UKGEI is an independent installer based in Fleet, Hampshire and an installer of car chargers including Zappi, ROLEC, and Andersen EV and is an approved installer for GivEnergy batteries and inverters. Choose from a range of chargers such as super-fast chargers, chargers that you can use with solar, discreet chargers, and chargers you can be designed with your branding.
Start Saving with Greener Energy Today
With fuel prices and energy prices on the rise, there has never been a better time to look at green energy solutions such as solar PV panels. UK Green Energy Installations can work with you to ensure you invest in the best panels for your business or household. Consider battery storage and electric car charger installation at the same time, so you can absorb it, store it, and use it!
Electric Car Chargers Could be Switched off Remotely at Peak Times
Following the recent article in The Times (link below) electrical vehicle chargers could be centrally switched off during peak times, UK Green Energy Installations looks into what this could mean, how it will happen and what impact this will have on car charging.
How much time do you need to charge your vehicle?
The average EV Vehicle has a battery of approximately 60 KWh, with the standard home charger being 7 KW. This would then take 8.5 hours of charge to go from 0% to 100%. However, it is normally recommended to charge to only 80-90% by your vehicle manufacturer and it is unlikely that your vehicle would be at 0% charge to begin with.
With a vehicle that’s set to charge after 10pm, and then charged for approximately 8.5 hours overnight, would mean the battery is fully charged before 06:30am, ready for the average commute to work or school.
As energy suppliers are offering good off-peak rates, it would be beneficial to take advantage of this and use cheaper rates at night to charge / top-up your vehicle.
How it is likely to occur
To be applicable for the government grant, your electric vehicle charger must be on a list of approved EVHS units - see the link below:
These approved EVHS (Electric Vehicle Homecharge Scheme) units include smart technology that can connect to the internet via SIM or Wi-Fi. Using this part of the charger’s technology may allow the government to have control of your charger, switching it off temporarily if peak demand on energy starts to exceed the capacity of local supplier’s equipment.
Will everyone be affected?
If you opt not to purchase a ‘Smart Charger’ and prefer to use a key operated charger without connectivity, you are unlikely to be affected. These chargers have no communication built-in and can simply be operated by a key. There are no internal elements to monitor its usage and the charger is the sole responsibility of the user plugging in their vehicle.
We install Smart Chargers and key operated chargers without connectivity for the home or the office: carcharge.uk/productsoverview
This Smart Charger from Myenergi not only benefits from connectivity but it can also be configured to be utilised with solar panels.
The Securicharge solution from Rolec has no smart connectivity and simply utilises a key to switch the unit on and off.
Choosing a Tethered or Untethered Zappi EV Charger?
The Zappi EV Charger is designed in either a tethered or untethered model. Choosing a tethered or untethered Zappi depends on personal preference. Below are a couple of points you might want to consider before making your decision.
Positives on untethered EV chargers
Aesthetics - there is no lead left hanging around and looking untidy when the charger is not in use
Connection - whoever is using the charger can use their own lead (supplied with the car), so your lead and your responsibility
Length - if you need a longer or shorter lead you can buy one to suit your car / parking position and location
Replacement lead - if the lead gets damaged you can simply buy another lead without the need to hire an electrician to replace it.
Positives on tethered EV chargers
Location - as the lead is tethered to the charger, you will always know where the lead is
Time saver - when you’re in a hurry and time is of the essence, you can plug your tethered lead straight into the car
Quality - as the lead is permanently tethered to the charger, it is less likely to get damaged.
Other considerations
Black, white, tethered or untethered - you choose…
