Image: ABB
Note: Solar Choice has no affiliation with any EV Charging company and is here to offer an honest review for anyone looking to buy an EV Charger in Australia.
Company Overview
ABB was formed in 1988 when ASEA and BBC merged to form the new company, with headquarters in Zurich, Switzerland. ABB is listed on the Swiss stock exchange under SWX: ABBN.
ABB Group have over 105,000 employees globally. They manufacture a whole range of electrical equipment including EV infrastructure, solar inverters, substations and various cabling and accessories. The ABB Terra AC Wallbox was launched in 2020 as their first EV charger.
They have offices all over Australia with their headquarters in Moorebank, NSW.
Popular ABB EV Charger Models and Comparison of Features
The ABB Terra AC Wallbox is renowned for its versatility and compatibility. Here’s an overview of its key specifications and features:
| Product Name | IEC portfolio | IEC portfolio |
| Product Image |  |  |
| Price (Approx. AUD price RRP inc. GST) | $1,950 | $2,330 |
| Rating | 7.4kW(Single-phase) | 22kW (Three-phase) |
| Country of manufacture | China | China |
| EV compatibility | Type 2 | Type 2 |
| Enclosure dimensions | 320 x 195 x 110 mm | 320 x 195 x 110 mm |
| Weight | 3kg | 3kg |
| Operating Temperature | -35…+50 °C | -35…+50 °C |
| Charge cable length | 5m (Optional) | 5m (Optional) |
| Solar self-consumption optimisation? | TBD – may require additional hardware/software | TBD – may require additional hardware/software |
| Internet connection? | Yes | Yes |
| App control | Yes | Yes |
| Weather resistance | Outdoor | Outdoor |
| IP rating | IP54, IK10 | IP54, IK10 |
| Warranty (years) | 2 years | 2 years |
| Datasheet | Terra AC wallbox | Terra AC wallbox |
What We Like About These Chargers
The ABB Terra AC Wallbox charger is a smart and future-proof home charging solution that is built on ABB’s 130-year heritage of accessible technology leadership for safe, smart, and sustainable electrification. It is one of the best value home chargers on the market, delivering exceptional quality expected from the world leader in charging with a cost-effective solution. It is designed to integrate seamlessly into everyday life, providing convenient home charging. The Terra AC Wallbox is built to adapt to deliver the most optimized charge today and into the future, with connectivity and smart functionality.
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Key Features of The ABB Terra AC Wallbox:
The Terra AC Wallbox is a smart EV charger, meaning it can be programmed and connected with solar through an accompanying app.
Dynamic Load Balancing:
The solution comes with a built-in energy meter which can be connected to a load to determine the available capacity for EV Charging in real-time. This means the EV charger can operate a maximum capacity without fear of overloading the power supply of the building.
Remote Firmware Updates:
Once the charger is set up on a permanent internet connection, firmware updates can be conducted remotely to keep the charger and functionality up to date.
OCPP Compatible:
Open Charge Point Protocol (OCPP) is a communication feature that enables EV chargers to work with 3rd party applications. The majority of current use cases are to connect EV chargers with payment software to enable a user to pay EFT transactions. In future we expect many more applications to be possible through OCPP so consider this to be an important capability.
Pros and Cons of the ABB EV Charger
| Pros | Cons |
| Backed by a large company with a strong local market presence in Australia Built-in energy meter which can be utilised for dynamic load management Compatible with OCPP 1.6 | Dependence on a stable internet connection for optimal use of smart features No LCD touchscreen, so can only be configured through the app With an environment rating of IP54, the charger is better suited to indoor or weather-protected applications |
The ABB ChargerSync App
The ABB ChargerSync app is designed to provide a reliable and convenient experience for electric vehicle (EV) drivers, particularly in controlling and customizing their charging sessions. It works exclusively with ABB E-mobility Terra AC charging solutions and offers a range of features, including:
ChargerSync Account
Manage multiple Terra wall boxes with a single account.
Authentication
Start and stop charging sessions easily; manage RFID card authorization.
Charging Information
View real-time charging status and costs; schedule automatic charging sessions.
Statistics and Costs
Monitor charging costs and session history.
Safety
Balance charging power with other home appliances.
New features include reimbursement reports for company car charge sessions, charger sharing without an app or RFID card, notifications for wall box updates, remote control of charging sessions, and global support in over 25 languages and 100 currencies.
Installation
Installation of the ABB Terra AC Wallbox should be conducted by a qualified electrician. The process is generally straightforward and the charger’s compact dimensions make it suitable for various locations.
Need an ABB charger installation quote?
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Warranty & Service
The ABB Terra AC Wallbox comes with a standard 2-year warranty. This warranty covers any defects in materials or workmanship and includes provisions for unit replacement or spare parts if required.
Generally, most EV Chargers on the Australian market have a 2-year or 3-year warranty, so the ABB Terra AC Wallbox is keeping pace with the market. It is supported by a large local office and presence due to the size of the ABB Group and its broad range of products and services.
Should I Buy an ABB Terra AC Wallbox Charger?
If you are looking for an EV charger that has the backing of a large company with a long track record designing and manufacturing electrical equipment, then the ABB Terra AC Wallbox is an excellent choice.
The price point for this charger is in the middle of the market. However, with the built-in energy meter, customers may be able to save costs on the installation of their solution if they are looking to integrate dynamic load management to protect their power supply.
For customers with a solar system, we recommend you check with your installer that the EV charger will be compatible before making the purchase.
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