ECN Electric Vehicles Supplement 2022

April 2022

EV charging

An ECN Supplement

Cost-effective EV single-socket charger

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SEVADIS

HAGER

Capitalising on the EV market

Electric vehicle charging in the home

DEVELOP TRAINING Electric vehicle charging installation training: what it is and why it’s important

31/03/2022 14:21

NEW

WALLPOD:EV NOW WITH AUTOMATIC DYNAMIC LOAD BALANCING & PME FAULT DETECTION

The new WALLPOD:EV provides the perfect charging solution for domestic and commercial requirements.

Complete with Automatic Dynamic Load Balancing and TruePEN PME Fault Detection ensuring the property’s fuse is protected and eliminating the requirement for an earth electrode/rod.* Whether your customer requires a convenient home charging solution for their new EV or a network of charging points for their fleet, the WALLPOD:EV ensures drivers are fully charged and ready to embark on their electrified journeys. *Dynamic load balancing and TruePEN PME fault detection only applicable to selected models

For more details contact Rolec’s technical / support / sales team or visit your local electrical wholesaler

t: 01205 724754 e: enquiries@rolecserv.co.uk

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www.rolecserv.com 18/03/2022 11:59

INTRODUCTION

INTRODUCTION

H

ello and welcome to ECN’s first EV Charging Supplement.

With the race to net zero now on, the demand for electric vehicles (EVs) is expanding rapidly.

According to UK Government figures, the number of public devices has grown by an average of 43% per year since 2015. Rapid devices have increased at a much higher rate, with an average annual increase of almost 61%.

The figures show that there is uneven geographical distribution of charging devices within the UK. Some UK local authorities have bid for UK Government funding for charging devices, and others have not. Most of the provision of this infrastructure has been market-led, with individual charging networks and other

businesses (such as hotels) choosing where to install devices.

London and Scotland have the highest level of charging provision per 100,000 of population, with 80 and 43 devices per 100,000 respectively.

Charging devices have largely been funded by private sector investment, however a number of the devices have been Government funded via a number of grant schemes operated by the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV).

This supplement brings you the latest from some of the leaders from within the EV charging sector - Sevadis, Hager, Vestel, Doepke, Develop Training, and CTEK. I hope you find this supplement informative – and look out for our next supplement in the June issue!

Our next supplement will be published alongside the June issue and will focus on Wiring Accessories, Switches & Sockets. To get involved, or for more information, please contact Kelly Byne at kelly@allthingsmedialtd.com

The editor and publishers do not necessarily agree with the views expressed by contributors nor do they accept responsibility for any errors in the transmission of the subject matter in this publication. In all matters the editor’s decision is final. Editorial contributions to ECN are welcomed, and the editor reserves the right to alter or abridge text prior to the publication.

Published monthly by All Things Media Ltd., Suite 14, 6-8 Revenge Road, Lordswood, Kent ME5 8UD. Tel: 01634 673163 Fax: 01634 673173 Overseas Subscription Rates: Europe £60.00; Rest of World £70.00 Copyright © 2022. All rights reserved.

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CONTENTS… 4

Capitalising on the EV market

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sk the expert: electric vehicle A charging in the home

10

Directing the EV charging drive

11

EV installations: RCCB or CBR?

12

lectric vehicle charging installation E training: what it is and why it’s important

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hree-phase load balancing – the way T ahead for EV charging

EDITOR: CARLY WILLS T: 01634 673163 E: carly@allthingsmedialtd.com

STUDIO: MARK WELLER T: 01634 673163 E: mark@allthingsmedialtd.com

EDITORIAL ASSISTANT: BEATRICE LEE T: 01634 673163 E: beatrice@allthingsmedialtd.com

MANAGING DIRECTOR: DAVID KITCHENER T: 01634 673163 E: david@allthingsmedialtd.com

GROUP ADVERTISEMENT MANAGER: KELLY BYNE T: 01634 673163 E: kelly@allthingsmedialtd.com

ACCOUNTS T: 01634 673163 E: susan@allthingsmedialtd.com

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EV Charging

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31/03/2022 14:24

SEVADIS

CAPITALISING ON THE EV MARKET Successful businesses are built on recognising – and capitalising on – market opportunity. It’s about the right products, in the right place, and at the right time. Here, Mark Smith, Operations Director at Sevadis, one of the UK’s fastest growing suppliers of electric vehicle charging products, highlights the opportunity that rapid growth in this market presents to contractors of all sizes.

A

lthough initial take up of EV technology was relatively slow, in 2021, annual registrations exceeded 300,000 and there are now nearly 750,000 EVs on UK roads. This growth is due to a number of factors.

Car manufacturers recognised the market need and potential. They are continuing to add to their ranges with a wider variety of electric vehicles at more affordable price points. The efficiency, performance and range of these vehicles is improving all the time and at a rapid rate. Finally, the Government’s decision to bring forward the ban on petrol and diesel vehicles from 2040 to 2030 has also helped to contribute to the growth of the EV market.

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EV Charging

Although electric vehicle sales are on the upward trajectory, many people do have a degree of hesitancy caused by range anxiety. Firstly: ‘Is there sufficient charge in the battery to get me from A to B?’ and secondly: ‘How easy will it be to find a charging point?’

The Government’s infrastructure pledge The Government responded in 2019 with the unveiling of a £1.3 billion EV charging infrastructure commitment.

This was followed with a £20 million funding scheme designed to support EV innovation. Then, in November last year it was announced that legislation will be

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introduced, requiring EV charging points to be installed on all new buildings with parking spaces, including offices, shops and residential properties.

Despite this investment, as of the beginning of March 2022, there were just under 30,000 EV chargers in the UK. Currently only one new charger is being installed for every 52 new electric vehicles registered. According to the government’s independent statutory advisor, the Committee on Climate Change (CCC), new installations will have to surpass that number every year if the country is to have the estimated 280,000 charge points that will be required by 2030.

On 25 March 2022, the Government announced its long awaited EV Infrastructure Strategy with a pledge to increase the UK’s EV charge points 10-fold, improve the consumer’s experience of charge points and support those without off-street parking. This strategy reinforces the Government aim to provide a robust charging network in the UK. It has committed a £500m investment in high quality, competitively priced public charge points. This is made up of £450m for a Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) fund for local authorities to help expand charge points in their area, with the remaining £50m to be used to fund staff to work on local challenges and planning for public charge points. Each local council will be able to bid for a share of £10m under the LEVI. This latest announcement is welcome news indeed and presents a wealth of opportunity for electrical contractors. A huge number of EV charging points will need to be supplied and installed over the coming decades.

The question then becomes – what’s the right product?

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31/03/2022 14:22

SEVADIS

Fit for purpose now and in years to come There is a wide range of EV chargers available within the market so it’s important to gain an understanding of the key differentiators of these products and how they benefit both you as the installer and your customer.

One of the first considerations is Tethered or Socket. Tethered chargers have an integrated cable, which makes it a convenient choice, since it is not necessary to retrieve the car’s charging cable from the boot each time. However, not all electric vehicles have the same inlet socket and therefore may be unable to use the cable attached. In addition, some customers may not want to have cable wrapped around a hook or lying on the floor, as it has the potential to look untidy or cause a trip hazard.

For greater flexibility, a socket option is ideal. It can be used with any manufacturer’s vehicles and ensures the space surrounding the charger is kept tidy and safe. In addition, should a customer change their vehicle, a universal product such as Sevadis’ MaxiCharger means that they don’t need to change the charger too.

Another consideration is power capacity, and is the EV charger fit for purpose? For this, it’s important to consider the system’s requirements in terms of the EVs that will be using the charge point. For example, Sevadis’ single outlet MaxiCharger has a charging capacity of up to 7.4kW on a single-phase connection and 11kW or 22kW on a three-phase connection.

Ease of install Each installation will have differing requirements from where the charger needs to be installed to what electrical infrastructure exists. For this, a product that is simple to install in a wide range of building types is key. Look for manufacturers that offer a diverse product portfolio with both wall or pedestal mounted options, along with 4G, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and ethernet connectivity.

Worthy of note is the IET Wiring Regulations 18th Edition (BS 7671), which requires a dedicated earth rod or Protective Multiple Earthings (PME) fault detection device to be fitted alongside the EV charger. This is to ensure the safety of users in the event of a neutral failure on installations. Some EV chargers, such as MaxiCharger, have a PME fault detection built in – this removes the need for an earth rod or separate monitoring device altogether, simplifying the installation process, which ultimately saves time and money for the contractor.

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Flexibility in compatibility One of the main challenges with EV chargers is the compatibility between the hardware and the software platforms used for management and billing.

Products that are Open Charge Point Protocol (OCPP) 1.6 compliant, such as MaxiCharger, can be used with a wide range of management software solutions.

As a contractor, this allows you to give your customers maximum choice whilst also ensuring their EV charger investment is future-proofed.

Alongside this, look for other features that can help improve the user’s experience, such as products with integrated smart dynamic load balancing (DLB). This will automatically regulate the power drawn by the EV chargers to prevent overloads and power shortages.

It will also ensure a fair distribution of the available power, which is essential at times of peak demand.

Take advantage of training and support It is also important to consider the technical support offered by a manufacturer, particularly as each project will have its own specific challenges and requirements. As specialists in EV technology, the wraparound service that Sevadis provides will make this a particularly appealing solution for contractors.

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To start with, all EV chargers are supplied with an industry-leading three-year warranty.

In addition, Sevadis offers full support for contractors, with expert guidance on design, specification and installation, including free site surveys if required. The company can also provide product training on every charging solution in the Sevadis range to ensure that its contractor partners are in a position to deliver best practice service to their own customers.

Sevadis’ experience has also enabled the company to develop the Sevadis Cloud, an online management platform that EV charging point owners can use to track, charge and bill use of electricity from charging points. It allows different tariffs to be set for different groups, sockets or users, and gives instant visibility of how many end users have charged their vehicles, how long each charge has been for, the amount of electricity used and payment required.

Demand for electric vehicles is set to grow exponentially over the coming years, and this represents a clear opportunity for electrical contractors to develop their business by offering EV charge point installation services.

With Sevadis you are choosing the right product from a leading company who can offer the level of support necessary to help you realise the full potential of this new area. To find out more about Sevadis and MaxiCharger visit sevadis.com, email: customerservice@sevadis.com or call on: 0330 058 7144.

Sevadis, sevadis.com

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EV Charging

April 2022 | 5

31/03/2022 14:22

Our powerful, cost-effective single-socket EV charger.

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What is the MaxiCharger?

Socket

Tethered

The MaxiCharger is a single-outlet, universal Type 2 socket charger. It is OCPP 1.6 compliant, has dynamic load balancing built-in and incorporates PME fault detection.

It is available in three attractive finishes: silver, black or white. The MaxiCharger is robust, aesthetically pleasing and suitable for all environments. It charges up to 7.4 kW on a single-phase connection and 11/22 kW on a three-phase connection.

MaxiCharger key features 3.7 kW - 22 kW Single-socket or tethered Type 2 charger PME fault detection incorporated Single-phase and three-phase connection Wall and floor-mounted solutions OCPP 1.6 compliant Smart App or Cloud management software Dynamic and active load balancing options Black, silver or white fascia

Product quality you can trust

Customer service you can rely on

Easy & efficient installation

For more information, visit www.sevadis.com or call 0330 058 7144 to discuss the MaxiCharger

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18/03/2022 12:00

HAGER

ASK THE EXPERT: ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING IN THE HOME The Society of Motor Manufacturers & Traders (SMMT) has said that in 2021 more electric cars were registered in the UK than in the previous five years combined. As a result, demand for home-based charging infrastructure solutions is set to escalate, with consumers looking for an easy, safe, and convenient method to power up their vehicles from the comfort of their home. To help electrical contractors who may be receiving increased requests to support customers, Ian Wassell, Training and Technical Support Manager from Hager, answers the most frequently asked questions when it comes to amending a pre-installed consumer unit to safely incorporate an electric vehicle charging device.

How many mA should an RCD that is supplying a vehicle charger be rated at?

It clearly states that regulation 722.531.3 requires the RCD (Max 30mA) supplies the car charger installation.

If the car charger has an RCD-DD that will detect and disconnect any DC issues above 6mA, what type of RCD can be used?

It is recommended that a Type A RCD is used in this circumstance. This is because a Type A can still work correctly up to a level of 6mA DC. If over 6mA, the Type A device could be blinded and fail to work.

The Type A RCD is the preferred option as Type A solutions are now commonplace and cost effective. As a result, most EV charger manufacturers have specified a 6mA RCD-DD that is already built in.

Why would you not connect a Type A RCD downstream of a Type AC RCD? Any DC problem from the vehicle up to 6mA will not be disconnected by the car charging equipment and the Type A RCCB is not affected by DC up to 6mA. However, a Type AC fitted upstream in the consumer unit could be affected or even blinded by this DC. The RCCB fitted in the consumer unit supplies other circuits around the home which may no longer have residual current protection. Should anyone contact anything live on any of the circuits supplied from this device, it could lead to severe consequences.

Do you have to disconnect the neutral when supplying a vehicle charger with a 30mA RCD? Regulation 722.531.3 requires that an RCD (Max 30mA) supplies the car charger. This RCD will disconnect all the live conductors, including the neutral. Therefore, the single module RCBO should not be used for this type of application.

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EV Charging

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Hager has produced a digital bitesize guide setting out what electrical contractors need to consider around safe electrical power supply for home EV charging requirements. https://hager.link/ download-EV-bitesize-guide.

In addition, contractors can access Hager’s Electric Vehicle Charging training module through Hager Academy online. Covering all safety requirements and protection solutions, it can be found at https://hager.link/ online-ev-charging-course.

For more information, visit: www.hager.com/uk

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31/03/2022 14:23

Start course now

Online learning Electric vehicle charging course Brought to you by our technical and training experts, Hager Academy’s online interactive courses allow you to learn on the go, anytime, anywhere, when it’s convenient for you.

Learn about the requirements and safety considerations needed when dividing circuits to avoid danger and minimise inconvenience with our electric vehicle charging course.

01

02

03

Enhance your knowledge about installation requirements for electric vehicle charging.

Understand electrical supply requirements in line with BS 7671.

Learn about the safety considerations when dividing circuits to avoid danger and minimise inconvenience.

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15/03/2022 12:44:36 18/03/2022 11:58

VESTEL

DIRECTING THE EV CHARGING DRIVE When government representatives from around the globe gathered in late October 2021 in a united effort to halt global carbon emissions at COP26, it was obvious to world leaders that the heavy reliance of the automotive industry on fossil fuels would be a roadblock to achieving their targets, and that bold measures would need to be taken, writes Karen Langford, EV Category Lead at Vestel.

T

he British government pledged that all cars must be ‘zero emissions capable’ by 2035, and while this is a laudable aim, electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure is currently in its infancy. Neither robust nor widespread enough to support such a pledge, it is, in turn, discouraging EV uptake amongst the 35.6 million UK residents who currently drive. So where are we currently on the road to zero emissions?

The current landscape

Of the 39.2 million registered motor vehicles in the UK, less than 3% are either EVs or plug-in hybrids

Of the 39.2 million registered motor vehicles in the UK, less than 3% are either EVs or plug-in hybrids. Equally worrying is the diminutive figure of available public chargers.

According to a conservative prediction by the transport research group New AutoMotive, around 230,000-270,000 public charging points would be required by 2035 to service British EV motorists. Currently, there are 24,000 public charging points in the UK, around just 10% of the number needed. Clearly, there is work to be done.

As the UK government strives to make an easily accessible and convenient EV infrastructure network a reality, it also has a responsibility to the consumer. The benefits of owning an electric vehicle in the environmental sense are obvious but appear far off: less reliance on fossil fuel technology, lower carbon footprint per household, cleaner air, improvements in health from reductions in asthma, COPD, and other respiratory conditions alongside the reductions that are hoped for in global temperature rises. Yet there are some common perceptions and real issues with electric vehicles that are also holding back more widespread adoption.

The obstacles Not only do they fall short when it comes to driver convenience, in terms of the widespread availability of convenient and rapid charging points, consumers are also having to pay the price for environmentalism, with substantially increased upfront acquisition costs, range anxiety on longer journeys, and the cost and inconvenience of establishing home charging points, which is not always possible if nearby or off-road parking is not available. Though the British government has put schemes in place to soften the blow.

We have already seen the government incentivise consumers to make the switch, with initiatives like the ‘Electric Vehicle Homecharge Scheme’ which provides a 75% contribution to the cost of up to two charge points and their installation to qualifying homes. This is as well as a regulation requiring all private new builds to provide EV chargers. However, despite this positive step, there still remain obstacles in home charging.

Substantial long-term investment will be required in electricity generation and supply infrastructure to prevent grid rationing for the consumer. Indeed, unless the grid capacity doubles by 2035, we would witness a scenario in which the consumer might be penalised for charging during on-peak times and also be required to ration the energy use of household appliances, just to get on the road each morning. Such restrictions would nullify the convenience of home charging.

Network development for public charging points are also currently fragmented and subject to commercial competition. While the availability of grant funding for councils installing on-street chargers is speeding up implementation, a new model of commercial cooperation, rather than a gold rush, will be required to meet the widespread demand.

Overcoming the obstacles While commercial competition will initially be useful in driving early adoption, it will be essential to take learnings from the telecom rollout

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EV Charging

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of 3G, 4G, and 5G masts. A model of network sharing, and the convergence of standards, aligned with strategic planning, upskilling and compliance for increased accessibility to on-road and destination EV chargers, would eventually lead to a universally useful and convenient EV charging network.

Universality will be vital. While 5G can limit latency, smart meters will need to be as advertised, working in tandem with secure and standardised app software that’s truly compatible across all nationwide stations. This will enable consumers to manage their tax via their electricity bill simply and conveniently.

Charging connectors will need to be one size fits all, just like current petrol pumps.

Consumer uptake will need to increase significantly, but the switch needs to be incentivised and consumer confidence addressed. Concerns regarding universality of connection, vehicle range, and price point will need to be addressed.

Advancements in battery technology and automotive manufacturing processes will help to facilitate supercharging and reduce the EV price point respectively.

Meanwhile, the government could and should create a tax environment that strongly favours EVs over fossil fuels, for both manufacturers and consumers.

Supplying the latter with incentives for recycling their petrol vehicles, alongside reintroducing solar panel grants for homeowners, could simultaneously reduce the consumer’s EV running costs and alleviate the burden on our nations’ electric grid.

As outlined, the road to Britain becoming ‘zero emissions capable’ by 2035, is paved with obstacles. Some need to be navigated with strategic planning and co-operation amongst corporations and councils. While others need to be overcome, both through technological innovation and standardisation from the automotive industry, and through instilling confidence in the consumer that EVs genuinely offer a convenient and bright future.

Vestel, vestelinternational.com

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31/03/2022 14:24

DOEPKE

EV INSTALLATIONS: RCCB OR CBR? In EV charging applications, if you need to install RCD protection upstream what do you use?

B

S 7671 722.531 recognises the use of RCBOs, RCCBs and CBRs as RCDs suitable for fault protection in EV charging circuits. What are the key points to consider when selecting an RCD to provide fault protection for the cables feeding one or more EV charge points downstream?

Final customer/user RCBOs (BSEN61009) and RCCBs (BSEN61008) are designed for use by ‘ordinary persons’. Consequently, the standards do not allow RCBOs or RCCBs to have adjustable characteristics. Don’t waste your time looking for unicorns – use a horse.

CBRs (BSEN60947-2) can have adjustable settings for residual currents

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>30mA. These products are designed for use by ‘instructed persons’ – see CBR definition in BS7671 Part 2.

RCBO Effective as a final distribution product, readily available in 30mA, 6 <40A ratings. They are not manufactured with a selective time delay characteristic, making 100 and 300mA versions unsuitable for full selectivity with 30mA devices downstream.

RCCB Available in a wide range of characteristics and types – note BSEN61008 maximum rating <125A. Using a 300mA selective time delay version installed upstream of 30mA RCDs

will achieve full selectivity. The fixed characteristics suit domestic, schools and similar installations, which are not under the permanent control of an instructed person (electrically).

CBR Generally applied in EV charging applications where the number of chargers or the mod of charging exceeds the 125A current limit for RCCBs. Note BSEN60947-2 Annex B Versions ≤30mA must have fixed residual current and time settings. Versions >30mA can have adjustable residual current and time settings, giving added flexibility on site – see BS7671 411.4.4 Note 2 relating to the time delay setting.

Doepke, doepke.co.uk

30/03/2022 14:40

DEVELOP TRAINING

ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING INSTALLATION TRAINING: WHAT IT IS AND WHY IT’S IMPORTANT Stuart Gilby, Operational Training Manager for Estates and Facilities Management at Develop Training, discusses the growing importance of electric vehicle charging installation for the UK workforce, the route to becoming a professional EV charging installer and the benefits of training for employers and employees alike.

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lectric vehicle charging installation concerns the installing of charging points for electric and hybrid vehicles. Although the actual installation of EV charging points relies on techniques already familiar to practicing electricians, it is required that employees undertake an EV installation training course to become a qualified installer.

Why is electric vehicle charging installation important?

Investment in electric vehicles is rapidly growing

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There is no doubt that electric vehicles are the future. In 2021, there were 190,727 new BEVs registered, up from 108,205 in 2020. Additionally, there were 114,540 plug in hybrids registered – a considerable rise from the 67,134 registered in 2020 with an increase of 590% since 2019. This increase correlates to a rise in public charge points by 70%. Taking the statistics into consideration, alongside the fact there will be a UK ban on new petrol and diesel vehicles from 2030 under government plans, it becomes more important than ever for electricians to equip themselves to deal with increased consumer demand.

EV Charging

Given the current interest in greener technologies, investment in electric vehicles is rapidly growing, making the sector one of the most exciting, fast-paced markets within the industry. The number of electric and hybrid vehicles on the road – and by extension, the number of home and office charging points – has already experienced an influx and is only expected to increase.

The Workplace Charging Scheme is a government voucher-based grant which currently covers up to 75% of installation cost, capped at £350 per single socket up to a maximum of 40 sockets. Unlike the EV Homecharge Scheme, the company owner applies for the grant and is then issued with a voucher that is given to the installer to claim back. With help from this scheme, some companies are planning on fitting charge points for staff use, but will also include ones available for public use where space and parking infrastructure permits.

What are the benefits of undertaking electric vehicle charging installation training?

The benefits of undertaking EV installation training for the workforce and employers are many. For delegates, there is the chance to gain vital skills and knowledge which will enable them to safely install EV charging points in line with current guidance for both domestic and commercial environments. In learning how to install, inspect and test EV charging points, delegates will also be able to future-proof their toolbox of skills, meaning that they will be well-equipped to deal with developing consumer trends.

For employers, there is also the opportunity to gain a share of a rapidly growing market and to future-proof their and their employees’ earning potential.

The chance, too, to gain a refreshed employee with current and specific knowledge of the legislation, regulation and best practice of electrical installation will also have enormous benefits for workforce competency and confidence.

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What qualifications are needed to become a certified electric vehicle charging Installer?

Regulation 16 of Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 refers to competency, stating that in order to become a certified EV charging installer, or when participating in any electrical work, you need to be competent. Although a qualification isn’t always proof of competence, it allows the employer to demonstrate that the engineer has had formal training and assessment on the topic – this coupled with industry experience and other qualifications is essential when it comes to illustrating competence.

Develop Training’s brand-new Level 3 Award in Domestic, Commercial and Industrial Electric Vehicle Charging Equipment Installation enables electricians to qualify as an EV Charging Equipment Installer. The two-day Level 3 Award is a City & Guilds accredited course and has been designed to help practicing electricians gain an understanding of the IET Code of Practice for Electric Vehicle Charging Equipment.

Upon successful completion of the course, delegates will be able to apply for registration as an EVHS (Electric Vehicle Homecharge Scheme) authorised installer.

Additionally, as of 30 June 2022, a new set of regulations come into force which will govern the type of charge points that can be fitted. These are called the ‘Electric Vehicles (smart charge points) Regulations 2021’. It is therefore important to ask whether yourself or your employees are up to date as an installer in time for when these new regulations become applicable.

For further information on preparing for the future and becoming a certified Electrical Vehicle Charging Installer, please visit the Develop Training website to view full course details and keep up to date with industry legislation updates: developtraining.co.uk/new-electricvehicle-charging-course.

Develop Training, developtraining.co.uk

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31/03/2022 14:20

ACCREDITED COMPLIANCE TRAINING The UK’s leading accredited provider of compliance, technical and safety training are now delivering:

www.developtraining.co.uk

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WHAT YOU’LL LEARN ON THIS COURSE: DELEGATES WILL BE TAUGHT HOW TO DESIGN, SPECIFY, INSTALL, FAULT FIND, TEST AND INSPECT ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING POINTS FOR THE DOMESTIC, COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL SECTORS.

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29/03/2022 17:20 10:44 28/03/2022

CTEK

THREE-PHASE LOAD BALANCING — THE WAY AHEAD FOR EV CHARGING With demand for electric vehicles (EVs) and associated charging infrastructure expanding rapidly, Ian Beattie, UK Sales Manager, Energy & Facilities for CTEK, explains how three-phase load balancing can help future-proof an EV network, as well as optimising charging and electricity usage.

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Already, around 70% of the EVs on the roads can accept three phase charging

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he connection of charging points is one of the most important aspects for building stable electrical systems and overcoming possible power problems, especially in urban areas. All charging points and networks should also be able to balance loads, which means optimising charging based on the needs and capacity of the grid, individual households and properties.

The electrical supply in the UK comes from the grid as three phase and, while commercial and industrial buildings often have a three-phase mains supply, the majority of UK homes only receive a single-phase mains supply.

However, forward-thinking builders and developers are now starting to install three-phase power supplies in domestic properties, and this opens up significant opportunities for more effective and, most importantly, better balanced EV charging.

EV Charging

If a property has a three-phase power supply, then a three-phase EV charger can be installed. This is highly beneficial, because it ensures that all three phases of the power supply are being used equally, which helps to balance load on the system.

It is, of course, possible to install a single-phase charger on a three-phase supply, but it is not best practice. This is because you essentially make one of the phases busier than the rest, which puts strain on the cables and isn’t good for power companies, or for the national grid in general.

It’s a bit like three trains pulling into the station, all going to the same destination at the same time, but everyone jumps on the closest train to the barrier. All three trains leave the station and reach their destination at the same time, but the full train is overworked, has more wear on it and uses more power than the two empty trains. It would be far better if the passengers were spread out across the three trains, as the fully loaded train is less likely to break down and there would be less crowding on the train and at the platform. Now imagine that same journey being taken all day, every day, and you get an idea of how a single-phase charger on a three-phase supply can put unnecessary strain on the system!

Already, around 70% of the EVs on the roads can accept three phase charging.

Vehicles that can’t accept three-phase charge can still plug into a three-phase charger, and the car will limit the power being drawn to single phase.

A three-phase 11kW or 22kW charger has the capacity to charge a vehicle faster than a 7.4kW single-phase charger, although the EV will limit the charge it draws in, usually to 11kW and in some cases to 7kWs or less. The growing number of households with more than

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one EV can also benefit from the higher capacity offered by three-phase chargers.

For example, two EVs plugged into a CTEK Chargestorm Connected 2 (CC2) dual socket 22kW charger can share the load so, when the first car plugs in, it will charge at up to 22kW - then when the second car plugs in, both cars will charge at up to 11kW. The installation of three-phase chargers is an important part of the solution in the development of a robust, future-proofed EV charging network.

And with more house builders and DNO’s (distribution network operators) installing three-phase power in homes, there is a real opportunity to design balanced load, three-phase power systems for new build properties.

CTEK’s CC2 three-phase chargers offer a viable option when looking to create balanced power networks incorporating EV charging.

For single and three-phase systems, CTEK’s Nanogrid also offers a smart load balancing solution, preventing overload and balancing the power going to your EV charger (or chargers) against the power being used by everything else on your local power network.

On a wider scale, electric motoring and the installation of a robust, efficient EV network is an integral part of our transition to a sustainable, fossil free society. For forward-thinking developers, power companies and property owners, there are also opportunities to power EV chargers from renewable energy sources, which will help to further reduce greenhouse emissions and strain on the grid. This way, EV charging becomes an integral part of a wider ecosystem that supports the UK’s environmental goals, and wider global sustainability goals in general.

CTEK, ctek.com

/electricalcontractingnews

@ecn_magazine

31/03/2022 14:20

Does your EVSE kit help you test, or does it just test?

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The adapter will simulate a vehicle using the charge point and will complete all the functional tests and load test the installation.

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Twitter-@MetrelUkLtd Facebook - @MetrelUk Instagram- metrelukltd

23/03/2022 16:09 26.3.2021 13:39:02

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lucyzodion.com 29/03/2022 14:15