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Sussex C
I've seen loads of negative reviews about BP Chargemaster. I've had a different experience, so happy to redress the balance... The installation came free, as part of a deal on a new EV. In view of the appalingly bad online feedback, I asked lots of questions of them before installation. They answered all my concerns clearly, although occasionally it did take a few days to get a reply (not unreasonable). For my part, I provided all the site survey photos they required. This does take quite a long time, espec as I am over 40 and therefore have no idea what a mobile phone camera is. I did have to get some preliminary electrical work (several hundred pounds) done as my electric supply to the garage was pretty ropey and I should have had it done years ago anyway, irrespective of the charger. There was no significant delay on installation. In fact they had 'phoned me even before I had taken delivery of the car and set a provisional date less than a month away. There were some technical issues which needed additional photos and discussion between Chargemaster and UK Power Networks. I was kept informed about the progress and outcome of these discussions, whcih was positive. I received an email well in advance with a confirmed installation date (even earlier than the provisional date). The installer phoned in person the afternoon before installation to introduce himself and check for any special issues, which was reassuring and useful (needed directions as we are prone to SatNav errors). The installer arrived earlier than expected, which was not a problem for us. Noel was chatty (in a good way) but it didn't interfere with his work. He was very safety conscious, to the extent that he spent a lot of time checking with his colleague back at the office about a site-specific issue which could not have been picked up on the pre-installation site photo survey. Once the go ahead had been received, he was efficient and careful with the installation, making sure I was happy with the position, cable routing etc. My only beef is that I was not able to have the full 7kW charger installed which I was expecting. This was due to the cabling between my main supply board and the garage. Not BP's fault (it could not be foreseen from the survey photos). My own electrician judged that it was "probably" OK when he had done work on it , knowing it was in preparation for a 7kW unit. there was therefore a disagreement between my electrician and BP's . "Probably OK" is not something I wanted to risk with high power gadgets. Noel was happy to show me the difference in cable size by way of proof of the problem and so, as safety was an issue with the full power unit, I was content to accept his offer of a lower power charger rather than delay installation to upgrade the supply cabling. had I been paying for the install, I would of course have expected an appropriate reduction in price, but that is between Chargemaster and my EV retailer! The installer made sure I was happy with the charger functions and checked that my EV was actually charging through it properly before leaving. At time of writing, I have only received the user manual from BP (given to me by the installer before completion), but am expecting other bits (copy of function checklist, installation report, guarantee etc) by email. As yet, I've been unable to get any joy from the HomeCharge website link I have been emailed. It keeps telling me the password reset link is invalid, but it may be my fault. I will post again if there are issues with receiving the promised "paperwork" by email or accessing the HomeCharge website. If you were worried by the negative reviews about BP Chargemaster customers being stung by unexpected additional charges on installation day, I'm happy to report there was not the slightest hint of any additional charges for anything at any stage. This may be partly because I had plagued BP Chargemaster Customer Service in advance of installation with specific queries about this. With the help of my local electrician, any potential problems were sorted out in advance (notwithstanding the supply cable capacity issue, which was not BPs fault). I guess being fore-warned about potential issues is being fore-armed. Perhps some of the bad reviews arise from unrealistic expectations of what could be predicted from site photos alone. My advice is, if in doubt, ASK in advance. In addition to commending the installer, Noel, I must mention Aga Z in customer service who patiently fielded all my paranoid queries about charges, technical details etc. without frustration or exasperation, and kept me informed at every stage. Thank you to both of them. Suggestions to BP for potential service improvement: 1) Can you let the installers see the site survey photos in advance of arrival? The 1st Noel saw the distance from mains supply to garage was when he arrived. This caused him concern which might have been ironed out in advance (if only for his peace of mind!) 2) At sites with significant distance from mains supply tails to charger installation site, could you send the customer the minimum spec for the supply cabling, including leakage / resistance tests required, so the customer can have a local sparks test / remediate the supply cabling to the necessary standard before installation proceeds? There is only so much you can tell from a photo of a closed consumer unit, and a 32A MCB doesn't guarantee what size wiring is behind it! I can't be the only customer with a garage some distance from the mains supply. Just a thought.
4 years ago
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