Industry News

Choosing the Best EV Chargers and Charger Installers In Ireland

Untethered Chargers:

Easee Home

Easee Home offers a compelling combination of affordability, smart functionalities, and a user-friendly design. The app control allows for convenient charging management, while the diverse color options cater to individual preferences.

1. Easee Home (Price: Medium - Around €500):

Features

Smart functionalities:App control for scheduling, monitoring energy usage, and setting charging limits.
Compact and sleek design:Available in various colors to complement your home aesthetics.
Safety: Built-in safety features like earth leakage protection and temperature monitoring.
Why it's ranked high: Easee Home offers a compelling combination of affordability, smart functionalities, and a user-friendly design. The app control allows for convenient charging management, while the diverse color options cater to individual preferences.
Considerations:
Requires professional installation.

Zappi Untethered

2. Myenergi Zappi (Price: High - Around €750-€1100):

Features:
Smart functionalities: App control for scheduling, energy monitoring, and integration with solar panels for eco-conscious charging.
Modern design: Features an integrated LED light for visual charging status.
Eco-friendly: Offers "Eco" and "Eco+ " modes that prioritize charging from renewable energy sources.
Why it's ranked high: Myenergi Zappi stands out for its innovative solar integration capabilities, making it ideal for environmentally conscious EV owners. The app control and scheduling features add further convenience.
Considerations: The high price point might be a deterrent for some. Solar panels are not included and require separate purchase and installation.

Autel 

3. Autel MaxiCharger EV (Price: Low - Around €180-€270):

Features:

Simple operation: Easy-to-use design with LED status indicator.
Affordability: Budget-friendly option, making it accessible to a broader range of consumers.
Compatibility: Works with all J1772-equipped EVs.
Why it's ranked high: Autel MaxiCharger EV excels in its affordability, making it an attractive entry point for budget-conscious EV owners. The straightforward operation makes it user-friendly for everyone.
Considerations: Lacks smart functionalities and app control available in other options. Might not be suitable for those seeking advanced features.

Wallbox Copper SB

4. Wallbox Copper SB (Price: Medium - Around €450-€550):

Features:
Untethered design: Offers flexibility to use various charging cables, ideal for households with multiple EVs or car-sharing needs.
Smart functionalities: App control for scheduling, energy monitoring, and access control through RFID.
Durability: Robust design with IK10 rating for weather resistance and IP55 rating for dust and water protection, suitable for both indoor and outdoor installations.
Multiple power options: Adjustable power output from 6A to 32A through the app, allowing you to manage available power efficiently.
Why it's ranked high: Wallbox Copper SB offers a unique combination of untethered design, smart functionalities, and weatherproof construction, making it a versatile and adaptable choice for various needs.
Considerations: The high price point might be a deterrent for some. Requires professional installation.

Project EV Hero

5. Project EV Hero (Price: Medium - Around €450-€550):

Features:
Smart functionalities: App control for scheduling, energy monitoring, and real-time charging information.
Modern design: Sleek and compact, adding visual appeal to your garage or carport.
Why it's ranked high: Project EV Hero offers an all-in-one solution with an included cable and smart functionalities at a competitive price point. The modern design adds to its appeal.
Considerations: Requires professional installation.

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Tethered Chargers

Webasto Pure New Edition

1. Webasto Pure New Edition (Price: High - Around €600-€750):

Features:
Weatherproof design: Offers long-lasting durability and protection from the elements, ideal for outdoor installations.
Smart functionalities: App control for scheduling, energy monitoring, and access to charging history.
Sleek design: Modern and minimalist aesthetics that complement various home styles.
Why it's ranked high: Webasto Pure New Edition excels in its weatherproof design and smart functionalities, making it a reliable choice for year-round use. The sleek design adds to its appeal.
Considerations: The high price point might be a deterrent

Project EV Hero (Tethered)

2. Project EV Hero (Price: Medium - Around €450-€550):

While previously mentioned in the untethered section, Project EV Hero offers a tethered version with similar features, making it a versatile option.

Key features:
Integrated cable: Eliminates the need for separate cable management.
Smart functionalities: App control for scheduling, monitoring energy usage, and real-time charging information.
Compact and modern design: Takes up minimal space and adds visual appeal.
Why it's ranked high: This version offers the same convenience and functionalities as the untethered model but at a slightly lower price point due to the lack of untethered flexibility.

Rolec Wallpod Tethered

3. Rolec Wallpod (Price: Low - Around €300-€400):

Features:
Simple operation: Easy-to-use design with LED status indicator, ideal for users who don't require advanced features.
Affordability: Budget-friendly option, making EV charging accessible to a wider audience.
Weatherproof: Suitable for outdoor installations, offering year-round charging capabilities.
Why it's ranked high: Rolec Wallpod provides a basic, yet reliable charging solution at a highly competitive price. The weatherproof design makes it suitable for various installation locations.
Considerations: Lacks smart functionalities and app control available in other options. Might not be suitable for users seeking advanced features.

EO Mini Pro 3 Tethered

4. EO Mini Pro 3 (Price: Medium - Around €350-€450):

Features:
Compact design: Takes up minimal space, making it ideal for smaller garages or carports.
Easy operation: Simple controls with LED status indicator.
Weatherproof: Suitable for outdoor installations, offering year-round charging capabilities.
Why it's ranked high: EO Mini Pro 3 offers a good balance between price, size, and weatherproof design. It caters to users seeking a reliable and compact charger for various installation locations.
Considerations: Lacks smart functionalities and app control available in other options.

Easee Home Tethered 

5. Easee Home Tethered (Price: Medium - Around €400-€500):

Similar to its untethered counterpart, Easee Home also offers a tethered version with similar features.
Key features:
Smart functionalities
: App control for scheduling, monitoring energy usage, and setting charging limits.
Compact and sleek design: Available in various colours to complement your home aesthetics.
Safety: Built-in safety features like earth leakage protection and temperature monitoring.
Why it's ranked high: This version offers the same convenience and smart functionalities as the untethered model, but at a slightly lower price due to the lack of untethered flexibility.

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Choosing the Right Charger:

Ultimately, the best charger for you depends on your specific needs, budget, and preferences. Consider the following factors:
Features: Do you prioritize smart functionalities like app control and scheduling?
Price: How much are you willing to invest in a charger?
Compatibility: Ensure the charger is compatible with your specific EV model.
Location: Is the charger weatherproof for outdoor installation?
Aesthetics: Do you prefer a sleek and modern design or a more basic option?
Remember, the Irish government offers the Electric Vehicle Home Charger Grant, which covers up to €600 of the cost of purchasing and installing a home charger.

Choosing the Right Installer:

Having explored the top contenders in both tethered and untethered EV chargers, and the factors influencing their ranking, let's now turn our attention to the crucial aspect of installation. While the chargers themselves aren't installed for free, the good news is that the Irish government's Electric Vehicle Home Charger Grant significantly reduces the overall cost.

This section delves into reputable EV charger installers in Ireland and provides essential information to guide your selection process.

Recommended EV Charger Installers in Ireland:
It's important to note that due to potential bias, I cannot rank specific companies. However, I can provide a list of reputable and qualified EV charger installers in Ireland, along with helpful information to consider when choosing one:

1. ESB Networks:
A leading energy provider in Ireland, ESB Networks offers nationwide EV charger installation services with extensive experience and expertise in the field. This would be our #1 recommended solution.
https://www.esbnetworks.ie/

2. EasyGo:
This nationwide charging network provider also offers EV charger installation for homes and businesses, focusing on user-friendly solutions and customer service.
https://easygo.ie/

3. The Electrical Safety Authority of Ireland (ESAI):
While not directly an installer, the ESAI maintains a publicly accessible register of Safe Electric Ireland registered electricians qualified to perform EV charger installations. This is a valuable resource to find qualified professionals in your area. This may save you some money whilst ensuring you are getting a safe and professional installation.
https://esasafe.com/

Other Things To Consider:
Qualifications
: Ensure the electrician is Safe Electric Ireland registered and holds the necessary qualifications for EV charger installations.
Experience: Inquire about their specific experience with installing the type of charger you are interested in.
Insurance: Verify that they have appropriate insurance coverage for the work.
Pricing: Get quotes from multiple installers to compare prices and services offered.
Customer Reviews: Read online reviews or ask for recommendations to get a sense of their reputation and customer service.

Additional Tips:
Always get a written quote before making any commitments. Ensure the quote details the specific charger model, installation process, warranty information, and any additional costs.

Ask about the electrician's familiarity with the Irish government's Electric Vehicle Home Charger Grant and their process for assisting with the application.

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