EV Charger News

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3181 posts

Uber Geek

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#1906039 22-Nov-2017 21:55

Using the plugshare or chargetnet apps would be more useful in in that they will display more information and have additional features.

Charge net has the option of texting you when the charging is finished, and can tell you in real time whether the charger is in use.

If you are patient, you could use the plugshare site and only ask for chademo sites only be listed and look each one up individually and enter as a POI.

There arent that many and in the first version you could limit it to only the island you live on initially

PhantomNVD

2619 posts

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Inactive user

#1906075 22-Nov-2017 22:25

afe66:

Using the plugshare or chargetnet apps would be more useful in in that they will display more information and have additional features.

Charge net has the option of texting you when the charging is finished, and can tell you in real time whether the charger is in use.

If you are patient, you could use the plugshare site and only ask for chademo sites only be listed and look each one up individually and enter as a POI.

There arent that many and in the first version you could limit it to only the island you live on initially

Plugshare (on IOS anyway) shows real time use too for the Chargenet chargers too... very handy when the regular users at 'free' QC's don't even bother to check in anymore either...

morrisk

364 posts

Ultimate Geek

Lifetime subscriber

#1906105 23-Nov-2017 06:05

I have been looking at the different charging apps as I am getting an EV at the beginning of December. The app that looks to have the most useful and easy to see info is the Vector app - it seems to cover all public charging points across the country not just their charging points. I have also Chargenet and Plugshare. These are the iOS ones.

Linuxluver

5828 posts

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#1906699 23-Nov-2017 19:18

numberonekiwi:
Does anyone know or have a full list of Chademo POI for handheld car navigation I have a TomTom and this would be very handy when purchasing a leaf early next year

Plugshare is probably three most comprehensive and current record of EV chargers in NZ. You can filter for CHAdeMO sites and compose a lift that way.

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Linuxluver

5828 posts

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#1906701 23-Nov-2017 19:20

morrisk:
I have been looking at the different charging apps as I am getting an EV at the beginning of December. The app that looks to have the most useful and easy to see info is the Vector app - it seems to cover all public charging points across the country not just their charging points. I have also Chargenet and Plugshare. These are the iOS ones.

Plugshare tells you more about what a site is. A site will also have user uploaded photos showing cintext. You know what you're looking for.

The Vector app typically just gives you the address. You don't know what you're looking for.

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Linuxluver

5828 posts

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#1906703 23-Nov-2017 19:23

For anyone wanting to get their head around EV charging in NZ right now, this white paper on the Drive Electric web site is good value.

https://driveelectric.org.nz/whitepaper/charging-ahead-pure-advantage/

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Linuxluver

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#1906961 24-Nov-2017 09:46

Queenstown Lakes District Council announced yesterday they will be working with ChargeNet to install a DC fast charger in the Athol St car park. They've made provision for up to 6 charging spaces as demand grows.

I believe this charger is in addition to one already planned for nearby Frankton.

http://www.qldc.govt.nz/news/show/1878/electric-vehicle-charging-stations-coming-to-queenstown/

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langi27

675 posts

Ultimate Geek

#1907027 24-Nov-2017 10:57

No one has commented on the pricing (the rate of 25c/kWh + 25c/minute) seems high to me. (i'd like to see off peak rate or better still a spot price rate).

I get there is a cost to install the infrastructure, at $10-$15 to get you to 90% and to only get 100-150km range doesn't seem like good value to me. (maybe i'm asking too much of current EV cars and the immature charging infrastructure).

In general terms a 500km trip (Christchurch-Queenstown) would require at least 3 to 5 stops and somewhere between $30-$75. At the top of that price range a small petrol car would be about the same cost.

In my ideal world, if I have to stop for 20mins to charge my car then that would be subsided by the activity I would indulge while waiting. eg X number of coffees. = % discount.

I'm sure we will see better innovation on pricing over time.

afe66

3181 posts

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Lifetime subscriber

#1907041 24-Nov-2017 11:19

They need a return on a charger unit that costs 50-100,000.

Rapid chargers are for long distance driving rather than regular charging.

The per minute charge is to discourage people from parking and charging to 100%. Up-to 80% charge is quick.

I've done 7000k and only used the rapid chargers 2 times in my town, all other charging I've done at home.

I drove chch to dunedin 800k and spent $28.
I did use 4 free chargers so if I had paid for these let's double it and say $50 total spend.

Left home at 100 charge and motel owner let me charge in chch to 100% for $3 from my unit with extension cord.

My food focus could drive that distance on less than 100 dollars

k14

629 posts

Ultimate Geek

#1907058 24-Nov-2017 11:24

langi27:

No one has commented on the pricing (the rate of 25c/kWh + 25c/minute) seems high to me. (i'd like to see off peak rate or better still a spot price rate).

I get there is a cost to install the infrastructure, at $10-$15 to get you to 90% and to only get 100-150km range doesn't seem like good value to me. (maybe i'm asking too much of current EV cars and the immature charging infrastructure).

In general terms a 500km trip (Christchurch-Queenstown) would require at least 3 to 5 stops and somewhere between $30-$75. At the top of that price range a small petrol car would be about the same cost.

In my ideal world, if I have to stop for 20mins to charge my car then that would be subsided by the activity I would indulge while waiting. eg X number of coffees. = % discount.

I'm sure we will see better innovation on pricing over time.

That was my first reaction too, but once I looked into things more I don't think the fees are that excessive. The EV's with a range of <150km (namely a LEAF, but also BMW i3 and a few others) aren't really designed for long road trips that mean you are doing multiple fast-charges a day. If you are solely doing that then yes, your EV will cost probably similar to the cost of a Toyota Corolla or the like to run. The vast majority of people will do 80%+ of their charging at home and then when they want the convenience of going a bit further and being able to charge in a short time, the fast chargers are very convenient and quite greatly improve the versatility of the low range EV's. I have no issue paying the fees they currently charge.

One thing I do agree with is some sort of spot rate related kWh fee. Although have to be careful what we wish for, it would mean that on occasion it would be more than 25c. Although overall that would drive the correct behaviour from consumers but that is another kettle of fish!

FYI, driving from Chch to Qtown there are multiple free fast chargers. So the cost shouldn't be much more than about $30 if you work things out optimally.

langi27

675 posts

Ultimate Geek

#1907160 24-Nov-2017 15:24

I get the feeling the old age saying, BUILD IT AND THEY WILL COME applies here. the increased usage over time will hopefully spark competition which should in turn be good for the consumer. I would expect companies like flybuys or AA rewards will give discounts the way they do now, buy your groceries and get a discount on your fuel/power.

I think the pricing seems high to me because you can charge your car at home for $1 (over 6-8 hours), paying $15 (30mins) feels like a total rort. All because your not close to your home and the convenience of only waiting 30mins.

As already mentioned, 80-90% of regular charging will be from home so maybe not a big deal in the scheme of things.

numberonekiwi

144 posts

Master Geek

#1907495 25-Nov-2017 09:12

Found this while googling for EVSE J1772 Portable EVSE EV Level 2 Charger 6 / 10 / 15A Switchable it seems a lot cheaper compared to what you buy in NZ and has free postage from Aussie.

afe66

3181 posts

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Lifetime subscriber

#1907520 25-Nov-2017 10:49

Today's Otago Daily Times had picture of rapid charger in Wanaka which should be running by Christmas and mentioned two chargers for Queenstown. (early next year) One in Council car park and the other in Franklin.

I think they are all charge net NZ ones so can see online when running.

freeland

42 posts

Geek

#1907534 25-Nov-2017 11:38

numberonekiwi:

Found this while googling for EVSE J1772 Portable EVSE EV Level 2 Charger 6 / 10 / 15A Switchable it seems a lot cheaper compared to what you buy in NZ and has free postage from Aussie.

Yes, there seems to be basically two companies in China making these kind of EVSE. The one that OEM is re-branding is from ZWET and the one you've linked to is from ZenCar. Both seem to be much less expensive if you order direct (like most things).

The ZenCar units seem to all feature a small screen and allow for switching between different amperages, although ZWET also seem to have a newer model now that can switch between 10 A and 16 A.

For comparison, the newer ZWET is here: https://www.aliexpress.com/store/product/ELECTRIC-CAR-CHARGER-EVSE-LEVEL-1-OEM-SAE-J1772-AC120V-16A/2399082_32789191510.html?spm=2114.12010608.0.0.b474b7s1RSPz

The ZenCar can also be found on Aliexpress here: https://www.aliexpress.com/store/product/SAE-J1772-EVES-adjustable-CEE-3-pins-plug-Type-1-5-pins-8A-10A-16A-35M/1762657_32810393103.html?spm=2114.12010609.8148355.18.32880168l2v46C

Zencar also have their own website here: http://www.e-zencar.net

Linuxluver

5828 posts

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#1907570 25-Nov-2017 12:18

PhantomNVD:

Plugshare (on IOS anyway) shows real time use too for the Chargenet chargers too... very handy when the regular users at 'free' QC's don't even bother to check in anymore either...

Many feel they can't check-in now at the vector free fast chargers as commercial use isn't allowed.....and their vehicles may be used commercially some or all of the time. Checking in is just looking for trouble.

Meanwhile, ChargeNet have (so far) refused to install any more paid fast chargers because they aren't used much if there is a free charger around.

Personally, I'd rather give ChargeNet $4-$5 for a top-up than wait 15-20 minutes for a slot on a free charger (at peak times - usually the free ones are empty).

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