Category: Announcements

Sales question came in during the week: how does metering work when all the kecontact units have is multi coloured LEDs as a display?

The answer is using the web interface available on the b and c series units, via the Ethernet port.

Continue Reading for Screen shots of web interface

We’ve reduced the price on the Elektrobay 250 from $1,870 to $1,760.

Model Swap

We are swapping out the top model kecontact c-series with a kecontact c-series

Recharging NSW will no longer be stocking the:
KC-P20-ES240030-00R EN EN Type2 Socket 22kW+ETH+PLC+RFID
Instead we will be ordering:
New Model: KC-P20-ES240020-00R EN Type2 Socket 22kW+ETH+RFID

The difference between the 2 Models is the PLC (power-line communication) function. For vehicles which have this feature it allows the vehicle to potentially gain internet access through the charging station if there is a lack of mobile phone reception. Currently only the Smart ED (not available in Australia) has this feature. This enables us to reduce the price to $2,090.00.

Recharging NSW is proud to announce that it is now a retailer of Keba KeContact P20 charging points and electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE).

Who is Keba ?

Keba AG is an Austrian company with its headquarters in Linz, that develops and produces industrial, bank, and service industrial products. (source http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/KEBA)

Which e-vehicles will be able to be recharged ?

KeContact comes in 3 variations Type 1 J1772 (cable), Type 2 Mennekes (cable) and Type 2 Mennekes socket.

Type 1 J1772 (cable)

• BMW i3 and i8
• Brammo Empulse and Empulse R (e-motorbike)
• Holden Volt
• Mitsubishi i-MIEV (2012 or newer) and Outlander PHEV
• Nissan LEAF

Type 2 Mennekes (cable)

• Tesla Model S

Type 2 Mennekes Socket

• All of the above with either a Type 2 to Type 1 cable or a Type 2 to Type 2 cable. This is the universal option best for when you want to be able to support as many cars as possible with a single unit.

Where can I find a KeContact P20 ?

The KeContact is available worldwide, if you would like to see some pictures of some units installed I’ve found the following on plugshare and uppladdning.nu

If you head over to our product page, you’ll find the first in a hopefully expanding selection of Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE).

So time for a quick Question and Answer session.

Why do I need a 7kW EVSE ?

1. Convenience: Unpacking and packing up the supplied charging cable can get tiresome. Drivers have found it more convenient to park and plug in from a fixed installation.
2. Charge time:  Your car will charge faster (more details below)
3. Efficiency:  There are saving just from the car charging system being on for less time. Some cars will also benefit from being able to operate at full power when recharging.
4. Safety: a properly installed hard wired EVSE is safer than using a power point and cable.

What Electric Vehicles (EVs) and plug in hybrids will they work with ?

These units will work with all mode 3 J1772 vehicles. the quick Australian list is:

• BMW i3
• BMW i8
• Brammo Empulse and Empulse R (e-motorbike)
• Holden Volt
• Mitsubishi i-MIEV (2012 or newer)
• Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV
• Nissan LEAF

Tesla Roadster and Model S and Zero Motorbikes may work with adapter cables (we are unable to provide these)

How fast will a 7kW EVSE recharge my car ? 

Well it depends on the car, the 7kW EVSE only tells the car the maximum power it can use,  it then depends on how powerful the on board charger is which varies on each car. So lets compare these 7kW units to the EVSE that is supplied with the vehicle.  The table tells you how many kWh supplied in 2 hours of charging* and the % increase in battery charge level (State of Charge SOC)

*for simplicity this doesn’t take into account inefficiency in the charger.

We can see from table that the BMW i3 get the biggest benefit from the upgrade; if it takes 8 hours from a powerpoint then using our 7kW EVSE should decrease it to (8 hours times the “charging time decrease factor” i.e  8*0.34 ) 2.72 hours.

What is the difference between the two models ?

Aerovironment EVSE-RS is cheaper, has a longer cable which will be more convenient, and better suited for an outdoor installation because of the heat rating to 50°C.

Elektrobay is slightly more expensive but has a key lock to stop unauthorised use, which may be of use in less private parking spaces. It also has a remote start circuit, this allows you to increase the intelligence of the EVSE.  You can for example; wire in timers, remote start switches, create coin operated charging stations or start charging when you solar system starts exporting energy to maximise your renewable energy use.  If you want to explore any of these ideas recharging NSW is happy to help.

I have more questions ?

Fill out the form on the contact us page.