One of the things to consider is whether you have solar installed, or intend to get it. A number of so-called smart chargers do not integrate with solar. Ohme for example don't, and have no plans to do so in the medium term. A Zappi can do this now. Just something to bear in mind. Oh and if you've only got a 60A fuse on an older property that can be an issue.
-
EV6 Reservation Tracker: Add Yours Here!
Which Home Charger
Hi, this is cross-posted from Kia Forums, I didn't get any replies there, can anyone help?
I've ordered an EV6, really excited after my test drive. I've ordered a RWD GT-Line S. This is my first electric car, and I want to get a home charger for it. I know that the EV6 will have the ability to be scheduled for a trip, and will charge up at the right time to be ready for the journey. I'm puzzled how this works in conjunction with the 'smart' home charger, which may well have its own schedule programmed. Do the two devices communicate with each other so this works, or do I need to leave the charger ON all the time?
This may affect the choice of charger I get, if they can play nicely with each other I can get one which works with my solar panels and will divert excess energy into the car. I'm keen to get any constructive advice I can, as it seems to be a bit of a minefield.
Thanks for your help!!
I've ordered an EV6, really excited after my test drive. I've ordered a RWD GT-Line S. This is my first electric car, and I want to get a home charger for it. I know that the EV6 will have the ability to be scheduled for a trip, and will charge up at the right time to be ready for the journey. I'm puzzled how this works in conjunction with the 'smart' home charger, which may well have its own schedule programmed. Do the two devices communicate with each other so this works, or do I need to leave the charger ON all the time?
This may affect the choice of charger I get, if they can play nicely with each other I can get one which works with my solar panels and will divert excess energy into the car. I'm keen to get any constructive advice I can, as it seems to be a bit of a minefield.
Thanks for your help!!
1 - 10 of 10 Posts
Thanks, I have a PV solar array, but only 3.5 kW when on full tilt, so not crucial that it uses it but would be nice if it diverted power cleverly. I have seen posts elsewhere which say that owners have had difficulty getting the prewarm/scheduled climate function to work because the smart charger had turned off. Any suggestions?
I don't really have a strong preference in brands, but suggest you think through whether you want one that connects to the web for "remote control". I just got a basic Juicebox, nothging fancy with a long cord as if you switch EVs the charging port location might change. I'd also say that you want to make sure it can charges at the max rate allowed by your wiring and accepted by your car. Its important to balance all those factors, as well as just how fast you really need to charge. You can save a lot of money if you are willing to charge at a slower rate.
Sorry for rambling....I just think its a complicated decision.
Sorry for rambling....I just think its a complicated decision.
Hi, in the UK we have to have a smart charger installed at home. Obviously for the day when these can be controlled remotely...I don't really have a strong preference in brands, but suggest you think through whether you want one that connects to the web for "remote control". I just got a basic Juicebox, nothging fancy with a long cord as if you switch EVs the charging port location might change. I'd also say that you want to make sure it can charges at the max rate allowed by your wiring and accepted by your car. Its important to balance all those factors, as well as just how fast you really need to charge. You can save a lot of money if you are willing to charge at a slower rate.
Sorry for rambling....I just think its a complicated decision.
You don't HAVE to install a smart meter......but if you want the £350 grant you DO.Hi, in the UK we have to have a smart charger installed at home. Obviously for the day when these can be controlled remotely...
Hang on a minute there folks. You don't HAVE to fit a SMART METER at all, (although you will loose out on ToU rates with electricity suppliers). To be entitled to the grant, you DO have to install a SMART CHARGER. Something a little more sophisticated than a commando socket, that can be controlled via an App or from its own built in controls. It must be fitted by an Approved Installer (the list for which is extensive!). In addition, you do not get the OLEV grant directly, your installer gets it and is supposed to knock it off your bill. Some though, like to add it on to the estimate at the front end and then knock it off again at the back end when they invoice you, thereby pocketing £350.00 for nothing!!!
That's what I saidHang on a minute there folks. You don't HAVE to fit a SMART METER at all, (although you will loose out on ToU rates with electricity suppliers). To be entitled to the grant, you DO have to install a SMART CHARGER. Something a little more sophisticated than a commando socket, that can be controlled via an App or from its own built in controls. It must be fitted by an Approved Installer (the list for which is extensive!). In addition, you do not get the OLEV grant directly, your installer gets it and is supposed to knock it off your bill. Some though, like to add it on to the estimate at the front end and then knock it off again at the back end when they invoice you, thereby pocketing £350.00 for nothing!!!
You said you had to have SMART METERS to get the OLEV Grant. "You don't HAVE to install a smart meter......but if you want the £350 grant you DO." You can get the OLEV Grant without SMART METERS, but you must fit a SMART CHARGER. CHARGERS are different to METERS! I got the OLEV Grant but didn't have a SMART METER at the time the Charger was installed. I moved home 3 months later and now am going through the process again.
yeah, obvious typo. I meant charger....as you don't get a £350 grant for a smart meter.You said you had to have SMART METERS to get the OLEV Grant. "You don't HAVE to install a smart meter......but if you want the £350 grant you DO." You can get the OLEV Grant without SMART METERS, but you must fit a SMART CHARGER. CHARGERS are different to METERS! I got the OLEV Grant but didn't have a SMART METER at the time the Charger was installed. I moved home 3 months later and now am going through the process again.
1 - 10 of 10 Posts
- This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Kia EV6 Forum
Register for the latest discussion and news about Kia's upcoming electric vehicles: EV1, EV2, EV3, EV4, EV5, EV6, EV7, EV8, and EV9
Full Forum Listing
Explore Our Forums
Recommended Communities
