Home charge points (purchase/problems/questions) (See mod note post#1)

Mc-BigE · 08-01-2020 6:26pm

the tesla wall charger is cheaper (530 euros) than the Zappi 2 (880 euros)

does the tesla wall charger have load limiting capability also?

KCross · 08-01-2020 7:44pm

Mc-BigE wrote: »

the tesla wall charger is cheaper (530 euros) than the Zappi 2 (880 euros)

does the tesla wall charger have load limiting capability also?

Yes and No!

The last time I looked it had the ability to do load limiting across two Tesla wall connectors but it is done via a hard limit set at install time. It doesnt do it by sensing the whole house load.

So, if you installed two 32A Tesla wall connectors you could set a combined limit of, say, 48A and between the two of them they would ensure they dont use more than that. Thats somewhat useful but not nearly as useful as a charge point that will dynamically sense the whole house load in real time and limit the charge rate as you turn other devices on/off.

Dardania · 08-01-2020 7:56pm

KCross wrote: »

Yes and No!

The last time I looked it had the ability to do load limiting across two Tesla wall connectors but it is done via a hard limit set at install time. It doesnt do it by sensing the whole house load.

So, if you installed two 32A Tesla wall connectors you could set a combined limit of, say, 48A and between the two of them they would ensure they dont use more than that. Thats somewhat useful but not nearly as useful as a charge point that will dynamically sense the whole house load in real time and limit the charge rate as you turn other devices on/off.

Is the zappi the best device to do whole load balancing? I think the garo can as well but not sure of the price

KCross · 08-01-2020 8:20pm

Dardania wrote: »

Is the zappi the best device to do whole load balancing? I think the garo can as well but not sure of the price

Based on current tech and charge points available the Zappi has it all (load balancing, realtime load limiting, SolarPV integration, app support and a bunch of other features).

I dont think any other device has it all, but not everyone needs all that stuff so it depends on your needs.

The Garo has an optional accessory that allows it to sense whole house load (although appears to only go to 63A, some people have 80A+ capable houses) and will do load balacing and limiting, so you need to add that accessory to the price. I dont know how much the garo's are.

Dardania · 08-01-2020 10:14pm

KCross wrote: »

Based on current tech and charge points available the Zappi has it all (load balancing, realtime load limiting, SolarPV integration, app support and a bunch of other features).

I dont think any other device has it all, but not everyone needs all that stuff so it depends on your needs.

The Garo has an optional accessory that allows it to sense whole house load (although appears to only go to 63A, some people have 80A+ capable houses) and will do load balacing and limiting, so you need to add that accessory to the price. I dont know how much the garo's are.

It's definately a need product - for now I'm satisfied with something simple (such as the Rolec), as I somehow feel a step change will occur in future.

With the Zappi, in your experience how quickly does it load balance - is it fast enough that you wouldn't need a shower priority unit for example?

In other news, just saw this announced:

https://www.engadget.com/2020/01/08/the-quasar-home-ev-charger-can-power-your-car-and-your-house/?guccounter=1&guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkbHkuY29tL2kvY29sbGVjdGlvbi9jb250ZW50L3VzZXIvYjI4M2I0MDYtNTA4Yy00YWRhLTg2OGEtZmQ0YmIyOThkMTBmL2NhdGVnb3J5L2dsb2JhbC5hbGw&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAAFCT32qsH_-GKwPTlROJ6rKoA2YVP66VsA-ICCxpDJwFDxZQzoLXRO2JXPdz_pS_kcSBjCn22u37tWpnWZkqGEHQklOXoFpzpBao370FhVRfL-kSsCn44Kb1sK7fXkf0BvZJNLhFSs40ckXgBR-OTmw4PmVu6uLV0ME8ENn-Lhwa

Power typically only flows in one direction when it comes to charging electric vehicles at home: from the base station into the car. However the Quasar system from Wallbox can push power both ways, either into the vehicle or back into the base station and onto the local utility grid. And now it's coming to America.

Bidirectional charging in and of itself is an existing technology, albeit one that required industrial-sized charging stations and normally only used in large vehicle fleets. Wallbox has taken that technology and miniaturized it, shrinking the charging system into a form factor that fits in your house. The Quasar is Level 2 charger, meaning it pumps 240 volts, and is compatible with vehicles leveraging Type 1 connectors as well as the CHAdeMO style that Tesla prefers.

Since your electric vehicle is essentially a giant battery mounted on wheels, it can easily serve as an emergency or alternative power supply for your home -- assuming you can manage to extract it from the vehicle. And that's exactly what the Quasar does. Users can pull charge from the car and use it to run household appliances (even washers and dryers), thereby reducing their draw from the local grid. This is especially helpful for people living in areas with variable electricity pricing -- charge up the car when prices are low, and discharge it for household purposes (or sell it back to your utility) when prices are high.

Unfortunately, only the Nissan Leaf and the Mitsubishi Engelberg Tourer are currently capable of utilizing bidirectional charging but bidirectional charging has the potential to revolutionize both the EV and renewable energy industries, should it gain widespread adoption.

Interestingly, it seems to use Chademo (so DC) to support bidirectional flow... Guess the inverter in the car can't run in reverse. Wonder does that push up the QC counter in Leaf Spy?

KCross · 08-01-2020 10:36pm

Dardania wrote: »

It's definately a need product - for now I'm satisfied with something simple (such as the Rolec), as I somehow feel a step change will occur in future.

What step change do you foresee?

Dardania wrote: »

With the Zappi, in your experience how quickly does it load balance - is it fast enough that you wouldn't need a shower priority unit for example?

The whole point of it is to remove the need for a priority switch. If that wasnt working people would be complaining!

It also uses load sensing to divert excess Solar and that also has to be realtime so it does work.

Dardania wrote: »

In other news, just saw this announced:

Interestingly, it seems to use Chademo (so DC) to support bidirectional flow... Guess the inverter in the car can't run in reverse. Wonder does that push up the QC counter in Leaf Spy?

The Leaf, even Gen 1 Leafs, have always supported bi-directional current flow via the CHAdeMO port. There are projects in the UK using it for a while now.

CCS cars dont support it commercially yet and are a few years away from it so I presume that charge point will only work if you have and keep a Leaf. If you change the car to a CCS car down the line it may not support it.

zg3409 · 10-01-2020 11:56am

digiman wrote: »

Where have people being buying the Zappi v2 from and how much did you pay?

Is the only advantage over the Tesla charger that you can use power from your PVs?

I believe the advantages of the Tesla are that it can do 3 phase (mainly business users), Tesla is tethered only , also I believe the Tesla has a special button on the plug which opens the charge port on the car and stops the charge so you can unplug. I believe (but I am not sure) that with a Zappi and a Tesla car, you need to open charge port from dash or app, but cannot do it on car remote. To remove cable again you need to use app or car dash and cannot use car remote. In that case if I did not have an instant shower and I planned on not getting solar panels and I planned getting a Tesla I would use a Tesla charger.

Load balancing is important in Ireland as we have a lot of instant showers and the typical supply to Irish houses (versus UK and USA) has a small esb fuse and has problems with an EV and an instant shower.

KCross · 10-01-2020 12:23pm

zg3409 wrote: »

I believe the advantages of the Tesla are that it can do 3 phase (mainly business users),

Most other charge points come in 3-phase options also, so thats not unique in any way.

zg3409 wrote: »

I believe the Tesla has a special button on the plug which opens the charge port on the car and stops the charge so you can unplug.

True, the Tesla charge point does have that alright but obviously only works if you have a Tesla car.

zg3409 wrote: »

I believe (but I am not sure) that with a Zappi and a Tesla car, you need to open charge port from dash or app, but cannot do it on car remote. To remove cable again you need to use app or car dash and cannot use car remote.

Usually when a car is charged you just pull out the cable and flip the hatch closed. You dont typically need the keys unless you have it set to stay locked to the car (which is configurable).

Would be interested to hear from Tesla owners whether the lack of that button would be a deal breaker or not in relation to picking a charge point. Its useful Im sure but would it be a deal breaker is the thing.

zg3409 wrote: »

In that case if I did not have an instant shower and I planned on not getting solar panels and I planned getting a Tesla I would use a Tesla charger.

Load balancing is important in Ireland as we have a lot of instant showers and the typical supply to Irish houses (versus UK and USA) has a small esb fuse and has problems with an EV and an instant shower.

It isnt just instant showers either. Other high power devices like a heat pump, oven, 2nd EV and future proofing.

At the end of the day these charge points are just fancy sockets. Get the one that suits your needs keeping an eye on your future needs too.

Dempsey · 10-01-2020 6:50pm

Is there a handy way of calculating the losses between the fuse board and the chargepoint? Even rough %

Fuseboard - 15m - Consumer Unit - 5m - Charge Point

KCross · 10-01-2020 7:04pm

Dempsey wrote: »

Is there a handy way of calculating the losses between the fuse board and the chargepoint? Even rough %

Fuseboard - 15m - Consumer Unit - 5m - Charge Point

Are you referring to voltage drop or heat losses and hence money on your bill?

If it’s the latter it will be irrelevant. The losses in the charger in the car is where the vast majority of the losses reside to you. Can be anywhere from 85-95% efficient.

DublinDilbert · 10-01-2020 7:07pm

A fuse board and consumer unit are normally the same thing, I assume you mean the Esbn meter is 15m from the consumer unit.

Yes if you know the cable cross section you can calculate the losses.

Power in Watts = I^2 x R

Say assume your meter tails are 16sq and charge point is wired with a 6sq cable.

1.1m x 15 x 2 = 33m ohms
2.9 x 5 x 2 = 29m ohms

0.062 x current * current = power loss in watts

Dempsey · 10-01-2020 8:00pm

KCross wrote: »

Are you referring to voltage drop or heat losses and hence money on your bill?

If it’s the latter it will be irrelevant. The losses in the charger in the car is where the vast majority of the losses reside to you. Can be anywhere from 85-95% efficient.

Checked the cables and breakers for heat, they are roughly at ambient temperature when charging so I'll go with potential voltage drops

If most of the losses are there then i'll be happy. Just wanted to know the losses before the chargepoint given the distance. By my calculations, the car is being blamed for the high xmas electricity bill. I'm confident that what the chargepoint is saying that its using is within 10% tolerance of the real cost.

DublinDilbert wrote: »

A fuse board and consumer unit are normally the same thing, I assume you mean the Esbn meter is 15m from the consumer unit.

Yes if you know the cable cross section you can calculate the losses.

Power in Watts = I^2 x R

Say assume your meter tails are 16sq and charge point is wired with a 6sq cable.

1.1m x 15 x 2 = 33m ohms
2.9 x 5 x 2 = 29m ohms

0.062 x current * current = power loss in watts

They can be the same thing but in this instance they are not

ESB Meter -3m- Main Fuseboard - 15m - Consumer Unit (Garage) - 5m - Charge Point (Back of Garage)

From the Fuseboard, 10sq cable is used

Thanks for the info

I'm thinking of reducing the current from 32A to 16A just to minimise losses as small as they are, further

graememk · 10-01-2020 8:53pm

Dempsey wrote: »

I'm thinking of reducing the current from 32A to 16A just to minimise losses as small as they are, further

In cable losses in the cable your chatting only about 40w per hour when drawing 32A

so instead of drawing 7200w in an hour, its 7240w. (yes dropping to 16A will drop the loss by a quarter but its still negligible )
the charger will have some useage to run its electronics (couple of watts)

Your down the wrong rabbit hole, the biggest "loss" would be the charger in the car or even preheating the car.

Dempsey · 10-01-2020 11:35pm

graememk wrote: »

In cable losses in the cable your chatting only about 40w per hour when drawing 32A

so instead of drawing 7200w in an hour, its 7240w. (yes dropping to 16A will drop the loss by a quarter but its still negligible )
the charger will have some useage to run its electronics (couple of watts)

Your down the wrong rabbit hole, the biggest "loss" would be the charger in the car or even preheating the car.

Im not down any rabbit hole, its about quantifying the losses and the relative differences between each part of the system

Whats the typical resistance through a 40a breaker?

graememk · 11-01-2020 12:17am

Dempsey wrote: »

Im not down any rabbit hole, its about quantifying the losses and the relative differences between each part of the system

Whats the typical resistance through a 40a breaker?

Found a data sheet for a random breaker, your chatting 3ish watts at nominal current. Haven't found a sheet showing resistances but by design it should be as low as possible

KCross · 11-01-2020 9:41am

Dempsey wrote: »

By my calculations, the car is being blamed for the high xmas electricity bill. I'm confident that what the chargepoint is saying that its using is within 10% tolerance of the real cost.

It does sound like you are down a rabbit hole tbh.

Whatever the car is using it’s using and there isn’t much you can do to improve that.

The high bill could be that you did more driving, more cooking, estimated bill etc. It’s not that the charging losses have suddenly changed. They are what they are.

User1998 · 13-01-2020 1:19am

Does a home charge point use much electricity after its done charging the car while it’s still turned on and plugged into the car? I have a PHEV so it could be plugged in for like 16 hours but only be charging for an hour or so. Thanks

stimpson · 13-01-2020 8:18am

User1998 wrote: »

Does a home charge point use much electricity after its done charging the car while it’s still turned on plugged in but not actually charging. I have a phev so it could be plugged in for like 16 hours sometimes but only be charging for an hour or so. Thanks

Zappis standby power consumption is 1W, so very very little. A year of standby is the equivalent of 1 hour charging at 7kW.

Mc-BigE · 21-01-2020 1:19pm

could i get a Zappi charger (future proofing for Tesla M3) now privately for a plug in hybrid car that the misses is thinking of buying, and still get the SEAI grant? ( can the car be a UK import or irish second hand)

the Tesla model 3 would be a company purchase

thanks

stimpson · 21-01-2020 1:25pm

Mc-BigE wrote: »

could i get a Zappi charger (future proofing for Tesla M3) now privately for a plug in hybrid car that the misses is thinking of buying, and still get the SEAI grant? ( can the car be a UK import or irish second hand)

the Tesla model 3 would be a company purchase

thanks

Yes. Once you’ve bought the PHEV you can apply for the grant. U.K. import is not a problem.

MJohnston · 21-01-2020 7:53pm

Mc-BigE wrote: »

could i get a Zappi charger (future proofing for Tesla M3) now privately for a plug in hybrid car that the misses is thinking of buying, and still get the SEAI grant? ( can the car be a UK import or irish second hand)

the Tesla model 3 would be a company purchase

thanks

If you mean the home charger grant, then technically yes. The grant has to be approved before you carry out any of the installation works, but if you're buying the hardware yourself, I'm not sure if you'd be able to get that as part of the grant anyway.

stimpson · 21-01-2020 9:02pm

MJohnston wrote: »

If you mean the home charger grant, then technically yes. The grant has to be approved before you carry out any of the installation works, but if you're buying the hardware yourself, I'm not sure if you'd be able to get that as part of the grant anyway.

You can claim the cost even if you buy the kit yourself. I bought my Zappi and got a sparks to install. Wasn’t a problem. IIRC they don’t even ask for a receipt. To be on the safe side I’d wait until grant approval before buying anything.

MJohnston · 21-01-2020 9:07pm

In my experience, the installation usually costs around the same amount as the grant anyway, unless you happen to know someone who can do it, so it's usually a moot point.

stimpson · 21-01-2020 9:39pm

MJohnston wrote: »

In my experience, the installation usually costs around the same amount as the grant anyway, unless you happen to know someone who can do it, so it's usually a moot point.

If you don’t need a Zappi then esb are doing an install for €150 after the grant.

djivide_ · 22-01-2020 11:24am

stimpson wrote: »

If you don’t need a Zappi then esb are doing an install for €150 after the grant.

Anyone know what units they are installing? I cant see any details on their page.

unkel · 22-01-2020 12:58pm

djivide_ wrote: »

Anyone know what units they are installing? I cant see any details on their page.

These are the ABL units. German made, excellent and utterly reliable. The only issue is that ESB are installing them switched to 3.6kW (these units can be enabled for 7.2kW, I have done mine myself) and as such they install cable that is too thin and an RCBO that has too low amperage to later upgrade

If you can get them to use 6mm2 cable and a 40A RCBO (and you are happy to do the upgrade yourself, we have threads about it in this forum), then it's a great deal at EUR149 after subsidy (from a large company with warranty, come back, etc.)

Phibsboro · 22-01-2020 4:27pm

The wallpod installed and charging away

22-01-2020 6:57pm

unkel wrote: »

These are the ABL units. German made, excellent and utterly reliable. The only issue is that ESB are installing them switched to 3.6kW (these units can be enabled for 7.2kW, I have done mine myself) and as such they install cable that is too thin and an RCBO that has too low amperage to later upgrade

If you can get them to use 6mm2 cable and a 40A RCBO (and you are happy to do the upgrade yourself, we have threads about it in this forum), then it's a great deal at EUR149 after subsidy (from a large company with warranty, come back, etc.)

My installation was completed in December through Electric Ireland by Nigel Daly.

This is the info Electric Ireland sent me

We can supply and install the 7.4kw Circontrol eNext charger with an untehtered Type 2 charging socket, and we have it for sale for €749.00 including vat.

Technical Specification

Presence recognition by Bluetooth, so user authentication is confirmed simply by proximity.

Remote charging activation is also offered by means of an ON/OFF external input signal (e.g. timer).

Timetable programming to accommodate the charging session to the energy hourly rates.

Ready for internal integration of electrical protections.

Includes welding contactor detection that meets with IEC 61851-1 for safety protection.

Wallbox eNext series provides a reserved space in case you want to have your own brand on it.

DC leakages detection can be ordered as an optional. Thus, in conjunction with the welding contactor and RCD A guarantees the highest safety protection.

Compatible with BeON sensor (accessory), when combined with eNext is able to dynamically adjust the electric vehicle’s consumption according to the available power of the installation.

The frontal LED bar not only informs the user about the charger status (e.g. operative, faulty…) but also EV charging status; charging (dynamic blue light) vs charged (static blue light).

The charger’s housing is made of ABS plastic which is both robust and UV resistant, providing protection against both mechanical stress and severe environmental conditions.

23-01-2020 12:01am

unkel wrote: »

These are the ABL units. German made, excellent and utterly reliable. The only issue is that ESB are installing them switched to 3.6kW (these units can be enabled for 7.2kW, I have done mine myself) and as such they install cable that is too thin and an RCBO that has too low amperage to later upgrade

If you can get them to use 6mm2 cable and a 40A RCBO (and you are happy to do the upgrade yourself, we have threads about it in this forum), then it's a great deal at EUR149 after subsidy (from a large company with warranty, come back, etc.)

I just checked with my installer and he confirmed that it is a 7.2KW charger installed using 6sq cable.

ESB were installing the 3.6KW but as of September 2019 this has changed and they are now installing the 7KW.

23-01-2020 10:02am

djivide_ wrote: »

Anyone know what units they are installing? I cant see any details on their page.

This is the one that they supplied and installed for me.It is untethered.

https://circontrol.com/wp-content/uploads/Circontrol-WallBox-eNext-Datasheet.pdf

A tidy installation and no problems with it thus far.

I dont use any of the features on it...just plug in leads and charge.

djivide_ · 23-01-2020 10:28am

TheTorment wrote: »

This is the one that they supplied and installed for me.It is untethered.

https://circontrol.com/wp-content/uploads/Circontrol-WallBox-eNext-Datasheet.pdf

A tidy installation and no problems with it thus far.

I dont use any of the features on it...just plug in leads and charge.

Cheers, two questions was there an option of getting a tethered charger? and secondly how long did the whole process take to get it installed, ie from ordering to fitted.

23-01-2020 10:44am

djivide_ wrote: »

Cheers, two questions was there an option of getting a tethered charger? and secondly how long did the whole process take to get it installed, ie from ordering to fitted.

I really dont know if there was an option of a tethered charger. I wasnt interested in one so only enquired about untethered.

They were very quick from order to fitting. I ordered mine on December 2nd and had it installed on the 16th. The installation took about 3 hours itself.

Id imagine where you are living and demand might impact on this process though.

nkay1985 · 24-01-2020 9:28pm

Hi all.

I've read through this heaps of times over the past few years but now that it's real, I could use a little advice haha.

Just picked up an Outlander PHEV for my wife yesterday. I have an electric shower. I'm going to buy a BEV myself in the next 12 months.

With all of the above in mind, does that mean I need to buy a Zappi? If so, what's the best way to go about this? I see some mention of V2 - is that something that's necessary? How about 16A versus 32A? Does that even matter with a Zappi? My fuse board is right at the corner of my house on the external wall where the charge point would be going so I can't imagine it gets any easier for an electrician. That said, is it just a case of buying the Zappi (for example) and getting any old registered electrician to install it?

Thanks.

graememk · 24-01-2020 10:32pm

nkay1985 wrote: »

Hi all.

I've read through this heaps of times over the past few years but now that it's real, I could use a little advice haha.

Just picked up an Outlander PHEV for my wife yesterday. I have an electric shower. I'm going to buy a BEV myself in the next 12 months.

With all of the above in mind, does that mean I need to buy a Zappi? If so, what's the best way to go about this? I see some mention of V2 - is that something that's necessary? How about 16A versus 32A? Does that even matter with a Zappi? My fuse board is right at the corner of my house on the external wall where the charge point would be going so I can't imagine it gets any easier for an electrician. That said, is it just a case of buying the Zappi (for example) and getting any old registered electrician to install it?

Thanks.

With the electric shower all that is needed is a priority switch which would mean the charger and shower can't run at the same time.

Sounds like that could be 200 euro extra but still a lot cheaper than the zappi

Leafowner · 25-01-2020 3:42pm

For those with an untethered charger, is there any sort of casing/storage unit/cover you can get in order to leave the lead permanently plugged into the charger so you only need to remove the end from the car in the morning, and then you just wrap up the lead and leave it beside the charger in some weatherproof casing?

25-01-2020 3:49pm

Leafowner wrote: »

For those with an untethered charger, is there any sort of casing/storage unit/cover you can get in order to leave the lead permanently plugged into the charger so you only need to remove the end from the car in the morning, and then you just wrap up the lead and leave it beside the charger in some weatherproof casing?

It really takes me all of 10 secs to unplug, coil it up and throw in the boot.

stimpson · 25-01-2020 5:49pm

Leafowner wrote: »

For those with an untethered charger, is there any sort of casing/storage unit/cover you can get in order to leave the lead permanently plugged into the charger so you only need to remove the end from the car in the morning, and then you just wrap up the lead and leave it beside the charger in some weatherproof casing?

You could just padlock it to something. Should be ok to leave it connected to the charger.

zg3409 · 25-01-2020 7:00pm

Leafowner wrote: »

For those with an untethered charger, is there any sort of casing/storage unit/cover you can get in order to leave the lead permanently plugged into the charger so you only need to remove the end from the car in the morning, and then you just wrap up the lead and leave it beside the charger in some weatherproof casing?

Some chargers lock the charger end of the cable to the charger, but some unlock if no car is connected. As an additional security measure some people clip, tie or padlock cable to something nearby such as a downpipe or an eye bolt installed for this purpose. The car end of the cable normally has a rubber boot to pop over it, but beware this is just a 'dust cover' and not really waterproof. Best to click it into a wall holder like:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/K-H-N-S-Holster-EVSE-Cable-Holder-Mennekes/dp/B083BDKLMR/ref=asc_df_B083BDKLMR/?tag=googshopuk-21&linkCode=df0&hvadid=404353393125&hvpos=1o1&hvnetw=g&hvrand=4330296345767076919&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=1007850&hvtargid=pla-862270929099&psc=1&tag=&ref=&adgrpid=81280590130&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvadid=404353393125&hvpos=1o1&hvnetw=g&hvrand=4330296345767076919&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=1007850&hvtargid=pla-862270929099

this often comes built into the charger or is free with tethered units like Zappi.

If you leave the cable at home all the time make sure you have another cable in your boot for public slow chargers. I also bring a granny extra slow charging cable and a 25 metre extension lead with waterproof socket, to make sure if I end up stuck away from home I have options.

I don't like putting wet cables in my boot daily, and my home cable is 8 metres long to stretch past other cars and allow charging from 3 parking spots

tart29016 · 27-01-2020 12:17pm

Hi there,

I’m thinking about getting a merc c350e phev and have a few queries if someone can help.

My daily commute is approx 20km (city driving), and I guess I will be charging it every night.

We don’t have an electric shower but I see some posters mentioning cooker and that it might be necessary to install a priority switch, is that the case?
We are thinking about going with the Electric Ireland offer (€749) for the 7.4kw Circontrol eNext charger with an untehtered Type 2 charging socket. Is that a good idea for our situation?

Is there anything else we need to consider?

Thanks

KCross · 27-01-2020 12:40pm

tart29016 wrote: »

We don’t have an electric shower but I see some posters mentioning cooker and that it might be necessary to install a priority switch, is that the case?

No need for priority switch for a cooker. The electric shower is usually the one to worry about.

tart29016 wrote: »

We are thinking about going with the Electric Ireland offer (€749) for the 7.4kw Circontrol eNext charger with an untehtered Type 2 charging socket. Is that a good idea for our situation?

Why untethered? Its alot more convenient to have it tethered. The only downside is how the coiled cable will look when its tethered. Untethered is neater to look at. It doesnt bother me. I'd rather tethered than messing with a cable in/out of the boot EVERY night and morning in the wet, wind etc.

zg3409 · 28-01-2020 12:45am

tart29016 wrote: »

Hi there,

I’m thinking about getting a merc c350e phev and have a few queries if someone can help.

My daily commute is approx 20km (city driving), and I guess I will be charging it every night.

We don’t have an electric shower but I see some posters mentioning cooker and that it might be necessary to install a priority switch, is that the case?
We are thinking about going with the Electric Ireland offer (€749) for the 7.4kw Circontrol eNext charger with an untehtered Type 2 charging socket. Is that a good idea for our situation?

Is there anything else we need to consider?

Thanks

You need a cable to reach the charger location, some sort of a cable probably comes with the car. This seems to be the cheapest offer around, although some have complained they raised the price once the survey was complete as it was non standard. Ideally you want the charger positioned next to where car will be, and a layout so no one will ever trip over the cable. Some people have mounted in on a post or pillar half way along driveway. 'Standard installation' is them sticking it in as handy place as possible as close to inside house fuseboard as possible.

https://www.zap-map.com/charge-points/mercedes-benz-c-350e-charging-guide/
Real world range of 16 miles. Does engine start for heat or aircon? Dont think so but some phev do. Start a new thread for vehicle specific advice. Charge port back drivers side.

https://www.google.com/amp/s/amp.independent.ie/life/motoring/car-reviews/my-arguments-for-and-against-this-c-class-plug-in-hybrid-36267535.html

https://www.autoexpress.co.uk/mercedes/c-class/90861/mercedes-c-350e-plug-in-hybrid-2016-review

tart29016 · 28-01-2020 10:52am

KCross wrote: »

No need for priority switch for a cooker. The electric shower is usually the one to worry about.

Why untethered? Its alot more convenient to have it tethered. The only downside is how the coiled cable will look when its tethered. Untethered is neater to look at. It doesnt bother me. I'd rather tethered than messing with a cable in/out of the boot EVERY night and morning in the wet, wind etc.

Thanks. Checked with EI and they only do untethered installation as of yesterday. :eek:

tart29016 · 28-01-2020 10:55am

zg3409 wrote: »

You need a cable to reach the charger location, some sort of a cable probably comes with the car. This seems to be the cheapest offer around, although some have complained they raised the price once the survey was complete as it was non standard. Ideally you want the charger positioned next to where car will be, and a layout so no one will ever trip over the cable. Some people have mounted in on a post or pillar half way along driveway. 'Standard installation' is them sticking it in as handy place as possible as close to inside house fuseboard as possible.

https://www.zap-map.com/charge-points/mercedes-benz-c-350e-charging-guide/
Real world range of 16 miles. Does engine start for heat or aircon? Dont think so but some phev do. Start a new thread for vehicle specific advice. Charge port back drivers side.

https://www.google.com/amp/s/amp.independent.ie/life/motoring/car-reviews/my-arguments-for-and-against-this-c-class-plug-in-hybrid-36267535.html

https://www.autoexpress.co.uk/mercedes/c-class/90861/mercedes-c-350e-plug-in-hybrid-2016-review

Thanks for the advice. The car I am looking to buy comes with a granny cable. I assume this can be used to charge it at the EI home charging point.

KCross · 28-01-2020 11:16am

tart29016 wrote: »

Thanks for the advice. The car I am looking to buy comes with a granny cable. I assume this can be used to charge it at the EI home charging point.

A granny cable plugs into a standard 3-pin socket.

The EI charger will almost certainly not have a 3-pin socket in it. It will be a type-2 socket.

Check if the car includes a type-2 to type-2 cable.

eoferrall · 29-01-2020 5:28pm

tart29016 wrote: »

Thanks for the advice. The car I am looking to buy comes with a granny cable. I assume this can be used to charge it at the EI home charging point.

i have a C350e, fantastic car. lots of power and very economical when driven smoothly.

your car should come with two cables, a "granny cable" and a normal charger for plugging into street chargers (and untethered chargers).

happy to answer any questions you may have.

Thisonedone · 30-01-2020 7:04pm

tart29016 wrote: »

Thanks. Checked with EI and they only do untethered installation as of yesterday. :eek:

I talked with them today, they do both.

They have a 4 week waiting list :eek:

And they want full payment up front :eek:

And if you want to order you have to put your name down for a call back to arrange payment which would be another few days wait added on to that at least as they only seem to have one guy dealing with chargers and don’t have a dedicated email address or phone number for this :eek:

Fook that, it’s just not worth it.

tart29016 · 31-01-2020 10:09am

eoferrall wrote: »

i have a C350e, fantastic car. lots of power and very economical when driven smoothly.

your car should come with two cables, a "granny cable" and a normal charger for plugging into street chargers (and untethered chargers).

happy to answer any questions you may have.

I think when I was there at the car dealer and he mentioned there is only the granny cable. I didn't event check it. I might double check with him.

Do you charge yours every night? What home charging point did you install?

Thanks

tart29016 · 31-01-2020 10:10am

Thisonedone wrote: »

I talked with them today, they do both.

They have a 4 week waiting list :eek:

And they want full payment up front :eek:

And if you want to order you have to put your name down for a call back to arrange payment which would be another few days wait added on to that at least as they only seem to have one guy dealing with chargers and don’t have a dedicated email address or phone number for this :eek:

Fook that, it’s just not worth it.

Strange that is. I only spoke to them 2 days ago. I suppose 4 weeks waiting time is probably not the worst. What other option are you thinking?

eoferrall · 31-01-2020 11:11am

tart29016 wrote: »

I think when I was there at the car dealer and he mentioned there is only the granny cable. I didn't event check it. I might double check with him.

Do you charge yours every night? What home charging point did you install?

Thanks

ask the dealer, and if he says that only granny cable for 3pin ask him were the type 2 to type 2 cable is for onstreet charging.

Yes I charge at home, I have a zappi as I have solar panels etc. and it was a quick install by Nigel Daly.

I also charge in the office so drive largely on electricity. real world (without being super careful and a granny) you get 15km from the battery. more on sunny days or if driven recharge and drive so battery is warm etc. over approx 40k KMs my fuel consumption is 4.5l/100km.

Paulmee · 31-01-2020 11:12am

I was considering EI, but the charger would not utilise my pv panel plus we have an electric shower, so I expected it to be more than 750 euro

Instead I bought a zappi v2 charger from electric autos in Kildare, they were great to deal with, I have an electrician lined up to install the charger. I went for a tethered cable.

Home charge points (purchase/problems/questions) (See mod note post#1)

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