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EV charging FAQ

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Table of Content

 

 

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Network and connectivity

Is there any software to access and manage Eaton Green Motion EV chargers remotely?

Yes, Eaton developed the Charging Network Manager (CNM) web application, used to access and manage connected EV charging infrastructure remotely, via internet.

Do we need internet access to operate Eaton Green Motion EV chargers?

While some EV charger models such as Green Motion Home and Green Motion Building in Plug & Start (authentication-less) mode can work offline, Green Motion EV chargers require internet access to enable the full set of features including load balancing, monitoring and control via OCPP backend server, and more.

How many EV chargers can be connected to the Charging Network Manager (CNM)?

Eaton Charging network manager (CNM) does not limit the number of EV chargers that can be used on the same account. However, connection capacity may be restricted by the bandwidth of the underlying infrastructure.

Still, the number of EV chargers that can be used with the CNM is well above the typical needs of most applications.

Does the Scan & Charge application need an internet connection to start a charging session?

Yes, Scan & Charge is a web-based platform where customers can initiate a charging session online and pay for its use.

Can the charging session be started remotely?

Assuming the EV is physically connected to an EV charger, the charging session can be started and stopped remotely via OCPP (except for Green Motion Home), using charging management solutions such as Eaton Charging Network Manager (CNM).

Which SIM card can be used with Eaton Green Motion EV chargers?

Eaton Green Motion EV chargers are preconfigured with the SIM card settings for the following mobile network operators:

• Hologram

• Swisscom

• Vodafone 

However, other mobile operators may also be used, provided that the APN settings are configured manually (usually during commissioning).

Do EVs exchange data with Eaton Green Motion EV chargers during the charging session?

Depending on the EV charging mode, some data may be exchanged between the connected EV and the EV charger. 

Eaton cybersecurity guidelines provide comprehensive guidance on enabling the highest level of privacy and confidentiality for data exchange within the Eaton ecosystem. For more information, you can visit Eaton EV charger cybersecurity recommendation guides at the following links:

Eaton cybersecurity recommendations for AC EV chargers

Eaton cybersecurity recommendations for DC EV chargers

Functionality

Are Eaton Green Motion EV chargers vehicle-to-grid (V2G) ready?

The Eaton Green Motion DC product range is V2G ready.

Are Eaton Green Motion EV chargers EV Ready?

The Eaton Green Motion AC product range is EV Ready, provided that the installation and commissioning of the product have been performed by an EV-ready certified installer, according to the instructions in the documentation.

Are Eaton Green Motion EV chargers fully compliant with the ISO 15118 standard?

Eaton Green Motion DC EV chargers are partially compliant with the ISO 15118 standard. The full implementation of the standard, including vehicle-to-grid (V2G) and Plug & Charge functionalities, is currently under development.

Are Eaton Green Motion EV chargers compliant with Z.E. READY™ specifications?

Currently, Eaton Green Motion EV chargers do not comply with the Z.E. READY requirements. Full compliance with the Z.E READY requirements is under development.

What is Scan & Charge?

Scan & Charge is a web-based platform easily accessible on any smartphone via the QR code, which is optionally available on the EV charger itself. It allows the user to charge their EV without the need to have an active eMSP subscription.

Are Eaton Green Motion EV chargers AC or DC products?

The Eaton Green Motion EV product range includes AC and DC chargers with different output power ratings and feature sets.

Which connector (plug) types are available with the Eaton Green Motion EV chargers?

It depends on the chosen model and the type of the EV charger:

  • AC EV chargers (Green Motion Home, Green Motion Building) are equipped with either a T2/T2S socket or a tethered cable with a Type 2 connector.
  • DC EV chargers (Green Motion DC 22, Green Motion DC 44/66) are equipped with a tethered cable and CCS2 connector, and optionally with a tethered cable and CHAdeMO connector.

How fast can Eaton Green Motion EV chargers charge the connected EV?

The charging time of an electric vehicle (EV) depends on several factors, including the type of EV charger (AC or DC), its rated output power, the state of charge of the battery (SoC), the charging capacity of the EV, and even the weather conditions (low temperatures negatively affect the charging speed).

The Eaton Green Motion EV product range includes EV chargers from 3.7 kW (Mode 3 EV chargers, AC) up to 66 kW (Mode 4 EV chargers, DC). DC EV chargers provide the fastest charging speed, so assuming the Green Motion DC 66 EV charger is used to charge an EV model that supports Mode 4 DC charging, we can expect a range of 150 km (90 miles approx.) in about 30 minutes.

Are Green Motion EV chargers compatible with all EVs ?

Eaton Green Motion EV chargers are compatible with all electric vehicles on the market equipped with CCS2, Type 2, or CHAdeMO sockets. Eaton's research and development team always stays abreast of market trends and ensures compatibility with the most commonly accepted charging standards.

Are Green Motion EV chargers brand-labelled?

Eaton Green Motion EV chargers are designed by Green Motion (a subsidiary of Eaton) and manufactured and assembled by Eaton.

What is the difference between Green Motion Home and Green Motion Building EV chargers?

Green Motion Home EV chargers do not have a network router/modem or RFID authentication, which makes them an ideal solution for private homes.

Green Motion Building EV chargers feature a network router/modem along with a built-in RFID reader, which makes them most suitable for public parking lots or residential buildings that can benefit from electrical energy management through load balancing and monitoring of EV charging assets.

Do Eaton Green Motion EV chargers feature load and phase balancing?

Eaton Green Motion Building EV chargers (all SKUs manufactured from May 2023 onwards) natively support static and dynamic load balancing with a prioritization function that allows allocating a designated charging point for emergencies. Their load balancing algorithm also supports phase imbalance compensation up to 16 A, which helps mitigate AC grid instability in case of high loads.

What are the prerequisites and limitations for load balancing?

Load balancing is intended for a single or multiple (networked) EV chargers in public garages, public parking spaces, and other places where they can easily overload the AC power supply grid. Load and phase balancing help alleviate grid capacity constraints by evenly redistributing available power between the EV chargers and across AC lines, while respecting current limit.

Eaton Green Motion Building EV chargers offer a full range of communication interfaces for networking, including Ethernet, Wi-Fi, and a cellular network interface (3G/4G LTE). The maximum number of EV chargers partaking in load balancing depends on the selected network topology and the routing equipment limitations: for example, the maximum number of EV chargers connected in a star network topology via an Ethernet switch is 50.

For more details on choosing the right network for your application and specific limitations of each supported network topology, refer to the technical documentation.

How to pay for an EV charging session?

All Eaton Green Motion EV chargers, except Green Motion Home, have a built-in RFID authentication system that allows EV owners to use the Scan & Charge web platform or Eaton CNM / a third-party charging management system, and pay securely for the charging session.

Availability

Is it possible to estimate Return on Investment (ROI) for Eaton Green Motion EV chargers?

Many factors affect estimated ROI. The type of EV charger is a particularly important factor to consider because, unlike DC EV chargers, AC EV chargers are limited by the EV's onboard charger (OBC), which significantly affects the amount of delivered (charged) power over time, regardless of the nominal power capacity of the EV charger.

EV charging infrastructure (EVCI) is another key factor to consider: As part of Eaton's sustainable energy ecosystem, Eaton Green Motion EV chargers can benefit from Eaton's energy management solutions, using renewables and battery storage systems to minimize operating expenses (OPEX) and improve estimated ROI.

Are all Eaton Green Motion EV chargers available for purchase?

All Eaton Green Motion EV chargers are available for purchase, replacing the old EV product range (namely xChargeIn). Contact your local Eaton sales representative for more details on availability.

The following AC models (Mode 3, up to 22 kW) are currently available for purchase from Eaton: Green Motion Home and Green Motion Building.

The following DC models (Mode 4, up to 66 kW) are currently available for purchase from Eaton: Green Motion DC 22 and Green Motion DC 44/66.

What is the standard delivery time?

Depending on the EV charger model, the standard delivery time is four to eight weeks after an order is confirmed. Contact your local Eaton sales representative for an accurate estimate of the delivery time for the selected product.

How to buy an Eaton Green Motion charger?

Depending on the model and country, Eaton Green Motion EV chargers can be purchased directly via Eaton or authorized distributors and installers.

Service

What type of servicing does Eaton provide for the Eaton Green Motion EV chargers?

For the Eaton Green Motion AC product range, Eaton offers extended warranty services to provide peace of mind for the additional one to three years, on top of the standard EV charger warranty.

For Eaton Green Motion DC product range (Green Motion DC 22, Green Motion DC 44/66), Eaton offers Service Level Agreements (SLAs) to ensure the highest utilization and lowest downtime of the charging infrastructure. 

SLAs include preventive maintenance, technical support, and emergency response. There are four different service plans to choose from: Basic, Standard, Advanced, and Premium.

Is there a leasing option for Eaton Green Motion EV chargers?

The DC EV charger leasing service is possible under the conditions covered by the Advanced SLA contract.

How long is the warranty on Eaton Green Motion EV chargers?

The product warranty is five years for the Eaton Green Motion AC product range (Green Motion Home, Green Motion Building) and two years for the Eaton Green Motion DC product range (Green Motion DC 22, Green Motion DC 44/66). However, it may vary by country.

Which service plan is the best for the customer's specific needs?

Visit this page for guidance on choosing a suitable service plan tailored to your needs.

What is the after-sales support e-mail address for Eaton Green Motion EV chargers?

You can contact Eaton Technical Support at BGTechSupport@eaton.com

Operation

How does EV charging work?

If you are new to EV charging and would like to understand how EV charging works, read our Essential guide to electric vehicle charging.

We set out basic concepts related to the main types of EVs currently available, focusing specifically on how to charge electric vehicles most effectively, the cost of charging an electric vehicle, EV charger types, and how EV chargers can become an integral part of buildings as energy hubs.

How to limit the maximum output power of the Eaton Green Motion EV chargers?

On some models, such as Eaton Green Motion Home and Green Motion Building, the maximum output power can be limited manually by a DIP switch inside the unit.

It is also possible to set the maximum output power limit via the Open Charge Point Protocol (OCPP) using charging management solutions such as Eaton Charging Network Manager (CNM). For more information on a specific model, refer to the technical documentation.

Can I use Eaton Green Motion DC chargers without an authentication card?

By default, Eaton Green Motion DC chargers require the use of an RFID card to authenticate and start the charging session. However, they can be customized on demand with Plug & Start functionality that allows the charging session to begin as soon as the EV is connected without the need to present an authentication card, thus effectively bypassing the charging session authorization.

This feature is particularly useful for private parking lots, as it simplifies the charging process. Keep in mind, however, that with the Plug & Start feature enabled, charging sessions cannot be tracked or restricted to any specific group of users or EVs.

What charging power would be ideal for a home EV charger (wallbox)?

Home EV charging typically assumes Mode 3 AC chargers, so it makes sense to match the charging capacity of the home EV charger or wallbox to that of EV's onboard charger (OBC) for optimal performance. Another important determining factor is the type and power capacity of the AC grid connection.

Can two electric vehicles be charged simultaneously with Eaton Green Motion EV chargers that are equipped with two charging cables?

No, only a single charging session per EV charger is possible. Dual cables and connectors on some EV charger models allow for compatibility with a wider range of EV models, covering both CCS2 and CHAdeMO standards.

Is EV charging possible and safe in all weather conditions?

Electric vehicles can be safely charged regardless of weather conditions, provided EV chargers are operated within the specified operating limits. For more information on the permitted operating conditions, refer to the technical documentation.

Does an EV always have to be fully charged?

An EV does not need to be fully charged. It can be charged according to the energy requirements for the desired distance/mileage, as well as the best charging practices.

A charging session can be safely terminated at any time.

Do EV chargers shut off automatically?

EV chargers automatically stop providing power when the battery is fully charged, but otherwise remain operational.

What are the best practices for EV charging?

The best practice is to charge your EV battery between 20% and 80% to retain the optimal battery performance and maximize its lifespan.

Some battery manufacturers may recommend periodically going through the complete charging cycle from 0% to 100% for more accurate State of Charge (SoC) reporting.

Leaving the battery uncharged for prolonged periods can sometimes lead to self-discharging below the safe level and causing irreversible damage to the battery. Also, using ultrafast EV chargers too frequently may have a deteriorating effect on the battery lifespan.

Can the amount of electrical energy used for EV charging be read directly from the EV charger?

In general, the total amount of electric energy used to charge an EV can be read from the energy meter to which the EV charger is connected.

Some models of EV chargers, such as the Eaton Green Motion Building, have a built-in MID-compliant energy meter, which allows direct readings from its LCD and facilitates the billing services.

All Eaton Green Motion DC EV chargers can display power readings on their built-in TFT touch panels.

What happens if the charging session stops abruptly (for example, due to a power outage)?

The decision on what happens when the charging session stops abruptly is up to the EV manufacturer. The EV charger will not restart the session by itself without a valid request from the EV.

How do I end the charging session?

The charging session can be terminated from the connected EV at any time. Depending on the charger model, EV chargers can also be stopped from the backend software (via OCPP) or by resubmitting the authorization RFID card/tag.

What happens if an EV can be charged with more/less power than is available from the EV charger?

While charging, the EV charger will deliver as much power as needed. If the EV charger cannot deliver enough power to meet the charging capacity of the EV, the charging power will be limited accordingly, and the EV will be charged more slowly. Conversely, if the EV charger can deliver enough power, the connected EV will be able to charge at the optimal charging speed.

What happens if an EV stays connected to an EV charger for several days?

The integrated charging management system automatically terminates the charging session once the EV is fully charged.

Does the EV charger need to be maintained regularly?

Periodic maintenance must be carried out according to local regulations and as described in technical documentation.

Is it possible to limit the total power consumption of multiple EV chargers?

The combined power consumption of multiple connected EV chargers can be controlled via the OCPP, with the help of charging management solutions such as Eaton Charging Network Manager (CNM).

Additionally, Eaton Green Motion Building EV chargers can be operated as a cluster of networked EV chargers, allowing features such as static and dynamic load balancing, phase balancing, and more.

Installation

Who can install Eaton Green Motion EV chargers for a client?

Installation and commissioning of the charging equipment must be performed by qualified and trained service personnel.

Can a three-phase EV charger be connected to single-phase mains in the fuse box?

A three-phase Eaton Green Motion AC EV charger can be connected to a single-phase AC supply grid. Ensure that only one phase of the AC supply grid is connected to the AC power terminals of the EV charger. The remaining two phases must remain unconnected.

Eaton Green Motion DC EV chargers cannot operate with a single-phase AC power supply.

The technical documentation provides detailed information on how to connect Eaton Green Motion EV chargers to the AC power supply grid.

What grounding systems can Eaton Green Motion EV chargers be used with?

Eaton Green Motion EV chargers can be used in TT, TN-S, and TN-C-S earthing systems. More information can be found in the technical documentation.

Consult your local Eaton technical support representative for information on the compatibility with the IT earthing system, or contact Eaton technical support at BGTechSupport@eaton.com

How to determine the cross-section of the cables for connecting the Eaton Green Motion EV charger to the AC power grid?

The cross-section of the installation cables depends on the model of the EV charger (rated power, maximum cross-section of the power connector) and the conditions at the installation site. Consult the technical documentation for more details.

What is included in the EV charger package?

Each unit is supplied with a printed version of the product quick start guide, which lists the package contents. Before you start the installation, make sure you have received everything listed in the printed version of the quick start guide document.

How to check if an electrical distribution cabinet on site is suitable for installing an EV charger?

It is important to check the installation site carefully before installing the EV charger. It should be determined what the maximum capacity of the AC grid connection is and whether there is enough power available for the EV charger when other consumers are connected to the same distribution cabinet. All electrical installations must comply with the local laws and regulations.

If the available power capacity is insufficient, it is recommended to use dynamic or static load balancing with maximum output power limitation, depending on the EV charger model and site configuration.

Optionally, the available power capacity can be increased using battery energy storage system (BESS) solutions such as Eaton xStorage products range.

Is there a built-in RCD or RCBO in Eaton Green Motion EV chargers?

Eaton Green Motion EV chargers are not equipped with internal residual current devices (RCDs) or residual current circuit breakers (RCBOs), leaving the option to retrofit them according to specific needs and local regulations. Consult the technical documentation or contact Eaton technical support at BGTechSupport@eaton.com for assistance in selecting the appropriate type of RCD or RCBO for your application.

Bear in mind that local regulations supersede any instructions provided in the technical documentation.

Which type of residual current device (RCD) must be used with Green Motion EV chargers?

There are several factors affecting the selection of a suitable RCD type for a particular use case. These factors include, but are not limited to the model of the EV charger, its manufacture date, the presence of pre-installed RCDs and their topology, and the earthing system. Choosing the correct RCD is not a simple task, and the wrong choice can pose an electrical hazard to users.

The technical documentation provides instructions for choosing a suitable RCD for your EV charger. If you still have doubts, contact Eaton Technical Support at BGTechSupport@eaton.com for further assistance in selecting the appropriate RCD or RCBO for your application.

Is there overcurrent protection in Eaton Green Motion EV chargers?

Although some models include internal surge and overcurrent protection, protection switchgear (fuses or circuit breakers) is still required upstream. For more details, refer to the technical documentation.

Note, however, that local regulations always supersede any instructions given in the technical documentation.

How should the upstream circuit breaker for the EV charger be dimensioned?

The circuit breaker should be selected primarily according to the AC power supply cabling and if possible, one level above the rated input current of the EV charger.

For more information and assistance in selecting circuit breakers and other switchgear, consult the technical documentation or contact Eaton technical support at BGTechSupport@eaton.com.

What must be considered when installing an EV charger in an (underground) garage?

Follow the requirements in terms of regulations (ventilation, emergency shutdown, fire hazard, etc.). If wireless networking is used, check the signal strength in advance.

Are there any additional installation options for the Eaton Green Motion EV chargers?

In addition to wall mounting, most Green Motion EV chargers can optionally be installed on a pedestal and equipped with a cable holder.

How can I assign an additional authorization RFID tag/card to the EV charger?

Additional authentication RFID tags/cards can be assigned via the OCPP, using charging management solutions such as Eaton Charging Network Manager (CNM).

How many RFID cards/tags can be used with the Green Motion Building EV charger?

There is no limit to the number of RFID tags or cards that can be used with the Eaton Green Motion Building EV Charger.

What is the maximum allowed distance between the Eaton Green Motion charger and the network switch?

Assuming CAT5 network cables are used (or CAT6 for 1GbE connections), the maximum distance between any two network nodes should not exceed 100 m (about 328 ft), according to the IEEE 802.3 specifications set.