Given that there will be no further sales of new petrol and electric vehicles by 2030, EV charge points have become more critical than ever before. Over the coming decade, the network of EV charge points will have to be dramatically expanded in order to meet the needs of British motorists.
If you’re a home or business owner in Cheshire, then it’s likely that you’ll need to invest in EV charge point installation services to support your commuting habits moving forwards.
Why Do I Need an EV Charge Point in Cheshire?
As just mentioned, the future of driving is electric, and it’s just around the corner. Most homes will have an EV charge point of some description before the end of the decade. Instead of visiting petrol stations, drivers will be charging their cars from the comfort of their homes.
Alternatively, Cheshire-based businesses may want to include dedicated EV charge points for employees to ensure that they always have enough charge to carry out their duties. For instance, this solution would benefit employees who spend a portion of their working day on the road to attend meetings and other business-related activities.
What Are the Different Options for EV Charge Points in Cheshire?
There are a couple of options when it comes to charging your vehicle. You can opt to plug into an external socket and take power from the grid, which is very slow. Or you can choose to use the much faster option of a purpose-built EV charge point.
There are different types of connections too. You could, if you want, use the standard three-pin plug and put it in a standard socket, but again this is a slow charging option. Quicker options include a socketed connector, which you can join using either a type one or type two cable. Alternatively, you could opt for a tethered EV charge point with the cable attached to the EV charger for you to plug into your car.
The best option will differ depending on your individual circumstances, so it’s always best to consult an experienced EV charge point installer to discuss your options.
Are There Ways to Reduce the Cost of EV Charge Points in Cheshire?
Yes, there are. While EV charge points can cost close to £1,000 to source and install, there are several ways to reduce that initial cost and secure savings on fuel expenditure quicker.
The UK government has introduced a grant scheme for home and business owners across the country to incentivise EV charge point installations. The OLEV grant (or Electric Vehicle Homecharge Scheme) allows for a contribution of up to 75% of an EV charge point’s installation costs, up to the cost of £500 for a single point domestic user. For commercial installations, the grant allows up to £300 per charge point for up to a maximum of 20.
There are set criteria in place to determine who qualifies for this financial incentive. They are as follows:
• An OLEV-approved installer must install EV charge points
• Those applying must own a vehicle eligible under the scheme
• They must be the registered owner or leaseholder of an electric vehicle
• They must have off-street parking
• They have to ensure the EV charger is placed a reasonable distance (approx. 10m) of the electricity distribution board.
How Do I Get Started with EV Charge Points Cheshire?
The best place to start is by contacting an OLEV-approved installer such as ourselves. We can help you through the OLEV grant application process while working with you to devise your home or business’s best charging solution.
Over the last decade, we have installed hundreds of EV charge points right across the North West. Each successfully-completed project has allowed our clients to reduce their impact on the environment, lessen their driving costs, and benefit from convenient, easy-access charging.
So whether you are a Cheshire business or a homeowner, if you want to apply for an EV charge point with the help of an experienced EV charge point installer, speak to the experts at Applegarth today.
Get In Touch
If you are interested in having an EV charger installed or have any questions then please call our team on 0151 649 8350. You can also contact us via email at info@applegarth.co.uk. We install EV chargers right across Cheshire.