[Richardw]

After cancelling the GTD it looks like we are going to be going down the phev route. Just wondered if anyone had any recommendations re wall chargers,  are they all  pretty much the same?

 

Topic

[gothitjulie]

If your PHEV only takes 16A (3.6kW) then still get a 32A (7kW) charger fitted because you’ll want that later on when you get a full EV, going for the 7kW version now avoids needing to uprate the cable that runs to the charger from your house electrics & avoids the need to upgrade the charger unit itself although most are simply a bank of 3 dip switches inside to change.

Some “chargers” are a little more clever than others & can interact to use cheap rate electricity, but for a PHEV that’s probably not a big concern considering the extra costs involved (Zappi/OHME).

This link may point you in the right direction – speakev.com/forums/home-charger-reviews.388/

 

 

[Wigwam]

I have to disagree with gothitjulie. For most PHEVs an ordinary 13A socket will allow overnight charging at 10A. Perhaps 6 hours rather than 4 hours on a special wall charger.  When you move to a full EV, as things stand, Motability will pay for a 7kW (32A) charger.  Getting a outdoor 13A socket fitted will cost very little.

[Mike]

Thanks gothitjulie very well explained as per usual. I find all your posts very informative.

[gothitjulie]

Wigwam wrote:

I have to disagree with gothitjulie. For most PHEVs an ordinary 13A socket will allow overnight charging at 10A. Perhaps 6 hours rather than 4 hours on a special wall charger. When you move to a full EV, as things stand, Motability will pay for a 7kW (32A) charger. Getting a outdoor 13A socket fitted will cost very little.

Or, you could do something else entirely & install a 32A commando socket rather than a 13A socket, and you can then use a 16A granny charger without melting things (use a 32A commando to schuko adapter cable & buy a schuko plugged granny charger as they are cheaper than a specific 13A UK plug one), run a 7kW OHME commando plugged charger once you go to full EV (hint: Octopus occasionally do a deal on the OHME charger, it’s usually £200 through them but they have days when it’s £100). I have things like a 32A commando to two 13A three pin UK plugs adapter cable for wheelchair in car charging & lawnmower/jetwasher etc., use, it’s a much more useful & flexible system than a type 2 socket just for EV charging, but not everyone needs such a system.

 

[Richardw]

gothitjulie wrote:

If your PHEV only takes 16A (3.6kW) then still get a 32A (7kW) charger fitted because you’ll want that later on when you get a full EV, going for the 7kW version now avoids needing to uprate the cable that runs to the charger from your house electrics & avoids the need to upgrade the charger unit itself although most are simply a bank of 3 dip switches inside to change. Some “chargers” are a little more clever than others & can interact to use cheap rate electricity, but for a PHEV that’s probably not a big concern considering the extra costs involved (Zappi/OHME). This link may point you in the right direction – speakev.com/forums/home-charger-reviews.388/

Thanks for that very useful info Julie. Is it worth me upgrading the onboard charger to 7 kw for the sake of £400?

[Wigwam]

I agree gothitjulie, there are lots of options but for most PHEVs they cost quite a lot of money for little gain. Every PHEV comes with a charging cable with a three pin plug. Any electrician can install an outside socket for about £50.  There is no safety issue drawing 10A off a 13A domestic plug.  For most people who recharge overnight it matters not if the charge takes 4 hours or 6 hours.

[Tim]

Gothitjulie always hits the nail on the head. Amazing advice thanks! Btw… is it got hit Julie or goth it Julie?

[gothitjulie]

Tim wrote:

Gothitjulie always hits the nail on the head. Amazing advice thanks! Btw… is it got hit Julie or goth it Julie?

It was originally Goth – I’m definitely a goth, IT – I took a sabbatical from my normal work & went to work in the IT dept for a couple of years, & my name is simply Julie.

 

[Oscarmax]

Richardw wrote:

After cancelling the GTD it looks like we are going to be going down the phev route. Just wondered if anyone had any recommendations re wall chargers, are they all pretty much the same?

Unfortunately I have suffered a brain injury and occasionally say the wrong thing.

[Author]

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