EV charger, commando socket or 3pin plug, what should I do?

[zed0070]

Hey everyone.

Need some advice please..

So a few years back i had a ohme charger installed. I sold the ev charger about a year ago.

I'm now in need of either another ev charger, commando socket or a 3pin waterproof plug to fit outside. I have a Toyota Prius plug in hybrid arriving soon, which can do about 40 miles in electric.

I don't want to spend £600+ on a charger inc installation costs.
Will a commando socket do just fine? It will definetly be cheaper but....how would I go about charging at a specific time i.e. 11:30pm?
Really don't want to be stepping out every night at that time. Could I plug it in but use the Toyota app to schedule at a specific time? or as soon as you plug it in the commando socket it will start charging?

I guess the same goes with the 3 pin plug, it would take around 4-5 hours to charge the 13kwh battery

Thanks

[clockworks]

I've been using my Volvo XC40 plug-in with a granny charger on an extension lead for over a year. 10kwh battery gets fully recharged in 4 hours. The Volvo app takes care of the charging schedule

[Phunk]

Just use a 3-pin plug and the car should have a timer built into it.

[James6112]

My wife also has a Phev, uses the cars inbuilt timer.
My EV in the Ohme.

[zed0070]

Thanks all.
I'll try and get some prices from local electricians

[ALPandy90]

Worth noting that when a commando socket is intended to be used for vehicle charging, it will be subject to additional testing requirements so electricians may charge more for such an installation as a result.

Of course, I hear you need this socket installed near the car as you have an upcoming welding project and hence need a beefy supply nearby....

[zed0070]

ALPandy90 said:

Worth noting that when a commando socket is intended to be used for vehicle charging, it will be subject to additional testing requirements so electricians may charge more for such an installation as a result.

Of course, I hear you need this socket installed near the car as you have an upcoming welding project and hence need a beefy supply nearby....

Thanks for the info mate. Is that still the case if I already have the wiring in place as I used to have the Ohme charger? or its a completely different setup for the commando socket?

[Phunk]

If you already have the wiring from a previous ev charger install then I’d just be tempted to pickup a second hand charge point.

By the time you buy a commando plug and the cable to go from commando to your ev it’ll be the same sort of price.

[andy43]

zed0070 said:

ALPandy90 said:

Worth noting that when a commando socket is intended to be used for vehicle charging, it will be subject to additional testing requirements so electricians may charge more for such an installation as a result.

Of course, I hear you need this socket installed near the car as you have an upcoming welding project and hence need a beefy supply nearby....

Thanks for the info mate. Is that still the case if I already have the wiring in place as I used to have the Ohme charger? or its a completely different setup for the commando socket?

Old installations might not have the posh rcd now needed to meet the regs.
Option 1 - change charger. An electrician might stipulate the rcd needs changing if it’s an old install.
Option 2 - commando socket - straight swap - it’s live neutral and earth - but see above re rcd.
Option 3 - 13a socket and a matching lower rated rcd/mcb in consumer unit. If electrician thinks it’s for an EV see above re rcd or you could just say it’s for your lawnmower which afaik doesn’t need posh rcds.
Option 4 - diy any of the above.