Tesla ordered, home charging help?
Discussion
I actually started a similar thread a while back asking the same question, so worth a look at that maybe.
In the end, I went for a tethered POD Point S7 at home; the reason I went tethered was purely down to ease of use, not having to haul the cable in and out the boot and wrap it back up again when I put it away. It will also fit any future EV's I may acquire, and charges at 7kw/30A which equates to around 20mph. I used the Govt OLEV grant to contribute towards this installation.
I have another property which I charge at less regularly, and for that I opted for a blue commando socket. This was cheaper, and thus covered by the £550 voucher I got from Tesla when purchasing the vehicle. This also charges at 7kW but at 32A, and charges at around 20/21mph. The disadvantage is that I have to take the Tesla cable out the boot when I use it, but that's a small price to pay given the cost saving (it was a free installation!) and how often I use it.
A friend of mine has a Chargemaster unit for his Model S, doesn't look quite as nice IMO but that's hardly a major consideration. His charges at 19mph, but I think that's because it's coming off older cabling, whereas I had all-new cabling put in. I think having their unit installed also gives you access to the public charging network, not sure. POD Point also have a public charging network, but I think you have to pay for it.
In terms of cables, I got the blue type 2 to type 2 cable ()my friend had to pay £170 for his, which he was pretty pissed about) and the Tesla UMC with two adaptors; one for the blue commando type connector, and one for a 3-pin socket. I also invested in a 20m waterproof extension lead (not from Tesla, Wickes I think) which has been really useful for overnight charges when stayng away from home - you get around 6mph off a standard 3-pin socket, enough to get 60-78miles overnight, typically.
What spec/options did you go for on your Model S?
In the end, I went for a tethered POD Point S7 at home; the reason I went tethered was purely down to ease of use, not having to haul the cable in and out the boot and wrap it back up again when I put it away. It will also fit any future EV's I may acquire, and charges at 7kw/30A which equates to around 20mph. I used the Govt OLEV grant to contribute towards this installation.
I have another property which I charge at less regularly, and for that I opted for a blue commando socket. This was cheaper, and thus covered by the £550 voucher I got from Tesla when purchasing the vehicle. This also charges at 7kW but at 32A, and charges at around 20/21mph. The disadvantage is that I have to take the Tesla cable out the boot when I use it, but that's a small price to pay given the cost saving (it was a free installation!) and how often I use it.
A friend of mine has a Chargemaster unit for his Model S, doesn't look quite as nice IMO but that's hardly a major consideration. His charges at 19mph, but I think that's because it's coming off older cabling, whereas I had all-new cabling put in. I think having their unit installed also gives you access to the public charging network, not sure. POD Point also have a public charging network, but I think you have to pay for it.
In terms of cables, I got the blue type 2 to type 2 cable ()my friend had to pay £170 for his, which he was pretty pissed about) and the Tesla UMC with two adaptors; one for the blue commando type connector, and one for a 3-pin socket. I also invested in a 20m waterproof extension lead (not from Tesla, Wickes I think) which has been really useful for overnight charges when stayng away from home - you get around 6mph off a standard 3-pin socket, enough to get 60-78miles overnight, typically.
What spec/options did you go for on your Model S?
So I've sussed the options and understand how they all work now.
The wall box is no better than a commando socket, all it does is have an RCD breaker in it and a GSM modem in to report back usage and the government subsidise it on that basis.
The tethered cable and ability to have it neat outside is a bonus, but you can buy a box without the GSM modem with tethered cable and have an electrician stick it in cheaper than the subsidised price.
Or if you don't mind slightly less convenience just put a commando socket in.
In terms of my order, I've gone for....
Model S 90D
All-Wheel Drive
Pearl White Multi-Coat Paint
All Glass Panoramic Roof
19" Silver Cyclone Wheels
Black Next Generation Seats
Obeche Wood Gloss Décor
Matching Yacht Floor
White Alcantara Headliner
Supercharger Enabled
Autopilot Convenience Features
Premium Interior and Lighting
Subzero Weather Package
Rear Facing Seats
Security Package
The wall box is no better than a commando socket, all it does is have an RCD breaker in it and a GSM modem in to report back usage and the government subsidise it on that basis.
The tethered cable and ability to have it neat outside is a bonus, but you can buy a box without the GSM modem with tethered cable and have an electrician stick it in cheaper than the subsidised price.
Or if you don't mind slightly less convenience just put a commando socket in.
In terms of my order, I've gone for....
Model S 90D
All-Wheel Drive
Pearl White Multi-Coat Paint
All Glass Panoramic Roof
19" Silver Cyclone Wheels
Black Next Generation Seats
Obeche Wood Gloss Décor
Matching Yacht Floor
White Alcantara Headliner
Supercharger Enabled
Autopilot Convenience Features
Premium Interior and Lighting
Subzero Weather Package
Rear Facing Seats
Security Package
bertie said:
So I've sussed the options and understand how they all work now.
The wall box is no better than a commando socket, all it does is have an RCD breaker in it and a GSM modem in to report back usage and the government subsidise it on that basis.
The tethered cable and ability to have it neat outside is a bonus, but you can buy a box without the GSM modem with tethered cable and have an electrician stick it in cheaper than the subsidised price.
Or if you don't mind slightly less convenience just put a commando socket in.
In terms of my order, I've gone for....
Model S 90D
All-Wheel Drive
Pearl White Multi-Coat Paint
All Glass Panoramic Roof
19" Silver Cyclone Wheels
Black Next Generation Seats
Obeche Wood Gloss Décor
Matching Yacht Floor
White Alcantara Headliner
Supercharger Enabled
Autopilot Convenience Features
Premium Interior and Lighting
Subzero Weather Package
Rear Facing Seats
Security Package
Nice spec! Clearly you're going for maximum range with a 90D and 19" Cyclones The wall box is no better than a commando socket, all it does is have an RCD breaker in it and a GSM modem in to report back usage and the government subsidise it on that basis.
The tethered cable and ability to have it neat outside is a bonus, but you can buy a box without the GSM modem with tethered cable and have an electrician stick it in cheaper than the subsidised price.
Or if you don't mind slightly less convenience just put a commando socket in.
In terms of my order, I've gone for....
Model S 90D
All-Wheel Drive
Pearl White Multi-Coat Paint
All Glass Panoramic Roof
19" Silver Cyclone Wheels
Black Next Generation Seats
Obeche Wood Gloss Décor
Matching Yacht Floor
White Alcantara Headliner
Supercharger Enabled
Autopilot Convenience Features
Premium Interior and Lighting
Subzero Weather Package
Rear Facing Seats
Security Package
I wouldn't underestimate the tethered solutions; I nearly went Blue Commando at home too, and really glad I didn't. The novelty of getting the charging cable out of the boot floor (particularly if you have the optional load liner and/or stuff in the boot) soon wears off, it's so much easier just to back the car in, get out, plug one connector in and walk away.
If it's not too late I'd also recommend the high fidelity sound system - it's a significant improvement over the standard system, which really lacks depth of sound even in moderate use, it's worth having if you like your tunes!
Mike_C said:
Nice spec! Clearly you're going for maximum range with a 90D and 19" Cyclones
I wouldn't underestimate the tethered solutions; I nearly went Blue Commando at home too, and really glad I didn't. The novelty of getting the charging cable out of the boot floor (particularly if you have the optional load liner and/or stuff in the boot) soon wears off, it's so much easier just to back the car in, get out, plug one connector in and walk away.
If it's not too late I'd also recommend the high fidelity sound system - it's a significant improvement over the standard system, which really lacks depth of sound even in moderate use, it's worth having if you like your tunes!
Cheers, interesting thoughts.I wouldn't underestimate the tethered solutions; I nearly went Blue Commando at home too, and really glad I didn't. The novelty of getting the charging cable out of the boot floor (particularly if you have the optional load liner and/or stuff in the boot) soon wears off, it's so much easier just to back the car in, get out, plug one connector in and walk away.
If it's not too late I'd also recommend the high fidelity sound system - it's a significant improvement over the standard system, which really lacks depth of sound even in moderate use, it's worth having if you like your tunes!
I was advised against hi-fi and air by the guys at Tesla.
They reckoned that the air suspension was only needed if you went for the huge wheels, and that the hi fi sound was not much different.
Spec is locked now anyway and I've been assigned a VIN (hurrah) so I guess it's too late to worry about.
I just want to get the thing now!
Completely agree with MikeC - I have a PodPoint tethered cable for home charging and very pleased I went with that. When it's raining you'll be glad you have a tethered cable option!
Spec looks great, and I stuck with 19inch wheels too - partly for range, partly for ride comfort and partly because I couldn't quite believe the extra Tesla wanted to upgrade the alloys!
When are you due to get it?
Spec looks great, and I stuck with 19inch wheels too - partly for range, partly for ride comfort and partly because I couldn't quite believe the extra Tesla wanted to upgrade the alloys!
When are you due to get it?
Lgm50 said:
Completely agree with MikeC - I have a PodPoint tethered cable for home charging and very pleased I went with that. When it's raining you'll be glad you have a tethered cable option!
Spec looks great, and I stuck with 19inch wheels too - partly for range, partly for ride comfort and partly because I couldn't quite believe the extra Tesla wanted to upgrade the alloys!
When are you due to get it?
I'm with you, I'll get something with a tethered cable, just toying with whether to go with the full GSM equipped, subsidised Podpoint, or the cheaper non GSM, plain Podpoint.Spec looks great, and I stuck with 19inch wheels too - partly for range, partly for ride comfort and partly because I couldn't quite believe the extra Tesla wanted to upgrade the alloys!
When are you due to get it?
Car's currently due June, wish it'd hurry up!
I leave my UMC permanently plugged into my Commando socket as I don't see the need to carry it around with me, never missed it not having with me, and I can foresee only one occasion this year when I'll take it in case I'm caught short when staying at a friends house in a remote area. Plugging and unplugging is certainly no worse than having an untethered socket and having to plug and unplug the cable for that (although you could buy an extra cable for another £170).
The type 2 I leave in the car and I use it probably twice a week in long stay car parks.
Everyone is different. There is no right or wrong
The type 2 I leave in the car and I use it probably twice a week in long stay car parks.
Everyone is different. There is no right or wrong
I have a 32a Chargemaster wall box, installed for free although the offer on their website www.chargemasterplc.com shows a reduced subsidy now so it looks like around £300 installed.
Chargemaster / Polar have the largest public network I believe including around 60 new rapid chargers being put in around London this year, if that is of interest..
Cheers,
UV
Chargemaster / Polar have the largest public network I believe including around 60 new rapid chargers being put in around London this year, if that is of interest..
Cheers,
UV
bertie said:
I'm with you, I'll get something with a tethered cable, just toying with whether to go with the full GSM equipped, subsidised Podpoint, or the cheaper non GSM, plain Podpoint.
Car's currently due June, wish it'd hurry up!
Not sure what the cheaper one is, are you sure that isn't the 3kw rather the 7kw option? They do an S3 and S7 as far as I'm aware.Car's currently due June, wish it'd hurry up!
Having the GSM doesn't bother me in the slightest, all it is doing is relaying charging information (duration and start time) so it's hardly sensitive data. I'd rather take the discount, thanks
Mike_C said:
Not sure what the cheaper one is, are you sure that isn't the 3kw rather the 7kw option? They do an S3 and S7 as far as I'm aware.
Having the GSM doesn't bother me in the slightest, all it is doing is relaying charging information (duration and start time) so it's hardly sensitive data. I'd rather take the discount, thanks
I'm having an S7 Podpoint put in tomorrow, it was £480 odd after subsidy.Having the GSM doesn't bother me in the slightest, all it is doing is relaying charging information (duration and start time) so it's hardly sensitive data. I'd rather take the discount, thanks
Could have got the Rolec one without the GSM cheaper but I'd already started the Podpoint order and it looks more discrete so I've let it carry on.
Just need the car now!
Rolec make nice neat units. Ours is 32A single phase with 5M tethered lead. Fitting ours with the auto charge cover opener from here: http://www.evchargeking.com
So, I was scheduled to have my installation this afternoon however ice arrived home to find it's not been done.
Apparently the guy came but said it wasn't possible due to the distribution panel not having a spare way in it.
His solution was to ask my electrician on site to change the whole distribution box and let him know once that's done so he can come back.
Frankly if I've got to get the whole panel changed by my electrician I may as well get him do the whole job and put me a Rolec one in for less money.
However the main reason for my frustration is that I filled out and sent in a pre installation questionnaire with close up pictures of the panel before plus the guy who phoned to book the installation I told specifically there were no spare ways and he assured me it wasn't a problem as you put in a separate unit.
Frankly the whole episode gives me zero confidence, I feel I've been conned.
Im going to ask for refund and cancel my order and I will make alternative arrangements myself with my reliable electrician.
Apparently the guy came but said it wasn't possible due to the distribution panel not having a spare way in it.
His solution was to ask my electrician on site to change the whole distribution box and let him know once that's done so he can come back.
Frankly if I've got to get the whole panel changed by my electrician I may as well get him do the whole job and put me a Rolec one in for less money.
However the main reason for my frustration is that I filled out and sent in a pre installation questionnaire with close up pictures of the panel before plus the guy who phoned to book the installation I told specifically there were no spare ways and he assured me it wasn't a problem as you put in a separate unit.
Frankly the whole episode gives me zero confidence, I feel I've been conned.
Im going to ask for refund and cancel my order and I will make alternative arrangements myself with my reliable electrician.
The tesla guy who did mine did a site visit first and we worked everything out before he quoted - that was for the commando socket. I think the guy you had is trying to print money by doing little more than he needs to for a wedge of cash (presumably he's be claiming the max grant available too)
JonV8V said:
The tesla guy who did mine did a site visit first and we worked everything out before he quoted - that was for the commando socket. I think the guy you had is trying to print money by doing little more than he needs to for a wedge of cash (presumably he's be claiming the max grant available too)
It was Pod Point, I just thought there's was the neatest looking thing.What is the EV grant now that they claim?
bertie said:
It was Pod Point, I just thought there's was the neatest looking thing.
What is the EV grant now that they claim?
I'm surprised they said they could do it if there wasn't a spare slot on your fuseboard. When POD Point installed mine there was a spare slot, so they just went into that.What is the EV grant now that they claim?
I had a blue commando installed at a second property by a company called AJM Electric (on Tesla's recommended list, Jack was brilliant FYI) and they had to move some stuff around on the fuseboard to make space but still managed it without resorting to a new one! However, AJM can only use the Tesla grant, not the Govt OLEV grant like POD Point, Chargemaster, etc...
Mike_C said:
Should have done that in the first place, then! 
Just make sure it can draw 32A without tripping the main fuse or RCD.
Thanks for that, if you can just point me to the nearest time machine....... Just make sure it can draw 32A without tripping the main fuse or RCD.I had already started the order process with Pod Point when I found that out plus I thought the Pod Point ones looked a bid tidier and more discreet.
Anyway, Pod Point have refunded me now so I'm sorted with a plan.
Edited by bertie on Thursday 17th March 12:11
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