With electric vehicles increasing in popularity, not having an EV charging station outside a new home may be a turn off for prospective homeowners. Here, Rolec unveils its latest charger and explains what it is doing differently.

Rolec has been manufacturing and supplying affordable electric vehicle charging to families and businesses globally for over 17 years. Throughout this time, we have kept our ear to the ground and listened to what our customers need. Which is why we continue to invest in developing technology that is both sophisticated and cost effective, to provide people with the means to go electric, without sacrificing style or function.

With that being said, we would like to introduce our latest success: EVO! A fresh take on a familiar face, EVO is the newest member of our electric family.

The Perfect Fit

Available in 7.4kW and 22kW models, it offers an easy-to-use, fully compatible charging solution for all EVs and PHEVs. The Red Dot Award for Product Design 2024 winner also features a dimmable customisable LED indicator to display clear charging status, providing personalisation.

Smarter, More Efficient Charging

The EVO prioritises stable, efficient charging, ensuring a safe maximum rate every time, thanks to its passive cooling system. Supporting dynamic load balancing as standard, the unit can adjust its charger output based on a property’s available electricity usage, preventing grid overload, optimising energy use, and protecting the power supply, for easy charging and peace of mind. With three charging modes: CHARGE NOW (plug & go), ECO (solar + grid), and ECO+ (surplus solar only), EVO offers flexibility to suit different lifestyles. The introduction of EVO also marks the arrival of a new way to solar charge. With the ECO + smart solar feature, EVO can detect and allocate surplus solar energy generated from a home to charge an electric vehicle, creating an opportunity for zero-cost charging.

Every detail is visible through the native EVO app: receive live updates on charging sessions, easily plan with the scheduled charging feature, and integrate smart tariffs to use off-peak rates.

Alternatively, as with all Rolec units, users can opt to connect their charger to any OCPP-compatible app of their choice. We’re so confident in our product that we’re providing customers with an extended 5-year manufacturer’s warranty. Frankie Mellon, Managing Director at Rolec, commented: “We’re not here to play the game; we’re here to change it. Team Rolec has hit the ground running this year, bringing a fresh take on a familiar face. 2025 is the year of our next generation home charger, EVO. Building on everything you loved about our popular QUBEV Smart unit, EVO introduces more advanced features, greater efficiency, and native OCPP compliance, setting a new standard for home EV charging.

EVO is designed with installers and customers in mind, featuring a modern, compact design that fits seamlessly into any home. Its eco+ smart solar capability allows users to harness surplus solar energy, promoting charging with 100% free, renewable electricity. With dynamic load balancing and intuitive app integration, EVO provides a powerful, efficient solution tailored to your home’s specific needs. Take advantage of our complimentary 5-year extended warranty to ensure your investment is protected.” EVO is here! Units are available now, with next-day delivery for our UK customers.

For more information visit www.rdr.link/dbc037

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The push for decarbonisation is something that has been acutely felt in the built-environment industry, particularly when it comes to the adoption of electric vehicles and the Government’s introduction of Part S. James Jarvis, business development manager at Rolec Services, reports.

As the UK prepares for a net zero future, and Part S of the Building Regulations weighs in on housing and electric vehicles (EVs), housebuilders are grappling with the various practical issues around providing charging for residents of all new homes.

Electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming more affordable and practical, and the UK Government has set ambitious targets to phase out the sale of new petrol and diesel cars by 2030. Along with the recognised standard features of a charge point (a minimum output of 7 kW and a universal power socket), the Government also introduced the Electric Vehicles (Smart Charge Points) Regulations.

As the demand for EV charging infrastructure increases, it is essential that installation is made as simple and easy as possible. In the past, installing EV charging points was a complex and time-consuming process, requiring significant planning and co-ordination.

Convenience is the key. By incorporating Protective Multiple Earth (PME) fault detection technology, the installation process can be streamlined, the risk of faults can be reduced, and overall reliability can be improved. In-built PME fault detection has been invaluable in achieving this, since it means the unit won’t need an earth rod to be installed, which means less hassle for the installer and less disruption to the customer.

Scheduled charging is one of the key things to look out for: introduced to reduce strain on the grid by encouraging users to charge during off-peak hours. Compliant units manage this via an online app, which also gives the user full control of their charger. Furthermore, EV charge points now must have upgraded security measures, such as built-in tamper alerts.

Another consideration is the use of smart charging technology, which allows for remote monitoring and control of the charge point. This technology can be integrated with other smart devices for reception of live updates and alerts.

Load balancing and management
Adding charge points to a development means that the demands on the electrical load can increase significantly. Therefore, influencing the capacity needed on site. Load balancing solutions can increase the number of operable charge points on the site’s existing available supply.

For single charging units, automatic dynamic load balancing via a CT clamp that is attached around the property’s live cable between the meter and consumer unit.
A CT clamp is a current transformer that clamps round a cable. They use the current flowing in the cable to generate a small current that is sent to whatever device they’re connected to (car charger, solar battery etc). The device uses the current to determine how many amps are flowing in the cable.

Smart Charging units also allow for dynamic load balancing, monitoring the property’s overall electrical usage and adjusting the power to the EV charger accordingly, protecting the property’s main fuse. Increased use of modular units that can be easily installed and expanded is as demand for charging infrastructure grows.

Factors such as the complexity of the installation, site conditions, the types of chargers, and labour will determine the installation cost. Additional considerations for commissioning, like opting for wireless setup via Bluetooth allows for building control approval before the homeowner or resident installs Wi-Fi. This approach therefore gives you the freedom to set up charge points without ongoing costs until the property is occupied.

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