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

€1000 is saucy out.

I think the Hypervolt is the best value charge point around, best looking too. The only think that puts me off them is the lack of local suppliers.

Zappi's seem to have a high failure rate and look like the toilet training aid I used with my son. I wouldn't install one that's going to be in direct sunshine either as the screen will eventually fail.

They have their issues too unfortunately.

It depends, are you supplying the new charge point? Is there power already going to the Isolator? If the answer to both those questions is yes then it should be 100-150.

Your best bet is a local electrician, the larger companies use the easy installs to subsidize the more difficult ones and just default to a standard install cost.

Hi.

I'm looking for an untethered wall charger as a direct replacement for my temperamental 9-year old 3.6kW charger. The existing wall charger was one of the free ones that ESBN provided to the first 1000 purchasers of new EVs. A 7.2 kW would be nice but the 20A RCBO in the fuse box and 10m cabling to the wall box are dimensioned for the lower power rating, and would require an electrician to upgrade, so it'll have to be 3.6kW. I'm just looking for a cheap and cheerful solution that I can swap out myself. As I got the original box installed for free I don't qualify for any grants. I found this one online for €380:

https://evonestop.com/products/wallpod-ev-charging-unit-type-2-socket-16-32-amp3-6-7-2kw-ip65

Any advice or recommendations would be appreciated.

I had the tethered one for about 5 years with domestic socket built-in. It was great, but I had to replace the RCBO twice over that period. It will get you out of a pinch, but can I make a suggestion if you might be considering changing your EV in the next couple of years....

You are limiting yourself by choosing a dumb charger like that. You could purchase a tethered, or untethered smart chargepoint and either limit it directly on the charger unit, or by software. In your case, I would suggest something like the Hypervolt which you power restrict using an internal dial to choose the max output, which in your case will be the 20A. When you upgrade the Consumer Unit RCBO to a 32A, you can then turn the dial on the charge point to allow for the higher output.

The problem is you will spend a little more now, but save yourself in the long run and have a quality charge point. Buy a type 1-2 adapter on Amazon and you will be able to use it on all modern EVs as well as the older Leaf with the adapter. Just a suggestion.

Thanks for that Ghost. So you suggest something like the Hypervolt tethered, (and with an adapter for my LEAF). Do you know if there's an Irish reseller who will sell the unit (or any other units) without installation? I imagine importing from the UK would create customs issues.

Thanks Buffman. That EO Mini would be an option alright. I'll see if it's still available.

Thanks again Ghost. Is it possible to simply plug in my existing Type 1 to Type 2 LEAF cable into the tethered Type 2 cable, i.e. two cables instead of cable and adaptor?

Folks I have recently purchased a PHEV, never had one before. Its a 2020 Hyundai Ioniq

I am looking in to getting a home charger. I am clueless on this, so where do I start. I have off street parking and it can be installed at the back of the home, I should qualify for the SEAI grant.

I am also in the county louth area if anyone can recommend a good installer.

Just on the whole tethered v untethered units.

I guess the tethered ones are a bit more expensive in general.

with the UN tethered units, can the cable be locked in? (Therefore making it tethered)

is there a general theft issue going on out there with untethered cables being stolen? (Like if I was to buy an untethered unit and simply leave the cable plugged in to the box and not lock it , would it more that likely get stolen very quickly)

Mine locks at the CP but only when the car is connected to it, so not suitable if you're worried about it being stolen.

There’s minimal price delta between the two. Leaving a cable plugged into an untethered unit would just look horrible imo. The only reasons to go untethered are:

1. neatness when not charging.
2. if you have type 1 and type 2 cars. But this can be resolved with an adapter if going tethered.

In order to avail of the EV grant

1. does it have to be a 'smart' charger?
2. does it work if you buy one 2nd hand from a friend etc?

The adapter I linked is the same one I use on my type 2 Hypervolt charger for my type 1 Nissan Leaf. Note: if using a Hypervolt you need to disable the “random start” option from the menu in the APP.

1. yes
2. yes

I would'nt use the rigid one because it is more likely to cause damage to the cars charge port because it will stick out more and be a lever that could result in high repair bills.

Personally if I had both type 2 and type 1 cars I'd save myself the €100 adapter and go untethered, especially if the cars already have their own cables, which they should.

On the great untethered V tethered debate, having had both at various stages I can say there's pros and cons to either.

When I was untethered, if the cable wasn't in use charging it was behind the drivers seat on the floor for easy access, or if there were passengers or it was wet, in the boot. No real need to be messing around putting it in it's bag if you're constantly using it. Literally a few seconds to remove or plug in the cable.

On the theft risk of untethered, I think there's as much likelihood of someone stealing the entire charger, especially as they make us put in the isolation switch now which allows it to be stolen 'safely'.

Now I'm tethered, I find I'm spending a bit more time messing around with the cable so I don't leave a trip hazard for anyone else while it's not in use.

It's no contest when it comes to neatness, sometimes I do look at my friends tiny untethered EO mini that you'd barely notice and regret going tethered.