EV car charger comparison

Hardware
1

Hey,

I was looking EV car chargers. I was trying to compare my 3 top choices but I was trying to figure out what was the best option for me.

I will get two on 3 phase 11kW hookup (balancers need).

I had a few more requirements:

  1. Certified (using a grant)
  2. Has integration with HA to control on and of state (dugh)
  3. Local control (works without internet connection)

I narrowed down to 3 options that I am trying to choose from based on ‘nice to haves’.

go-e Wallbox Pebble
Controllable amperage + + +
MQTT + (native) ?(might if be rooted) +
Wired connection to meter/balancer -(Wifi) +(RS485) - (Wifi)
Wired connection to HA + (RJ45 into meter) - (Wifi) + (RJ45 to charger)
Removable cable + + -
OCPP + + +

Some version of more premium versions of chargers have options like go-e pro has RJ45 connector for wired connection but is almost twice the price

  • Controlled amperage is handy because I want to be able to balance charging and heating needs and battery and solar supply. i.e. derating charger so it only draws from house battery not the grid.
  • MQTT is a has much lower delays because it not pooled like an API every 30 seconds or so. If power draw increases then it should not there can be automation that immediately respond and not in next 30 seconds. It is a little safer and much more responsive.
  • Wired connection between meter and balancer in the service box and to HA are important because there is bit of distance and obstacles in between charger spot and service box and house, so to have reliable connections is more important and wifi pollution is thing.
  • Removable cable aka Socket style charger is a better fit because I am in rougher part of town… calling an electrician every time cable gets cut and stolen and calling the insurer to expense the stolen cable sounds like much easier option.

Have I missed anything important? Or paying attention to something that dose not matter?
Have any of these chargers? How was it for you?

P.S. I know that there are a few topics that are similar but the options I narrowed down might be useful and I was hoping for some feedback from people using them.

1 Like
2

I say, wallbox is out.
Did you see this one https://www.openevse.com/

1 Like
3

It has only NA connectors as far as I can see and I am not sure my installer would put up a more DYI focused platform considering they are on hook for a warranty.

4

That’s true, but will they support control via HA?
Another thing from the table that’s not clear to me is the RJ45 connection. What do you mean via meter?

5

Yah they will not support HA integration device they seam to be not so keen on installing devices they have not tried before… not to mention that has DYI nature.

I am installing 2 charge stations on 11kW wire meaning it could pull 22kW or more while charging to cars, so I need a balancer/controller to limit them both to the maximum power draw allowed per charger to not overheat my wiring.
Controllers are just a CT meter that tells the chargers how much they are drawing in total to pull back Pebble might even pull data directly from HA and MQTT… which is cool but I would prefer to work independently and have HA as backup.

6

I guess OCPP is the thing to look for and Grizzle supports it and Has UL compliance