Which British Gas charger should I go for.

[Auzoloto]

I am having a BG charger fitted for my soon-to-arrive Outlander PHev.

Which should I choose:

16A data-enabled tethered wall-box (base) £115
30A data-enabled tethered wall-box upgrade base + £99
16A data-enabled non tethered wall-box base + £50
30A data-enabled non tethered wall-box base + £125

It was suggested by BG that the Outlander cannot benefit from the faster charge offered by the 30A?

What does 'tethered' mean?

Thanks in anticipation

 

[Hypermiler]

Hi
There are a few threads about this - you could perhaps search for them. But to answer your questions - the phev cannot charge at 30 amp speed it will just draw what it needs, but perhaps another car you get in the future could?

Tethered means the charging cable you plug into the car is attached to the wall box. The phev takes a type 1 connector, along with the leaf and Prius so if you go for tethered then the box will only charge those cars. The European standard is type 2, used by e.g. the Renault Zoe, BMW. Public points are type 2 so you will need a cable to carry around with you if you plan to use them.

For full flexibility you would want the non tethered 30 amp (type 2) and then buy a separate cable (type 1 to 2). But you may decide not to worry about future proofing and that a fixed cable is more convenient, particularly if you are not planning to charge out and about.

I have a tethered type 1 30 amp so may never be able to use the 30 amp capability. But I was slightly less well informed when deciding what to go for. And then I had to buy a separate cable for public points although not used it yet!

Someone please jump in if they disagree...
Cheers H

 

[Auzoloto]

Thanks Hypermiller

There is a lot to learn about this vehicle!

 

[DavidEJM]

Surely the British Gas basic charger is free?

 

[Auzoloto]

I cut and pasted from the BG website.

I have heard they are beginning to charge from Aug 1st ?

 

[Poins]

I was concerned at the message from British Gas that there was a delay over installs, and the rumours of an end to the free installations, so I contacted Chargemaster. They got back to me within a couple of days and fitted the 'charger' a couple of days after that. I had been dithering over whether to go for the tethered or socket option, but the installer arrived anyway with all options on board so I was able to change my mind during the install. (In the end, I went for the socketed version, on the basis that I'll need to buy a 'Type 2 to Type 1' cable anyway in order to access public chargers).

If you are thinking of giving Chargemaster a go, they sent me a form that offers a £20 introduction fee for any introductions. If anyone want to let me 'introduce' them, I'll happily split the £20 with you. If the message board allows me to post an email address, you can get me on [email protected]

 

[BeerHunter]

I was concerned at the message from British Gas that there was a delay over installs, and the rumours of an end to the free installations, so I contacted Chargemaster. They got back to me within a couple of days and fitted the 'charger' a couple of days after that. I had been dithering over whether to go for the tethered or socket option, but the installer arrived anyway with all options on board so I was able to change my mind during the install. (In the end, I went for the socketed version, on the basis that I'll need to buy a 'Type 2 to Type 1' cable anyway in order to access public chargers).

If you are thinking of giving Chargemaster a go, they sent me a form that offers a £20 introduction fee for any introductions. If anyone want to let me 'introduce' them, I'll happily split the £20 with you. If the message board allows me to post an email address, you can get me on [email protected]

Do you not get the cable included with the socket option?

Kev.

 

[Poins]

Sadly not. If you go for the socket, you have to buy your own cable.