[Kevin Sharpe]

I thought you might like to see just how government and industry conspire to prevent free consumer choice

Here's a link provided by UK EVSE to the offending article;

http://www.myelifenow.com/2014/01/diy-evse-build-day-by-kevin-sharpe-from.html

 

[Kevin Sharpe]

Who it part of this EVSE trades body anyway?

"UK EVSE members include APT, Charge Point Services, Charging Solutions, Chargemaster, Charge Your Car, Elektromotive, Eveo, Rolec Services, POD Point and Siemens"

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

 

[Kevin Sharpe]

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 completely agree with you and I will fight to ensure that people have the right to undertake safe DIY.

The EVSE Build day video was made by four highly educated people with ~100 years experience including high power electronics. The video contains multiple health and safety warnings and a recommendation that the finished item is tested by a certified electrician and checked on a regular basis. The EVSE in the video used hardware supplied by UK EVSE members Rolec and Siemens, together with parts from ITT, Phoenix Contact, and Mainpine. All parts are CE tested and comply with all necessary standards.

 

[Kevin Sharpe]

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.

You have been given full sight of the communications received and I will publish all relevant communication in the future. UK EVSE is a self appointed trade body which receives "secretariat support" from Cenex.

ZCW was asked to join UK EVSE but declined because it's membership would inevitably restrict the charities ability to campaign on important climate change issues.

I think it best to stay stumph!

I profoundly disagree and think it's important that EV drivers understand what's going on in this industry... how many people even knew about the existence of UK EVSE until yesterday? Or that such a trade body might want to restrict your ability to build an EVSE, adaptor, or even modify your car?

Personally, I think this has much more to do with the fact that Mainpine has recently released a EVSE protocol controller that you can buy for £79 + VAT

 

[Kevin Sharpe]

Playing devil's advocate here, the self build EVSE is hardly cheap is it? How much did it cost?

I can't remember the exact prices at that time but iirc the 32A EPC + 32A Type 1 Cable kit was £149, Rolec RCBO £20, Siemens Contactor £20, Aluminium case with window £50, wire and bits and bobs £20... so roughly £239 + VAT (Retail).

Obviously, you can get less robust cases for £10 and cheaper RCBOs and Contactors.

This is a fully adjustable from 6A to 32A, repairable, and very rugged.

Not a great deal cheaper than Vauxhall's EVSE although I appreciate it's a lot more useful.

Given the failure rate on the vauxhall EVSE I know which version I'd rather have

If you wanted to build a 10A version then I guess shave 20% off the prices quoted.

 

[Kevin Sharpe]

What I don't understand about all this is, if Zero Carbon World is not a member of UK EVSE, what sanctions do they think they can impose?

That's unclear from the letter and I've asked them to clarify exactly what laws they believe we have broken promoting DIY EVSE

I wonder if I should tell them that I'll be powering up my 0-300V 0-20A Glassman PSU in the workshop later today

 

[Kevin Sharpe]

This has got me thinking, Kevin how hard would it be for ZCW to build a rapid charger?

CHAdeMO is not that difficult but until a business case exists I can't see Mainpine doing it.

Here's what's involved - WARNING this video contains images of DIY chargers and 3D printed CHAdeMO connectors that may lead you to question the prices of commercial vendors... viewer discretion advised

 

[Kevin Sharpe]

What exactly is it that UK EVSE think that Zero Carbon World are doing that is "endorsing and recommending the manufacture of Do-It-Yourself (DIY) Electric Vehicle charging stations"?

When I asked for clarification they sent me the following link without comment;

http://www.myelifenow.com/2014/01/diy-evse-build-day-by-kevin-sharpe-from.html

So, beyond what it says in the letter I really don't know.

 

[Kevin Sharpe]

Isn't it a bit of electrical cable + 2 plugs?

Yes, but even when buying in volume neither ourselves, the resellers, nor the manufacturers make very much money when selling a cable for £149

Remember this is a very low volume market today... even if every EV in the UK had a Type 2 cable I doubt you'd break even.

 

[Kevin Sharpe]

Where? ;-)

Two resellers listed here... chasing mainpine sales for the rest

 

[Kevin Sharpe]

I understand that several members of the Battery Vehicle Society are writing to UK EVSE to express their concerns about the restrictions placed on safe DIY projects.

 

[Kevin Sharpe]

I have made a formal complaint to the Competition And Markets Authority who have recently taken over from the OFT.

I think it would be a good time for everyone to join the Electric Vehicles Drivers Association because this is just one of the many issues that EV drivers will face going forward.

 

[Kevin Sharpe]

some supportive posts over on the Tesla Motors Club forum

 

[Kevin Sharpe]

How different it is in the US

Inexpensive Charging Equipment: Comparing JuiceBox, OpenEVSE and EVSEUpgrade

 

[Kevin Sharpe]

I have now written to Duncan Hames MP, Ashley Fox MEP, and The Guardian.

I've asked them to review the role of the UK EVSE members in deployments like Highland Council as well as the request for ZCW to stop providing EVSE information for DIY.

I'm also hopeful that the Competition And Markets Authority will undertake an investigation.

Personally, I'm tired of reading about £37,500 Charging Stations funded by tax payers and think we need real and effective competition to drive down prices in the UK market.

I repeat what I said previously, now is a good time for everyone to join the Electric Vehicles Drivers Association because drivers need a voice.

 

[Kevin Sharpe]

 

[Kevin Sharpe]

You should write to Private Eye - they would snap up this story.

Thanks for the suggestion, contacted them today

 

[Kevin Sharpe]

Transport Evolved - UK Trade Association Wants to Stop DIY Charging Stations

"The UK Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment association, a trade body that represents suppliers of charging stations and charging station management systems, has written a strongly-worded letter asking a UK charity to cease the promotion of do-it-yourself charging stations."

 

[Kevin Sharpe]

Kevin, have you ever woke up to find a severed Type 2 connector on the pillow next to you!

not yet

 

[Kevin Sharpe]

"On today's Transport Evolved: 60 Minutes screws up, Polar leaves us in the Cold, and the right to build your own."