So we have been working on a CHAdeMO solution for the Karma and would like to solicit your feedback on a few items. If there is enough interest I guess we will create a new thread with a poll.
Three potential locations:
1. Behind the rear license plate- requires rear fascia to be modified, plate will fold down to reveal charge port
2. Front grill- requires driver side grill to be modified
3. Inside the trunk- requires trunk to be open while charging, minimal modifications and much easier install
For us obviously
#3 is the most preferable as it is the easiest to install but what do the owners think?
AC charging with CHAdeMO
One of the biggest requests that fills our inbox is faster AC charging, the issue with this is the Karma will require some major modifications to fit a new OBCM and it probably is cost prohibitive. Where the OBCM currently sites is not the most convenient place and it gets blasted by dirt, grime, salt etc as it is very exposed to the elements. In order to package another OBCM here it would have to be tested extensively and that takes a lot more resources with minimal gains.
What we are proposing is using the CHAdeMO port as your AC charger via an off-board rectifier. So basically the AC-DC conversion will be done outside the vehicle then sent to the vehicle over CHAdeMO. This makes life a lot easier. Downside is you won't be able to take advantage of the 6.6kw EVSE's publicly.
What is the appetite for this if any?