SWTCH Home Charging Program FAQs
About Installation & Setup
I lost my sticker. Where can I find my charger's serial number?
The serial number is also located on the box that the charger was delivered with, as well as on the side of the charger.
How do I connect to my charger for setup?
Your charger will broadcast a hotspot network named "EVL007_YOURSERIALNUMBER" (ex. EVL007_1234) for 1 hour after powering up.
If you do not see the hotspot available on your device, please do the following:
- Please stand next to the charger and scan for the charger hotspot again.
- Please power cycle the charger and wait 30-60 seconds before scanning for the charger hotspot again.
- You can also connect to the Charger hotspot manually by picking up the network and entering 12345678 as the wifi password.
Can I configure the charger manually outside of the app?
Yes, the charger settings can be accessed by connecting to the charger hotspot and then visiting 192.168.168.1 in a browser.
Will charging sessions count if I don't register my charger through the app?
No. You need to connect your charger through the app for your charging activity to count towards your refund and initial earnings.
My electrical panel can't support the charger's amperage. Can I derate the charger?
The charger can be restricted to a maximum charging rate of 16A, 32A, 40A or 48A.
Please consult a licensed professional to carry out the derating service as it involves disassembly of the charger.
SWTCH can provide the necessary guidance if needed.
Can I install multiple chargers at one address?
You can install as many chargers as you like (and your electrical panel can support).
Please note that for refunds and ongoing payments, charging activity is calculated per-charger, not by address.
How do I reconnect to WiFI if I change my router?
If you use the same network name + password as your original network, your charger should continue working without issue.
If you are changing either, you'll need to set up the charger again for your new network.
Unplug the charger for a minute, then reconnect and follow the original installation process again to reconnect your charger via your new network.
About The Program
How is the charger free?
By joining the program, you will start generating carbon credits for powering clean transportation (your EV). These pay for the cost of your charger and then begin to generate a profit.
How does the deposit refund work?
The initial deposit for your charger is refunded once you have accumulated 1,500 kWh of charging on your home charger—about 3-5 months of average driving.
How do I get paid for charging at home?
Once you accumulate $100 worth of credits, a payment is issued via direct deposit to your bank account.
Are there any annual costs?
No, there are no annual fees or subscription costs associated with the charger or membership in the home charging program.
Which app do I need?
You must use the SWTCH Home Charging Program app. This is a dedicated app for this program and is different from the public SWTCH app used for public-facing charging.
Can I take the charger with me if I move?
Yes, you can take the charger with you and set it up again at another address.
In order to update your location, please go through the charger setup process again once your charger has been installed at your new home.
Do I start earning before or after I get my deposit refunded?
You will start earning your first payout at the same time that you're working towards your charger refund.
How do I increase my payment rate?
Every 5,000 kWh charged will unlock an additional $0.01/kWh in earnings for you, up to a maximum total of $0.10/kWh.
About The Charger
How long is the charger cable?
The charger comes with an 18-foot (5.486 metre) cable.
Do you send an electrician for installation?
Installation is up to you to complete. If you have an existing NEMA 14-50 plug, installation of a NEMA 14-50 version is as simple as mounting the unit and plugging it in. Otherwise, you will need to hire a local electrician.
What size breaker do I need for my charger?
The general rule is that your charger's amperage should be only 80% of your breaker's.
For the 40A charger: We recommend at least a 50A breaker.
For the 48A charger: We recommend at least a 60A breaker.
What is the difference between NEMA 14-50 and hardwiring?
The difference is the installation method and charging speed. The 9.6kW model uses a NEMA 14-50 plug for easy installation and to share an outlet with other devices (like RVs).
The 11.5kW model must be hardwired by an electrician but offers faster charging speeds.
Which model should I choose?
If you already have a NEMA 14-50 outlet or intend to move and want to bring your charger with you, choose the Plug-In model.
If you are installing a new circuit and want the fastest possible charge, choose the Hardwired model.
Do I need to use the app every time I charge?
No. Once set up, the charger will start charging your vehicle as soon as it is plugged in.
Will I be able to view my charging history?
Yes. Today, the app provides weekly energy consumption monitoring so you can track your general usage. Over time, we will be adding historical data and per-session charging information as well.
Can I move my charger to a different network?
No. These chargers are pre-configured specifically for the SWTCH Home Charging Program and cannot be moved to a different OCPP network.
Why are my energy values not increasing with charging?
Charging energy will be updated after a session is completed and the session information is sent to the SWTCH network.
Will my charger still work if the internet connection goes down?
After initial setup, your charger can charge your vehicle even if it disconnects from the internet.
Only a limited number of sessions are saved locally, though, so reconnect as soon as possible to ensure your charging history is credited appropriately.
Is the SWTCH home EVL007 charger certified to any safety standards?
Yes, the SWTCH Home EVL007 Charger is ETL certified and conforms to UL Std 1598 & certified to CSA Std C22.2 for the Canadian and U.S. markets.
About SWTCH
What is SWTCH?
SWTCH is one of the leading EV charging networks in North America. We have more than 20,000 chargers across the continent and provide solutions for companies like Google, Marriott, Shoppers Drug Mart, and Metro.
Where is SWTCH headquartered?
Our offices are in Toronto, which is where we were founded in 2016.
Where can I learn about your other charging technology and services?
Visit us at swtchenergy.com for everything we do in the multifamily, commercial, parking, and other spaces across North America.
