EV chargers futureproof?

[Bill C]

Recently took ownership of a coastal apartment, no EV charging , other 5 occupants are interested in charge points to future proof there properties but want to wait and see if any quicker or more high powered solutions become available in near future? Is this a possibility?

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[1AX]

Recently took ownership of a coastal apartment, no EV charging , other 5 occupants are interested in charge points to future proof there properties but want to wait and see if any quicker or more high powered solutions become available in near future? Is this a possibility?

The limiting factor for charging speed is not so much the charger itself but the supply and distribution installation at the property. For example, is there a single phase or three phase supply and how much load is already being drawn? Are there air-con units or similar power hungry devices already in situ?

In summary, unless your supply capacity is due to increase in the near future then your potential charging speed is not going to increase either so you’re not achieving anything in that regard by waiting .

 

[W1NGE]

Recently took ownership of a coastal apartment, no EV charging , other 5 occupants are interested in charge points to future proof there properties but want to wait and see if any quicker or more high powered solutions become available in near future? Is this a possibility?

Check to see what electrical supply can be installed i.e. single phase (max 7.4kW, standard UK domestic supply) or 3-phase (11kW to 19.6kW). Beyond this there will be other (costly) options but 3 phase is the max AC supply you should expect. DC is highly unlikely albeit most desirable and would be very expensive.

To take advantage, each vehicle to be charged requires to be capable of taking the maximum supply you have installed. For example, the Taycan std onboard AC charger is 11kW and to be able to take advantage of this you will need a 3 phase supply, further if you want the max possible from a 3 phase then you will need a PMCC ((22kW rated), or equivalent) and option the 22kW AC onboard charger otherwise you will be limited to 11kW.

Some vehicles have 22kW AC on board charging as standard and some have less.

If you have 3 phase AC and a vehicle which has a max 9.6kW onboard charger then logically the car will happily charge at its maximum. So AC charging from 3 phase down to 1 phase is backwardly compatible meaning that you could have a Taycan (suitably spec'd) getting 22kW charge and a Mini getting whatever its maximum is.

Remember too that the wall box is not the charger as the charger is built into the vehicle. The wall box, PMC+, PMCC etc simply make it safe for consumers to connect their car to the electrical supply and can control the available supply.

So if you consider max 3 phase then if you have a 22kW capable charger on board in the vehicle and a wall box which can handle 22kW then you will be good for many years. This would be the optimum home charging setup without going nuts.

Consider also each consumer - if this is to be a shared arrangement with multiple outlets or on a per property basis as this will impact the supply requirements. Sharing same supply will reduce available capability if more than one car is connected.

Consult a good electrician for the best supply advice etc.

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