ESB eCars

the_amazing_raisin

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119406648#Comment_119406648

Absolutely, they don't have to spend 100% markup to some suppliers

I'm not sure if it's true for the newer chargers, but the older ones actually used the same charging module the Model S used, just more of them in parallel

It allowed them to use the same production parts for both cars and chargers

slave1

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119406767#Comment_119406767

Pre V3 SuC were modules of the home charge point unit AFAIK (maybe that's the same thing?).

slave1

So was passing through Enniskillen yesterday, the fast charger had someone trying to get working over the phone as it was non-responsive so I stopped to offer a hand but they declined. I tried Zap map to look at AC chargers but it threw up loads of red flags so I didn't even bother. There are Tesla destination chargers there too but amped down to 4kW so not worth the effort.

Not a part of the country to rely on public charging.

DrPhilG

Finally a hint of good news for Derry.

They've certainly changed their tune from last month when I started nagging them. Back then they claimed that they couldn't find a fault with the unit, and it wasn't on the list for replacement.

I would also imagine that if they're putting in a 100kW unit, they're going to start charging for the juice.

AndyBoBandy

Keep fighting the good fight Phil…

the_amazing_raisin

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119421402#Comment_119421402

You've finally gotten to the point with Ecars where it's easier for them to just tell you the truth than give some canned response

DrPhilG

I'll not believe its the truth til it's done.

zg3409

2 updates on the Fiveways site (Newry) recently obtained from the local MLAs we wrote to - 

1. The land owner - is in talks with ESB to relocate this rapid "as it is no longer feasible in its current position, this is due to regulations and is in the interest of safety".

2. ESB - "We are glad to say this charger is part of the replacement program under LUF funds which will be kicking off during Q3 of this year".

_---------

I don't know what above means, they plan on replacing it but site owner wants it to move.

ESB really need to get their own sites ideally near main roads ideally with restaurants. However I don't think they want to pay rent. I wonder if council sites would be more helpful?

Kramer

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119418009#Comment_119418009

No, they were actually "on board charger" (OBC) modules. Home charge points don't do any conversion, just pass AC.

OBCs do AC to DC conversion.

People ubiquitously refer to home charge points as chargers. They actually aren't. The charger is in the car but use the correct terminology & you'll be called all manner of names.

graememk

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119421402#Comment_119421402

Last time i seen it, the AC43 was smashed to bits!.. Theyd need to up the supply to it too.. ive only seen it at 25kw!

zg3409

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119424896#Comment_119424896

I think it's partly faulty. It's common enough for esb ecars chargers to partly break and supply reduced maximums. The supply is probably 100kW like many sites from 10 years ago, with 50kW DC and 43kW AC. Certain sites have reduced supply but typically the esb app notes this.

Black_Knight

Could of done with a charge in Athlone today, but a car was slow charging at the time.

1. It was parked in the bay I'd need to use for the cable to reach.

2. I'd only be getting mid 20s kW from the DC side (load balancing), so kinda a rip off.

So stats wise ecars unit was available, but end user wise it wasn't really.

wassie

I arrived at Athlone (Kimartin N6 services) last week mid-afternoon to find an X5 had been plugged in since 09:57am. It was still there when I left after 5pm, so 7 hrs & counting.

Other charger was occupied, but was able to squeeze around the back thanks a decent length cable so no harm done. In fairness the X5 is entitled to do so, but does at the expense of folk looking for a quick top up on DC.

kanuseeme

Takes 8 hours to charge that thing

TitianGerm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119425778#Comment_119425778

That's fairly pathetic.

CptMonkey

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119425750#Comment_119425750

Surely that x5 should be charged through the nose. That a phev? I have seen similar on south mall in cork city with a phev suv parked all day taking up room. Should be charged 100€ per hour after the first for phevs

kanuseeme

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119425848#Comment_119425848

Sorry its 7 hours, 24 kWh battery with nearly 90 km range and a 3 litre engine. By right it should have CCS and a 7 kW on board charger instead of the 3.6

mfceiling

That picture and details should be sent to team involved with charger placing in the ESB.

I can't understand why they don't place them in a central position with 2 spaces to the front and 2 to the rear. This would leave, in theory, 4 available spaces for a charge.

TitianGerm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119426036#Comment_119426036

The AC charger should be installed separately and not on the DC unit at all.

mfceiling

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119426040#Comment_119426040

Absolutely!!

slave1

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119425659#Comment_119425659

We're falling over fast chargers in Athlone, there's other fast chargers at KFC and Fair Green carpark, usually both unoccupied. Then 4 Ionity at services alongside the turned off Circle K fast charger. Audi garage also have a fast charger installed.

Thumper Long

I registered with eCars on Sunday and this morning have a physical card in my paw that’s not a bad service hopefully the rest of my experience with eCars will be a positive 😂

Black_Knight

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119426493#Comment_119426493

It was the fair green I wanted to use. It was the only option for me given where I was going (golden Island for about 30 minutes). Could of charged in the town centre, but 30 minutes on a slow charger wasn't worth the inconvenient walk in the rain. 30 minutes on a fast charger (at 50kW) would have been worth that inconvenience. Pity the fair green didn't remove the 22kW AC from the unit and add a stand alone AC unit, or fob them off to the town centre underground car park (though I see that gets pretty busy too)

I considered KFC, but the rain, distance (arguably the same distance as the fair green, but a nicer/drier walk) and time constraint put me off it.

Athlone has a pretty good supply of chargers, but yesterday they didn't suit me. "Splash and dash while I do a quick shop".

Black_Knight

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119426728#Comment_119426728

Be sure you're not on the paid membership plan! It's terrible value unless you public charge loads. You can switch to the pay as you go plan via the app.

https://ecars-stats.com/

It's a website I put together to help with planning any public charging trips. Gives you an idea how unavailable a plug will be at any ecars site. Some are all but constantly occupied during daylight hours.

jogdish

used an ecars for the first time at Blanchardstown shopping centre, the 50kw one. I parked, did 40min and moved off to park in a normal space - since the app warned me about the 8 euro surcharge. There was an ID4 at 150kw, and it was there all the time, easily 90min. Did they just eat the 8 euro, it doesn't take that long to charge. Or if you stop your charging via the app does the ESB clock also stop? Kinda annoying. Felt guilty just being at my own spot for 40min.

Thumper Long

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119426960#Comment_119426960

Thanks on PAYG as I only see it being emergency use when travelling reckon 99% of charging will be at home

ELM327

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119426991#Comment_119426991

Yes they will be charged the 8 euro fee. A lot of cars that use blanch are company cars so the driver doesnt care as it's not hitting their pocket.

DrPhilG

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119424896#Comment_119424896

The AC plug has since been replaced, but both DC connections still max out at about 30kW if you're lucky. Usually more like 24kW starting and increasing gradually to 28kW.

the_amazing_raisin

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119426991#Comment_119426991

Blanch is another disaster layout, was there at the weekend and every time I walked past there was at least one car charging

I think if you stop the charging via the app and then start it again a few mins later it won't hit you with the overstay

If the guy was charging the whole time then he might have needed the juice, and at least he was paying. If he was blocking the plug however, for shame!

Personally I'd have moved over to the 50kW if I could when I hit around 70-80% since there's no use being on the 150kW. Although it's equally possible the right most space was used, so then the CCS cable won't reach

Like I've said before, a bunch of load balancing Delta or Kempower chargers would fix Blanch

ELM327

Blanchardstown is just a case of being lucky to get on any charger tbh, if I'm on I wont be moving. There's usually a queue and queues dont work well if someone wants to move from one charger to another