The Future of EV Charging Solutions

A smart EV charger not only increases charging speed but also prevents blown fuses. It automatically measures the available electricity and adjusts accordingly, ensuring a smooth and safe charging process.

We spoke with Fredrik Hegland, a charging expert at Zaptec, to understand what you should consider when purchasing an EV charger.

Hegland emphasises that safety and user-friendliness are key. Poor-quality EV charging stations can pose significant risks, as large amounts of power pass through them.

According to Hegland, both dumb chargers and smart chargers are generally safe. However, dumb chargers can cause fuse blowouts due to excessive concurrent power usage. He strongly warns against using a standard household socket for EV charging, as it increases the risk of fire and electric shock.

What is the difference between smart chargers and dumb chargers?

In housing cooperatives, smart chargers are essential, while for individual homes, there is some flexibility. The smarter the charger, the better, says Hegland.

Many opt for dumb chargers due to their lower cost, only to later realise their home fuses can’t handle the load. Zaptec’s smart chargers provide maximum charging speed while preventing fuse blowouts, whereas dumb chargers require a reduced charging speed to avoid electrical issues.

A smart charger dynamically allocates available power, ensuring efficiency. By contrast, a dumb charger does not monitor available power, which can lead to inefficiencies and increased costs.

The Financial Benefits of Smart Charging

NVE has indicated plans for dynamic grid rent, meaning the more simultaneous power you use, the higher the cost. Smart EV chargers help reduce energy bills by shifting charging to off-peak hours when consumption is lower.

Hegland explains that power cables contain three wires that should be evenly used. Zaptec’s charging stations can automatically shift power between these wires, ensuring optimal efficiency.

“This allows for the fastest possible charging while utilising all available power,” he explains.

In dumb chargers, a single phase is selected during installation. This limitation becomes a major issue in large-scale installations, such as in housing cooperatives, where the ability to switch between phases significantly enhances charging capacity.

Scalable EV Charging Infrastructure

Zaptec has designed a scalable system with no restrictions on the number of charging stations that can operate on a single fuse. The key factor is the total available power in the system.

Do Zaptec Chargers Support All Vehicles?

“Yes, our chargers are compatible with all EVs,” confirms Hegland.

Are Smart Meters Future-Proof?

“Zaptec smart chargers purchased four years ago are now even smarter. Automatic updates ensure the latest features and software enhancements.”

Do Zaptec Chargers Support 22 kW Charging?

“Yes, our chargers support up to 22 kW if the infrastructure allows. Dumb chargers typically cannot accommodate this capacity.”

Final Advice from an Expert

Many buyers look for a charger specific to their current EV. However, Hegland recommends focusing on a high-quality charging station that supports all EVs, as you might change vehicles in the future.