You’ve paid good money, now only time can tell whether or not your EV Charger will last as long as your expected usage but what if I told you there are ways to fully maximize it through careful selection. Here’s how you can choose the right long term- EV Charger for your home.
Power Output
You need to figure out your EV model and compare its maximum charging (kW) input for you to maximize the charging times. You can read more by clicking here.
Safety Features
It’s a non-negotiable that your EV Charger should be able to safeguard and add a layer of protection before harm makes way to you or your EV. Check to see if they have safety certifications as well such as CE,UL or SIRIM QAS. Here are some critical safety features that should be included.
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GFCI - Ground fault circuit interrupter that cuts off the electrical power instantly in an event of a ground fault or electrical leakage that could lead to electric shocks.
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Temperature monitoring - Acts accordingly to regulate or reduce the charging speed in order to reduce the build up of thermals. Prevents fire hazards from faulty wiring.
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Overcurrent Protection - Monitoring current levels and prevents it from exceeding your equipment’s rated capacity.
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Overvoltage Protection - Monitoring voltage levels and prevents it from exceeding your equipment’s rated capacity.
Ingress Protection Rating
A minimum rating of IP54 would be the best solution to an indoor/sheltered installed EV Charger, anything above that is definitely better but not necessary to accommodate the conditions inside.
Durability tests however state that IP65/67 have maintained full functionality even after exposure equivalent to 10 years of outdoor use of simulated harsh weather. In the event of a flood however, it will not survive regardless of the ingress protection rating as it is not made to endure full submersion.
Solar-compatibility
If you own a solar PV system at home and want to really hit it home with energy management, then you’d want to look for an EV Charger that has solar functionality when comparing chargers. Consider the different “modes” of solar EV Charging that control the amount of power the charger pulls.
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Solar-Only Charging - Only uses solar energy to charge your EV.
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Solar + Grid Charging - Prioritizes solar energy then utilizes grid power when necessary.
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Solar + Battery + Grid Charging - Charges similar to Solar and grid but utilizes battery firsthand before supplementing with grid.
Brand
There’s truths to how a brand reputation is a critical factor in purchasing a long term EV charger as it often reflects the qualities in its products. Here’s how brand perception is tied to the selection factor of a long term EV Charger.
Display
A screen would always be a welcome addition, some people like to have their charging status displayed on a screen but most users that I’ve come across have expressed that they don’t use it after awhile.
I wouldn’t go to such lengths calling it a gimmick but if it's not being used then you might as well just call it that. Plus charging information can still be accessed from both your EV or application.
Design
Have a home that you don’t want to desecrate with an ugly EV Charger? We have aesthetically pleasing one’s as well, such as the Teltonika Teltocharge. Combining both functionality and appearances in an EV Charger that blends effortlessly through its interchangeable front plates that offers up to 5 different colors.
Smart Features & Connectivity
OCPP
Having this ensure that you'd be able to receive new features through OTA (Over the air updates). Your EV Charger will essentially always be up to date with times and at times could integrate Solar/Battery compatibility through it.
Wi-Fi / Bluetooth
Unplugging your EV Charger after a charge might seem easy but it’ll most likely be a bit tedious after a while. Having features that automate or carry out your instruction of stopping the charge will be much more convenient, even more so at the palm of your hands
Load Balancing
For those who own multiple EV’s or want to charge without worrying about your electrical system tripping whilst maintaining your daily electrical consumption. Load balancing adjusts and reduces power to charge an EV to prevent overloading.
Installer
If you’ve settled down with an EV Charger that fits the bill of being long-term, you might have to start looking for an installer if not provided. An installer is just as important if not more as a EV Charger will not perform optimally without the proper installation process.
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. For more information regarding installations or our selection of EV Chargers, contact EV Sifu!
