ShockFlo G1 Portable EV Charger Review
ShockFlo, a newly established player in the electric vehicle (EV) charging industry, has quickly gained recognition for its diverse range of AC charging options and EV charging adapters. In response to numerous requests from my followers, ShockFlo reached out to me for a review of their products. I specifically requested the Portable 40-amp G1 EVSE to explore the realm of portable charging solutions.
Manufactured in China, the ShockFlo G1 is available in 32-amp and 40-amp versions, both of which can be plugged into a NEMA 14-50 outlet. For testing purposes, I focused on the 40-amp model, capable of delivering up to 9.6 kW of power to an EV. However, it’s important to note that the charging speed ultimately depends on the capability of your vehicle’s onboard charger. If your EV is equipped with a 32-amp onboard charger, the 40-amp ShockFlo G1 won’t charge your vehicle any faster than the 32-amp version.
The ShockFlo G1 comes with a 20-foot cable featuring a J1772 connector at the end. Unfortunately, ShockFlo currently does not offer charging equipment with the North American Charging Standard (NACS) connector attached. Therefore, Tesla owners utilizing the G1 will need to use the J1771 to Tesla adapter that comes standard with every Tesla vehicle in North America.
One noteworthy aspect of the ShockFlo G1 is its body, which boasts an IP67 rating for dust and water intrusion. Compared to many of its portable charging competitors, this rating provides slightly enhanced durability. In fact, the ShockFlo G1 can reportedly withstand submersion in up to one meter of water for as long as 30 minutes without sustaining damage.
The charger is accompanied by a carrying case, a wall-mounting cradle, and a rubber cover for protecting the J1772 connector pins when not in use. With a three-year warranty, the ShockFlo G1 is available at a retail price of $349.00. However, it is currently on sale for $279.00, offering considerable savings. The 32-amp version is also on sale, reduced from $319.00 to an incredibly affordable $186.00.
Both versions of the ShockFlo G1 feature a small display screen showing active charging information such as line voltage, amperage, and kilowatt-hours delivered to the vehicle. The screen also indicates the internal temperature, charging session duration, and total kilowatt-hours dispensed during that session.
Below the display screen, users can find two buttons. One button allows for selecting the desired power output ranging from 40-amps to 16-amps. The other button enables users to delay charging in one-hour increments, perfect for those who prefer not to begin charging immediately upon plugging in.
Regrettably, the ShockFlo G1 is not marketed or sold as a dual-voltage electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE), meaning it does not include adapters for plugging into both 120-volt and 240-volt outlets. Although the specifications suggest the G1 might be compatible with a 120-volt power source due to its voltage range of 100V to 240V, ShockFlo does not explicitly address this feature. The G1 is specifically advertised as a Level 2 charger.
Given that the NEMA 14-50 plug is permanently attached to the device, users would need to purchase a NEMA 14-50 to NEMA 5-15 or NEMA 5-20 adapter separately to determine if the G1 can function as a level 1 EVSE.
In my opinion, it should be the manufacturer’s responsibility rather than the purchaser’s to clarify whether the unit can function as a dual-voltage charger, while also providing the necessary adapters.
As an EV journalist with a substantial following, I highly recommend having a dual-voltage portable charger on hand, particularly during road trips. It is crucial to ensure that you possess the appropriate adapters for both 120-volt and 240-volt outlets. While 120-volt charging is considerably slower, having the flexibility to charge whenever and wherever is paramount.
During my evaluation, the ShockFlo G1 successfully passed all the tests, including automatic restart, connector and unit drop tests, extreme cold and heat weather tests, and a submersion test. Despite an impressive performance, I cannot, in good conscience, recommend purchasing the ShockFlo G1 due to its lack of certification from established safety bodies.
Given the high level of current passing through EV charging equipment for prolonged periods, safety certification is of utmost importance. Even the most ruggedly-built, safety-certified chargers can struggle with the demanding duty cycle required for daily charging.
Had ShockFlo pursued safety certification for the G1, they would have discovered that the wire used for the NEMA 14-50 plug is undersized. While the 9-gauge wire employed for the 20-foot cable is sufficient for a 40-amp circuit, just barely meeting the acceptable standards, it deviates from typical practices in the United States. In the U.S., 8-gauge wire would be the norm for a charger of this caliber. ShockFlo, however, opted for 10-gauge wire on the cable attached to the NEMA 14-50 plug, a deviation from safety codes. According to the National Electrical Code (NEC) standards, 10-gauge wire is only suitable for a 30-amp delivery, not the 40-amp capacity of the ShockFlo G1.
Consequently, if you do decide to purchase the ShockFlo G1, it would be prudent to limit the power delivery to 24-amps using the adjustable setting. Even selecting the 32-amp option would surpass the NEC code’s allowable limit, potentially jeopardizing the insulation of the wires in the cable and potentially leading to a fire hazard. This issue was first reported by the YouTube channel Mikes Car Info.
Initially, I overlooked this critical detail, which is why I did not mention it in the video review. I examined the wire gauge stamping on the long cable, confirming it was 9-gauge, but failed to inspect the gauge of the smaller cable attached to the plug. I appreciate Mike from Mikes Car Info for reminding me to consider the wire gauge on the small cable as well.
In conclusion, the ShockFlo G1 Portable 40-amp EVSE offers a range of convenient features and impressive durability. However, the absence of safety certification and the use of undersized wire on the NEMA 14-50 plug cable are significant concerns. As an EV journalist committed to prioritizing safety, I cannot recommend purchasing the ShockFlo G1 until it receives proper safety certifications and resolves the wiring issue.
In the rapidly expanding market of portable EV chargers, it is crucial to consider safety and reliability as top priorities. Stay informed, choose certified products, and prioritize the well-being of yourself and your vehicle throughout any charging endeavor.
