Image credit: Schneider Electric
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
Schneider Electric, founded in 1836 by brothers Eugène and Adolphe Schneider in France, initially focused on construction, steel production, and shipbuilding before venturing into the electricity market by 1891.
The company evolved into a global supplier of electrical and industrial automation solutions post the acquisition of Télémécanique in 1981, serving sectors like Buildings, Data Centers, Infrastructure, and Industry with products for energy efficiency and sustainability such as EV chargers.
Although the precise inception date of their EV charger manufacturing is not clear, a notable milestone was on September 19, 2022, when they launched the world’s first EV charger capable of connecting to a Home Energy Management System in Australia, indicating their active involvement in the EV charging solutions sector by that time
Popular Models and Comparison of Features
The EVlink Home Charging Station is a single-phase charger with 7.3kW and 3.7kW charging options. It’s also available untethered or tethered with a 5m cable. For remote operation with the Wiser Home app, you will need the “Smart” version.
Beyond the 2 single-phase options we’ve compared below, Schneider also have a range of 3-phase chargers.
| Product Name | EVlink Home 3.7kW | EVlink Home 7.3kW |
| Product Image |  | |
| Price (Approx. AUD price RRP inc. GST) | $1,350 | $1,500 |
| Rating | Single phase – 16A 3.7kW | Single phase – 32A 7.4kW |
| Country of manufacture | China | China |
| EV compatibility | All type 2 | All type 2 |
| Enclosure dimensions | 409 x 282 x 148 mm | 409 x 282 x 148 mm |
| Weight | 4.5 kg | 4.5 kg |
| Ventilation | Not Required. | Not Required. |
| Operating Temperature | -30˚C to 50˚C | -30˚C to 50˚C |
| Charge cable length | (Optional) 5m | (Optional) 5m |
| Solar self-consumption optimisation? | No | No |
| Internet connection? | Yes (Smart Option Only) | Yes (Smart Option Only) |
| OCPP Compatible | Yes (Smart Option Only) | Yes (Smart Option Only) |
| App control | Wiser App | Wiser App |
| IP rating | IP-55 | IP-55 |
| Warranty (years) | 2 Years | 2 Years |
| Datasheet | EVlink Home 3.7kW | EVlink Home 7.3kW |
What We Like About This Schneider EV Charger
Sleek Looking Construction
The charger’s sleek design blends well with modern home setups, reflecting Schneider Electric’s professional craftsmanship.
Renowned Brand
With over 150 years of trading, Schneider’s long-standing reputation in the electrical industry instils trust and reliability in its EV charger offerings.
Schneider “Wiser” Smart Home Integration
This EV charger seamlessly integrates with the Schneider “Wiser” smart home system, allowing real-time monitoring and control over EV charging through the Wiser App.
With a 4.6/5 rating from 1.2k reviews, the Wiser Home App seems to be hitting the mark with its customers.
Key Features of the Schneider EV Charger
Dynamic Load Balancing
The EV Charger can monitor the total power consumption of the home and adjust the charge speed of the charging device in real-time to prevent any overloading of the power supply.
Built-in Protection
Features built-in protection against residual direct current and a red push-button for emergency stops.
How Much Does a Schneider EV Charger Cost?
The EVlink Home 7.3kW Charging Station is priced at around $1,500 plus installation.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Compatible with OCPP 1.6, so it can connect with 3rd party applications and software. | No integration with solar systems to utilise surplus solar power to minimise charging costs |
| One of the biggest and most trustworthy brands in the EV Charging market | Comparatively short 5m cable with the tethered option may not suit, depending on the location of your charge |
| Well-priced EV charger | IP55 weatherproof rating means it must be installed indoors |
Installation
Installation should be performed by a qualified electrician and typically takes a few hours. The can be additional time and costs required if you are looking at a ground-mounting charger, or there is not an easy cable pathway from your main switchboard.
Need an EV charger installation quote?
Get the best prices for an installed EV charger near you
Schneider’s warranty offer for Australian EV Charger customers
The warranty starts from the invoice date and lasts for 1 year for both domestic and commercial use. This is generally one of the shortest warranty offers on the market. Many EV chargers come with 2 years or 3 years.
The warranty offer for Schneider’s EVlink products was quite difficult to find. Refer to “Warranty Period” definition in section 2 of their Australian terms of sale document.
Should I Buy a Schneider EV Charger?
The EVlink is manufactured by one of the most trustworthy brands in the electrical industry, so you are in safe hands. The main downsides of the EVlink relate to its ability to integrate with a solar system and the short warranty period.
If that is not an issue for you, then we believe the Schneider EVlink charger represents an excellent value charging solution for your EV.
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