Industry Attempting To Stop DIY EVSE

Who are UK EVSE?! Is it a government or regulatory body, or just self appointed. That reads like self-interested protectionism, although I'd be happy to be proved wrong?!

http://ukevse.org.uk/uk-evse/who-we-are/

"UK EVSE is the trade association for charge point providers charger manufacturers and suppliers of EV Charging Management Systems active in the UK market."

so self-interested protectionism

Did they push over some tables and rough things up a bit?

Oh my god!!! Don't let them see this website:

http://www.diy.com/nav/fix/electrical

I wonder how many UK-EVSE members sell products based on Mainpine controllers

I was wondering if the EVDA would like to write a letter demanding a response within 14 days about the shoddy state of the UK charging infrastructure and reliability issues with member products.

fenlander said:

I was wondering if the EVDA would like to write a letter demanding a response within 14 days about the shoddy state of the UK charging infrastructure and reliability issues with member products.

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That would be so tempting - but I think it would simply start a silly "war"

Isn't all war silly
Go for it, it is so true, hopefully Kevin tells them to poke it

"We refer you to the reply given in the case of Arkell v. Pressdram" is probably an appropriate response. (Google it).

What a load of cobblers. I hope you give it the thorough ignoring it deserves. And after 14 days they'll be able to do: precisely nothing.

I'm not sure this post is appropriate for a chat room. I have a feeling that these formal letter are issued a certain stage where a 'case' is being developed. We don't have knowledge, or sight, of what has been written, or said before - so its foolish to comment.
Kevin/ ZCW / Mainpine have to decide where they stand - its their judgement / their risk/ their profit or loss.
I think it best to stay stumph!

Don't think Kevin is sharing it on a forum to avoid feedback, to be fair.

I can agree with the safety principles of the letter, however "cease and desist" is totally over the line. Surely the best course of action that the UK EVSE to take is to create some sort of manufacture / certification standard to which public charging infrastructure SHOULD meet and get some kind of seal of approval.

But if I am building my own DIY job, then whats the problem.

How does this kind of EVSE DIY assembly compare to other home electric stuff. I believe you're not even supposed to change your own light fittings, switched or mains electrics at home now are you? Or is that just confined to bathrooms and kitchens - where water and electricity might meet?

brian orr said:

I'm not sure this post is appropriate for a chat room. I have a feeling that these formal letter are issued a certain stage where a 'case' is being developed. We don't have knowledge, or sight, of what has been written, or said before - so its foolish to comment.
Kevin/ ZCW / Mainpine have to decide where they stand - its their judgement / their risk/ their profit or loss.
I think it best to stay stumph!

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Nope. It's a pathetic attempt at bullying. Exposing such behaviour to scrutiny - and ridicule - is precisely the correct reaction to it. The fact that it's a laughable failed attempt to bully just makes it more risible.

Yes totally agree that Kevin was right to post this on here, I saw it on twitter earlier and couldn't quite believe it? they are just trying to protect their own interests, its as ridiculous as painter and decorators picketing B&Q because them selling paint is putting them out of business? most people wont or cant attempt to build their own EVSE? where is the problem if competent technical people want to build one themselves.

The EVSE organisation have absolutely no right legally or morally to tell another business to stop encouraging or selling parts to people who want to make what is essentially just a small control panel? control panels are my business and have been for 20 + years, this is the most ridiculous letter that I have seen.

Its not the 1st of April till Monday is it?

who are these people and what authority to they hold to demand what they do.

TeslaChallenge said:

How does this kind of EVSE DIY assembly compare to other home electric stuff. I believe you're not even supposed to change your own light fittings, switched or mains electrics at home now are you? Or is that just confined to bathrooms and kitchens - where water and electricity might meet?

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You're not supposed to add new circuits to the consumer unit but you can change fittings on an existing one (except kitchen & bathroom) & you're not supposed to work on outdoor electrics.

This too is about jobs for the boys rather than safety - most fires and electrcal fires are caused by plug-in items not fixed wiring. Why not take the exams to demonstrate your competence? Because you can only do that if you are employed in the industry!

I have been an open critic of the DIY EVSE project. Not because I think people should not do it, but because I believe we should be giving more in the way of warnings to ensure that people are aware of the risks. If they are fully aware of the risks then I think people should be allowed to make their own choices.

However, I am massively against this kind of action. That letter is a bully tactic and it takes no account of the fact that done properly, and with due consideration of the risks, there is nothing that should prevent home built EVSEs. It seems to completely ignore personal choice.

I am not sure what can be done to counter it but it leaves me with a nasty taste and I deplore it.

Paul Newport said:

It is entirely appropriate to share this on this forum and talk about it. The letter in question is rank idiocy and we should call them out on this.

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I am not so sure...

Regardless of whether against the sentiments of this letter or in favour (I am against it BTW) it was a private letter. I am not so sure that publishing a private letter in this way is appropriate or even legal, regardless of the good intentions.

I am not legal eagle but my limited understanding of the copyright law suggests that it might be a breach of copyright to publish such a letter. This might sound as if I am being rather stupid... perhaps... but I would not have published it without taking legal advice.

I want to make it clear that I am in no way criticising Kevin or ZCW over this matter. What they do is entirely their choice. I am just commenting on my personal understanding of the law (limited though it is) and stating what I would have done had I received such a letter.

I am thankful that he did publish but I concerned about the consequences to him for doing so.

Fair enough. Point taken. As I said, I am not expert

Good!

I totally agree with the condemnation of the letter and I am whole-hearted behind the sentiment expressed against it. My comments were just a point of caution and if I am wrong then great