The call was as expected, no further forward despite supply 3 quotes for a full install, including charger and additional works, which all came in around £1,400.00 and clearly proved that Ohme was overcharging on their quote. Motabilty are going to look into the quote again, but last weeks effort by Motability did not change Ohme’s position one bit. So back to square one and seriously thinking about ditching the whole thing and cancelling the EV which is due for delivery next week. Renault will not be impressed. But, firstly I will await a reply from Motability and see what the outcome is with Ohme. <p style=”text-align: left;”>The reason given by Ohme as to why a homeowner cannot get the groundwork’s done themselves is because “it would affect the 3 year warranty if the installation is not carried out by their own specialist installers”</p> Competition and Markets Authority???
The 3 year warranty is for the charger.
How much cable in total is needed from meter to charger (A standard install allows up to 15m)?
The word specialist means very little other than refering to the chager. An approved or authorised installer just mean they are approved by xyz manufacturer to fit their products and sometimes refers to being members of an association such as OZEV for EV chargers or be a member of an electrcal association such as the NICEIC. Sometimes to be approved installer of a certain product, you go on a days training visit at a manufacturers facility, to prove you are compatant installing the “Product” alone. It has nothing to do with any third party work away from the actual product itself – this third party work either forms part of the qualifications for the trade you in or it can be done by a third party installer if they are better suited to carry out this work.
As far as I’m concerned Ohme do not manufacture or have approved post supplier, so will be relying on a third part post no different to what you yourself can buy.
There is no law or regulation on who prepares the groundwork as long as it meets minimum specifications and there is certainly no law in installing a small concrete pad to put a post on. I often get someone to prepare the grounwork and install ducting ready to install the cable and mount the charger on a post.
Ohme are being unreasonable and blatantly ripping ofd disabled people under Motability’s nose and Motability are allowing this to happen and you are in your rights to ask for a full breakdown of costs from Ohme.
I would certainly be going to your MP and asking them to pass over relevant information to the minister of disabled, I also see no reson why you can’t complain to the competition watchdog or any other relevant organisation that would be willing to listen.
I would also suggest to Motability, to award the amount (£) for standard installation and you will get it done privately. I would also tell them you are taking matters further and if necessary to the financial Ombudsman (higher up complaint tree)
Don’t give up 🙂
