How to choose the right EV Charger Brand.

Branding is just as important as the product that you’re trying to deliver, so it’s something you should consider when purchasing. It’s a promise of quality, reliability and trust. There are a few aspects that sets apart a good EV charger brand and one that isn’t, here’s how you can learn to tell from an installer's POV of EV Chargers for the past 3 years!

Recognition and Reputation

The more of it that you see in a household, the more confident you are in making the assumption that it’s preferred for a very strong reason. Staple home EV Charger brands, namely those associated with their manufacturer such as Tesla and BMW has been awfully popular in Malaysia. 

But there’s also another brand that we’ve seen many make their choice of installation which is the E1 Charger by Energielite. From the hundreds of installations done, the E1 Charger has been the only one that has been able to rival the Tesla Chargers in the number of installations we’ve done.

Features in their Products

Narrowing it down following reputation will then put you in a position to pick on the features. Features such as  Open Charge Point Protocol (OCPP) and advanced connectivity are essentials to what helps elevate the experience of EV Charger ownership.

Open Charge Point Protocol (OCPP)

Software Updates

This feature functions as a way for your EV Charger to “talk” or exchange data to each other seamlessly. OCPP-compliant chargers are able to adapt to new networks, software or features as they become available through updates without the need of physical intervention.

Remote control and Monitoring

This also enables you to control and monitor your EV Charger through its own application giving you the freedom of start, stop or scheduling charge sessions, thanks to OCPP exchanging data through connectivity options.

Advanced Connectivity Options.

Wi-Fi & Bluetooth

This is separate to OCPP as it is the method of data transmission. Wi-Fi or Bluetooth is usually the case in terms of the data being delivered for the OCPP to communicate. Integration of a smart home system (Alexa, Google home , etc) is also possible if the EV Charger has the ability to do Wi-Fi.

RFID

A capability that gives a layer of access control that authenticates the user’s charge session. You’re able to personalize your charge settings and use it with each authentication done without interfering with another user’s charge settings.

Good Reviews, Happy Customers

If all you’ve heard online is bad about an EV Charger then it’s best that you don’t follow through. Consistent complaints that revolve around their EV Charger or brand will be the first red flag as it creates an imagery of poor QC (Quality Checking). A good brand will cut corners only where it will not impact the user’s experience in EV Charging or will be noticeable.

Certifications

A certification is another proof that the brand follows a standard that has been approved by the industry. The more certifications that the brand is able to provide, the better chances it is that you’ll unlikely encounter an issue with the EV Charger throughout its lifetime. Look out for certifications like UL ,CE or SIRIM QAS for your EV Charger.

After-purchase support

Warranty Period

Shooting your own foot would be the textbook definition if the brand you choose didn’t have a solid warranty period or reliable customer support team. Even with the good reviews online, you can never be so sure that the product will perform exactly as others. Choose a warranty period of at least two years or more as this is the standard for reputable brands. 

Comprehensive coverage

Learn about the coverage that the warranty provides, it should cover certain defects in material or workmanship under normal use. It should be inclusive of the internal components such as the charging cable, connectors and internal electronics.

Installer 

If you’ve settled down with an EV Charger from a reputable brand, you might have to start looking for an installer if not provided. Similar to how a brand impacts how you perceive a product, the installer is equally important to consider. 

With an extensive 3 years of hundreds of installations for EV Chargers in the Klang Valley, we’ve made a name that you can look up and be confident that it’ll be a choice you won't regret just as our prior customer’s have expressed on our reviews. For more information regarding installations or our selection of EV Chargers, contact EV Sifu!