Here are my results so far.
Podpoint timed-charging beta testing notes.
4/3/2021
Devices and versioning
Test devices: iPhone XR running iOS 14.4.
iPad pro 3rd generation 12.9inch running iPad iOS 14.4.
Podpoint solo - tethered type 2 connector - wifi connected charger - firmware/software version unknown.
Test car: MG ZS EV exclusive - firmware/software version unknown.
App download and update
Downloaded using testflight wrapper app and updated existing app via Apple app store - easy to do - automatically pulled across account details from the old app to the updated app. Showing beta app version as 3.8.0 (835)
(Also downloaded it to iPad.
Again no issues with install - replaced the existing app and automatically added my account details).
App testing - connected to LAN
4/3/2021 Test #1 using iPhone - simple timed-charge. Turn on scheduling and Set the app charge times first - then plug car in to charger and lock car. Leaving car for 1hr40mins before timed-charge due to start.
Setup
At 13.20 - Using iPhone - set schedule start time for Thurs 15.00 end 15.15 (15min minimum increments).
Plugged in charger and locked car.
Checked power drain using in-house display and car is clearly not charging or drawing anything at this stage.
The idea is to leave the car to go to sleep before timed-charge starts, so about 1hr 40mins in this case.
(Quick check on iPad and this does not update the iPhone app dual rate tariff settings via the podpoint server even though both apps are logged into my account - the timed charge settings are updated to match the iPhone via account server - no changes to settings made for now on the iPad app).
Results
At 1502 - charging commenced - pulling the usual just under 7kwh. Nothing seen in the app ‘at home’ tab to indicate charging has started.
At 1520 - charging stopped. Duration 18mins instead of 15mins started 2mins after set time.
Test #2 manually starting charge by deselecting the ‘schedule active’ button.
1525 - iPhone app. Following on straight from test #1 with car still plugged in, locked but not charging - deselected ‘schedule active’ button and saved.
Results
1530 - continuous charging starts. Took 5mins to start.
Test #3 manually stopping a charge by engaging ‘schedule active’
1535 - iPhone app. Charging still ongoing from test#2 - selected ‘schedule active’ button to apply existing 1500-1515 schedule window (test#1). Saved changes.
Results
1540 - charge stopped. Took 5mins to stop after applying settings.
Test #4 managing overnight timed charge charge
All seven days set 00.30-04.30 and ‘schedule active’ selected.
1805 - car plugged in and locked. Approximately 25% charge remaining - predicted miles showing as 43miles. Charge to start in early hours of Friday 5 March (00.30) and end 04.30 or when fully charged (not anticipated). Updated energy tariff setting in the app to cover 2 rates depending on what time the car charges (Octopus Go tariff).
Results
Added 27.2kwh at cost of £1.42p according to podpoint app. Charge start 00.35 - stop time not available (see notes) but kWh added consistent with set period of 4 hours. Car showing 445v and range estimate of 124miles (added 81miles) - approximately 85% charged - again consistent with kWh added.
Notes
- The charge end time shown is not when charge ends but when cable is unplugged.
- The daily bar charts could display text for total kwhr/day for each day when selected
- A simple status should be displayed in the app - e.g. charging/standby. This could be shown as lights and text on the image of the podpoint wallbox.
- A ‘set all’ function could be added to the timer setting calendar operation instead of having to individually update each day.
- The 5min delay after applying changes could be reduced.
- The ‘manage’ graphic is not displayed properly on iPad in landscape mode.
- Tariff info does not sync via account server on devices - iPad/iPhone
- On iPad when setting charging times - app goes from landscape to portrait version of the large iPhone app.
- Suggest a ‘save changes’ prompt when leaving ‘at home’ tab after making changes - changes not saved after closing and opening app if user doesn’t save before exiting.
- Simple test using cellular for charging control when not on LAN connection - on iPhone with iPhone WiFi off. Can modify and save changes in app on cellular which suggests an away from home remote access to home charger timing is possible.