Overland Trip to Alaska - Follow For Updates

[BrockN]

I remember reading somewhere that the little button is a UL required safety feature on the combo adapter. When pushed in, it signals that the DC pins are not exposed. If that's the case, taping the button down wouldn't prevent Level 2 charging.

In my opinion, there's nothing to be gained by buying a combo adapter. Tesla provides a J1772 adapter with every car purchase. Tesla's own CCS1 adapter lacks the AC pins. I should have bought a Cybertruck adapter specifically for CCS1 charging like the A2Z ($130 on Amazon). I'm reluctant to do so because I'm not convinced that it will take the REMA connector (e.g., Flo) freely. Buying a S/3/X/Y adapter (e.g., LaTough for $95 with coupon on Amazon), and plugging it into my EVject adapter, is guaranteed to work with REMA connectors due to the larger latch opening on these adapters.

What is the REMA connector you're referring to? Google didn't show me anything that seemed relevant. Link?

Sponsored

 

[Cybergirl]

What is the REMA connector you're referring to? Google didn't show me anything that seemed relevant. Link?

REMA Connector

 

[BrockN]

REMA Connector

Ah .. it's the brand of connector on some CCS chargers. Now I get it - I was trying to read your comments as if it was part of the adapter you use. My bad! ?

I'll look more careful at the CCS connectors in the future, but I've had failures and success with adjoining identical units, so... ?‍

 

[Cybergirl]

Ah .. it's the brand of connector on some CCS chargers. Now I get it - I was trying to read your comments as if it was part of the adapter you use. My bad! ?

I'll look more careful at the CCS connectors in the future, but I've had failures and success with adjoining identical units, so... ?‍

Here is a video that A2Z sent me to show that the REMA connector fits into their CT CCS1 adapter. The A2Z adapter is NOT a combo adapter, i.e., it does not function as a J1772 connector. It's also a "straight through" adapter, i.e., it does not utilize any internal electronics or contactors.

 

[BrockN]

Here is a video that A2Z sent me to show that the REMA connector fits into their CT CCS1 adapter. The A2Z adapter is NOT a combo adapter, i.e., it does not function as a J1772 connector. It's also a "straight through" adapter, i.e., it does not utilize any internal electronics or contactors.

For what it's worth, I've never had ANY of the CCS connectors I've used slide that smoothly into my A2Z adapter. Never. However, they told me that the one I was sent was the 'new design' that didn't jam like the original. If that's the case, all I can say is I'm glad I don't have one of the original 'tight' ones...

 

[Cybergirl]

For what it's worth, I've never had ANY of the CCS connectors I've used slide that smoothly into my A2Z adapter. Never. However, they told me that the one I was sent was the 'new design' that didn't jam like the original. If that's the case, all I can say is I'm glad I don't have one of the original 'tight' ones...

I still have my doubts about the A2Z CT adapter because of the rounded shape of the latch opening. Have you considered enlarging the opening to allow for an easier insertion/release?

 

[BrockN]

I still have my doubts about the A2Z CT adapter because of the rounded shape of the latch opening. Have you considered enlarging the opening to allow for an easier insertion/release?

I haven't tried doing any modifications, because I'm able to get the adapter to seat with some effort. I might have to ask A2Z about why it's to tight though, given how smoothly it works in the video you posted.

I went back through the comments from the person who taped the button in their adapter to get it to work. They noted that FLO was a problem for them... so maybe there's something odd about the REMA plug, or maybe by coincidence, chargers that sourced REMA plugs for their products also have a software issue.

I'm really not sure what the issue is. Frankly, it just shouldn't be this difficult!

 

[Cybergirl]

I haven't tried doing any modifications, because I'm able to get the adapter to seat with some effort. I might have to ask A2Z about why it's to tight though, given how smoothly it works in the video you posted.

I went back through the comments from the person who taped the button in their adapter to get it to work. They noted that FLO was a problem for them... so maybe there's something odd about the REMA plug, or maybe by coincidence, chargers that sourced REMA plugs for their products also have a software issue.

I'm really not sure what the issue is. Frankly, it just shouldn't be this difficult!

We're planning to reattempt our trip to Alaska in August. I want some assurance that I'll be able to fast charge at BC Hydro and Flo chargers. Flo uses the REMA connector which didn't fit the Hansshow CT adapter with the same rounded latch inlet shape as the A2Z. Hansshow returned half my purchase price and let me keep the adapter, so I will modify it to make connection easier. EVgo uses the REMA connector, so I should be able to test it on one of their chargers. These problems really make me appreciate the Tesla Supercharger system.

 

[BrockN]

We're planning to reattempt our trip to Alaska in August. I want some assurance that I'll be able to fast charge at BC Hydro and Flo chargers. Flo uses the REMA connector which didn't fit the Hansshow CT adapter with the same rounded latch inlet shape as the A2Z. Hansshow returned half my purchase price and let me keep the adapter, so I will modify it to make connection easier. EVgo uses the REMA connector, so I should be able to test it on one of their chargers. These problems really make me appreciate the Tesla Supercharger system.

Please follow up here with anything new you learn along the way. I don't have problems getting the latch to work on any of the CCS plugs I've used with my A2Z adapter, but it's a STRUGGLE to get the connector seated deeply enough for it to latch successfully. I just sent a note to A2Z asking why their video demonstration shows a much easier connection than I've ever had with their product. I'm curious to hear what they say as I was told I was being shipped the newer, less snug revised model.

I've been driving Tesla only for over 10 years now... so, yeah, I completely agree with your Tesla Supercharger system comment!! And FWIW, my experience with the Tesla CHAdeMO adapter really wasn't much better than what I'm experiencing now with the CCS adapter! If it's not NACS, it's going to be trouble...

 

[Kryptek]

We're planning to reattempt our trip to Alaska in August. I want some assurance that I'll be able to fast charge at BC Hydro and Flo chargers. Flo uses the REMA connector which didn't fit the Hansshow CT adapter with the same rounded latch inlet shape as the A2Z. Hansshow returned half my purchase price and let me keep the adapter, so I will modify it to make connection easier. EVgo uses the REMA connector, so I should be able to test it on one of their chargers. These problems really make me appreciate the Tesla Supercharger system.

Yes Flo works w the a2zev adapter for CyberTruck in alaskas Flo chargers! Do not fret!

 

[Kryptek]

You may need to hold down the green start go button in the Flo kiosk to make it start charging after it runs the quick tests, if you get an error just disconnect, make sure Flo app is running and you select the right charger, push in adapter and then press start on app


If you charge in cantwell make sure to eat at Jam Jams spot literally 20 feet from the station! It’s a Jamaica ?? style restaurant and I had alaskas best deep fried buffalo chicken sandwich ?

 

[Cybergirl]

You may need to hold down the green start go button in the Flo kiosk to make it start charging after it runs the quick tests, if you get an error just disconnect, make sure Flo app is running and you select the right charger, push in adapter and then press start on app


If you charge in cantwell make sure to eat at Jam Jams spot literally 20 feet from the station! It’s a Jamaica ?? style restaurant and I had alaskas best deep fried buffalo chicken sandwich ?

What I was doing was inserting the Flo connector into the adapter with much force and then plugging the adapter into the CT charging port until the latch locking pin bottomed out. At that point I would get a message on CT's display saying "Unable to charge - Vehicle connection issue. Insert the charge handle fully into the charge port". The Flo connector looked to be fully inserted and I recall hearing a click, but no dice, the truck would not make a connection. Removing the Flo connector from the Hansshow CT adapter was so hard I thought I'd have to resort to hitting with a hammer to dislodge it. A nearby man came over and helped me separate the two. Even he had a devil of a time with it.

 

[Kryptek]

What I was doing was inserting the Flo connector into the adapter with much force and then plugging the adapter into the CT charging port until the latch locking pin bottomed out. At that point I would get a message on CT's display saying "Unable to charge - Vehicle connection issue. Insert the charge handle fully into the charge port". The Flo connector looked to be fully inserted and I recall hearing a click, but no dice, the truck would not make a connection. Removing the Flo connector from the Hansshow CT adapter was so hard I thought I'd have to resort to hitting with a hammer to dislodge it. A nearby man came over and helped me separate the two. Even he had a devil of a time with it.

My A2Z was really hard to remove from the FLO chargers when I first got it, but the temps in winter were also around 0F or colder. I dont use the FLO often but when I do, i have found the best way to remove the adapter after charging is to stick that fat cable between your legs, like your taking a big leak. Then press the button on the charging unit, and grasp the adapter at the base with both hands and give it a good strong tugg while pinching your legs to stop the cable from following the force. Ive never had it stuck for more than about 10 seconds..

 

[EricFelt]

I just completed a wonderful Cybertruck journey from South Dakota to Haines, Alaska via the AlCan. I had no problems using the A2Z adapter to charge at BC Hydro stations in British Columbia (cheaper and sometimes as fast as Tesla's Superchargers) and at Flo stations in Yukon (slow but free). My original plan was to continue to Anchorage and then ship my Cybertruck to Washington state, but I learned from a fellow EV owner at a charging station in Yukon that both shipping companies that ship vehicles from Anchorage have recently stopped accepting EVs. They believe they are unsafe because there was a fire on a ship off Alaska in June. The Alaska Marine Highway System ferries still accept EVs, but for this year Haines is the closest terminal to Anchorage with service to Washington state.

Btw Plugshare reports that Cybertrucks cannot charge at the Recharge Alaska stations in Alaska; I did not attempt to use one.

 

[Cybergirl]

I just completed a wonderful Cybertruck journey from South Dakota to Haines, Alaska via the AlCan. I had no problems using the A2Z adapter to charge at BC Hydro stations in British Columbia (cheaper and sometimes as fast as Tesla's Superchargers) and at Flo stations in Yukon (slow but free). My original plan was to continue to Anchorage and then ship my Cybertruck to Washington state, but I learned from a fellow EV owner at a charging station in Yukon that both shipping companies that ship vehicles from Anchorage have recently stopped accepting EVs. They believe they are unsafe because there was a fire on a ship off Alaska in June. The Alaska Marine Highway System ferries still accept EVs, but for this year Haines is the closest terminal to Anchorage with service to Washington state.

Btw Plugshare reports that Cybertrucks cannot charge at the Recharge Alaska stations in Alaska; I did not attempt to use one.

Thank you for informing us about your successful charging experience in BC, YT, and Alaska. I will be using my A2Z CCS1 to NACS adapter in combination with EVject on my Alaska trip next month from Illinois to Anchorage. My route plan has me traveling through Tok, AK. I got word from Stretch at Tok Transportation that he is not charging EVs by special arrangement, at least for now. That means an overnight stay at either the Tundra RV Park, the Tok Village RV Campground, or Alaska Stoves Campground to recharge my battery before going on the Fairbanks. There's still no Tesla Supercharger in Fairbanks.

Sponsored