Charging at home ?

[raymajor3]

Hello I'm new to group but have payed a deposit on a new mg zs ev on Friday originally looking at petrol but got a great deal and car is at dealership so no wait time the dealer explained that I get a 3m cable in deal and that I can charge via a 3 pin plug I explained that car is on private drive but 20 metres away from supply in house he said that's fine I just fit a cable and waterproof socket from supply and I can charge vehicle, Ok so I've no looked at this and it looks not so straightforward, like a 20hr charge time but that's to 80% which was not explained option to fit charge point but looks like it's going to be £1000 approx what I need to know is as we live in rural area if car is used for short journeys approx 10 -20 miles a day and maybe say 50 miles weekends will first option work and also is it safe if I use a good quality 2.5mm cable but occasionally top up on a fast charge in town also any help would be appreciated also if other people use granny lead on a regular basic at home ?

 

[Jomarkh]

Hi, yes your car from a very low percentage will take 20+ hours to charge.
If you do few miles then you may get away with the 'granny' charger but get a good quality waterproof socket installed to do a battery balance once a month and use the fast chargers.
You will probably need Pod point app to start the charge.
Download Zap-map too.
The Electric Juice card from Octopus Energy is good as it covers a number of charging networks

 

[Gomev]

Hello I'm new to group but have payed a deposit on a new mg zs ev on Friday originally looking at petrol but got a great deal and car is at dealership so no wait time the dealer explained that I get a 3m cable in deal and that I can charge via a 3 pin plug I explained that car is on private drive but 20 metres away from supply in house he said that's fine I just fit a cable and waterproof socket from supply and I can charge vehicle, Ok so I've no looked at this and it looks not so straightforward, like a 20hr charge time but that's to 80% which was not explained option to fit charge point but looks like it's going to be £1000 approx what I need to know is as we live in rural area if car is used for short journeys approx 10 -20 miles a day and maybe say 50 miles weekends will first option work and also is it safe if I use a good quality 2.5mm cable but occasionally top up on a fast charge in town also any help would be appreciated also if other people use granny lead on a regular basic at home ?

Yes a good extension lead that is rated 13amp will be fine. The granny charger (the slow 3 pin socket charger) will add about 6 miles to your range every hour. Yes slow, but if you do 20 miles a day then plug in and top up for 2 or 3 hours a day.
With EVs, unless on a long journey you can 'graze' fuel. Take a bit here, take a bit there take a bit whenever you can, and keep the car pretty much topped up instead of letting it go low and needing a big charge.

I have posted this elsewhere on the forum but as you've just joined have a look at this.

 

[Alb]

You will get by with the Granny Charger but a dedicated 32A charge point will always be a better option. I'd advise getting some proper quotes as the £1K you mention is definitely higher than the norm. I paid less than that for my Hypervolt installation and Consumer Unit replacement combined.

 

[mj224]

I used granny chargers for 4 years with my Citroen Zero. The 3 pin plugs tend to heat up, and eventually die. I replaced mine a couple of times during that time, and eventually the outdoor socket. I don't think they have any danger, but keep an eye out for that eventuality. First symptom is difficulty in getting the 3 pin plug out of the socket. If you can, install a 7KW charger, then you are able to fully charge and balance over night. My 7KW cost about £500 to buy and install.

Good luck

 

[Elec Car Aust]

Hello I'm new to group but have payed a deposit on a new mg zs ev on Friday originally looking at petrol but got a great deal and car is at dealership so no wait time the dealer explained that I get a 3m cable in deal and that I can charge via a 3 pin plug I explained that car is on private drive but 20 metres away from supply in house he said that's fine I just fit a cable and waterproof socket from supply and I can charge vehicle, Ok so I've no looked at this and it looks not so straightforward, like a 20hr charge time but that's to 80% which was not explained option to fit charge point but looks like it's going to be £1000 approx what I need to know is as we live in rural area if car is used for short journeys approx 10 -20 miles a day and maybe say 50 miles weekends will first option work and also is it safe if I use a good quality 2.5mm cable but occasionally top up on a fast charge in town also any help would be appreciated also if other people use granny lead on a regular basic at home ?

Hi, we charge our ZS 95% of the time at home although not on an extension lead. Check out our video on home charging experience.