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

Aph2016 · 14-01-2021 08:21PM

seligehgit wrote: »

Can somebody explain if there is and what the real benefit is of having the harvi communication hub as I'm not seeing it outside of feeding back stats or if you've a solar power source?

Also wondering if the harvi unit is worth it. I have PV panels but the car wouldn't be charging during the day as I'm not at home so seems a waste unless you had some battery to store the energy.

the_amazing_raisin · 14-01-2021 08:34PM

seligehgit wrote: »

Can somebody explain if there is and what the real benefit is of having the harvi communication hub as I'm not seeing it outside of feeding back stats or if you've a solar power source?

They're two different things

The Harvi is a wireless module for the CT clamp, it can be used if it's not feasible or inconvenient to run a wire from the electricity meter (or whatever circuit you're monitoring) to the Zappi

The hub provides an internet connection for a Zappi (and Harvin & Eddi) to monitor usage, configure them and perform firmware updates

seligehgit · 14-01-2021 09:38PM

cruisey1987 wrote: »

They're two different things

The Harvi is a wireless module for the CT clamp, it can be used if it's not feasible or inconvenient to run a wire from the electricity meter (or whatever circuit you're monitoring) to the Zappi

The hub provides an internet connection for a Zappi (and Harvin & Eddi) to monitor usage, configure them and perform firmware updates

Thank you.

So when I get a zappi installed which do I require for the myenergi app?

The hub connected via an ethernet cable to one's modern/router with a power source suffice?

What useful info does the app provide?

Greenlights16 · 15-01-2021 09:22AM

Anyone on here availed of the UK home charger scheme that’s living in NI? I have a new home in the next few months, will probably look at getting it installed while there is still a grant out there .

What’s the general outlook on these grants in Ireland and Uk, as hybrids and electric vehicles become more and more popular in the 2020’s and petrol/diesels die out, do you think grants will be pulled and the cost of installing them will go up? Installers and dealers will get crafty perhaps and see the increased demand? Pure speculation from me!

Also, forgive my ignorance- is it as straightforward as installing a home charging point, and it will theoretically do any car you buy? (I’m guessing you have to show that you’ve bought a hybrid/EV as part of your grant application? Can’t get just get one for future?)

Or is it a case that a Ford EV will need a Ford home charging connection, VW theirs etc

Thank you

slave1 · 15-01-2021 09:48AM

seligehgit wrote: »

Thank you.

So when I get a zappi installed which do I require for the myenergi app?

The hub connected via an ethernet cable to one's modern/router with a power source suffice?

What useful info does the app provide?

Yes, hub is connected via Ethernet cable to router and it needs to be plugged in.

Typical PV based system has two CT feeds into the Zappi so it knows what’s going on.
First feed is PV generation and second is house grid demand, both are required to allow the Zappi to divert any excess production above 1.2kW to be diverted into a plugged in EV.
The Zappi communicates this info to the hub via radio waves so the need to be close enough, think <10m.
The App will give you current PV and Grid figures as well as today’s, yesterday’s and this weeks figures.
You can also use their online account to see more detail and graphs.
The app really comes into its own when you have both PV and Eddi installed.
There are some good UK based YouTube app reviews that show you the screen views.

KCross · 15-01-2021 01:11PM

Greenlights16 wrote: »

Anyone on here availed of the UK home charger scheme that’s living in NI? I have a new home in the next few months, will probably look at getting it installed while there is still a grant out there .

Dont know much about UK grants. Try the SpeakEV forum which is UK based. You'll get all you need over there.

Greenlights16 wrote: »

What’s the general outlook on these grants in Ireland and Uk, as hybrids and electric vehicles become more and more popular in the 2020’s and petrol/diesels die out, do you think grants will be pulled and the cost of installing them will go up? Installers and dealers will get crafty perhaps and see the increased demand? Pure speculation from me!

Thats a certainty and is already happening. Hybrid grants are gone in this country. PHEV grants have been reduced. As the years tick by the BEV grants will be reduced too. It will be determined by market uptake and costs to the exchequer. As the uptake accelerates and prices drop the grants will be phased out... no one can say definitively how quick that will be.

Greenlights16 wrote: »

Also, forgive my ignorance- is it as straightforward as installing a home charging point, and it will theoretically do any car you buy? (I’m guessing you have to show that you’ve bought a hybrid/EV as part of your grant application? Can’t get just get one for future?)

Or is it a case that a Ford EV will need a Ford home charging connection, VW theirs etc

The home charge points will charge "any" car. The only caveat is that the 2011-2017 Leaf has a type 1 socket so has a different cable but if you are buying any modern EV from 2018 onwards it will have a type 2 socket and they are the same across all cars and all charge points.

Felexicon · 15-01-2021 01:48PM

Greenlights16 wrote: »

Anyone on here availed of the UK home charger scheme that’s living in NI? I have a new home in the next few months, will probably look at getting it installed while there is still a grant out there .

What’s the general outlook on these grants in Ireland and Uk, as hybrids and electric vehicles become more and more popular in the 2020’s and petrol/diesels die out, do you think grants will be pulled and the cost of installing them will go up? Installers and dealers will get crafty perhaps and see the increased demand? Pure speculation from me!

Also, forgive my ignorance- is it as straightforward as installing a home charging point, and it will theoretically do any car you buy? (I’m guessing you have to show that you’ve bought a hybrid/EV as part of your grant application? Can’t get just get one for future?)

Or is it a case that a Ford EV will need a Ford home charging connection, VW theirs etc

Thank you

NI/UK use the OLEV grant scheme.

You can get a grant of up to £350 but not more than 75% of overall install fee.

It's different to the Republic in that the installer applies for the grant and gets the money directly to their account. So in theory you should only pay the amount with the grant already taken in to consideration.
There is more of a process for installers getting OLEV carted so make sure whoever you use is registered.
They say the charger must be "smart" to avail of the grant and you can get a grant for multiple charge points at one address once you can prove multiple EVs are registered there

seligehgit · 15-01-2021 06:29PM

slave1 wrote: »

Yes, hub is connected via Ethernet cable to router and it needs to be plugged in.

Typical PV based system has two CT feeds into the Zappi so it knows what’s going on.
First feed is PV generation and second is house grid demand, both are required to allow the Zappi to divert any excess production above 1.2kW to be diverted into a plugged in EV.
The Zappi communicates this info to the hub via radio waves so the need to be close enough, think <10m.
The App will give you current PV and Grid figures as well as today’s, yesterday’s and this weeks figures.
You can also use their online account to see more detail and graphs.
The app really comes into its own when you have both PV and Eddi installed.
There are some good UK based YouTube app reviews that show you the screen views.

Thanks very much.

Aph2016 · 20-01-2021 12:24AM

Anyone have an ABB terra AC 7kw?

Gatster · 20-01-2021 02:33PM

Does anyone have a QUBEV? I can't avail of the SEAI grant as it's a company car so want the cheapest decent-ish unit possible.

It's a 1 year old house so we also have an air-source heart pump, but according to the first electrician I shouldn't need the load balancing?

the_amazing_raisin · 20-01-2021 02:47PM

Gatster wrote: »

Does anyone have a QUBEV? I can't avail of the SEAI grant as it's a company car so want the cheapest decent-ish unit possible.

It's a 1 year old house so we also have an air-source heart pump, but according to the first electrician I shouldn't need the load balancing?

I think Gumbo got one of those, might be worth asking him?

Depending on the car charging power, heat pump and the amount of power available to your house you might not need load balancing

For example, my house has a 16kVA (16kW for the purposes of simplicity) connection, a 6kW heat pump with a maximum power consumption of 3kW, and a backup heater which I think is rated at around 1.5kW. My Leaf charges at 3.3kW, so even with all of them on it's unlikely I'll come close to the 16kW limit

However, moving to a 7kW charger pushes it somewhat closer to the limit, so I might end up needing load balancing then

Gumbo · 20-01-2021 03:34PM

Gatster wrote: »

Does anyone have a QUBEV? I can't avail of the SEAI grant as it's a company car so want the cheapest decent-ish unit possible.

It's a 1 year old house so we also have an air-source heart pump, but according to the first electrician I shouldn't need the load balancing?

I ordered one on the 3rd January.
Its sitting in the UK still waiting for delivery to me. BREXIT is a nightmare!

Worked out at €231 delivered but i'm not sure if VAT/Duty will be added on delivery. It will be installed to my parents house and should work out at no cost to my parents after Grant. I done the same 3 years ago

Gatster · 20-01-2021 04:44PM

Gumbo wrote: »

I ordered one on the 3rd January.
Its sitting in the UK still waiting for delivery to me. BREXIT is a nightmare!

Worked out at €231 delivered but i'm not sure if VAT/Duty will be added on delivery. It will be installed to my parents house and should work out at no cost to my parents after Grant. I done the same 3 years ago

They are made in the UK, so theoretically no duty I think. Where did you order from? They're about €260 from Amazon? From the fact you've ordered a second, I presume you think they're Ok?

Gumbo · 20-01-2021 08:47PM

Gatster wrote: »

They are made in the UK, so theoretically no duty I think. Where did you order from? They're about €260 from Amazon? From the fact you've ordered a second, I presume you think they're Ok?

Ordered it from their store on Amazon.

DM1983 · 20-01-2021 09:10PM

Gumbo wrote: »

Ordered it from their store on Amazon.

One word of caution on this. They have the 17th edition for about 230 and 18th edition for 300. I asked what the difference was and their tech support said that an electrician wouldn't sign off on 17th edition. It lacks some safety feature. Now, of course it depends on the electrician! If you get a friendly one, I'm sure it won't be an issue.

Gumbo · 20-01-2021 10:53PM

DM1983 wrote: »

One word of caution on this. They have the 17th edition for about 230 and 18th edition for 300. I asked what the difference was and their tech support said that an electrician wouldn't sign off on 17th edition. It lacks some safety feature. Now, of course it depends on the electrician! If you get a friendly one, I'm sure it won't be an issue.

The 18th edition has some DC sensitive protection device built in. No idea what it is to be honest. I think it may be required in the uk rather than Ireland for grant purposes.

17th Edition is 225 Sterling plus postage - https://evonestop.co.uk/products/qubev-ev-charging-unit-type-2-socket-32-amp-7-2-kw-ip65

18th Edition is 299 sterling plus postage - https://evonestop.co.uk/products/qubev-ev-charging-unit-type-2-socket-32-amp-7-2-kw-ip65?variant=12432393404463

I got the 17th edition on Amazon for 206 sterling delivered for some reason. But I was watching them from late November and I bought it when it stated there was only 2 available from a high of over 10 so maybe they were just clearing stock.

This link expands a bit more on the doc protection requirement in the uk - https://www.bender-uk.com/company/news-item/6ma-dc-sensitive-residual-current-monitoring-for-ac-charge-stations

Felexicon · 20-01-2021 11:33PM

I would definitely recommend paying a bit extra to get the unit with DC leakage protection.

Gumbo · 21-01-2021 01:16AM

Felexicon wrote: »

I would definitely recommend paying a bit extra to get the unit with DC leakage protection.

Can you explain the reason please.
Horse has already bolted for me, but may help others.

Felexicon · 21-01-2021 11:48AM

Gumbo wrote: »

Can you explain the reason please.
Horse has already bolted for me, but may help others.

A very basic explanation would be that it prevents DC current being introduced in to your house which can cause your RCD to malfunction. This would mean your RCD may not operate under fault conditions on a completely separate circuit to the car charger.
There will already be some DC current in your system due to the high amount of electronics used in most houses these days but an EV could be a different animal.
It's part of the reason why AC type RCDs are being done away with in the new regs.

Gumbo · 21-01-2021 12:02PM

Felexicon wrote: »

A very basic explanation would be that it prevents DC current being introduced in to your house which can cause your RCD to malfunction. This would mean your RCD may not operate under fault conditions on a completely separate circuit to the car charger.
There will already be some DC current in your system due to the high amount of electronics used in most houses these days but an EV could be a different animal.
It's part of the reason why AC type RCDs are being done away with in the new regs.

Thanks.

Pat201 · 24-01-2021 07:11PM

Hello
I have just ordered a VW ID4 as my company vehicle, Hoping to get it for June if no delays. I am looking into charger installation at the moment. I would need a charger that can tell me how much units I have used so I could provide that data to my company. Based off this requirement I think the Wallbox Pulsar plus would be a good option. My house has already got a 32A cable ran from fusebox to outside by electrician when it was built for future use of electric car. Neither side is connected obviously at the moment. I asked the electrician who installed the cable for a quote to install the Pulsar plus and he quoted me 250 euro. Is this a fair price ? He said` material would cost 120 (I though it would only be RCD fuse and Isolator switch but did not question him yet on what 120 entailed)

the_amazing_raisin · 24-01-2021 08:35PM

Pat201 wrote: »

Hello
I have just ordered a VW ID4 as my company vehicle, Hoping to get it for June if no delays. I am looking into charger installation at the moment. I would need a charger that can tell me how much units I have used so I could provide that data to my company. Based off this requirement I think the Wallbox Pulsar plus would be a good option. My house has already got a 32A cable ran from fusebox to outside by electrician when it was built for future use of electric car. Neither side is connected obviously at the moment. I asked the electrician who installed the cable for a quote to install the Pulsar plus and he quoted me 250 euro. Is this a fair price ? He said` material would cost 120 (I though it would only be RCD fuse and Isolator switch but did not question him yet on what 120 entailed)

That seems alright for installation only, I suppose you could also look at the Zappi as that has similar features. VW charger pro has consumption data

I'm not sure what the reporting requirements are for claiming electricity as an expense, but you could just get a cheap charger and put a basic electricity meter on it

Gatster · 24-01-2021 09:33PM

Pat201 wrote: »

Hello
I have just ordered a VW ID4 as my company vehicle, Hoping to get it for June if no delays. I am looking into charger installation at the moment. I would need a charger that can tell me how much units I have used so I could provide that data to my company. Based off this requirement I think the Wallbox Pulsar plus would be a good option. My house has already got a 32A cable ran from fusebox to outside by electrician when it was built for future use of electric car. Neither side is connected obviously at the moment. I asked the electrician who installed the cable for a quote to install the Pulsar plus and he quoted me 250 euro. Is this a fair price ? He said` material would cost 120 (I though it would only be RCD fuse and Isolator switch but did not question him yet on what 120 entailed)

At least you got a price. I haven't had a single quote from the three electricians I've been in contact with.

Pat201 · 24-01-2021 10:22PM

Gatster wrote: »

At least you got a price. I haven't had a single quote from the three electricians I've been in contact with.

Ya he has done all the wiring on the house and is still onsite so i guess it would suit us both, I just wanted to check that i was getting a good quote as he had ran the cable already when house was bought so it would mean a easier install.

the_amazing_raisin · 24-01-2021 10:35PM

Pat201 wrote: »

Ya he has done all the wiring on the house and is still onsite so i guess it would suit us both, I just wanted to check that i was getting a good quote as he had ran the cable already when house was bought so it would mean a easier install.

If I'm being totally honest, it's probably a little high for what is effectively wiring a plug, but I doubt you'll get anything cheaper so it sounds fine.

It's also not the worst idea sticking with someone you know isn't a cowboy or an idiot, even if it costs a little extra

Gumbo · 25-01-2021 03:13PM

Gumbo wrote: »

I’ll confirm next week.
I bought one on Amazon and due for delivery on Tuesday.

Just to confirm, chargepoint delivered today.
No vat, customs or duty.

32a QUBEV chargepoint delivered for €231.

It’s basic though. Aside from being able to manually select different charging speeds from 6a, 13a, 16a and 32a.

It’s small neat and discreet too. Measures only 200mm X 150mm.

kaahooters · 25-01-2021 03:18PM

Gumbo wrote: »

Just to confirm, chargepoint delivered today.
No vat, customs or duty.

32a QUBEV chargepoint delivered for €231.

It’s basic though. Aside from being able to manually select different charging speeds from 6a, 13a, 16a and 32a.

It’s small neat and discreet too. Measures only 200mm X 150mm.

from amazon, or, QUBEV direct?

Gumbo · 25-01-2021 03:28PM

kaahooters wrote: »

from amazon, or, QUBEV direct?

Amazon. Through the EVOnestop Store.

GarvC · 25-01-2021 08:38PM

Long time viewer first time poster here..
I have finally taken the plunge and purchased an EV. - Tesla Model 3
I have had an electrician out to the house and he has said that before I get a charger installed I will need a “tails upgrade” - has anybody here ever had this done before and if so what was the cost? He has quoted me 1300€ just for the upgrade. I’m looking to get the Zappi 2 installed which he has quoted an additional 800€ after grant..

The house was built in the 90s so can understand the requirement for the upgrade

Appreciate any help!
Thanks

meercat · 25-01-2021 08:54PM

GarvC wrote: »

Long time viewer first time poster here..
I have finally taken the plunge and purchased an EV. - Tesla Model 3
I have had an electrician out to the house and he has said that before I get a charger installed I will need a “tails upgrade” - has anybody here ever had this done before and if so what was the cost? He has quoted me 1300€ just for the upgrade. I’m looking to get the Zappi 2 installed which he has quoted an additional 800€ after grant..

The house was built in the 90s so can understand the requirement for the upgrade

Appreciate any help!
Thanks

He’s probably not too far off with that price
All earthing has to be upgraded including earth rod and gas meter bonding
New mains cables installed
Whole house tested and test records completed
Certificate issued to Esbn
Retest when Esbn do their work
Provide you with copy of certificate and test records
He may also have to issue a notice of potential hazard if issues are discovered whilst testing your existing installation and they are not rectified

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

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