EV chargers - which one? and fitter recommendation Northants
Discussion
After test driving numerous EV's (EV6, XC40, Enyaq, Q4 etron, Polestar 2 and a Model Y), i have finally ordered my new company car (went for the Model Y).
I'm in a fortunate position where i can charge an EV at work, but for greater flexibility I would like to get a charger installed at home. My employer will make a contribution (£3-400) towards the cost which is a bonus.
Have filled in a few online forms and had 1 local company out to give me a quote, which i received today and it was bit more than expected (Hypervolt unit). Where the charger needs to be is approx 22m from the consumer unit.
Ideally i'm looking at a charger which i can control via an app (to essentially isolate it when not at home / schedule charging), so looking for some recommendations, also has anyone got a recommendation for installers in the Buckinghamshire, Northants, Oxfordshire borders?
TIA
I'm in a fortunate position where i can charge an EV at work, but for greater flexibility I would like to get a charger installed at home. My employer will make a contribution (£3-400) towards the cost which is a bonus.
Have filled in a few online forms and had 1 local company out to give me a quote, which i received today and it was bit more than expected (Hypervolt unit). Where the charger needs to be is approx 22m from the consumer unit.
Ideally i'm looking at a charger which i can control via an app (to essentially isolate it when not at home / schedule charging), so looking for some recommendations, also has anyone got a recommendation for installers in the Buckinghamshire, Northants, Oxfordshire borders?
TIA
langy said:
Are the Tesla charger locked to Tesla’s only?
No, it has the standard Type 2 connector.IIRC the latest version now has a type B (smooth DC detection) RCD integrated in the unit, so eliminating the need for an expensive additional breaker.
But you’ll need to check local electrical regulations (earthing, etc) before installing.
Someone with much more knowledge than I will be along in a minute
Tesla Chargers don't have PEN protection so ultimately costs the same after install as another charger that has better integration with energy companies or solar etc.
I just had an Ohme Pro installed, went through their website, they allocated an installer who did a quote. £1063 which is a little over their expected costs due to swapping to an armoured cable through an underfloor void.
I just had an Ohme Pro installed, went through their website, they allocated an installer who did a quote. £1063 which is a little over their expected costs due to swapping to an armoured cable through an underfloor void.
langy said:
After test driving numerous EV's (EV6, XC40, Enyaq, Q4 etron, Polestar 2 and a Model Y), i have finally ordered my new company car (went for the Model Y).
I'm in a fortunate position where i can charge an EV at work, but for greater flexibility I would like to get a charger installed at home. My employer will make a contribution (£3-400) towards the cost which is a bonus.
Have filled in a few online forms and had 1 local company out to give me a quote, which i received today and it was bit more than expected (Hypervolt unit). Where the charger needs to be is approx 22m from the consumer unit.
Ideally i'm looking at a charger which i can control via an app (to essentially isolate it when not at home / schedule charging), so looking for some recommendations, also has anyone got a recommendation for installers in the Buckinghamshire, Northants, Oxfordshire borders?
TIA
We had Easee one’s fitted at two properties, it’s minimalist with an app to do what you need. They don’t need to come from consumer unit, if meter box is closer they can spur off that independently, worth checking if you have a 60,80 or 100A main fuse - if it’s 60 they]n the installer will need to get the distribution board to swap it. No charge for this….I'm in a fortunate position where i can charge an EV at work, but for greater flexibility I would like to get a charger installed at home. My employer will make a contribution (£3-400) towards the cost which is a bonus.
Have filled in a few online forms and had 1 local company out to give me a quote, which i received today and it was bit more than expected (Hypervolt unit). Where the charger needs to be is approx 22m from the consumer unit.
Ideally i'm looking at a charger which i can control via an app (to essentially isolate it when not at home / schedule charging), so looking for some recommendations, also has anyone got a recommendation for installers in the Buckinghamshire, Northants, Oxfordshire borders?
TIA
Thanks for the replies, will take a look at the Tesla, Easee and Zappi ones. We don't have solar or batteries, so wouldn't need that functionality.
I guess at the end of the day, their primary job is to charge a battery and it just depends on apps, functionality etc and they do the essential job as good as each other.
We have a 100A supply, but existing consumer isn't up to the job, so have been told they would take off a separate supply to supply the garage and EV charge point.
I guess at the end of the day, their primary job is to charge a battery and it just depends on apps, functionality etc and they do the essential job as good as each other.
We have a 100A supply, but existing consumer isn't up to the job, so have been told they would take off a separate supply to supply the garage and EV charge point.
I work for a charger company, my tip, is focus on usability of app and customer service over just install price.
Also make sure that it is near WIFI as a ball ache if isn't set up, and installer connects it, as per EV regs 2022
Also most cars are rated 11kw AC so a 22kw would be overkill.
Also make sure that it is near WIFI as a ball ache if isn't set up, and installer connects it, as per EV regs 2022
Also most cars are rated 11kw AC so a 22kw would be overkill.
Edited by Golfgtimk28v on Wednesday 1st February 21:03
Golfgtimk28v said:
I work for a charger company, my tip, is focus on usability of app and customer service over just install price.
Also make sure that it is near WIFI as a ball ache if isn't set up, and installer connects it, as per EV regs 2022
Also most cars are rated 11kw AC so a 22kw would be overkill.
Thanks for the advice. How would you rate the chargers you supply? PM if you want. Guess its hard to know what the app is like before actually using it...Also make sure that it is near WIFI as a ball ache if isn't set up, and installer connects it, as per EV regs 2022
Also most cars are rated 11kw AC so a 22kw would be overkill.
Edited by Golfgtimk28v on Wednesday 1st February 21:03
Wi-fi is good in the proposed location, have a reliable booster in the garage.
Good point on the EV regs 2022 (not that i knew they existed....)
I would only go for a 7kw charger as that would suffice.
I don't want to say, as rather just offer advice impartial to the chargers we supply. I only deal with issues which isn't really a good reflection of wider installations.
There is a big push now with electricians installing but not understanding the WIFI and app bit, which is half the job. The chargers come now, where applicable, tamper switches (data protection), peak time charging, random grid delay, wifi and app connection. So getting very heavy in required features that all need to work or turned off on install, so using someone with this knowledge would be my tip. As well as an eye on future proofing, updates etc, but this a double edged sword as the government might change the rules and force a roll out.
I think all chargers now have to be compliant with all rules though.
There is a big push now with electricians installing but not understanding the WIFI and app bit, which is half the job. The chargers come now, where applicable, tamper switches (data protection), peak time charging, random grid delay, wifi and app connection. So getting very heavy in required features that all need to work or turned off on install, so using someone with this knowledge would be my tip. As well as an eye on future proofing, updates etc, but this a double edged sword as the government might change the rules and force a roll out.
I think all chargers now have to be compliant with all rules though.
Golfgtimk28v said:
Also most cars are rated 11kw AC so a 22kw would be overkill.
That's bad advice. An 11kW EVSE would limit any single phase 7kW cars to 3.6kW.Although only applicable to 3 phase so relevant for very few houses.
You can't go over 7kW on a single phase anyway unless using the Type 1 standard (and probably in North America).
I have a pair of zappi’s and am happy with them. I found a good electrical contractor to install distribution and wiring whilst I was able to take care of the IT aspect myself.
I would avoid wifi or any wireless transmissions personally so have run cat6 to each charger for ethernet comms and also the ability to hardwire CT (3 per unit) over long distances. I find hard wiring anything preferable where easily done.
If burying a wire stick some flexible conduit in place incase you ever want to add or change anything.
If you have a 3 phase service connection or think you might uprate your supply in the next decade some EV chargers like the zappi support single phase connections to the 3 phase unit meaning you can pay marginally more for the 22kw variant, wire it for 7kw and have the future flexibility without replacing it. I’m surprised they aren’t all just standardising on 22kw units
I would avoid wifi or any wireless transmissions personally so have run cat6 to each charger for ethernet comms and also the ability to hardwire CT (3 per unit) over long distances. I find hard wiring anything preferable where easily done.
If burying a wire stick some flexible conduit in place incase you ever want to add or change anything.
If you have a 3 phase service connection or think you might uprate your supply in the next decade some EV chargers like the zappi support single phase connections to the 3 phase unit meaning you can pay marginally more for the 22kw variant, wire it for 7kw and have the future flexibility without replacing it. I’m surprised they aren’t all just standardising on 22kw units
blank said:
That's bad advice. An 11kW EVSE would limit any single phase 7kW cars to 3.6kW.
Although only applicable to 3 phase so relevant for very few houses.
You can't go over 7kW on a single phase anyway unless using the Type 1 standard (and probably in North America).
What does single phase car mean? Do you mean single phase car leads?Although only applicable to 3 phase so relevant for very few houses.
You can't go over 7kW on a single phase anyway unless using the Type 1 standard (and probably in North America).
Golfgtimk28v said:
blank said:
That's bad advice. An 11kW EVSE would limit any single phase 7kW cars to 3.6kW.
Although only applicable to 3 phase so relevant for very few houses.
You can't go over 7kW on a single phase anyway unless using the Type 1 standard (and probably in North America).
What does single phase car mean? Do you mean single phase car leads?Although only applicable to 3 phase so relevant for very few houses.
You can't go over 7kW on a single phase anyway unless using the Type 1 standard (and probably in North America).
I'm going with the Hypervolt v3.0 or EaseOne.
EaseOne doesn't come with a cable - another £150 for that depending on length you want. But it is a tethered and untethered unit because you can lock the cable. That's unique.
Hypervolt has all the features and I prefer the wire management. The EasyOne needs a separate hook. Also comes in 7.5m variation.
EaseOne doesn't come with a cable - another £150 for that depending on length you want. But it is a tethered and untethered unit because you can lock the cable. That's unique.
Hypervolt has all the features and I prefer the wire management. The EasyOne needs a separate hook. Also comes in 7.5m variation.
Don’t get a Tesla charger, they are junk.
Ohme
Zappi
Easee
Hypervolt
All good chargers, we’ve installed 100’s and no longer install Tesla. You cannot got wrong with any of the above.
The Tesla is cheap for a reason.
We do a lot of commercial installs fitting 22KW Easee’s, most cars will only take 11kw.
Ohme
Zappi
Easee
Hypervolt
All good chargers, we’ve installed 100’s and no longer install Tesla. You cannot got wrong with any of the above.
The Tesla is cheap for a reason.
We do a lot of commercial installs fitting 22KW Easee’s, most cars will only take 11kw.
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