Home BEV Chargers

[icowden]

So, having started the process of getting an Electric Vehicle, I have now discovered the wonderful world of home charging points.
There are loads.

There is tethered vs untethered, and then a myriad of possible features.
So - has anyone got one? Anyone recommend a particular brand over another?

 

[cougie uk]

I have a tethered podpoint - I can schedule it using an app - I can also do this on the car timer but the app is easier to work.
Tether makes it easy to use - CBA going to the boot to get cables out each time and the podpoint is at the side of the house so a bit hidden away.
Some people prefer the neatness of just a small outlet.

 

[icowden]

That's the discussion I am having with she-who-must-be-obeyed at the moment.
I think tethered is going to be better, but it's going to have to be neat!

 

[CXRAndy]

I bought a non tethered 7kW charger. Reason I wanted a 10 metre lead to reach our cars.

If you have or are going to get solar, look at Zappi. They have solar charge settings. British company based nr. Market Rasen Lincs

 

[figbat]

I did a fair bit of research on this and plumped for a Pod Point. It is tethered and comes with a 7.5m cable as standard, where many are only 5m which wasn’t enough. I wanted tethered as I didn’t want to have to coil and uncoil the car’s cable every time, and stow it under the boot floor.

Pod Point were very easy to deal with and the fitter did a first class installation, exactly as I wanted with a rear-entry to the unit meaning no unsightly cable run to the unit. In use it is easy and the app allows you to track usage and program charging times (although I don’t).

So far, very pleased. It’s no oil painting and isn’t exactly discreet but hey, I’m not up for any design awards myself.

 

[nickyboy]

Myenergi Zappi 7kw tethered. Getting it installed in a couple of weeks

 

[CXRAndy]

Myenergi Zappi 7kw tethered. Getting it installed in a couple of weeks

When we move home Im going for 3 phase Zappi

 

[Daninplymouth]

Zappi’s are good. Also if you have solar installed get their Harvey I think it is. This then controls everything so when your generating solar you can select your other uses for spare electric in order of priority, ie heat hot water, then when that’s to temp charge car, charge battery bank etc

 

[CXRAndy]

Zappi’s are good. Also if you have solar installed get their Harvey I think it is. This then controls everything so when your generating solar you can select your other uses for spare electric in order of priority, ie heat hot water, then when that’s to temp charge car, charge battery bank etc

Its the Eddy you need I believe. I think the Harvey connects all their devices together

 

[icowden]

I think I'm going for the Zappi. Future proofing and all that.

 

[gzoom]

So, having started the process of getting an Electric Vehicle, I have now discovered the wonderful world of home charging points.
There are loads.

They are all the same, the actual 'charger' is in the cars, the charger points are simply glorified electric sockets.

The only real decision is if you care what it looks like, tethered makes life easier but looks more unsightly when not been used.

 

[figbat]

They are all the same, the actual 'charger' is in the cars, the charger points are simply glorified electric sockets.

The only real decision is if you care what it looks like, tethered makes life easier but looks more unsightly when not been used.

Yep - the differences come in appearance and whatever firmware/software is available to control and/or monitor it. Underneath is a 7kW AC electrical output with the appropriate ratings and connectors. The Andersen ones are design-led units but at a price.

 

[BrumJim]

They are all the same, the actual 'charger' is in the cars, the charger points are simply glorified electric sockets.

The only real decision is if you care what it looks like, tethered makes life easier but looks more unsightly when not been used.

Not really. There is the option of smart chargers that interface with your smart meter, and allow you to take advantage of cheap overnight electricity. There have also been a few problems with Pod Points and certain cars which are a little bit fussy over making sure there is a good earth before they start charging. Other than that, I think all chargers will measure current flowing into the house to make sure that you don't fry the cable coming in by having a shower, cooking supper and making a mug of tea at the same time you are charging your car.

When we fitted ours the government grant was only available to smart meters to allow the demand to be balanced better throughout the day.

 

[gzoom]

Not really. There is the option of smart chargers that interface with your smart meter, and allow you to take advantage of cheap overnight electricity.

Why do you need a 'smart charger' to use off peak electricity, the 'charger' in ALL EVs is in the car not the charge point, this is even true of high power DC 'chargers'. The wall box is simply a fancy box to get electricity supply into the charger on the car. Any half decent EV will have charging software to allow you to set the charging pattern.

This is the wall socket I use to charge my car, its not pretty, but it cost £50 to fit by an electrician and works as well as one that costs £500. Nothing wrong with buying a fancy looking wall box, but don't be under the illusion it does anything more than a 32amp socket.

 

[BrumJim]

I don't think that cars can access details on agile tariffs, though, should you go for one. Which would be a good idea if you have an electric car and don't need to charge it every night.