Countryside Solar provides best Batteries.
Smappee is a cleantech company based in Belgium that specialises in smart energy management systems for homes and businesses. The company developed the unique Smappee Infinity, an advanced energy monitoring system used to analyse real-time use of electricity, solar power, gas and water. The EV Wall, released early in 2021, includes the Infinity system to offer advanced smart charging modes and scheduled charging options to maximise solar self-consumption. The Smappee EV Wall is a smart EV charger available in single-phase (7.2kW) or 3-phase (22kW) options and includes three CT meters and a hub to enable energy monitoring, smart solar charging and dynamic load control. The integrated infinity system is expandable with up to 28 circuits and can provide full appliance level data, plus allow users to control their energy flow of excess solar to the EV Wall charger, battery storage, or any smart device to maximise self-sufficiency. The EV wall system is also interoperable with IoT products, receives over-the-air updates, and can be started and allows for payments via QR code or RFID (card activation).
The UK made Zappi V2 charger from Myenergi is one of the smartest and most popular EV chargers on the market. It’s a clever device with three different charging modes, eco, eco+ and fast. It can also be set up as a single-phase or 3-phase charger with 1 phase charging rate from 1.4kW to 7kW and 3 phase from 4.1kW to 22kW. In Eco mode, it will charge your EV using mostly self-generated solar power while minimising the amount of grid power used. In Eco+ mode the Zappi charger will quickly adjust its charge rate to only use your own excess solar generation and will not push any grid power. This means it will pause charging if your household is consuming all the solar generation or the weather is very poor. In Fast mode, the Zappi will charge your vehicle at the maximum rate regardless of solar generation or household consumption. The Zappi is also the only charger that offers wireless CT (energy monitoring) data via the optional Harvi wireless sensor. Note, CTs are extra and are not included with the Harvi unit.
The Anderson A2 charger is a very stylish smart EV charger that had been precision-designed for quality and function. It features a range of energy management functions including solar-only charging, smart scheduling and dynamic load-balancing. The charger is available in 7.0kW single-phase or 3-phase 22kW varieties with adjustable current settings and monitoring via the smart Konnect app. However, what really sets this charger apart from the competition is the high-quality enclosure built on a machined alloy base and the vast array of customisable colour and cover options available. The unique design also hides both the cable and connector inside a seamlessly integrated cavity. The only real downside is that it is only available in the UK and Europe.
EO is a leading UK manufacturer of EV chargers. The Mini Pro 2 is the second generation super-compact smart charger and much like its larger brother the EO basic, the mini is high quality and reliable. If you want a small, discrete, modern-looking charger with clever charging options it would be hard to pass by the Mini Pro 2. Like most single-phase chargers, it has a maximum charging power of 7kW or 32A but can be ramped down if your supply circuit is limited. It’s set up and controlled via Wifi through the EO app and displays the current charging rate plus it logs the charging history.
Founded in 2011, ZJ Beny is very well known among solar installers as a manufacturer of reliable, cost-effective solar isolators and surge protection equipment. The BCP series is the first EV charger released by the company and offers a huge array of features at a very affordable price. In fact, with a price tag as low as $650 (including CT meter), it’s by far the best value smart EV charger on the market. However, the snap-on cover, plastic housing and retro-looking DLB (Dynamic Load-Balancing) module look a little cheap, but for most users, the aesthetics will not be a big issue. Unfortunately, to enable the dynamic solar-only charging modes, an optional advanced Solar DLB box is required along with another CT clamp. The charger is available in either untethered or tethered options with a 6m (18ft) charging cable and single or 3-phase varieties with fully adjustable power ratings from 1.3kW or 7.4kW single-phase and 4.1kW to 22kW 3-phase. In regards to communications, WiFi and Bluetooth are standard on all Smart versions, while OCPP 1.6 Json communication protocol is optional (refer to model selection chart on the datasheet). The nice-looking Z-Box App used to set up and monitor the charger has a simple and easy-to-use interface and offers a huge range of configuration options.
The FIMER Flexa AC Wallbox is a high-performance smart EV charger designed and manufactured by one of the world’s leading power conversion equipment providers. The Flexa is available in tethered and non-tethered versions and four different power ratings, including 3.7kW or 7.4kW single-phase and 11kW or 22kW 3-phase options. The Flexa AC Wallbox is available in three different levels, Stand-alone, Future Net and Inverter Net. However, only the last two options have load balancing and smart communication features. The Future Net version enables remote monitoring and control, 3G/4G connectivity, WiFi, Ethernet, OCPP 1.6 Json communication protocol. The Inverter Net version includes all the same features, plus it can directly interact with the FIMER React 2 home solar battery system. In addition to the common load-balancing and smart scheduling features, the Flexa future net charger also features an inbuilt AC relay switch and digital input and outputs.
The Wallbox Pular Plus is great for those looking for a compact and discrete EV charger that can be remotely controlled and locked. The Wallbox app is Google and Alexa compatible and enables scheduled charging times to take advantage of cheaper off-peak electricity rates. The Wallbox Pulsar plus now also features load balancing when used in conjunction with an add-on energy meter, called the EMS (energy management system). The EMS enables several smart functions including Power boost, Eco-mode and dynamic power sharing which adjusts the charging rate when multiple chargers are used from the one grid connection to ensure it does not overload the supply. Power boost mode enables the system to charge at the maximum rate when the other loads are low.
OCULAR is a popular EV charger company based in Australia which has developed a wide range of EV chargers for residential and commercial applications, including high-power DC chargers. The IQ Wallbox is the first Smart EV charger produced by Ocular and is available in either two sizes, single-phase 7.4kW or 3-phase 22kW. The sleek black, tear-drop shaped charger features a clear 2.8-inch LCD display, RFID, Ethernet and Wifi, and, more importantly, OPCC1.6J making it suitable for the Charge HQ app-based control system for solar charging optimisation. Load balancing is also available, but it is unclear whether the CT clamp or external monitoring hardware is supplied or needs to be purchased separately. The maximum charge current is also adjustable via internal dip switches.
The JuiceBox 40 from Enel x is one of the most popular EV chargers in North America and is designed specifically for the US market. The charger is very affordable and rated higher than most, with a maximum charge rate of 40A or 9.6kW at 240V. Other features include scheduled charging, inbuilt WiFi and voice control via Google or Alexa. The Juicebox load-balancing feature is unique in that it is software controlled and does not require external CT metering. This is great when multiple chargers are connected to one grid supply point, but it will not enable dynamic load-balancing with a single charger. Juicebox owners can also participate in smart grid programs to enable charging from renewable sources and reduce emissions.