OVO V2G Group - current thoughts?

Thanks ​@RobL 

Loads of interesting information there. I wasn't aware that you could export 8kW (4+4) with two schemes though. For some reason the DNO seem to be very cagey about exports over 3.68kW when in fact it reduces the currents flowing in the substation LV circuits (ie it cancels out the currents pulled by your neighbours) and hence the overall losses.

You made a good point about circumstances changing your arrangements which is something that is not often thought about. People set about trying to set up or optimise a particular system and then life forces a change on you even to the extent that you have to move house. Even a change in tariff or the introduction of a new supplier (like Tomato) changes the game. And then you find you don't have a compatible charge point or car.

I'm not holding my breath on V2G though  It's a simple concept that could well but there doesn't seem to be many willing participants at the moment. Time will tell as the EV fleet expands.

Peter

Hi Guys, just coming back for some advice really. Still got my Nissan Leaf and the Indra V2G charger, still working fine. I’m thinking of buying a Renault Megane e tech which has a different charging connection point to the V2G (CHAdeMO). Would this mean I would have to get a second charge point installed or is there a way to change the connection cables? ps I’m still planning to keep the Leaf.

Hi ​@Sam72 ,

AFAIK you can’t change the cable out nor use an adaptor with the V2G Charger, so you’d need a second unit if you wanted to use a vehicle that doesn’t natively support CHAdeMO.

If you wanted to remain purely Indra, you can use the Indra Smart PRO or Indra LUX with Charge Anytime, or you can explore the other supported Chargers from Hypervolt, Andersen, Zappi, evec or NexBlue.

Personally, Hypervolt seems to be the most popular and most reliable, but you’re welcome to explore all options.

HI ​@Blastoise186, really appreciate the feedback - any idea on how easy it is to install a second EV charger, does it require further adaptation to the fuse board etc? Or is it simpler having one already in place? I’m not wedded to Indra, although for six years I’ve had no significant issues other than the occasional reboot. 

From my understanding, completely replacing an existing charger doesn’t require much work on the wiring - it won’t cause extra load unless the new one is more powerful.

Having two however, may require a Three-Phase upgrade. I’d recommend having the survey done first as that’ll help figure out what work may be needed.

Hi ​@Sam72 it's been a little while since we chatted last. Hope you are well.

The Megane has a CCS connector as you probably know and whilst I would have normally have said you can just change the cable to a Type 2 it is a V2G unit so that is only Chademo connector compliant.

A second charge point will be required which leaves (pun not intended) the Leaf with the V2G arrangement in place. If you were thinking of going V2G with the Megane there is the Wallbox Quasar 2 at six grand plus fitting.

It's surprising easy to get power out of a CCS equipped car. You just plug in something that convinces the car it's been connected to a DC charger and it will stick the traction battery across the DC pins. V2L plugs do that so it's not rocket science. A V2L must not be connected to the mains (a big bang) or anything in the house due to earthing issues.

Peter

You don't necessarily need a three phase upgrade. You can have two charge points on a single phase but there has to be load sharing between them up to the 7kW limit. Load sharing can be done in different ways.

Peter 

Thanks ​@Peter E, I won’t be buying a new V2G that’s for sure!! No regrets on being part of the trial, but it looks like you can get better deals from EV charging dedicated tariffs, which negates the gain from V2G (which can’t be part of those EV dedicated tariffs...). I think I’m probably going to end up with a second charger installed until the Leaf dies at which point the V2G will probably go. Would have been very helpful if there was a CHADEMO to CCS adapter I could simply plug on to the end of the charging lead, but understand there is very little incentive for the the manufacturers to be that helpful!

You wouldn't have a Chademo / CCS adapter as they are different DC charging standards. However there is only one AC charging standard with different plugs so you do get the adaptors for that.

There is a market for surplus V2G if you go on SpeakEV or even look on eBay when the Leaf goes.

Peter 

Thanks will do!