Home electric chargers - general question
Discussion
I see more and more about electric cars and their unceasing rise but from a practical viewpoint, inc plug ins, does this mean we'll all have dedicated electric car charging devices in our homes or will (do?) people just use, effectively, normal extension leads? I am guessing that normal three pin plugs are too slow to charge up cars quickly or is tech improving to allow this? And if i wanted a 'pre owned' electric car where do I get a 'fast charger'?
Frimley111R said:
I am guessing that normal three pin plugs are too slow to charge up cars quickly or is tech improving to allow this?
It's not a "technical limitation" in any way that electric car manufacturers are going to change - it's a simple law of physics.Three pin domestic plugs are 13A fused, with a 10A sustained maximum. At 230v, that's 2.3-3kWh. A Tesla S holds up to 100kWh, an i3 up to 33kWh, a Leaf up to 30kWh. So that Tesla can't possibly take less than 33 hours to fully (and, yes, I know it will never be 0%, and will never go to 100%, but...) charge through a three-pin plug, more likely over 40. Before you consider charging losses.
Unless motors have huge efficiency improvements (unlikely), range is determined by battery capacity. More range = more capacity = longer to charge at the same rate.
You want faster charging? You need more amps. Some more amps means bigger connectors.
16A/230v = blue commando socket = 3.7kWh. Easy to wire in.
32A = bigger blue commando socket = 7.3kWh. Dedicated circuit on the consumer unit, but not the end of the world.
63A = very big blue commando socket and probably a bigger bit of wire to the house, if you want anything much on in the house at the same time = 14.5kWh.
Lots more amps means bigger voltage means three-phase means big bill from power company.
MrOrange said:
I think most folks will go for dedicated charge circuit. It's faster, safer and more convenient - and costs a couple of hundred quid for 32 amps - and this would give a 3x speed charge versus most granny cables.
In fact most new house builds now must have an dedicated charge point.
Sorry, are you saying new house builds come with the circuits for car charge points?In fact most new house builds now must have an dedicated charge point.
https://www.theguardian.com/sustainable-business/2... suggests just that but the UK wil have left the EU by then. Or perhaps not? 
AW10 said:
https://www.theguardian.com/sustainable-business/2... suggests just that but the UK wil have left the EU by then. Or perhaps not?
Why does the caption talk about "NL and Norway", then show a photo of Paris?Anyway, whether the UK is in the EU or not, it's entirely likely that Part P of the Building Regs would incorporate something very similar.
Frimley111R said:
Sorry, are you saying new house builds come with the circuits for car charge points?
Going by what I was told recently and confirmed by every new house on a largish new build estate near me having the big sockets fitted (not just the circuits). Yes, I made some assumptions and didn't check my facts, sorry PH, burn me.The EVSE (Supply Equipment) at your charger plug / socket needs to capable for the charger on your vehicle. My Nissan leaf is fitted with a 3-3 Kw which si OK for an overnight charge. Some Nissan Leaf`s are fitted with 6-6 Kw onboard chargers if your car has a higher rated charger then make sure you have an EVSE unit to supply at 7 Kw (32 Amp circuit ). This will enable a faster charge from home, if your going out again ( after coming home with the shopping etc.) in the evening. A bit of future planing for larger battery cars of the future. Ebay often have EVSE`s for sale ( circa £150 for mine) but you could do a deal with a grant see your EV dealer ( could be FREE )
Edited by Modiman46 on Monday 24th October 17:44
Edited by Modiman46 on Monday 24th October 17:46
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