EV Charging Solutions
As our world continues to rapidly evolve a stronger emphasis is being placed upon reducing our carbon footprint. Electric vehicles are just one of the measures we can take towards a more sustainable carbon neutral future. Home car charging will not only be more convenient for the vehicle owner, it will also be considerably cheaper than using a public network charger, especially when utilising off peak energy tariffs. Please note, electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) is frequently and incorrectly referred to as an EV car charger. All electric vehicles have their chargers installed at point of manufacture. Please view the section headed Jargon for further details.
JTL Electrics Ltd are able to provide competitive quotes for EVSE installations for both residential and commercial properties in and around the Derby area. We install EVSE from several leading market manufacturers, which have both smart functionality and incorporate the latest safety features to ensure compliance with BS 7671 (Wiring regulations).
We pride ourselves by not undertaking standard or non-standard installations. Our focus is to speak to the client, ascertain what they would like to achieve and deliver a bespoke installation that meets their exact requirements, whether that be EVSE or alternative electrical installations.
Required Information
To enable us to install EVSE at your property, you will require either off street parking, driveway or a garage. In order to provide an accurate quote, we will need to understand your energy consumption. The following questions will provide an indication of the property’s existing maximum current demand. This is particularly important as the property’s electrical supply fuse (cut-out) needs to be suitable for the additional load which EVSE will place upon your electrical system.
You may have to request the distribution network operator (DNO) to upgrade the fuse in addition to your electricity supplier (the company you pay your electricity bills to) to upgrade the meter tails (these are the wires from the fuse to your electricity meter). We would also advise the fitting of a double pole isolator (if not already in situ) and the tails upgraded from the electricity meter to this newly installed isolator. These works are likely to incur an additional cost. The new isolator will facilitate a considerably easier consumer unit change out/addition (if required) reducing installation time and vastly improving installation safety. There is also a need to establish whether you are on a looped service, where you share an electrical supply with your neighbour. This potentially may need to be un-looped so as not to overload the supply cable to both properties. This task will also need to be completed by the DNO.
A good Wi-Fi signal or mobile data connection at the proposed charge point position will be necessary to enable smart functionality. In the absence of either/both we can network the EVSE. All new electrical installations need to comply with the current edition of the wiring regulations (18th edition AMD 2). As a consequence, an upgrade to the earth/main protective bonding conductors may be required. A number of large well-known national operators refer to this as a non-standard installation - www.nationalgrid.co.uk - (DNO, East Midlands).
Get a EVSE Installation Quote
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The Installation Process
On receipt of the aforementioned information/photos, we will arrange a suitably convenient date/time to attend site. This provides the ideal opportunity to discuss the proposed installation and also conduct a load assessment. The adequacy of the earthing will also need to be confirmed. Any deficiencies with the DNO’s equipment will need to be addressed by the DNO before proceeding any further. The resulting measurements/calculations will determine whether we can connect and notify the DNO or alternatively Apply to connect. The latter will require us to submit an application on your behalf to gain permission prior to installing an EV charge point. If you have researched the EVSE market and have a particular model in mind, we can advise you with regards to suitability and where appropriate, recommend an alternative. Please note, DNO application lead times can be upwards of 10 working days.
Jargon
EVSE - Electric vehicle supply equipment is frequently and incorrectly referred to as an EV car charger. Please note, EVSE will provide a safe source of electricity to your vehicle only. Every electric vehicle has its own on-board battery charger installed at point of manufacture. This and the size of the vehicle’s battery pack will largely determine how fast your vehicle will charge and will vary depending on the vehicles charge acceptance rate. The vehicle might have an AC charge acceptance rate of between 6-11 kW and also have a DC charge acceptance rate. Please refer to your car owner’s manual for exact details.
EVCP - Electric vehicle charge point.
Smart functionality - Intelligent charging system which enables an electric vehicle to share a data connection with the EVSE and your energy provider. Facilitates charge scheduling, energy usage, over the air updates etc.
Load curtailment - A provision for utility companies to potentially regulate energy usage during peak load periods.
Four modes of charging are available within the U.K.
Mode 1 - AC supply (slow charging) utilising a standard 3 pin plug/lead arrangement. This mode is no longer deemed mainstream charging technology.
Mode 2 - AC supply (slow charging) provides a minimal charging solution for your vehicle. The charging cable incorporates an in-cable control box/RCD. Suitable for single phase, with a max. charging current of around 10 Amps/2.3 KW. Often supplied with the purchased vehicle.
Mode 3 - AC supply (fast charging) this type of EVSE is available/suitable for both single and three phase installations; i.e. (Home charge/commercial applications). Most domestic dwellings will have a single-phase supply however, some properties may have three phase supplies. Single phase models are rated at approx. 32 Amps/7.4 KW. Whilst the three-phase model, up to 22KW. Higher KW. ratings depending on the vehicle can deliver faster charging times. Installation can be either wall or pedestal mounted.
Mode 4 - AC supply (rapid charging) AC is converted to DC within the EVSE. These tend to be large floor or wall mounted units, suitable for industrial/commercial applications; i.e. (types usually located in motorway services).
Plugs / Cables
Type 1 Connectors - Referred to as Yazaki connector and usually fitted to early models of electric vehicles.
Type 2 Connectors - Referred to as Mennekes connector. European standard plug.
CCS Connectors (combined charging system) - This type of plug incorporates both a type 2 connector for AC charging and 2 additional pins for Mode 4 DC rapid charging.
CHAdeMo Connectors - Mode 4 DC rapid charging.
Your vehicle may have single or dual socket outlets to accommodate these plugs or a combination of these plugs. Please refer to your car manufacturers specification for more details.
Cables: (the lead that connects the EVSE to the vehicle)
There are 2 options for home EVSE, namely tethered or untethered. The tethered version has the cable permanently attached to the EVSE and is wrapped around the unit when not in use or it may have a separate wall mounted bracket to stow the cable.
The untethered (socketed) version requires a cable with plugs on both ends. One plugs into the EVSE the other end plugs into the car and it is completely detachable from the EVSE when not in use. It is usually stowed in the car boot until needed. Both tethered/untethered options are available in single or dual outlet configurations and selection is a matter of personal preference. For locations of public charging points and associated information, the following link might be useful. Visiting any such linked websites is entirely at your own risk - www.zap-map.com
If you require any further information on our electrical services or would like to speak with us please contact us: