Home charging advice.

[arg]

If I were to get the home charger install done now, would I be eligible for the OLEV subsidy again at my new property once I've moved house in 6-9 months?

Also, I'm buying this as a company car (I'm self employed) rather than a personal purchase as the tax breaks are pretty huge... but does buying it as a company impact a home charger OLEV subsidy? Tesla have included a voucher for a Tesla subsidy of £700 x2 for charger installers too; I was wondering why these were included but I'm now wondering if this is because I'm notionally buying the Model S as a corporate purchase?

The OLEV subsidy does still apply if you can prove you have the use of a company EV. I can't however remember the detail of what happens if you move house.

These Tesla vouchers I don't know much about, since they are a new thing in the last couple of months. 2x £700 sounds amazingly generous - what's the catch??

My understanding was that this was an alternative to the OLEV scheme so that you could get a simple commando socket rather than a proper chargepoint and just plug your Tesla-supplied portable EVSE into it - all for the sake of the button on the end of the cable. I strongly disapprove of this policy, but it seems to be what they are doing.

This is a worry actually. As I'm moving and it goes on the front of the house, I'm planning on just getting a socket wall mounted rather than a tethered charger. I had been worrying about what would happen if someone comes in the middle of the night and just unplugs the cable...!

In the middle of the night is less of a concern, since the car end of the cable is locked to the car, and the other end may or may not be locked depending on whether you are talking about a proper chargepoint or plugging the UMC into a commando socket.

However, you don't really want to be rolling up your (dirty) cable and taking it with you every day - you want plugging in when you get home each night to be a 10-second routine rather than a chore.

My preference is a chargepoint with tethered cable, which isn't readily stolen (other than with wirecutters just for the copper). Next best would be a socketed fixed chargepoint with a (cheap) cable - you can fix the cable to the wall with a padlock and a ringbolt (the cable itself is much thinner than the plugs on the end. A commando socket and the UMC is more of an issue, since the UMC is much more expensive and a bit more fragile (though could potentially be padlocked in the same way).

If this is highly visible on the front of your house, maybe consider putting whatever you have installed in a small lockable cupboard rather than just open on the wall?

 

[Amanmahal]

Hi Arg,

I appreciate all the info, that's really useful.

These Tesla vouchers I don't know much about, since they are a new thing in the last couple of months. 2x £700 sounds amazingly generous - what's the catch??

My understanding was that this was an alternative to the OLEV scheme so that you could get a simple commando socket rather than a proper chargepoint and just plug your Tesla-supplied portable EVSE into it - all for the sake of the button on the end of the cable. I strongly disapprove of this policy, but it seems to be what they are doing.

So I checked and you're right - the OLEV is for a wall-mounted charge point at home while the Tesla voucher (£550 is the correct amount, apologies not £700; but up to two installs was correct, with a total value up to £1100 allowed) "applies to the installation of a commando socket for your Mobile Connector".

While I would prefer a tethered charge point longer-term (and will be the case at my new house), my current house which I leave in 6 months time will have something installed on the front wall of the house that needs to be low profile (as requested by the guy I'm selling to), so this means either:

1) an untethered charge point
2) a commando socket

To be honest, I don't really see the difference between either of these? Both will presumably be a socket point that will connect my charge cable between the car and wall - or am I missing something here?

Many thanks,
Aman

 

[arg]

While I would prefer a tethered charge point longer-term (and will be the case at my new house), my current house which I leave in 6 months time will have something installed on the front wall of the house that needs to be low profile (as requested by the guy I'm selling to),

Consider that you could alternatively install what you like and tidily remove it later.

In theory with the OLEV scheme, you can have a point installed and you can then move it (at your own cost) when you move house. Admittedly that's probably more trouble than its worth.

so this means either:

1) an untethered charge point
2) a commando socket

To be honest, I don't really see the difference between either of these? Both will presumably be a socket point that will connect my charge cable between the car and wall - or am I missing something here?

A commando socket is just a socket - like a 13A socket only bigger, no electronics inside. You then connect your Tesla UMC to it, which contains the electronics to switch the power on and off and tell the car how much it can take.

A chargepoint (tethered or otherwise) contains electronics equivalent to what's in the UMC, and connects to the car with a simple cable - either a cable permanently connected to the chargepoint (tethered), or a loose cable otherwise. Cars are no longer delivered with a simple cable, you will need to buy one.

Tesla are effectively forcing you down the Commando route, by giving you the (relatively expensive) UMC with the car but no basic cable AND giving you a free commando install while a proper chargepoint install (outwith OLEV) will cost you.

I don't like the Commando option because it's less safe and less foolproof, although arguably those points are both moot if you have a dedicated commando socket and leave your UMC permanently plugged into it.

So in your situation I would (reluctantly) use the Tesla scheme to get a Commando socket installed, and fit a lockable cabinet on the wall next to it (or covering it), so that you can leave your UMC in there without risking someone stealing it, and without having to roll up the cable/UMC and stash them in the car every morning. You can simply unscrew your cabinet and take it with you when you move, leaving the (relatively unobtrusive) commando socket behind.

 

[Amanmahal]

Brilliant - that makes total sense.

I'd be tempted to go with untethered charge point in that case (so I'd just need a standard cable), but will see what the situation is with regards to being able to have an OLEV subsidy on each of the two properties I'll find myself in over the next yar (I can post back regarding OLEV rules on moving house once I know) as an untethered box is still relatively limited in terms of wall space. If only one OLEV is allowed per car, then I think commando socket now followed by tethered charge point when I move.

 

[Amanmahal]

I finally heard back from OLEV (see below). So the charger subsidy is only valid once and cannot be used again if you move house:

Dear Aman

Thank you for your email. Given you have already benefited from receiving a grant for a domestic charger you wouldn’t be able to claim for a second one. However, there is provision in the guidance document to allow you to have your chargepoint moved to your new house.

We would need confirmation of your current post code and chargepoint ID, as well as the address and post code to which you wish to move the chargepoint so that our records can be updated. OLEV will not contribute to the costs of moving a chargepoint to a new address.

If you have any further questions, please let me know.

Office for Low Emission Vehicles

Means I therefore will need to use the Tesla commando socket subsidy at my current place and save the OLEV subsidy for when I move to my new house.

Regards,
Aman

 

[pbceng]

I currently have a 3kW charge point installed under the OLEV scheme but am planning to upgrade it to a ~7kW charge point in the next few months. I'm still considering purchase of a Model S but am resisting taking a test drive until I'm sure I've worked the numbers out. The voucher scheming looks interesting - is it possible to use the voucher towards a conventional level two charge point, or is it restricted to commando only? If it's flexible then it would be sensible for me to wait until I place an order (sorry, wait until I've decided!!).

 

[mgboyes]

I currently have a 3kW charge point installed under the OLEV scheme but am planning to upgrade it to a ~7kW charge point in the next few months. I'm still considering purchase of a Model S but am resisting taking a test drive until I'm sure I've worked the numbers out. The voucher scheming looks interesting - is it possible to use the voucher towards a conventional level two charge point, or is it restricted to commando only? If it's flexible then it would be sensible for me to wait until I place an order (sorry, wait until I've decided!!).

I'd hold fire and see what happens when Tesla finally release their UK-spec "Wall Connector". Rumour is that it will be subsidised in price in the UK, so might be a better alternative for you.

I believe that the current voucher scheme is only for the installation of an interlocked blue single phase 32A or red 3 phase 16A commando socket (but am not sure; haven't seen any details about it myself, and don't plan to use it).

 

[pbceng]

I finally took the plunge and visited the Birmingham Tesla Store. The Product Specialist confirmed your belief - the voucher scheme provides for an electrician to fit a blue commando socket which then requires the use of the Tesla UMC lead. While this is a bit cumbersome it is a better solution than using the 3kW charger. They didn't know when the Tesla wall connector might be available.

 

[robin_]

I picked up my P85D on 27th July. Apparently that was in the "transitional period", which meant I got a normal charging cable and a UMC as well. I didn't get a voucher for an electrician.

Even without the voucher, this makes a lot of sense. In most cases, a simple 32A commando outlet will be cheaper than your contribution towards a proper wall charger.

I have 3-phase power at home and you can get a 16A 3PH dongle that fits on the end of the UMC as well which allows me to charge at 11kW at home.

This all means I have a spare UMC and a spare normal charging cable now from my old P85+, which I guess I should stick on eBay at some point!

 

[Scafwell]

Thanks everybody for the advice & general feedback. I have opted for a Chargemaster install which happens this week (as my car comes on 1st September). I'll post up my experience of Chargemaster in due course.

Once again, many thanks.

 

[thegruf]

I'm with mgboyes on this.
Go with Rolec or Phoenix/ABL

Chargemaster/Podpoint I would really not deal with.

 

[thegruf]

Another thing to be aware of it that chargepoints fitted on the OLEV scheme include mandatory data collection.
Probably not a biggie in this age of the internet know more about you than you do yourself, but it seems not everyone is aware of this.

Getting your own 32A 3 pin connector fitted may not be that much more expensive now the grant is only 75% (especially if you have halfway decent electric in your garage already) and undoubtedly the fitters on the scheme will be loading the costs to make "best use" of the grant.

 

[blackmonday]

Tesla have informed me that my car (due for delivery in December) will come with a 3 pin plug and UMC as standard. Is this enough or would you recommend a CHAdeMO adapter as well?

 

[robin_]

Tesla have informed me that my car (due for delivery in December) will come with a 3 pin plug and UMC as standard. Is this enough or would you recommend a CHAdeMO adapter as well?

In 15 months or so I've never been in a situation where I think it would have been useful to have a CHAdeMO adapter. I think they're pretty expensive too.

You'd be be better off buying a 62196-2 cable to use public charging points and home wall chargers. I've used these guys a few times:

62196-2 Male to Female 32A Charging Plugs 3 PHASE

 

[arg]

In 15 months or so I've never been in a situation where I think it would have been useful to have a CHAdeMO adapter. I think they're pretty expensive too.

Really? Whereabouts in the UK are you?

With Ecotricity at motorway service areas across the country, and increasing numbers of CHAdeMO points elsewhere, I would rate CHAdeMO next most useful after Supercharging.
Public chargepoints with type2 sockets are rarely useful because they are too slow (though in the rare occasion that they are useful, they are invaluable).

 

[smac]

Well I haven't used anything other than type 2 in my ownership either I haven't even Supercharged once, and only needed an Ecotricity a couple of times for a 30 mile boost.

It really depends on your usage pattern I guess. 99.9% of my charging has been at home.

I would definitely buy another Type-2 though, I know it's a bit cheeky, but there are lots of type 2 in car parks, and I'll use them as much as I can on the basis they are usually ICE'd or vacant. So I figure if the suppliers / OLEV / car park operators see them being used they will increase the roll out, and be more vigilant on ICE'ing.

I have done one trip out of range (weekend in London) where not stopping en route for a charge and using a tube car park with Type-2 was perfect, and actually the most convenient way of making the trip. There are of course some other subtleties at work ie: parking in an EV bay vs charging at one (even if let's face it you are unlikely to need the juice in a Model S) it is a nice benefit.

I wouldn't want to be without a Type-2. Even if it was a lightweight single phase one, for occasional use, not that many 22kW posts around anyway.

Out of interest have we finally worked out the charging rate the new cars will go to now dual charger isn't an option?

 

[thegruf]

... now dual charger isn't an option?

It is still an option, but is SC fit not listed on the website.
You just have to request it from the SC.
Useful if you want to 3 phase charge eg at work.

 

[smac]

It is still an option, but is SC fit not listed on the website.
You just have to request it from the SC.
Useful if you want to 3 phase charge eg at work.

True. I heard it was quite a bit more expensive though.

I have a 3 phase EVSE @ work, and never needed the extra rate. But as I said it's all down to usage patterns ( I'm <9k miles after 14 months).

If it's for low mileage, general commuting, and odd in battery range trips. Type 2 > CHAdeMO.
If you are a road warrior, going outside the SpC network, CHAdeMO is probably more useful, though even then type 2 is handy for places with free parking whilst EV charging.

Overall, since owning the car I'm really surprised how much of my requirements has been covered purely from home charging!

 

[Gwill53]

I've seen an UK - spec Wall Connector installed and in use (i.e. actually charging a car) at the Gatwick Store. At least I assume it was UK - spec since it was installed and working in the UK. I'm currently trying to decide on a charging option while I wait for my car (due December - ish) and the Wall Connector looks a good choice. However, Tesla couldn't tell me when it would be available or whether the Commando socket voucher could be used towards the cost. Does anyone have any info on this?

 

[robin_]

the Wall Connector looks a good choice.

What would it give you that a commando socket and a UMC wouldn't?