Home charger - help me choose?
Discussion
All, I am sure this has been asked before but thought I would start a new thread for us new owners. I am after a charger for home, 7KW.
- which ones to people use, and what are experiences?
- is there one that has a teethered cable but also a plug for non-tethered, in case I wish to par the car in a different part of the drive but still srun a longer cable put to it?
All tips appreciated.
- which ones to people use, and what are experiences?
- is there one that has a teethered cable but also a plug for non-tethered, in case I wish to par the car in a different part of the drive but still srun a longer cable put to it?
All tips appreciated.
Harry Flashman said:
All, I am sure this has been asked before but thought I would start a new thread for us new owners. I am after a charger for home, 7KW.
- which ones to people use, and what are experiences?
- is there one that has a teethered cable but also a plug for non-tethered, in case I wish to par the car in a different part of the drive but still srun a longer cable put to it?
All tips appreciated.
From what you have written, it sounds as though you’d be better off with a non-tethered charger. - which ones to people use, and what are experiences?
- is there one that has a teethered cable but also a plug for non-tethered, in case I wish to par the car in a different part of the drive but still srun a longer cable put to it?
All tips appreciated.
I looked at a similar thread to this (on SpeakEV) before ordering mine. I’ve gone for an EO mini charger. It’s a smart charger,it’s very compact and looks neat (in my opinion). Again, it’s just my opinion, but the tethered chargers often look a bit tatty, like you’ve got a spare hosepipe fitted on the front if you’re house.
Mine is being fitted next week, so until then I can’t really give much of an idea. It’ll look like this photo (but hopefully the install will be a bit neater - I don’t like the way the cables are in that photo)
Non-tethered PodPoint here - went for the 32a version as a "future proof" despite the 330e not charging at that level
The app works fine to tell you how much charging is involved but don't bother buying the cable from them - I found one Mekkenes or however it's spelt cheaper elsewhere
The app works fine to tell you how much charging is involved but don't bother buying the cable from them - I found one Mekkenes or however it's spelt cheaper elsewhere
TeaNoSugar said:
Harry Flashman said:
All, I am sure this has been asked before but thought I would start a new thread for us new owners. I am after a charger for home, 7KW.
- which ones to people use, and what are experiences?
- is there one that has a teethered cable but also a plug for non-tethered, in case I wish to par the car in a different part of the drive but still srun a longer cable put to it?
All tips appreciated.
From what you have written, it sounds as though you’d be better off with a non-tethered charger. - which ones to people use, and what are experiences?
- is there one that has a teethered cable but also a plug for non-tethered, in case I wish to par the car in a different part of the drive but still srun a longer cable put to it?
All tips appreciated.
I looked at a similar thread to this (on SpeakEV) before ordering mine. I’ve gone for an EO mini charger. It’s a smart charger,it’s very compact and looks neat (in my opinion). Again, it’s just my opinion, but the tethered chargers often look a bit tatty, like you’ve got a spare hosepipe fitted on the front if you’re house.
Mine is being fitted next week, so until then I can’t really give much of an idea. It’ll look like this photo (but hopefully the install will be a bit neater - I don’t like the way the cables are in that photo)
This thread triggers me to ask a question...
We don't have an EV yet, but maybe considering one in the near future.
There is someting I just don't 'get' with the charging of EVs. Since the actual charger proper is already integrated in to the vehicle, what is the real function of these boxes sold as 'chargers'? All they seem to be are effectively leads with a little bit of telling the EV some information about the supply.
It seems to me that the optimum solution is an external single phase 32A socket, or even a 3-ph for future proofing. along with something like the Ohme charging lead. It is £200, barely more than the cost of a 'dumb' cable.
Surely as time goes on, and different cell options appear in EVs, the vehicle manufacturer will include a suitable charger as part of the vehicle (as at present), dedicated wall mounted 'chargers' will become out of date and require replacement? A simple 32A or even 63A supply should be future proof?
Would like to learn of other thoughts on this...
We don't have an EV yet, but maybe considering one in the near future.
There is someting I just don't 'get' with the charging of EVs. Since the actual charger proper is already integrated in to the vehicle, what is the real function of these boxes sold as 'chargers'? All they seem to be are effectively leads with a little bit of telling the EV some information about the supply.
It seems to me that the optimum solution is an external single phase 32A socket, or even a 3-ph for future proofing. along with something like the Ohme charging lead. It is £200, barely more than the cost of a 'dumb' cable.
Surely as time goes on, and different cell options appear in EVs, the vehicle manufacturer will include a suitable charger as part of the vehicle (as at present), dedicated wall mounted 'chargers' will become out of date and require replacement? A simple 32A or even 63A supply should be future proof?
Would like to learn of other thoughts on this...
JonnyVTEC said:
Thanks for the linkI have speed read most of that thread, and it seems to me that the best long term option here is just an IEC60309 socket as I initially thought.
So called EV chargers just seem to be full of snake oil.
Like was stated on the above thread - the companies installing such things seem to be setup just to harvest the government grant.
Parts cost for an interlocked 'commando' socket are a few £10's, a breaker and a bit of armoured cable doesn't seem to add much to the cost. Anything more than that wouldn't count as a standard install and would get charged extra looking at what a 'charger' install consists of.
Not actually having an EV at present means we don't qualify for a grant anyway. However, it isn't the cost that is important... just a future proof provision. I would probably run a 3-ph + N cable between the house and the socket just for further future proofing.
I can't be the only one to see this (other than a few on the above thread). Are we missing something blindingly obvious?
Guess the appeal it’s not having something on the side of your house that doesn’t look like it’s from a caravan park. Indeed nothing really in them. Fuel saving maybe allows the physiology of the “extra” costs aswel as using government grant money. Dunno? Mine was £550 for the smarter type of charger, install including under my blocked paved path, Henley block and fuse in the meter box and an Earth rod with 2 guys working for 2hrs ish. Seems fair enough to me.
JonnyVTEC said:
Guess the appeal it’s not having something on the side of your house that doesn’t look like it’s from a caravan park. Indeed nothing really in them. Fuel saving maybe allows the physiology of the “extra” costs aswel as using government grant money. Dunno? Mine was £550 for the smarter type of charger, install including under my blocked paved path, Henley block and fuse in the meter box and an Earth rod with 2 guys working for 2hrs ish. Seems fair enough to me.
Yes, the 'style' of an IEC socket isn't great. As it happens, both of the locations for my proposed installs are actually tucked away behind brick pillars so not as much of a problem as it could be. I wouldn't want one on the front of the house.£550 for supply of a 'charger' and install with an earth rod doesn't sound bad at all.
I think technically you aren't supposed to have a fuse or any of 'your' equipment in the meter box as it is supposed to be reserved for the DNO's use only... but I guess as long as they can get a cutout and smart meter in there, there won't be a problem.
Indeed, literally had smart meter fitted yesterday aswell. Guy wasn’t fussed about kit in their either and was really complimentary how much room they left for the meter.
Chap was new to Octopus so he’s finding it weird how people with EVs seemed to be pleased to see him unlike the old E.on grumpy customers who generally had given in to the constant phone calls pestering for a meter
Chap was new to Octopus so he’s finding it weird how people with EVs seemed to be pleased to see him unlike the old E.on grumpy customers who generally had given in to the constant phone calls pestering for a meter
Edited by JonnyVTEC on Thursday 4th February 22:11
I have an Andersen A2 - it’s a lovely looking unit, nicest one I’ve seen on the market so far. If I were to install again however, I think I’d go for something small and untethered like the EO Mini. Andersen were floating the idea of integrating with Agile, but I haven’t seen any sign of it yet (to be fair I’ve done very few miles in the last 6 months so don’t think about charging too much).
No ideas for a name said:
Thanks for the link
I have speed read most of that thread, and it seems to me that the best long term option here is just an IEC60309 socket as I initially thought.
So called EV chargers just seem to be full of snake oil.
Like was stated on the above thread - the companies installing such things seem to be setup just to harvest the government grant.
Parts cost for an interlocked 'commando' socket are a few £10's, a breaker and a bit of armoured cable doesn't seem to add much to the cost. Anything more than that wouldn't count as a standard install and would get charged extra looking at what a 'charger' install consists of.
Not actually having an EV at present means we don't qualify for a grant anyway. However, it isn't the cost that is important... just a future proof provision. I would probably run a 3-ph + N cable between the house and the socket just for further future proofing.
I can't be the only one to see this (other than a few on the above thread). Are we missing something blindingly obvious?
Smart MeterI have speed read most of that thread, and it seems to me that the best long term option here is just an IEC60309 socket as I initially thought.
So called EV chargers just seem to be full of snake oil.
Like was stated on the above thread - the companies installing such things seem to be setup just to harvest the government grant.
Parts cost for an interlocked 'commando' socket are a few £10's, a breaker and a bit of armoured cable doesn't seem to add much to the cost. Anything more than that wouldn't count as a standard install and would get charged extra looking at what a 'charger' install consists of.
Not actually having an EV at present means we don't qualify for a grant anyway. However, it isn't the cost that is important... just a future proof provision. I would probably run a 3-ph + N cable between the house and the socket just for further future proofing.
I can't be the only one to see this (other than a few on the above thread). Are we missing something blindingly obvious?
Octopus Go
32A Fuse
6mm armoured cable and clips
One of these (£30 and spray paint it black) https://www.toolstation.com/industrial-socket-ip67...
and one of these £200 when you join octopus: https://www.ohme-ev.com/shop/ohme-home-cables
And if you park your car too far away, one of these £22 https://www.powertoolsuk.co.uk/defender-e85237-ext...
Edited by ben5575 on Thursday 4th February 21:48
JonnyVTEC said:
My worry there would be people nicking it but then I guess you can to take it out each time like a none tethered cable. ?
I wonder is there a locking version (manual or electronic) of the 32A socket above to secure the Ohme? T’other end would lock into the car when charging.ben5575 said:
Smart Meter
Octopus Go
32A Fuse
6mm armoured cable and clips
One of these (£30 and spray paint it black) https://www.toolstation.com/industrial-socket-ip67...
and one of these £200 when you join octopus: https://www.ohme-ev.com/shop/ohme-home-cables
And if you park your car too far away, one of these £22 https://www.powertoolsuk.co.uk/defender-e85237-ext...
This is a great plan, and would do it but actually someone may nick the cable. Tethered charger will be more secure on front driveway. Octopus Go
32A Fuse
6mm armoured cable and clips
One of these (£30 and spray paint it black) https://www.toolstation.com/industrial-socket-ip67...
and one of these £200 when you join octopus: https://www.ohme-ev.com/shop/ohme-home-cables
And if you park your car too far away, one of these £22 https://www.powertoolsuk.co.uk/defender-e85237-ext...
Edited by ben5575 on Thursday 4th February 21:48
Edited by Harry Flashman on Thursday 4th February 22:41
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