Several users have noted that once an EV reaches a defined State of Charge (SOC) limit, the zappi may not resume charging after the SOC is increased. This can be inconvenient for users who adjust their SOC limit to accommodate more driving and rely on the zappi’s functionality to charge their EV overnight on specific tariffs or during periods of solar surplus.
The following clarifications aim to help users better understand the zappi’s behaviours in different modes and use the device to its full potential.
Charging Resumption in FAST Mode
If you keep the zappi in FAST mode, the EV can request additional charge even after it reaches "charge complete" status. In this mode, the zappi will respond to the EV’s requests for more energy, meaning that when the SOC limit is adjusted upwards, charging should resume automatically without requiring the vehicle to be unplugged and re-plugged.
Charging in ECO and ECO+ Modes: Using the Preconditioning Setting
In ECO or ECO+ modes, users can leverage the preconditioning setting to allow charging to resume automatically when the SOC is adjusted, aligning with periods of solar surplus or low-cost tariff windows.
Warning: The preconditioning setting is essential because, without it, the zappi will not automatically restart a paused charge after the initial SOC limit is reached and charging ceases.
The preconditioning feature, manipulated to integrate with services like Octopus Energy’s smart tariffs, allows the zappi to deliver additional charge when the SOC limit is increased without needing to reconnect the EV. This works by permitting multiple charging sessions within one connection, which can be invaluable for users seeking both cost-effective charging and the convenience of not manually adjusting their charge session.
Setting Up Preconditioning for ECO and ECO+ Modes
For optimal performance in ECO+ mode, users should activate preconditioning in the zappi’s charge settings:
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Preconditioning Limit Setting: This limit represents the total kWh you want delivered within a session. If you expect a substantial increase in your EV’s SOC, ensure the preconditioning limit is set to a value that can accommodate the desired charge amount.
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Example Usage: If you want to resume charging in ECO+ mode with a new SOC target, consider setting a low limit initially, so the zappi can continue drawing energy in line with the surplus available. For example, if you set a 5 kWh limit and charge beyond it before the zappi reaches "charge complete," the EV can continue drawing charge when the session restarts in ECO+ mode.
To set this up see article here
Key Points to Remember
- FAST Mode: Automatic charging resumption is enabled when the SOC target is raised.
- ECO and ECO+ Modes: Activating preconditioning enables multiple sessions within one connection to accommodate changes in the SOC limit.
- Preconditioning Limit: Set based on your anticipated energy needs in kWh, which allows the zappi to allocate additional charge seamlessly across sessions.
By following these steps, you can ensure your zappi charger adapts to changing SOC targets and provides a more flexible charging experience without needing to reconnect your vehicle.