Parking the whole EV Vs ICE thing.

Why are the apps with the cars so bad? I had to install of update three apps to get the car to charge at home. All I want to do is plug it in and have it charge during the cheap rate at night.

The car app, which only sets a % limit not a time.
The charger app which sets a % and a schedued chargin window but then changes the times and does wierd scheduling due to 'network demand'.
The power company app which also can set % and and end time but not a start.

What I'm getting is the car app constantly alerting through the night because it's not happy with what the charger app is doing.
The charger app set to go to 80% but only got to 77% today but won't say why
The power company app moans that it can't talk to the car, and flags an error that 'something isn't quite right' but only 5hr after the car was unplugged.

why do they make it so hard to just plug the damn thing in and charge between 23:30 and 5:30?

This is after the car was supplied with QR codes for software which all had broken links, the setup which failed each and every time and needed to be repeated 2-3x for each driver. Not to meantion each driver needing an account to make the car work properly which itself involved an unholy (and I'm sure quite unlawful) personal data grab.

Plug in charge on timer.
Get in turn key drive off.

Why so awful why.

Wait until you try to use slow chargers at different locations by different companies all using different apps.

For home, at least you have control of everything. Let's try to start as simple as possible, only have 1 thing control charging.

What tariff are you on? Intelligent Octopus Go?

What charge point? What car?

(sorry if this was mentioned elsewhere)

For me, if I don't use my Home Assistant automations this is what I'd do: I set charge limit in the car as needed, this is optional. I'll tell IOG via Octopus app roughly how much need to add and ready-by time. Plug in if not already.

IOG controls my Indra charge point, I only had to do OAuth once during IOG device setup to allow Octopus to control the charge point. Since IOG can integrate with Indra, I've deleted the Indra app.

Same for my parents with Zappi on IOG. IOG directly controls Zappi. They leave their car charge limit at 80% and plug in at roughly 30%. They don't even touch the Octopus app, leave it at 60%. Just plug in and wake up to 80% car next morning.

But I can't help you with manufacturer's app. So far, my extended experience with 4 brands (Nissan, Tesla, Hyundai, Renault), only 1 is actually intuitive and useful.

Apps & Over Air Updates can be total PITA.

Great for Pre Conditioning, and knowing state of charging, or locking / unlocking vehicles or tracking.

When they go wrong or are not available just so bad.

This is why a went for a Simple BEV without any App or communications with a Smart Phone.

Previous experiences so frustrating.

1 hour ago, wyx087 said:

Wait until you try to use slow chargers at different locations by different companies all using different apps.

For home, at least you have control of everything. Let's try to start as simple as possible, only have 1 thing control charging.

What tariff are you on? Intelligent Octopus Go?

What charge point? What car?

(sorry if this was mentioned elsewhere)

For me, if I don't use my Home Assistant automations this is what I'd do: I set charge limit in the car as needed, this is optional. I'll tell IOG via Octopus app roughly how much need to add and ready-by time. Plug in if not already.

IOG controls my Indra charge point, I only had to do OAuth once during IOG device setup to allow Octopus to control the charge point. Since IOG can integrate with Indra, I've deleted the Indra app.

Same for my parents with Zappi on IOG. IOG directly controls Zappi. They leave their car charge limit at 80% and plug in at roughly 30%. They don't even touch the Octopus app, leave it at 60%. Just plug in and wake up to 80% car next morning.

But I can't help you with manufacturer's app. So far, my extended experience with 4 brands (Nissan, Tesla, Hyundai, Renault), only 1 is actually intuitive and useful.

Yep Octopus Intelligent Go
Ohme 7kW charger (supplied by Octopus)
VW ID3

I was wondering if I should just remove the car from the Octopus app and let the Ohme carger deal with it.

Ohme. That's the app you should use. They operate differently to other charge point IOG integrations.

But let's start clean, remove car from Octopus app. Remove any charge timers in the car software.

Make sure Ohme is connected to IOG:

Ohme EV

How do I set up Intelligent Octopus Go?

Integrating your Ohme account with the Intelligent Octopus tariff will ensure you get super cheap electricity for any Smart Charging.

Ohme should be able to connect to IOG and also your car via cloud to read SoC. I've only read people using it but not used it myself so I don't know the details. From what I can gather, you set everything (charge limit and ready-by time) in the Ohme app and Ohme talks to IOG for you.

Octopus Ohme FAQ:
https://octopus.energy/blog/intelligent-ohme-faqs/

Renault one is / was so bad.

Had the Zoe running OK then added the Scenic and lost both.

When I get the Renault 5 just going to go along Renault dealership and ask them to setup.

Son does not seem to have problems with his Mini and its App but then it is probably Chinese written.

Does not help when the car's own software is pants.....

Ah but EVs are so easy to use with no anxiety... 🤣

Apologies that was a tongue in cheek joke just in case someone takes it the wrong way... I just couldn't resist 😀

19 hours ago, wyx087 said:

Ohme. That's the app you should use. They operate differently to other charge point IOG integrations.

But let's start clean, remove car from Octopus app. Remove any charge timers in the car software.

Make sure Ohme is connected to IOG:

Ohme EV

How do I set up Intelligent Octopus Go?

Integrating your Ohme account with the Intelligent Octopus tariff will ensure you get super cheap electricity for any Smart Charging.

Ohme should be able to connect to IOG and also your car via cloud to read SoC. I've only read people using it but not used it myself so I don't know the details. From what I can gather, you set everything (charge limit and ready-by time) in the Ohme app and Ohme talks to IOG for you.

Octopus Ohme FAQ:
https://octopus.energy/blog/intelligent-ohme-faqs/

Except "Intelligent Octopus Go" isn't listed as a tariff in the Ohme app. "Octopus Go" is but that's a different rate.
I have to set the tariff manually

It does seem to talk to the car though.

Edited 28 October, 202528 Oct by Aspman

@skomaz Tongue in cheek or tongue out they are very easy to drive, but like some other cars with ICE,s the IT / Software can be total crap.

Top candidates are from the VW Group / Brands.

remoed the car from the Octopus app.
Went to reconnect and now - "cannot connect to your device".

Then a rather old school 401 error, which implies wrong password on my part except I'm using a password manager so it's not.

The Ohme help page I posted appears to show that the configuration need to start in Octopus app, like every other integrations.

Unconnect everything, clear charge timer in the car. Start afresh.

Follow the Ohme help page, go via Octopus app and select to use your Ohme charge point (when asked if charge point or car).

Wonders of modern tech. Usability of many of those things are dependent on usability of the software. When I took cars for test drive at Everything Electric, the accompany person was surprised that I didn't care about his spiel on driving dynamics, but were more interested in screen responsiveness and testing cruise, other driver aids. Cars are very similar these days, it's the software that sets them apart for me.

For second hand EV, app on-going subscription also plays a big role in decisions.

20 hours ago, skomaz said:

Ah but EVs are so easy to use with no anxiety... 🤣

Apologies that was a tongue in cheek joke just in case someone takes it the wrong way... I just couldn't resist 😀

You can keep it simple with EVs if you want to, don't have to use the App that talks to the car at all. I don't bother with the Renault one. As I am on the simple Octopus Go rather than the more complex system Octopus Intelligent Octopus Go I just program the car sat out of the drive way. I set the charge time rather than Octopus and only real downside is I pay 8.5 p per kwh rather than 7p per kwh which both are so much cheaper than the 27-28 p per kwh people pay on normal day rates and I still get the Free electricity sessions which I can quickly adjust the car's programmed time slots and milk that too.

I dont use the manufacture app and dont find it much of a hardship in fact still get all, or most, of the benefits of owning an EV but non of the App hassles. My reliable Octopus Energy App shows me when it is charging, how much the energy has cost, adds my UK and European EV charging on to my household billing and monitors the home charging ever 10 seconds.

It was a nicety when the manufacture App was working ie with the Zoe, it seemed to struggle having 2 EVs on it but maybe when I get the Renault 5 and will try again to get in working all tickety-boo ahh go spiff but if not, no worries as still getting the mega benefits of running EVs just without yet another annoying App on the smart phone which is the curse of the modern age.

Edited 29 October, 202529 Oct by lol-lol

Sorry to report no issues with apps and I have been using the EV a lot, just under 3k miles in 6 weeks.

Using OVO charge* app, synced perfectly with the Elroq. It’s set to 80% and the time the car is required for and I just plug in at the end of the day.

POD point charger, set to dumb mode and the car/OVO communicate and it charges. Only thing I’ve had to alter is a couple of times telling it to go to 100%. But in reality 80% is giving 180 to 200 miles range.

• edit : the app is “OVO Charge”

Edited 30 October, 202530 Oct by classic
Correction

1 hour ago, classic said:

Sorry to report no issues with apps and I have been using the EV a lot, just under 3k miles in 6 weeks.

Using OVO charge* app, synced perfectly with the Elroq. It’s set to 80% and the time the car is required for and I just plug in at the end of the day.

POD point charger, set to dumb mode and the car/OVO communicate and it charges. Only thing I’ve had to alter is a couple of times telling it to go to 100%. But in reality 80% is giving 180 to 200 miles range.

• edit : the app is “OVO Charge Anytime “

Is your a Skoda / VAG EV ?

Rumours swirling that there could be a new Vehicle Excise Duty system based on Gross Vehicle Weight.

If you are in a newer VAG group car presumably the software is ok now after much complaints heard of ID 3 to , Battery Life guy did much on the issues. I do like the Goggle based system in Polestars and Renaults though my Evolution Spec R5 does not get the Google Nav so I will just use Android auto. But for barely more than £20k, a chunk of 0% finance i am not grumbling.

3 minutes ago, lol-lol said:

Is your a Skoda / VAG EV ?

Rumours swirling that there could be a new Vehicle Excise Duty system based on Gross Vehicle Weight.

If you are in a newer VAG group car presumably the software is ok now after much complaints heard of ID 3 to , Battery Life guy did much on the issues. I do like the Goggle based system in Polestars and Renaults though my Evolution Spec R5 does not get the Google Nav so I will just use Android auto. But for barely more than £20k, a chunk of 0% finance i am not grumbling.

It's a VW ID3.

the car drives fine, the entertainment system works fine.
But the charging apps etc are a guddle.
There is no timer on the car as far as I can tell only a charge level limiter (battery health thing).

Tbh for me right now, it's now ok. I've swiched off alerts from the VW app so it's confusion with charging is now silenced.
the Octopus device thing isn't working at all but the charger Ohme app is working fine.
So the Ohme is set to charge at the cheap rate and t's behaving so tbh that'll do.
I've no time to spend hours farting around trying to make thing work or on support calls.

Although this morning the charging cable refused to unlock for SWMBO until she'd logged into the car and opened the VW app on her phone. Which is different to yesterday when all you had to do was unlock the car.

1 minute ago, Aspman said:

So the Ohme is set to charge at the cheap rate and t's behaving so tbh that'll do.

Be aware that Intelligent Octopus Go T&C stipulates at least 1 smart charge every few months. So you'll want to get it working sooner rather than later.

Sounds like issue is somewhere between Octopus and Ohme.

2 minutes ago, Aspman said:

Although this morning the charging cable refused to unlock for SWMBO until she'd logged into the car and opened the VW app on her phone. Which is different to yesterday when all you had to do was unlock the car.

Unlocking the car shouldn't normally unlock the cable. Reason is unlocked cable = stopped charging, this may not be wanted behaviour if you just want to get something from the car. Unlock behaviour could also be different depend on whether the car deemed charging has completed.

Hopefully the manual will tell you how it all works. Unlocking behaviour is different by different brand.

Isn't learning fun 🥲

May be there's cloud problem with Ohme (or Ohme talking to Octopus) last couple of days?

Problems with Ohme Charging | Speak EV - Electric Car Forums

I've charged IOG smart charged Monday night without issue.

2 hours ago, wyx087 said:

May be there's cloud problem with Ohme (or Ohme talking to Octopus) last couple of days?

Problems with Ohme Charging | Speak EV - Electric Car Forums

I've charged IOG smart charged Monday night without issue.

Seems to be a permissions issue between VW and Octopus.

When I'm adding (or trying to) the Ohmo to the Octopus app it has to start with the car brand, then Charger. Then it asks for the VW app type and login. This is where it failed before and now won't even get to this step.

2 hours ago, wyx087 said:

Be aware that Intelligent Octopus Go T&C stipulates at least 1 smart charge every few months. So you'll want to get it working sooner rather than later.

Sounds like issue is somewhere between Octopus and Ohme.

Unlocking the car shouldn't normally unlock the cable. Reason is unlocked cable = stopped charging, this may not be wanted behaviour if you just want to get something from the car. Unlock behaviour could also be different depend on whether the car deemed charging has completed.

Hopefully the manual will tell you how it all works. Unlocking behaviour is different by different brand.

Isn't learning fun 🥲

Good point, now wasting my life on hold to support 😭

33 minutes ago, Aspman said:

Seems to be a permissions issue between VW and Octopus.

When I'm adding (or trying to) the Ohmo to the Octopus app it has to start with the car brand, then Charger. Then it asks for the VW app type and login. This is where it failed before and now won't even get to this step.

Hum, Octopus shouldn't need to link with your VW/car. You need to link Octopus with Ohme so that IOG smart schedulling works through your charge point.

I've used IOG with both car (Tesla) and charge point (Indra). The car integration is not as seamless as charge point. Whenever possible, make sure to use charge point integration. When selecting charge point, Octopus doesn't need to talk/link/integrate with the vehicle.

9 minutes ago, wyx087 said:

Hum, Octopus shouldn't need to link with your VW/car. You need to link Octopus with Ohme so that IOG smart schedulling works through your charge point.

I've used IOG with both car (Tesla) and charge point (Indra). The car integration is not as seamless as charge point. Whenever possible, make sure to use charge point integration. When selecting charge point, Octopus doesn't need to talk/link/integrate with the vehicle.

Sooo,

10min on hold and then 30min on a call with, actually a vey helpful, Octopus EV support chap.
Basically, it's all Octopus fault. They pushed out a policy change and it's been screwing up lots of linking processes.
Support pushed out the previous policy and the app was then able to continue.

All the apps have terrible user experience choices which made the whole process a lot harder than it needs to be.
And the VW app is apparently notorious for scewing things up as well in it's own special way.

The ideal is that you leave the car plugged in when you are not using it, then Octopus can push energy to it whenever there is surplus which they will supply at the EV rate (7p).
So although the EV rate is 23:30 - 5:30 if Octopus have surplus they can supply charge to you at 7p at any time.
This is buggered up by VW software which doesn't cope with this and will put the car to sleep and not accept the power.

So advised to not plug in when not in use but closer to normal schedule time.

Great, so it works now? Done a test charge?

Sounds like you are connecting to Octopus on the car rather than Ohme? If so, be sure to set Ohme to allow charging at any time for the ideal way to work.

46 minutes ago, wyx087 said:

Hum, Octopus shouldn't need to link with your VW/car. You need to link Octopus with Ohme so that IOG smart schedulling works through your charge point.

I've used IOG with both car (Tesla) and charge point (Indra). The car integration is not as seamless as charge point. Whenever possible, make sure to use charge point integration. When selecting charge point, Octopus doesn't need to talk/link/integrate with the vehicle.

Or just use GO, gain control of your own charging, no smart charging requirements, slightly less advantageous cost per unit but I like the control and simplicity even though I trust Octopus on most things (notable exception is DD forecasting).

34 minutes ago, wyx087 said:

Great, so it works now? Done a test charge?

Sounds like you are connecting to Octopus on the car rather than Ohme? If so, be sure to set Ohme to allow charging at any time for the ideal way to work.

Test charge (max) worked, just did it for a few minutes. Ohme app has the car and schedule all in the right placed.
Funnily enough no, I'm to leave it to the Ohme app. The Octopus app only has the charger not the car and Octopus themselves recommend using the Ohme app not their app except as a backup option.

I've never had problem with IOG smart charging..... but as they say, never say never.

You can also stay on IOG and only do smart charge once every other week when not mission critical, this is entirely within their T&C.

Other way round is also possible, mostly smart charge with a buffer so it's okay if didn't work. Then switch to manual schedules for critical days. <- I do this, rarly go below 30%.

Glad it's all sorted now. Once onboarding is done, hopefully things work smoothly for the foreseable future.