The Norwegian Automobile Federation (NAF) describes the Zaptec Go in their electric car charger test in 2022 as 'a powerful, compact charger that exudes quality.' The Ljosland family isn't surprised that the charger in their garage was named best in the test.
"I'll honestly admit that the appearance was important to me when we were choosing a charger," smiles Kristine Ljosland from the garage in Kleivane, Sandnes.
Her husband, Tor Ommund, agrees.
"We thought the Zaptec charger looked the best."
The couple is unlikely to be alone in that opinion. In the NAF test, the judges mention the charger's sleek design several times. But that's far from the only reason to choose the Zaptec Go.
Smart charging: With his smartphone, family father Tor Ommund has full control over the charging of his electric car.
One charger, two cars: The Ljosland family has two electric cars parked in the garage. According to them, sharing the charger has never been a problem, even in busy everyday life.
When the Ljosland family first purchased an electric car in 2015, it was a vehicle with a small battery and limited range. For that purpose, using a regular power outlet sufficed.
But as electric cars evolved, and the family acquired two fully electric family cars, they quickly needed to explore alternatives.
Especially considering safety.
"We're cautious even when charging our mobile phones overnight, and the car battery is many times larger. It was important for us to do it properly," says Tor Ommund, father of three.
"It's very foolish to be careless about the risk of fire. It can have significant consequences."
According to the Norwegian Automobile Federation (NAF), Zaptec is the only supplier that can demonstrate that all requirements for so-called DC monitoring are met. This mechanism, which ensures powerful enough disconnection in case of a potential fault current, is why the charger is named the safest choice in the test.
"We were already aware of the company, and many people we knew had good things to say about Zaptec. But it's reassuring that they receive praise from NAF as well. It confirms what we already knew, especially regarding safety," says Tor Ommund.
Safety first: Tomine Ljosland is one of Kristine and Tor Ommund's three children. With children in the household, it was particularly important for them to find a safe charging solution for the family.
In addition to safety and appearance, NAF highlights the opportunities for smart charging as one of Zaptec's strengths.
The charging unit can smart charge completely independently of the electricity provider, but it can also communicate with third-party apps for the cheapest possible charging.
Tor Ommund recently downloaded an app that provides him with an overview and allows him to save.
"It's something I haven't thought about much before, but it feels good to know that the option is there when electricity is expensive."
While electric cars were once reserved for short trips back and forth to work, the Ljosland family now always drives electric, whether it's a weekend at the cabin or a trip over the mountains to Oslo to visit family.
The couple each use their car daily and share the same charger. It seems to work out fine.
"When we need to charge, it happens quickly enough that it never becomes a battle for the charging cable," Kristine explains.
According to Zaptec themselves, using the charger is ten times faster than using a power outlet. This makes daily life easier for a busy family with young children living in Sandnes, Norway.
"Being able to charge at home is practical and simple. And, of course, it's nice to avoid the trip to the gas station," says Kristine.
"I'm from a small town called Jørpeland, and I was aware that the chargers are produced there, locally. That probably played a part, too," Kristine adds at the end.
From the idea phase to the final product – at Zaptec, the entire value chain is located in Norway and the county Rogaland.
"It's nice to know that it's a product that is developed and made here in the area," Tor Ommund continues.
"Not least because Zaptec is part of an exciting development and contributes to finding innovative solutions. That's great!"
Find out more about the home charger suitable for detached houses.