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[PVNRG]

The 1.2kW charger failed and I want to replace it so the bike can still be charged from 120V. Are there any options to buy a replacement other than through the dealer with their markup price gouging?

[TEV]

Where are you located?

[PVNRG]

I'm in the north east of USA.

[DonTom]

The 1.2kW charger failed and I want to replace it so the bike can still be charged from 120V. Are there any options to buy a replacement other than through the dealer with their markup price gouging?

There are if you're willing to do some of the wiring yourself. For one example, see here.

-Don-  Reno, NV

[DonTom]

The 1.2kW charger failed and I want to replace it so the bike can still be charged from 120V. Are there any options to buy a replacement other than through the dealer with their markup price gouging?

I assume you already know about the Delta-Q chargers for $600.00.  Without the OBC, at least with these,  you will be able to key on the bike and then take the key out and continue to charge.

With other charging methods, you will have to leave the key in to close the contactor to charge. And leave it in while charging. So there are other issues to be concerned with, if you want to go with a non-Zero idea without an OBC to close the contactor.

-Don-  Reno, NV

[TEV]

I'm in the north east of USA.

PM sent

[PVNRG]

Hey everyone, thanks for the time and information!! It seems that the only option so far for acquiring a stock charger replacement is through a Zero dealer. I don't want to resort to that but if there is no other option then I guess that's what I will need to do.

[DonTom]

Hey everyone, thanks for the time and information!! It seems that the only option so far for acquiring a stock charger replacement is through a Zero dealer. I don't want to resort to that but if there is no other option then I guess that's what I will need to do.

You could try here, but it probably won't be any cheaper.

-Don-  Reno, NV

[Richard230]

Hey everyone, thanks for the time and information!! It seems that the only option so far for acquiring a stock charger replacement is through a Zero dealer. I don't want to resort to that but if there is no other option then I guess that's what I will need to do.

I have had good luck with AF1 Racing in Texas. I have bought two sock chargers from them and only paid the list price of $800, no shipping charges or state sales tax. The new charger that I just purchased has an entirely new product number so maybe it will be more reliable.  One can only hope that GWP has managed to come up with a new design that will have a lower failure rate.  Photo of the new charger model is attached.

[AutoE]

I have had good luck with AF1 Racing in Texas. I have bought two sock chargers from them and only paid the list price of $800, no shipping charges or state sales tax. The new charger that I just purchased has an entirely new product number so maybe it will be more reliable.  One can only hope that GWP has managed to come up with a new design that will have a lower failure rate.  Photo of the new charger model is attached.
[/quote]
More reliable? The only thing about the GWP charger that's reliable is the failure rate. Customers used to buy direct for $200+/- until Zero shut it down. I guess lossing this revenue stream was unacceptable to Zero management.

[PVNRG]

The local dealer quoted $800 plus tax. If it is true that the charger manufacturer was selling single quantities direct to consumers for $200 then Zero is clearly ripping people off. From this logic it seems that they probably want to have products with high failure rates to maximize their profits. If that's true then I'm sure their engineers hate this. I was seriously considering buying an SRS in the next half year or so but probably won't on principle if that is now the way Zero operates.

I pulled the charger and plugged it into 120Vac and measured zero volts dc. Are there any communications with the charger required to get it to provide a dc output voltage? I suspect not but think it is prudent to ask. Thanks

[DonTom]

The local dealer quoted $800 plus tax. If it is true that the charger manufacturer was selling single quantities direct to consumers for $200 then Zero is clearly ripping people off. From this logic it seems that they probably want to have products with high failure rates to maximize their profits. If that's true then I'm sure their engineers hate this. I was seriously considering buying an SRS in the next half year or so but probably won't on principle if that is now the way Zero operates.

My opinion is that it is not true at all. There are trade-offs involved. The Zero has a lightweight ~1.3 KW DC output charger in a small space. It also is not cooled by riding or by a fan or anything. It is a difficult task to make a small light uncooled 1.3 KW output charger for such a motorcycle and also be reliable. 

I am not saying some minor improvements are not possible, but that has probably been happening anyway, as it seems every new OBC has a different version or stock number.

And Zero buys them from Calex. And who will make a more reliable one in the same size package? Sure, it could be done, if you want to lower the charge rate and need to charge even longer.

FWIW, I have 10K miles on each of my Zeros and no charger problems yet (knocking on wood as I type).

-Don-  Reno, NV

[DonTom]

Customers used to buy direct for $200+/- until Zero shut it down. I guess lossing this revenue stream was unacceptable to Zero management.

When was that? I would like to hear more about all that.

-Don-  Reno, NV

[AutoE]

Customers used to buy direct for $200+/- until Zero shut it down. I guess lossing this revenue stream was unacceptable to Zero management.

When was that? I would like to hear more about all that.

-Don-  Reno, NV

There was a whole investigation into this HUGE MARKUP by the Israel Competition Authority after a customer uncovered this.  I'll get some emails pulled next week. At some point we also found invoicing with a shipment of chargers we received from ZERO from the supplier; $200+/-.  Based on conversations with Aaron Cheatham, ZERO was/is paying much less. You can use a TCCon charger, Delta Q, DigiNow.  Follow whats "going on" with the SRS/SRF.  Knowing a little more I'd recommend not investing in a NEW ZERO... wait and see.

[PVNRG]

Yeah, I wouldn't expect Zero to be marking up the chargers by 4X, only heard that on this thread. Thinking this through again, it seems that it would make more sense for them to mark them up a reasonable amount and keep their loyal customers happy.

Bottom line now is the question of if the charger is actually fried. Will the charger output dc voltage without any control signals? I just want to be sure before shelling out $800+ for a new one.