Automated Charging Is Here!

Recently a LEAFer asked if anyone had considered a DIY project that opens the hatch automatically. Apparently she came out one day loaded down with groceries and couldn't open the hatch without putting something down. She envisioned something similar to most SUVs where one only needed the fob in their possession and to wave their foot under the back bumper for the hatch to open.  I advised this would be a spendy mod to tackle.  Not only would motorized hinges need to be installed but then they would have to be integrated into a sensor that would be able to communicate with the existing security system inside the car.   IOW; several hundred dollars just in parts with only the technical expertise to marry them together needed, right?

But the desire for these small conveniences has exploded in popularity.  And yes, each small perk saves us mere seconds in convenience but eventually that can add up.  Taken at its face value; there is no way I could justify the automatic hatch option. I am ok with taking that few seconds to open the hatch manually and yes, I have had the exact same situation as the lady above and it's not easy to open the hatch with a handful.  I go to Costco and always get my stuff in a box. Frequently a single box which means its frequently HEAVY!! (I go a lot!) so I will drop off the cart at the door and carry the box to the car.  In my Prius, I was able to rest the edge of the box on the back bumper, and open the hatch but the LEAF's hatch extends out too far not allowing it to open when the box is resting on the back bumper so I have to unlock hatch then pick up the box and try to flip open the hatch with one or two fingers. Despite doing it all the time, it is still a "not so easy" thing to do! ( a lighter box might help...)

So I can see the lady's point. It really would be nice to have an auto hatch at the cost of $1000+.  Now, I am cheap so I would never consider paying that much for it simply because I don't have that many times I need it.  But what about charging the EV? This is something most of us do 1-2 times or more PER DAY.

So automated charging would be awesome but there is an issue. Wireless inductive charging is less efficient and in costly utility areas, that would not be desirable.  But a new product has solved that issue and unlike nearly all new things, EV; This one is available NOW!

NoCord Hands Free Charger

Washingtonian Stuart McColl has developed the "NoCord" a system that automatically connects the car to your EVSE when you park.  You simply drive in and magnets on the interface connects to the contacts on a modified license plate frame, the handshake is completed and the charge starts as soon as the car is turned off. (or based on your timer)

Now Stuart has a Tesla and a LEAF but claims he can do this on ANY EV!

Handshake and charge start takes only a few seconds. 

This means never having to open the charging port door or really touching anything else.  Sometimes, you will be leaving before the charge is complete. As we all know, when the charge is active, you cannot move the car, right?  Well,  NoCord has that covered with a remote control that stops the charge. Simply press the button and the charge stops allowing you to reverse detaching the interface.

Now, I did mention above the NoCord is available right now and that is true. In fact, I went and visited one or NoCord's first customer, Jim a Seattle area LEAFer to see how he liked his NoCord and we will get to that soon, but...

The NoCord is available today... If you live in WA or Portland, OR area.  But that will soon change if you are handy with mods.  Right now, the NoCord is $950 installed and that price includes one year of support in case something happens which includes a return visit should that be necessary.  But the regional restriction is only temporary as Stuart is working on a DIY option (takes time to write it up, etc...) for a $695 target price.  So with that in mind;  Why do this?

Convenience

Show of hands. How many people have forgotten to plug in at least once?  Yeah, I did what most do which was rationalized that the gasser had been sitting too long and needed the exercise. 😏  Did you know that tires get a flat spot on them if the car hasn't been moved in a while? I didn't until I got my LEAF.   So yeah, it takes all of 5 seconds to plug... Oh DAMN!! Forgot to open the charging port door, hold on...  Ok so yeah, it takes all of 15 seconds to plug in, right?   Well, it takes only 3 seconds to put something down to open the hatch but we still pay for that.  Speaking of 3 second operations, it takes half that time to close the hatch when leaving. Thank you Nissan for making the hatch durable enough that it can withstand 65 mph down the freeway without damage... 😑

I guess a system that minimizes the need to open the charging port door might not be such a bad idea after all.

Safety

The system is completely de-energized until the handshake is completed so no chance of the cat walking in with "frizz-do."  The interface is designed so it's not possible to cross connect the system.   The system is completely weatherproof. In fact, Jim has his outside (yes, its WA so that means it was raining) without any issues. It is under his deck but as we know, most decks are hardly weathertight and his wasn't.

Ease of Use

Aligning the interface it quite easy. The interface is mounted with springs so there is no chance of damaging the car and it also provides the side to side flexibility making "getting it close" good enough to connect.

The vertical mount of interface (attached to license plate here) makes aligning the interface very easy

The Remote. Jim had his loose but I would mount mine probably next to 

the garage door opener. I am not good with keeping tabs on tiny things

like this... 

DIY

Ok, I guess I will now talk about what 98% of you are waiting for.  This option should be available soon and you will want to monitor the website  https://www.nocord.com/   for availability. 

But the best part of the NoCord is its simple and unobtrusive install.  No drilling needed which means that you lessees can take NoCord with you when you turn your LEAF in for the next bigger and better LEAF!  

The install starts out with the controller that interfaces with the LEAF's existing charging system and the NoCord interface.  This DOES NOT affect your charging ports in any way so level 2 charging on the road works like it always did. 

NoCord controller; At a couple inches, plenty of room!

Wires from the controller are routed thru the grill to the modified license plate frames to the connectors. The fan shroud will have to be removed so not "completely" easy.  Thankfully, its made of plastic which is generally a bit more forgiving on the uninstall/reinstall process!  TBT; the install could be done without much disassembly but I don't have the patience or skill, but you might. 

Interface attached with springs allowing flexibility with forward/back movement. 

Installing NoCord in a garage would be easy as your EVSE would be routed overhead to plug into the interface. It is very light which makes just about any hanging option doable. 

NoCord plugs directly into your EVSE. Notice the car

is wet? Told you it was raining!

If your install is outside, I would add a vent or a hood to cover the interface to minimize snow and ice buildup. Having lived a few miles from Lake Huron, I was simply amazed at how well ice covers EVERYTHING!  A cover goes a long way towards reducing that problem!

And

Like anything else, sometimes you just don't know how things will go until you try it. I think the benefits of NoCord are quite straightforward and I see very little in the way of buyer remorse.  But NoCord does offer a no questions asked 90 day return policy.  If your NoCord is installed, there is UNLIMITED return trips for the first year.  

The system is designed that accidental ramming (don't laugh, it happens all too frequently!) will do minimal damage to your precious LEAF (not so sure about the garage though...)

And finally (the part you have "really" been waiting for)  The DIY option will be available this Summer! 

As always, comment below. Please don't SPAM me. I have no interest in cheap used cars from Australia...

Acknowledgements 

Thanks to Stuart for patiently answering all my questions (some of which I probably asked 2-3 times) and Jim for putting up with me and allowing me to visit his humble abode!