The evec VEC01 is an affordable, high-quality EV charger that balances cost-effectiveness with reliable performance.
It’s a versatile unit that is designed to cater to a variety of electric vehicle users, the charger is suitable for both Type 1 and Type 2 vehicles. With smart charging capabilities, safety features, and a compact design, the VEC01 is a well-rounded option for homeowners looking to invest in an EV charger without breaking the bank.
- Performance and Charging Speed: 8/10 (Standard 7.4kW charging, adjustable output)
- Ease of Use and Smart Features: 8/10 (OCPP 1.6J compliance, basic app features for monitoring and scheduling)
- Installation & Maintenance: 9/10 (Compact, easy to install, straightforward maintenance.)
- Design and Durability: 9/10 (Simple design, corrosion-resistant and fire-retardant, but basic compared to premium chargers)
Methodology: How Electric Car Guide Rates EV Chargers
evec VEC01 Key Features At A Glance
| Feature | evec VEC01 Charger Specifications |
|---|---|
| Charging Power | 3.7kW - 7.4kW (adjustable) |
| Compatibility | Type 2 Socket to Type 1 & Type 2 Inlet Port |
| Smart Charging | OCPP 1.6J compliant with evec app |
| PEN Protection | Built-in, no additional earthing required |
| Safety Certifications | CE and UKCA certified |
| Weatherproof Rating | IP55 (dust and weather-resistant) |
| Operating Temperature | -40°C to 55°C |
| Mounting Options | Wall or post-mounted |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Ethernet, 4G (optional) |
| Load Balancing | Supported |
| Warranty | 3 years |
| LED Indicator | Displays charging status and error messages |
| Weight | 1.8kg |
| Additional Features | Corrosion-resistant, fire-retardant housing, compact design |
- Cheap EV charger installation from just £789.99
Spread the cost with flexible payment options - Order by 12-noon for next-day delivery
With installation arranged at your convenience - Backed by a 3-year warranty and installed in around 4 hours
evec VEC01 Full Review
Design and Build Quality
The VEC01 charger is pretty compact and sleek looking. With dimensions that make it smaller than many competing chargers, it should fit well on most walls. Its black, corrosion-resistant, and fire-retardant housing ensures it can handle daily exposure to the elements.
The charger operates effectively in temperatures ranging from -40°C to 55°C, allowing it to function in every climate and weather condition.
evec VEC01 Charging Power
The VEC01 delivers up to 7.4kW of charging power, making it perfect for overnight home charging. This charger also offers an adjustable power setting, allowing users to charge at either 3.7kW or 7.4kW. The VEC01 has universal compatibility, so you can use it with both Type 1 and Type 2 vehicles.
evec VEC01 Smart Charging Features
The VEC01 is OCPP 1.6J compliant, which enables smart charging functionalities via the evec app. The app offers remote monitoring, real-time status updates, and charging session scheduling. With this capability, users can set charging times to take advantage of off-peak electricity rates, helping to reduce energy costs. Additionally, the app provides notifications if there are any issues during charging, allowing you to manage the charger from your smartphone.
For users with solar power systems, the VEC01 also offers integration options for smart energy usage and load balancing. The charger can adjust its power consumption based on the availability of solar energy.
evec VEC01 Safety and Compliance
The charger comes equipped with built-in PEN protection, which safeguards both your vehicle and your home’s electrical system. The PEN (Protective Earth Neutral) protection ensures that the charger automatically cuts off in the event of a fault in the system, preventing any electrical hazards. This feature also eliminates the need for an external earthing rod, which simplifies the installation process and reduces costs.
The VEC01 also features over-current and residual current protection (RCD), further ensuring the charger operates within safe limits at all times. With certifications from CE and UKCA, this charger meets the highest European safety standards.
evec VEC01 Installation
The charger is compatible with both wall and post mounting, and the inclusion of built-in open PEN conductor protection means there’s no need for earth rods. The charger supports both rear and bottom cable entry, giving you flexibility in how to connect the charger to your home electrical system.
A standard installation includes a 10-meter cable, DP Type A RCD, and MCB, making it suitable for most homes. Testing, commissioning, and certification are part of the installation process, ensuring that the charger is safe and compliant with local electrical regulations.
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evec VEC01 Performance
Performance-wise, the evec VEC01 charges at up to 7.4kW, so it is ideal for overnight use, allowing most EVs to be fully charged by morning. The charger’s LED indicators show you the charging status, and you can see these clearly even from a distance.
The load-balancing feature ensures that the charger adjusts its power output according to the household’s energy usage, preventing overloading of the system and minimizing the risk of blackouts.
What Their Customers Say
Customer feedback for the VEC01 charger has been positive, with users shouting out about the charger’s affordability, reliability, and ease of use. Below are some of the most recent customer reviews:
- Rod Snowden (5 stars): “Very reasonably priced EV charger, and it works great! It was quick and easy to upload to the app, and it automatically integrates with my home system. A solid choice!”
- Malik Khan (5 stars): “Customer service is exceptional! Ashley, the service manager, was incredibly helpful. It’s rare to find such professional service. I’m very satisfied with the charger and the support.”
- Jack O’Neill (4 stars): “So far, the charger has worked well. It’s simple to use, but the instructions could be clearer. I had a minor issue with the scheduling function one night, but it seems to have been a Wi-Fi issue. Overall, it’s a good buy.”
- Jane Cottam (5 stars): “This is a great little charger. It’s smaller than others I’ve seen, and I love that it’s not too obtrusive. Everything went smoothly, and I’m very happy with it.”
- Stan Hindle (5 stars): “I did a lot of research and decided on the VEC01. It’s simple, fast, and looks great. The app works well, and the customer service team was very responsive. I’m impressed!”
The Final Word on the evec VEC01 Charger
We think the evec VEC01 charger is good value for money, it’s got plenty of smart technology, safety features, and a nicely designed case. It’s universally compatible (with either type 1 or 2 EVs) and can be easily installed. The customer feedback is positive and it has a reliable performance record.
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John is the Editor and Spokesperson for Electric Car Guide.
With over 20 years of writing experience, he has written for titles such as City AM, FE News and NerdWallet.com, covering various automotive and personal finance topics.
John’s market commentary has been covered by the likes of The Express, The Independent, Yahoo Finance and The Evening Standard.
