Help needed to charge my MGS5

[WarrenTDO]

Hello, and firstly sorry if this has been asked before, but I'm trying to paint a full picture of my situation.
I've just purchased a long range (NCM) MGS5 (type 2 connector) that gets delivered at the end of the week.
I already have a 2017 7kW pod point with a type 1 connector (gov grant used) from another sadly passed away leaf.
I have an EV tariff that gives me cheap electricity between 0.00 and 5.00
I know that its recommended for the longevity of the battery that I charge the car normally to 80%
What are my options? Do I need a completely new charger, or can I make do?
Can I just replace the tethered cable and use iSMART or the car to set the charge capacity and charge time?

 

[Rei]

You have a few options.

- You can get an adapter to convert the type 1 to type 2. I'd avoid the cheaper ones.

- You can replace the cable on the charger. If you aren't confident then don't attempt it yourself. It's not very difficult, but you do need to know what you are doing.

- You can replace the charger. I did my own (old Rolec one died), but I think you aren't really supposed to. New chargers are not too expensive now, and will have stuff like WiFi so you can remotely control and monitor them.

Given that your charger is 9 years old, I'd say replace it if you can. Basic ones are under £200 on sale quite often now.

You can use iSMART to set the charge times, or manually start and stop it. Modern chargers usually have a scheduling feature too.

 

[Ian Key]

As @Rei has said. Given the age of your Pod Point I'd change it. It is possible to change the cable and plug but the regulations have changed and it might be difficult to get an electrician to sign it off.

 

[Fred69]

On the 80% point, I think you can set the maximum charge for the car within the app, even if you use the charger's timer to control the timing.
However, I've not tried that, as on a 7kW charge, mine adds about 40% in the timeslot that I have, so I just use the podpoint timer to set the charge time and make sure that I only charge when the car drops to 40%, that way it just won't exceed 80% in the time.
Fred

 

[Rei]

You can set the charge limit in the car too, on the charging screen.

 

[WarrenTDO]

First of all thank you for all your comments. I thought that for a cheaper solution to just change the tethered cable to a type 2. I've noticed that my current 7kw pod point doesn't have a CT clamp anywhere. the house was upgraded to 100amp. Could I put a new tethered type 2 cable in or even buy a new charger (Hypervolt Home 3 Pro £624) or would I need to re run all the cable to support the CT side of things. I've just been quoted £1129 for install and charger. Getting out of hand now Also I wont be getting solar panels any time soon.

Warren.

 

[Rei]

I installed my Indra without the CT clamp, it's fine. I think you only need it if you want to do certain things or limit the charge rate to avoid exceeding your maximum.

 

[5teep]

First of all thank you for all your comments. I thought that for a cheaper solution to just change the tethered cable to a type 2. I've noticed that my current 7kw pod point doesn't have a CT clamp anywhere. the house was upgraded to 100amp. Could I put a new tethered type 2 cable in or even buy a new charger (Hypervolt Home 3 Pro £624) or would I need to re run all the cable to support the CT side of things. I've just been quoted £1129 for install and charger. Getting out of hand now Also I wont be getting solar panels any time soon.

Warren.

The CT clamp senses the amount of power coming in via the live feed on the mains. It's how you (the charger) can tell accurately how much power you have used.
My own wall charger was £289 on Amazon on sale (made by Evec). It's smart, has the CT clamp of course and can even take solar panels. I did fall in love with the Simpson and Partners charger because it's customisable and looks great. It's way more than double the price though and doesn't do the job any better.

 

[Ian Key]

First of all thank you for all your comments. I thought that for a cheaper solution to just change the tethered cable to a type 2. I've noticed that my current 7kw pod point doesn't have a CT clamp anywhere. the house was upgraded to 100amp. Could I put a new tethered type 2 cable in or even buy a new charger (Hypervolt Home 3 Pro £624) or would I need to re run all the cable to support the CT side of things. I've just been quoted £1129 for install and charger. Getting out of hand now Also I wont be getting solar panels any time soon.

Warren.

That's about what I paid about 3 years ago but that was for a brand new installation including a Zappi charger, additional consumer unit and 10 m of cable.

In your case I'd shop around for a new unit and see if you can get a local qualified sparky to install it. Screwfix sells one for about £350