Charging electric cars on Club sites.
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On BMW's website I suggest you read this where it supplies you with a 13a plug for charging at home or to be portable where fast charging is not available.
(HERE)
At the moment nearly all EV manufacturers supply and allow the use of portable charging, Tesla may be the exception.
No matter what my opinion on usage on site, I have no beef with EV's as a vehicle so try to be factual with my posts.
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Actually I am afraid that you were seriously misinformed. As we are thinking of buying an i3 we have spent some time talking to BMW. The standard charging method is through a normal 13amp plug, however, it can take up to 12 hours from a discharged battery so they tend to recommend the more rapid home installation charger.
As we use a car for many short trips the 13 amp plug is fine although we will probably go for the more rapid charger as it is government subsidised.
The car wouldn’t be much use to us if we couldn’t charge from a normal household socket as if we were visiting relatives we would plug in to recharge for the return trip.
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but is it static or touring electricity?
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Is that Alan Turing electricity?
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We didn't buy the charge point from BMW as even with the subsidy it's very expensive. OH found one on line and installed it himself. We used a household socket for a couple of weeks but the fast charger is much better.
We have been pleased with the car, using it for long and short journeys without any problems. On a site even a short charge would be fairly inconvenient but useful if really necessary. Rapid chargers are preferable.
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I very much doubt whether a car dealer would have the faintest idea about caravans, external sockets and EHUs.
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Which means what? That you asked the wrong question, or asked the wrong people, or both?
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JVB, I would not dream of challenging you about what you can and can't do with your own car. Please take it from me, that having purchased a particular car we have ascertained what can and can't be done with it.
Whether anyone would be connecting a hundred feet from a bollard is really pushing the boundaries and I'll leave you with your onward investigations.
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The BMW i3 built in charger takes 10 amps which is less than 3kW and well within the capability of Club site distribution. Of course, if you want a very long lead then the voltage will drop and less current will be supplied to the charger and it will take longer to fully charge the vehicle. Just the same as running a 3kW heater in your van or electric hob. There is no magic, it is a straightforward use of electricity just like charging your leisure battery but with double the size of charger. Just don’t plug the car in and switch the Alde to maximum heat on the highest electrical setting or you will probably trip the bollard.
Can’t comment on other EVs but if they have a 16 amp socket charging capability then it’s exactly the same as the BMW i.e. no problem.
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I have taken it that as the Club have ok'd the charging of Hybrids or EV's, that they as the owners of the site, have assessed the health and safety implications and are satisfied that it is safe to do so.
I think that is reasonable assumption to make.
( Edit. But, nobody on this forum will know for definite, so the only way for someone to find this out and satisfy themselves for sure, is to ask the Club directly )
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I wouldn't be too sure, this is the CC you're talking about.
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We have used an extension cable reel from inside our caravan on numerous occasions, utilising a 3 pin socket inside with electric coming from hook up. What did I use it for? Well, if pushed for time when I was still working, I used to clip our three Airedales on site in the sunshine! I survived, the dogs survived, and it was very relaxing. Oh, and the birds had a great source of nesting material......
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There's a post in this thread from Rowena (I think) explaining that its OK to charge EVs on pitch, Alex.
Good luck with finding it.
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here it is (I bookmarked it) From Rowena Page 36 I think
Posted on 29/12/2017 10:19
Hi everyone,For clarity, and as per a previous discussion on this subject, the sites operations team at the Club have advised that the Club do allow site users to connect out from their caravan, as many do for their awnings and connect/charge their car, however, this will reduce the available ampage required for other usage within their outfit, which is their choice. If it becomes an issue and they exceed the 16 amp supply this will trip out the bollard, therefore, the Site Staff would then suggest, if this does happen to ask them to reduce their appliances plugged in
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That’s helpful MrC👍🏻. Keep it handy as the same question will be asked in another 5 pages I reckon😂😂.
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It seems to me that to some extent, the club is giving mixed messages on electricity use whilst on site. On the one hand they are basically saying use up to the 16 amp supply if you are charging a car, and to achieve that, unplug other appliances, but are encouraging full use of the current available up to that 16 amp.
Yet the site leaflets say : Electric hook-up : The costs of electricity are included in your pitch fee, but please help us minimise our effect on the environment by considering your electricity use while on site. Also any
saving could help towards investments in new sites or redevelopments.In the last 25 years or so I have always been quite frugal in electricity use by turning off water and space heating whilst off site, not using an awning heater etc. etc. in the vain hope that it may keep costs down for the club and reduce price rises. I am now starting to question that strategy...
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J2, I see the C&MC as giving out the message we mostly live by-‘use what energy you need but try not to be wasteful’. If you need to be warm, cook, or charge an EV-do so. It is up to the individual to decide on their own needs, not for the individual to dictate others needs👍🏻.
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