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sales of electric cars in February 2022 compared to February 2021.
EV chargers – a wealth of opportunity The SMMT has also noted that the growth in the charging network is not keeping up with sales, with just one new charger currently being installed for every 52 new electric vehicles registered. Clearly, there is a wealth of opportunity now, and on the horizon, for electrical contractors and the wholesalers supplying them.
There are many different charging solutions on the market, not all of which offer the same ease of installation, flexibility or user functionality. Therefore, when thinking about which products to stock and which ones to recommend to customers, it is important to consider a number of factors.
Type of charger
Firstly, by law all public chargers must be a Type 2 socket because all electric vehicles are supplied with a Type 2 AC socket connector and cable. There are also two types of EV charger: tethered and untethered.
Tethered chargers have an integrated cable, and while this can be convenient, there are situations where it is limiting. Not all electric vehicles have the same inlet socket so some may be unable to use the cable attached to the tethered socket. There is also a risk that as EV technology evolves the type of cable on the tethered charger can be used by fewer vehicles. In contrast universal untethered chargers offer greater flexibility as the socket provided can be used by all, regardless of the specific inlet socket on the vehicle.
It’s also worthwhile checking the capacity of the EV charger to ensure it is fit for purpose when making product recommendations. For example, our new single outlet MaxiCharger has a charging capacity of up to 7.4 kW on a single-phase connection and 11 kW or 22 kW on a three-phase connection.
Safe, easy and flexible installation Firstly, to ensure the safety of users in the event of a neutral failure on installations with a Protective Multiple Earthings (PME) system, the IET Wiring Regulations 18th Edition (BS 7671) requires a
“With the number of electric vehicles on the road growing all the time and with an urgent need for infrastructure to match the uptake, there is a real demand for high quality, yet cost-effective EV charging solutions.”
dedicated earth rod or PME fault detection device to be fitted alongside the EV charger.
To ensure simple and cost-effective compliance with these regulations, some EV chargers, such as MaxiCharger, have PME fault detection built in, removing the need for an earth rod or separate monitoring device altogether.
Flexibility is also crucial. As the exact requirements for each installation will differ based upon where the charger will be positioned and existing electrical infrastructure, contractors will often need a product that is simple to install and suitable for a wide range of building types.
Look for manufacturers with a diverse product portfolio, with EV chargers that can be either wall or pedestal mounted. These are becoming widely preferred amongst installers as the physical characteristics of different sites will dictate where it is best located. Also check that the range offers units with 4G, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and ethernet options depending on which type of connectivity is required.
Compatibility and functionality Potentially one of the biggest challenges with EV chargers is the compatibility between the hardware and the software platforms used for management and billing. This is an important area for wholesalers to flag with their customers. With closed systems customers are completely tied in - with no option to make changes.
Products that are Open Charge Point Protocol (OCPP) compliant allow the charger to be used with a wide range of management software solutions. This provides the end customer with greater choice as they can choose and change the online billing
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and management platform provider on demand – futureproofing their investment. All Sevadis’ charge points, including MaxiCharger, are OCPP 1.6 compliant.
It is also important to consider any additional features the charger has that will deliver an improved user experience. For example, products with integrated smart dynamic load balancing (DLB) will automatically regulate the power drawn by the EV chargers to prevent overloads and power shortages - especially important for sites that have multiple charge points. It will also ensure a fair distribution of the available power, which is essential at times of peak demand.
Support from manufacturers Finally, because each project will have its own specific challenges and requirements, it is important to recommend products from leading manufacturers who can provide technical support and assistance. Sevadis offers full support throughout a project, including expert guidance on design, specification and installation as well as free site surveys and training if required. This support combined with cost effective products such as the MaxiCharger that offer the flexibility, functionality and ease of install customers need, means that wholesalers can feel confident that they are recommending an option that electrical contractors can rely on. With high stock levels and the ability to turn orders around quickly – Sevadis is an ideal partner.
With the number of electric vehicles on the road growing all the time and with an urgent need for infrastructure to match the uptake, there is a real demand for high quality, yet cost-effective EV charging solutions. This means a timely opportunity for installers and electrical wholesalers alike.
To find out more about Sevadis and MaxiCharger, its wall- or pedestal-mounted, universal Type 2 charger, which is backed with an industry leading three-year warranty, visit
www.sevadis.com, email: customerservice@
sevadis.com or call on: 0330 058 7144.
April 2022 electrical wholesaler | 11
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