The number of electric vehicles being driven in New Zealand is expected to increase significantly over the coming years with the Government aiming to have 64,000 electric vehicles on the road by the end of 2021. If you haven’t had to choose a charging solution or advise a customer yet, the chances are that it won’t be long.

New builds or significant renovations present the perfect opportunity to include pre-wiring to the garage or carport; delivering flexibility and value to clients and their homes.

Beyond preparing for the increased need for charging, there are some key considerations when selecting a charging solution that will satisfy clients for the long term and won’t cause headaches when designing, installing or providing support.

Design excellence

Driven by the prospect of huge fuel savings and reducing environmental impact, many prospective electric vehicle owners will be focused on the car more than the charging. This will leave designers to recommend the best charging solution for them.

All that’s required is a dedicated circuit from the switchboard to the garage or carport. By running the appropriate cable and using a temporary faceplate at the outlet, clients will be grateful when they later enquire about their charging options.

The best option is a fit-for-purpose charging station, supplied by a dedicated 32-amp Type-B RCD-protected circuit such as PDL by Schneider Electric’s EVlink Wallbox and isolator range. Choosing a solution instead of a box and cable will reduce costs and make installations a breeze.

Schneider Electric says the EVlink Wallbox can charge vehicles multiple times quicker than using a normal socket, and make the whole operation safer for homeowners.

Ongoing concerns around heat produced when charging from a conventional socket outlet remain, however, the EVlink Wallbox is designed to manage heat over several hours of operation providing a significantly safer charging process.

Further safety is delivered at the switchboard with installation of a necessary miniature circuit breaker (MCB) and residual current device (RCB) which are both available from Schneider as part of the EVlink charging solution. Unique to Schneider installations is the PDL undervoltage release that goes beyond conventional approaches to EV charging, further protecting clients and their homes.

EV owners intending to charge their vehicles in a carport also face challenges. Schneider’s EVlink Wallbox is robust and weatherproof so can handle being exposed to the elements, is lockable to provide access only to the owner and includes a theft-proof power cable.

The EVlink Wallbox also introduces delayed start charging if connected to a timer, which allows homeowners to take advantage of the cheapest, off-peak power rates and prevent dramatic power bill increases.

Proven support

EV Chargers are designed to be a long-term addition to the home. Designers have to consider ongoing support and maintenance for the charging solution selected for their clients.

With a proven track record for manufacturing best-in-class products and a long history of providing industry-leading support, Schneider Electric will ensure there’s ample backup for designers and their clients.

With easy access to replacement parts and spares, reliable nationwide distribution channels and industry-leading technical advice and support, Schneider Electric’s EVlink Wallbox will satisfy homeowners over many years.

The future is now

New Zealand is a recognised world leader in the production of renewable energy so it’s about time NZ leads the way in utilising it.

With short average daily driving distances and ready access to renewable energy, there’s no doubt that electric vehicles are here to stay. Play a part in making them safer and more affordable to run by including the right wiring solution and encouraging clients to consider installing the right equipment.

Making sure to pre-wire homes and select the best charger for long-term value will provide significant value to clients. Choose PDL by Schneider Electric’s EVlink Wallbox and enjoy best-in-class quality, proven national support and easy access to spare parts and technical advice to make life easier.