcharging.com/products/portable-level-2-ev-car-charger/

Thanks. Hoping for a workaround for the one I already have!

 

[SparkyR1t]

A good article on charging an EV with a small generator

https://www.elephantenergy.org/charge-ev/

 

[Hyfly]

You can use an automatic voltage regulator or power line conditioner would be required if your generator is not putting out pure sine wave.

Something like this.
EyGde 4 Prong 30 to 50 Amp RV Generator Adapter Cord, Nema L14-30P Twist Lock Male Plug to 14-50R Female with Surge Protector, with Circuit Analyzer LED Indicator for Generator to RV Trailer Camper EV https://a.co/d/8LQtk3i

 

[Hyfly]

I just ordered these two items.
I’ll see if either work and report back.
fingers crossed.
Parkworld 691944 Power Adapter 4-Prong Generator 30A Locking L14-30P Male to RV/EV 50 AMP 14-50R Female (Black) https://a.co/d/4qDivPu

EyGde 4 Prong 30 to 50 Amp RV Generator Adapter Cord, Nema L14-30P Twist Lock Male Plug to 14-50R Female with Surge Protector, with Circuit Analyzer LED Indicator for Generator to RV Trailer Camper EV https://a.co/d/4uAqlzR

Hopefully I can get this figured out and then post correct links to help someone in the future!
I appreciate everyone’s input and help!!

 

[Operator]

Hi,

I've been meaning to try this with my harbor freight generator 3500 invertor. I ended up following the guide for a diy ground cable found here

I had the same issue before I didn't "ground" the generator, rivian charger would think that the power source wasn't grounded. While this offers no help, I can say that I got it working on the generator by making a ground neutral plug and plugging it in on the 120v outlet.. I highly suspect rivian doesn't think your generator is grounded. Good luck

 

[Hyfly]

Hi,

I've been meaning to try this with my harbor freight generator 3500 invertor. I ended up following the guide for a diy ground cable found here

I had the same issue before I didn't "ground" the generator, rivian charger would think that the power source wasn't grounded. While this offers no help, I can say that I got it working on the generator by making a ground neutral plug and plugging it in on the 120v outlet.. I highly suspect rivian doesn't think your generator is grounded. Good luck

I have the ground plug and it’s not solving my issue unfortunately

 

[Operator]

I see the grounding pole from your generator, if you have some loose wire you might be able to connect the ground wire to any ground around. Maybe wrap it around a long nail and stick it into the ground.

 

[Hyfly]

I see the grounding pole from your generator, if you have some loose wire you might be able to connect the ground wire to any ground around. Maybe wrap it around a long nail and stick it into the ground.

No such luck.

 

[Operator]

Damn. Last thing I'd try is the 120 volt house adapter. If that still doesn't work we can rule out the ground issue.

 

[Hyfly]

Damn. Last thing I'd try is the 120 volt house adapter. If that still doesn't work we can rule out the ground issue.

I’ve tried that and it didn’t work.

 

[Operator]

Sry mate, I dunno. I think it may be your generator if the rivian charger works on your house outlet. Exactly what? I don't know. I'll silently lurk here and see if others have any suggestions.

 

[HighVoltOverland]

I’ve tried that and it didn’t work.

Any chance the new plugs came to test out?

 

[Hyfly]

Any chance the new plugs came to test out?

Arriving tomorrow.

 

[Hyfly]

Here to report the two additional adapters do not work.
At this point I’m out of ideas. I may return this generator and try a different one that others have had success with.

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