Image credit: Fronius
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
Fronius is an Austrian-based company specializing in energy solutions. They were founded back in the 1940’s and began its solar division making solar inverters in 1992 making them one of the longest-standing inverter manufacturers in the industry.
Fronius launched their EV charging products in Australia in early 2023 and they have been gaining traction quickly.
Their main local Australia office is based in Tullamarine near the airport in Melbourne. They also have a support office in Perth. It is good to see they have local staff to help their customers with technical issues, warranty support and servicing.
Popular Models and Comparison of Features
Fronius offers the Wattpilot series of EV chargers. These chargers come in two main categories: Home and Go, each available in 11 kW and 22 kW power configurations. Designed for both home and on-the-go charging, these chargers are versatile and intelligent
| Product Name | Wattpilot Go 22 J AUS | Wattpilot Home 11 J | Wattpilot Home 22 J |
| Product Image |  |  | |
| Product variant | Go 22 J 2.0 AUS | Home 11 J | Home 22 J |
| Price (Approx. AUD price RRP inc. GST) | $2,000 | $1,900 | $2,100 |
| Rating | 7.36kW 1-phase22kW 3-phase | 3.68kW 1‑phase11kW 3‑phase | 7.36kW 1-phase22kW 3-phase |
| Country of manufacture | Austria | Austria | Austria |
| EV compatibility | All EVs | All EVs | All EVs |
| Enclosure dimensions | 155 x 287 x 109 mm | 155 x 287 x 109 mm | 155 x 287 x 109 mm |
| Weight | 2 kg | 1.8 kg | 2.3 kg |
| Operating Temperature | -25 to +40 °C | -25 to +40 °C | -25 to +40 °C |
| Charge cable length | – | – | – |
| Solar self-consumption optimisation? | Yes – requires Fronius smart meter | Yes – requires Fronius smart meter | Yes – requires Fronius smart meter |
| Internet connection? | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| App control | Fronius App | Fronius App | Fronius App |
| Weather resistance | Indoor & Outdoor Rated | Indoor & Outdoor Rated | Indoor & Outdoor Rated |
| IP rating | IP-65 | IP-65 | IP-65 |
| Warranty (years) | 2 years, extendable to 10 years | 2 years, extendable to 10 years | 2 years, extendable to 10 years |
| Datasheet | Wattpilot Datasheet | Wattpilot Datasheet | Wattpilot Datasheet |
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What We Like About The Fronius Wattpilot Chargers
The Fronius Wattpilot series is designed for flexibility, allowing for both home and portable charging. They are one of the few chargers we’ve seen that you can take with you, which could be handy on a road-trip and is able to plug into a 3-phase socket at a caravan park or industrial area.
They offer flexibility and programming to ensure that owners minimise the charging costs using solar power and off-peak rates. The chargers can switch between 1 and 3-phase automatically, optimizing the use of surplus PV energy.
Key Features
Safety & Control: The Fronius Wattpilot ensures secure access through an approved RFID chip or card, allowing you to create up to 10 user profiles. Additionally, the charger comes with anti-theft protection, including a shackle for the Wattpilot unit and a locking option for the Type 2 charging cable.
Flexibility: One of the standout features of the Wattpilot is its universal compatibility with any electric car. This means if you decide to switch your EV down the line, there’s no need to change your charger.
Intelligent Charging: The Wattpilot is not just a charger; it’s a smart device. It can automatically toggle between 1 and 3-phase charging and fine-tune its output in small increments. This ensures you make the most out of any surplus solar energy, while also avoiding any load peaks, ensuring a stable power supply to your home.
Dynamic Load Balancing: If you’re a multi-EV household, the Wattpilot has you covered. It can dynamically distribute the available current and charge up to three electric cars simultaneously in an energy-optimized manner.
Full Integration: For those who like to keep tabs on their energy usage, the Wattpilot seamlessly integrates with the Fronius Solar.web app. This provides a comprehensive overview of your PV system and allows for real-time monitoring of your self-generated solar energy.
How Much Does the Fronius Wattpilot Charger Cost?
Pricing varies depending on the model but the 22kW Go model with a 5m Type 2 cable will set you back around $2,200 plus installation.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Seamless connection with Fronius solar system and monitoring portal Excellent app and flexibility in programming Reputable company with well-established support in Australia | More expensive than most residential charging options on the market Less benefits for users who don’t have a Fronius solar system installed The charger does not have an LED display meaning the user cannot configure charge or settings without the app |
SOLAR.WATTPILOT Charging App
- Clearly displays all charging data
- Change charging modes remotely
- Apple users 2.3 / 5 for 5 reviews
Installation
Installation should be performed by a qualified electrician and typically takes a few hours. If you opt for the portable “GO” model, you will get a 3-phase plug wired into the charger. You will need to ensure you have a suitable wall socket in your premises to plug this into.
If you opt for the home option, the charger will be mounted and hardwired to the wall.
Need a Fronius Wattpilot charger installation quote?
Warranty & Service
Fronius offers a standard 2-year warranty, extendable up to 10 years upon registration. For support, customers can contact Fronius directly by visiting their website or contacting their Australia office via (03) 8340 2900.
Should I Buy a Fronius Wattpilot Charger?
If you’re looking for a portable, versatile and intelligent EV charger, the Fronius Wattpilot series is worth considering. Should you already have a solar system with a Fronius smart meter installed, then this will link in nicely to your system and monitoring portal.
If you have another solar inverter brand installed there may be extra costs involved with connecting your solar system to the charger.
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Reviews from Australians who have installed Fronius EV Chargers
Great ,Fronius ticked all the boxes for us, as we have three phase power at home and have two different EV vehicles , which one can be charged by three phase and the other only one phase power
