Choosing an EV Charger

It is very important, for the safety of all Users, to only purchase and install Electric Vehicle Charging Hardware that has been safety certified in Australia by a Recognised Testing Authority (RTA) and displays the RCM mark.  Further details.

A permanently connected, fixed Electric Vehicle Charger must be installed by a licensed Electrician and comply with AS/NZS 3000.  This includes: Dedicated circuit per charger, circuit breaker, RCD Type B.  Further details.

 Your electrician will be able to measure and calculate your Maximum Demand, to determine the available Capacity within your buildings Electrical System.  Single or Three Phase will be determined by your existing Electrical Infrastructure. 

Type of Vehicle and therefore Type of Socket required - note that Type 2 is the most common (see below)

Daily Range (distance) requirements - i.e. How often will you need to charge?

Which is more convenient - a Socket outlet versus Tethered Lead?  

For OH&S reasons, we don't recommend Tethered Leads for Public environments.

To not be tied to one vendor, it is recommended to install Open Charge Point Protocol (OCPP) compliant hardware and software.  This will allow features such as Smart Charging and Payment Management - Smart Charge.

If you are installing for one particular vehicle, then note the AC Invertor Limit below.  That vehicle will only be able to charge to it's max limit, no matter how high the kW rating of the Charger.  For 'future proofing', we recommend selecting the highest kW that you can - i.e. 22kW.  The output of EV Chargers can be scaled back to match your system, during the Commissioning process.

 The Time of Day that you wish to Charge versus Cost of Electricity and Available Capacity / ability to turn other loads off during that Time of Day.  There are many ways to address these constraints, including Time and Tariff settings, Hub/Satellite management, Smart Charge load management, and connecting the Chargers to a Building Energy Management System. 

  4G (UMTS) connectivity - Recommended for better Charger Management.  See Smart Charge.

 Internal kWh Meter - recommended for billing purposes, as well as individual Charger performance management.  See Smart Charge.

Do you wish to maximise your Solar output?  We can configure your Charger/s to maximise your self consumption by charging your vehicle/s predominantly from your building Solar output (known as Solar Diversion).

Other installation considerations include: Distance from your Electrical Switchboard, indoor or outdoor, and preferred Mounting options.

 Finally, will the Charger/s be available for Public use? i.e. Would you like to make money from the Public using the Chargers?  Or, would you like to manage a Fleet of Company vehicles?  See Smart Charge.