[Paul_Moxhay]

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_Moxhay]

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.

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.

 

[Paul_Moxhay]

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

 

[Paul_Moxhay]

I am on my 2nd Vauxhall EVSE. There have been a lot of failures of the Vauxhall EVSEs.

I would build my own but I only have 16A chargers in the cars and so I have very little need for anything other than what I have already and having 2 EVs and 2 EVSEs even the failure of one shouldn't affect me.

However, both of mine came included with the cars. If I had, say, a Mk2 Leaf with 7kW charging and just a Type 2 cable from Nissan then I would build my own without doubt and if I had concerns about the safety then I'd just get it checked by a suitably qualified person first.

 

[Paul_Moxhay]

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?

Good point.

Their threat of further action implies that they consider that some law has perhaps been broken. I am pretty sure that it is not illegal in any way to build your own EVSE from CE approved parts any more than it is to build your own computer.

It will be interesting to see what they do next.

 

[Paul_Moxhay]

I think you'll find it is a lot more than £10 Julian but I agree, the mark up will be high

 

[Paul_Moxhay]

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

Not quite.

The electric cable is just cable, I agree, but it is multi-core with both data and power... not your run-of-the-mill 3-core!

The plugs are J1772 and Menekkes Type 2. Again not your run-of-the-mill 13A 3-pin!

I do accept that they shouldn't be anything like the price that these companies are charging but with low volume and specialist cable and plugs, they are always not going to be cheap

 

[Paul_Moxhay]

Thanks for that Dave. I didn't realise it was really was that mainstream.

<off-topic warning>
I have a 32A pod point home charging unit that was making rhythmic clicking noises sometimes (1 a second). I have had a BG POLAR installed now... because I could... and removed the pod point for repair and installation at my new house when I move.

Do you think this is repairable cheaply? This is the inside...



</off-topic warning>

 

[Paul_Moxhay]

Pod Point even sell used j1772's on ebay so they must be joking about there ukevse membership right !

I am pretty sure they don't intend them to be used for DIY EVSEs... more for replacement of damaged cabled...

... ideal for replacing a damaged charging cable

But I could be wrong

 

[Paul_Moxhay]

Thanks for all your advice... very useful

I do like the idea of simply using the components to make up a DIY EVSE but I won't mention that here in case UK EVSE association is watching

Until we move house it will just remain in the garage so no action for a few months probably. More at that time then.

Thanks again