In its quest to build a better charging solution for battery-powered bikes, DigiNow has contrived a way for non-Tesla EV owners to take advantage of that brand's extensive level 2 "destination charging" network. DigiNow is a small company that produces hardware specifically for electric motorcycles as well as software for assorted applications, but these new products could dramatically expand its customer base. As you can see in the video above, its new adapter will allow you to score electrons for the Nissan Leaf, but it also works with any OEM vehicle that accepts the standard J1772 plug.
Behind this seemingly simple bit of kit, though, is a more complex story. After less-than-stellar success with the original Super Charger (two words, not to be confused with Tesla's Supercharger network) and a falling out with its fabrication partner, company principal Brandon Nozaki-Miller decided on a do-over, bringing manufacturing in-house and designing the Super Charger V2 using the same modular approach he takes with software. The goal of both old and new Super Charger was to dramatically increase the number of places to charge an electric motorcycle, but in so doing, DigiNow has created something that other EV owners can use.
The result is the basic adapter, which works with about seventy-five percent of level 2 Tesla stations (power output at these installations vary, which complicates things), and a separate "translator" that will connect to this adapter and open up the entire network. The Super Charger V2 (which ranges from the basic 4.6 kW-capable unit to 7.9 kWs, to 11.2 kWs, and comes with its own translator) fits into the "gas tank" area of the Zero S(R) and DS(R) electric motorcycles. DigiNow is also making an adapter that allows you to plug in your J1772 plug into the NEMA 14-50 outlets commonly found at RV campsites, and a splitter which you can plug into a level 2 charging station and provide three NEMA 5 outlets (the typical household 3-prong plug) so you can power a laptop, or other electronics, while at a charging station.
The various components are being distributed through motorcycle dealerships for now, including Hollywood Electrics in Los Angeles, California and Grand Canyon Cycles in Mesa and Phoenix, Arizona and are all individually priced. The J1772 plug with four feet of cord is $200; the Tesla adapter is $350; the NEMA 14-50 adapter, with two feet of cord, is $80; the three-way NEMA 5 splitter is $400. The translator that plugs into the Tesla adapter will only begin production later this year and should cost in the neighborhood of $80 - $120.
Pricing for the Super Charger V2 is now at lower, early adopter levels and starts at $1,755 for the initial unit, but can shoot all the way up to $3,600 for the fully-expanded 11.2 kW unit.
No word on how Tesla might respond to having vehicles from other manufacture's feeding from its destination charging system. It should also be noted that this adapter will not work with Tesla's level 3 Supercharger system. Although the California company often supplies the hardware and absorbs the installation costs, property owners where the stations are sited set the rules for their use, i.e., for customers only or fee-based.
Related video:
Behind this seemingly simple bit of kit, though, is a more complex story. After less-than-stellar success with the original Super Charger (two words, not to be confused with Tesla's Supercharger network) and a falling out with its fabrication partner, company principal Brandon Nozaki-Miller decided on a do-over, bringing manufacturing in-house and designing the Super Charger V2 using the same modular approach he takes with software. The goal of both old and new Super Charger was to dramatically increase the number of places to charge an electric motorcycle, but in so doing, DigiNow has created something that other EV owners can use.
The result is the basic adapter, which works with about seventy-five percent of level 2 Tesla stations (power output at these installations vary, which complicates things), and a separate "translator" that will connect to this adapter and open up the entire network. The Super Charger V2 (which ranges from the basic 4.6 kW-capable unit to 7.9 kWs, to 11.2 kWs, and comes with its own translator) fits into the "gas tank" area of the Zero S(R) and DS(R) electric motorcycles. DigiNow is also making an adapter that allows you to plug in your J1772 plug into the NEMA 14-50 outlets commonly found at RV campsites, and a splitter which you can plug into a level 2 charging station and provide three NEMA 5 outlets (the typical household 3-prong plug) so you can power a laptop, or other electronics, while at a charging station.
The various components are being distributed through motorcycle dealerships for now, including Hollywood Electrics in Los Angeles, California and Grand Canyon Cycles in Mesa and Phoenix, Arizona and are all individually priced. The J1772 plug with four feet of cord is $200; the Tesla adapter is $350; the NEMA 14-50 adapter, with two feet of cord, is $80; the three-way NEMA 5 splitter is $400. The translator that plugs into the Tesla adapter will only begin production later this year and should cost in the neighborhood of $80 - $120.
Pricing for the Super Charger V2 is now at lower, early adopter levels and starts at $1,755 for the initial unit, but can shoot all the way up to $3,600 for the fully-expanded 11.2 kW unit.
No word on how Tesla might respond to having vehicles from other manufacture's feeding from its destination charging system. It should also be noted that this adapter will not work with Tesla's level 3 Supercharger system. Although the California company often supplies the hardware and absorbs the installation costs, property owners where the stations are sited set the rules for their use, i.e., for customers only or fee-based.
Related video:
Related Gallery Diginow Super Charger V2 and accessories
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