Recommend a home charger for Leaf

Kangas daddy · 17-05-2018 08:35PM

creedp wrote: »

However, I currently don't have any home generation so would not benefit from the extra functionality available for some time. Maybe better going with cheaper Type 1 Unit and upgrade in the future if necessary.

Forgive my ignorance but what does home generation mean? Thanks

Kangas daddy · 17-05-2018 08:41PM

Awaiting new 2018 Leaf from dealer after deposit put down but am totally unversed on home chargers. Tethered/untethered? Type 1/type 2?

I know there’s a grant of €600 that from reading prev posts requires receipt and certificate of installation by a qualified electrician so I presume I buy the charger, get it installed and apply for refund up to €600

I’m quite sure I’ll be staying EV after my L40 first venture but NOOOO idea what to look for charger-wise. I’ve read the other posts and only confused myself even more.

creedp · 17-05-2018 09:05PM

Kangas daddy wrote: »

Forgive my ignorance but what does home generation mean? Thanks

Electricity generated at home using solar or wind. I'm not really up to speed on the technical but I understand the zappi can be configured to take excess solar / wind generated electricity to charge the car

creedp · 17-05-2018 09:08PM

Kangas daddy wrote: »

Awaiting new 2018 Leaf from dealer after deposit put down but am totally unversed on home chargers. Tethered/untethered? Type 1/type 2?

I know there’s a grant of €600 that from reading prev posts requires receipt and certificate of installation by a qualified electrician so I presume I buy the charger, get it installed and apply for refund up to €600

I’m quite sure I’ll be staying EV after my L40 first venture but NOOOO idea what to look for charger-wise. I’ve read the other posts and only confused myself even more.

A lot to understand but the important thing is to apply for grant approval from SEAI prior to buying anything or you won't be able to claim expenditure for grant purposes. Once you get grant approval - should onlky take a couple of days - you have six months to complete the installation and submit completed grant application form

Kangas daddy · 17-05-2018 09:20PM

creedp wrote: »

A lot to understand but the important thing is to apply for grant approval from SEAI prior to buying anything or you won't be able to claim expenditure for grant purposes. Once you get grant approval - should onlky take a couple of days - you have six months to complete the installation and submit completed grant application form

Many thanks. Been reading various www and have to get info from dealer to include in grant application so at a standstill until vehicle arrives 👍 Thanks again

Kangas daddy · 17-05-2018 09:22PM

creedp wrote: »

Electricity generated at home using solar or wind. I'm not really up to speed on the technical but I understand the zappi can be configured to take excess solar / wind generated electricity to charge the car

Thanks👍 I’ve actually solar panels providing hot water already 😀 Will look up zappi and see what’s available. Thanks again

goz83 · 21-05-2018 08:23AM

Kangas daddy wrote: »

Awaiting new 2018 Leaf from dealer after deposit put down but am totally unversed on home chargers. Tethered/untethered? Type 1/type 2?

I know there’s a grant of €600 that from reading prev posts requires receipt and certificate of installation by a qualified electrician so I presume I buy the charger, get it installed and apply for refund up to €600

I’m quite sure I’ll be staying EV after my L40 first venture but NOOOO idea what to look for charger-wise. I’ve read the other posts and only confused myself even more.

So you might have figured it out by now, but just to be safe...

You apply for the grant after buying the car and before buying anything else.

The Leaf 2 takes the type 2 charger. If you get an un-tethered charge point (EVSE) then you can just use the type 2 cable which will come with the car....the same one you will use on slow public charge points.

If you go for a tethered EVSE, you will want a type 2.

Whatever you choose, make sure you get a 32A capable, rather than a 16A. They tend to cost the same anyway. The only cost difference will be the thicker cable for the 32A cable connecting your fuse panel to the EVSE.

If you have an electric shower, you may need to have a priority switch installed and give priority to the shower. Unkel will tell you to get a real shower

I prefer and chose a tethered EVSE, because it is more convenient. This makes more sense for you, because any cars you buy in the future will be type 2. The Leaf 1 & 1.5 are type 1. In the event a Leaf 1 needs to charge at your house, they can use a granny charger.

I recommend having a standard domestic 3-pin socket installed too while the work is being done. It comes in very handy. My EVSE has it built in, but most don't. I went for a Rolec and it's great, but it doesn't have any smart features. It's simple and functional.

creedp · 21-05-2018 01:37PM

creedp wrote: »

As far as I can gather there is no untethered version of the Zappi available as yet. I've been mulling over this and delayed my installation as a result. An electrician will look at my set up on Saturday and I will make a final decision then.

One question I asked elsewhere already is whether or not a zappi which has a variable output from 6amp to 32amp could be installed on a 16amp feed and if this would be OK for the SEAI grant.

Electrician confirmed that existing cable to garage is 6mm2 so I am free to install 32amp charger inside or outside garage. Would the charger last longer inside away from the elements or does it matter? What would people's preference be?

Having it inside would mean it would be more messy to charge to car outside if garage was otherwise occupied as I would have to feed the cable out a window which could then not be locked unless I modify the locking mechanism some way to give sufficient room for the cable.

goz83 · 21-05-2018 01:56PM

Unless you park in the garage...then outside is where to put it.

optimal · 21-05-2018 02:36PM

I had a look at the Zappi in the web. Manual is here: https://myenergi.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/zappi-manual-v1.2.pdf

On p 19 it talks about a grid limit which, I think, you can set to the max import capacity you have. If I read it right it will reduce amount of electricity used to charge the car if something else is drawing a lot of electricity.
If this is so it would be a very useful feature but the sensor needs to be after the meter.

Of course it could mean that the car may not charge..... ☹️

I’m going to check with mr Zappi!

creedp · 21-05-2018 04:58PM

goz83 wrote: »

Unless you park in the garage...then outside is where to put it.

Agree. Currently I park in garage and charge with granny cable which is convenient and also means it doesn't matter if it lashing rain when I attach / detach cable and put in boot. That's less of an issue with a tethered charger as cable is left with Unit.

Up to now I've always parked the S-max in the garage when the weather is frosty or when it snows as its brilliant to just step into car and drive off. However, I suppose the question is do I want to block up the garage all year around with the Leaf or just charge outside and use the climate control settings to pre-heat the car in winter. I could still run the cable in the garage window and charge the car inside when the weather is really cold. Decision time!

Kangas daddy · 22-05-2018 07:02AM

goz83 wrote: »

So you might have figured it out by now, but just to be safe...

You apply for the grant after buying the car and before buying anything else.

The Leaf 2 takes the type 2 charger. If you get an un-tethered charge point (EVSE) then you can just use the type 2 cable which will come with the car....the same one you will use on slow public charge points.

If you go for a tethered EVSE, you will want a type 2.

Whatever you choose, make sure you get a 32A capable, rather than a 16A. They tend to cost the same anyway. The only cost difference will be the thicker cable for the 32A cable connecting your fuse panel to the EVSE.

If you have an electric shower, you may need to have a priority switch installed and give priority to the shower. Unkel will tell you to get a real shower

I prefer and chose a tethered EVSE, because it is more convenient. This makes more sense for you, because any cars you buy in the future will be type 2. The Leaf 1 & 1.5 are type 1. In the event a Leaf 1 needs to charge at your house, they can use a granny charger.

I recommend having a standard domestic 3-pin socket installed too while the work is being done. It comes in very handy. My EVSE has it built in, but most don't. I went for a Rolec and it's great, but it doesn't have any smart features. It's simple and functional.

That’s very helpful, many thanks. 32A tethered looks like my best option as I understand it, the cable that connects to the car is like a garden hose on a reel that’s pulled out from the wall unit to the car. Sounds a lot better option than going to the boot to get your own cable and connecting it to the charger and car in the rain
Many thanks again

unkel · 22-05-2018 09:31AM

Yeah the convenience is great. My tethered charger "sits" in the bush right beside the chargepoint of my car. It literally takes 5 seconds to plug in.

from_atozinc · 22-05-2018 01:06PM

goz83 wrote: »

So you might have figured it out by now, but just to be safe...

You apply for the grant after buying the car and before buying anything else.

The Leaf 2 takes the type 2 charger. If you get an un-tethered charge point (EVSE) then you can just use the type 2 cable which will come with the car....the same one you will use on slow public charge points.

If you go for a tethered EVSE, you will want a type 2.

Whatever you choose, make sure you get a 32A capable, rather than a 16A. They tend to cost the same anyway. The only cost difference will be the thicker cable for the 32A cable connecting your fuse panel to the EVSE.

If you have an electric shower, you may need to have a priority switch installed and give priority to the shower. Unkel will tell you to get a real shower

I prefer and chose a tethered EVSE, because it is more convenient. This makes more sense for you, because any cars you buy in the future will be type 2. The Leaf 1 & 1.5 are type 1. In the event a Leaf 1 needs to charge at your house, they can use a granny charger.

I recommend having a standard domestic 3-pin socket installed too while the work is being done. It comes in very handy. My EVSE has it built in, but most don't. I went for a Rolec and it's great, but it doesn't have any smart features. It's simple and functional.

hi. in regard to the charge point having "smart" features...........what controls how the car gets charged. Like if I plug in car at 9pm, but dont want it to start charging until 1am (for cheap rates etc) what controls this scenario, settings in the car OR the charge point.

What does a "smart" charge point mean in laymans terms?

goz83 · 22-05-2018 02:33PM

from_atozinc wrote: »

hi. in regard to the charge point having "smart" features...........what controls how the car gets charged. Like if I plug in car at 9pm, but dont want it to start charging until 1am (for cheap rates etc) what controls this scenario, settings in the car OR the charge point.

What does a "smart" charge point mean in laymans terms?

The Leaf has 2 timers. You can only use 1 at a time though. So, you set the timer to engage when night rate kicks in. I set mine for 10 past midnight and so I never need to change it. You can over-ride the timer by pressing the timer off button on the right of the dash. You need to do this if charging at a slow public charger, or charging anywhere outside the timer settings.

Smart chargers have wi-fi capabilty and you can control a multitude of settings, depending on the charger itself. For example, you can limit the power intake, or set it to charge only at certain times, or only using solar etc etc etc.

from_atozinc · 22-05-2018 02:57PM

goz83 wrote: »

The Leaf has 2 timers. You can only use 1 at a time though. So, you set the timer to engage when night rate kicks in. I set mine for 10 past midnight and so I never need to change it. You can over-ride the timer by pressing the timer off button on the right of the dash. You need to do this if charging at a slow public charger, or charging anywhere outside the timer settings.

Smart chargers have wi-fi capabilty and you can control a multitude of settings, depending on the charger itself. For example, you can limit the power intake, or set it to charge only at certain times, or only using solar etc etc etc.

thanks, so one could plug a car in to charge and it may not charge at all depending on the timers set, buttons presssed. im sure this has affected a few people

goz83 · 22-05-2018 03:25PM

from_atozinc wrote: »

thanks, so one could plug a car in to charge and it may not charge at all depending on the timers set, buttons presssed. im sure this has affected a few people

Will only happen you once.

When the Leaf is plugged in with timer engaged, the 3 blue dash lights flash in a 1,2,3 pattern. When it's charging, only 1 light will flash (1,2 or 3) indicating an approximate state of charge. Up to 33% the first light flashes. Up to 66% the first light stays on and second light flashes. Up to fully charged, 1 & 2 stay on and 3 flashes.

22-05-2018 03:49PM

You learn quickly to hit the charge panel open, timer disable and the cable locking buttons automatically one after another when parking at a public charger point (and just the panel open and lock at home). The timer override stays active for a while as indicated by the middle of the three charging indicators being lit.

_dof_ · 23-05-2018 12:27AM

samih wrote: »

You learn quickly to hit the charge panel open, timer disable and the cable locking buttons automatically one after another when parking at a public charger point (and just the panel open and lock at home). The timer override stays active for a while as indicated by the middle of the three charging indicators being lit.

Isn't there a setting on the time configuration to only use the charge timers at home, based on setting the HOME location in the sat nav. So, if charging at home, the timer is used, and if charging anywhere else, it'll do it immediately.

That's only on the 2018 Leaf though I think, and only if there's a sat nav.

unkel · 23-05-2018 01:26AM

That's a great feature. All EVs should have it. Having to override the scheduled charging for immediate charging (and of course forgetting to switch it back) is one of the many reasons I really don't like public slow charging. Worst of course is getting your own cable out to do it (and having to put a wet and dirty one back into your car). And the time you waste for almost zero gain. Necessary evil for when EVs could not make it from one fast charger to the next, but that time is long gone for most EVs

itsmine · 23-05-2018 08:06AM

Kangas daddy wrote: »

That’s very helpful, many thanks. 32A tethered looks like my best option as I understand it, the cable that connects to the car is like a garden hose on a reel that’s pulled out from the wall unit to the car. Sounds a lot better option than going to the boot to get your own cable and connecting it to the charger and car in the rain
Many thanks again

This sounds ideal! What make/model of charging point has this retractable cable feature please?

BoatMad · 23-05-2018 01:15PM

I have an ABL Rolec unit , 2 years 32A capacity , in use every day. permanently tethered cable

I would strongly recommend a tethered cable option where any sort of sustained use is being considered

creedp · 24-05-2018 09:12AM

BoatMad wrote: »

I have an ABL Rolec unit , 2 years 32A capacity , in use every day. permanently tethered cable

I would strongly recommend a tethered cable option where any sort of sustained use is being considered

Did you buy it locally or online? Would people have any concerns with servicing / warranty issues buying online?

goz83 · 24-05-2018 09:41AM

creedp wrote: »

Did you buy it locally or online? Would people have any concerns with servicing / warranty issues buying online?

You can buy online.

I think the majority of us did...save for those who got the free charger last time.

unkel · 24-05-2018 12:15PM

I have the ABL unit that was installed for free under the old free charger scheme. Solid unit, made in Germany. Have it over a year, zero issues. I'm using it with a type 2 cable permanently attached to it. It was 16A when installed, but I flash upgraded it to 32A myself

Buy one of these 16A online second hand, flash yourself and you have a mighty cheap solution

Kangas daddy · 24-05-2018 02:05PM

unkel wrote: »

I have the ABL unit that was installed for free under the old free charger scheme. Solid unit, made in Germany. Have it over a year, zero issues. I'm using it with a type 2 cable permanently attached to it. It was 16A when installed, but I flash upgraded it to 32A myself

Buy one of these 16A online second hand, flash yourself and you have a mighty cheap solution

Does the €600 grant not require a receipt? They insist a qualified electrician installs and the receipt is how they know it’s a proper, safe install. Do they not look for a receipt too for the unit itself for the same reason to eliminate potentially ‘dodgy’ kits?
Garage have applied for €5k car grant (Leaf) and I think but by no means certain they said once that’s approved then I can go about getting the home charger so I’m as usual confuddled as a pending newcomer to the EV world.

creedp · 24-05-2018 02:54PM

Kangas daddy wrote: »

Does the €600 grant not require a receipt? They insist a qualified electrician installs and the receipt is how they know it’s a proper, safe install. Do they not look for a receipt too for the unit itself for the same reason to eliminate potentially ‘dodgy’ kits?
Garage have applied for €5k car grant (Leaf) and I think but by no means certain they said once that’s approved then I can go about getting the home charger so I’m as usual confuddled as a pending newcomer to the EV world.

I spoke with SEAI about this. My understanding is that no receipt required for Unit, i.e. you are not required to include a receipt with application form. Instead your electrician / installer is required to sign off on the cost of both the installation and materials used for the purposes of the grant. So all it takes is for the installer to be happy with the price you want to include for the Unit. There is probably an outside chance of the SEAI auditing an installation but the probability is very low.

Kangas daddy · 24-05-2018 03:42PM

creedp wrote: »

I spoke with SEAI about this. My understanding is that no receipt required for Unit, i.e. you are not required to include a receipt with application form. Instead your electrician / installer is required to sign off on the cost of both the installation and materials used for the purposes of the grant. So all it takes is for the installer to be happy with the price you want to include for the Unit. There is probably an outside chance of the SEAI auditing an installation but the probability is very low.

That’s great, many thanks. Off to trawl done deal or Amazon so 😀👍

KAGY · 28-05-2018 03:09PM

After years of lurking I've finally put a deposit on a 2015 leaf :-)
As I have a heatpump and electric oven I've decided to get a charger with load sensing (I.e. measures the load on the live and restricts the amount the car is getting)
So far I've seen the zappi, the circontrol be on, and maybe the halo wallbox from the first post.

Is there any others I should look at?

from_atozinc · 28-05-2018 03:11PM

KAGY wrote: »

After years of lurking I've finally put a deposit on a 2015 leaf :-)
As I have a heatpump and electric oven I've decided to get a charger with load sensing (I.e. measures the load on the live and restricts the amount the car is getting)
So far I've seen the zappi, the circontrol be on, and maybe the halo wallbox from the first post.

Is there any others I should look at?

when did ye get electricity in Longford?

)

Recommend a home charger for Leaf

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