EV charge point installation has quickly become a priority to most Britons. According to the Department of Transport there were over 430,000 Ultra Low Emission Vehicles (ULEV) on UK roads in 2020, and that number continues to rapidly increase.
Many new EV drivers are concerned about how they will charge their electric vehicles. Unlike petrol or diesel cars, your EV can’t be powered up in a few minutes, when your battery is empty.
So, how will you ensure that your EV battery is always sufficiently charged?
Although there are many EV charging options, most EV drivers choose to invest in home EV charging. Below we provide the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions concerning home EV charge point installations.
What are the Benefits of Home EV Charge Point Installation?
While it is possible to charge your electric vehicle at home using a three-pin plug, this method of charging is slow, expensive, and can be dangerous. When you invest in home EV charge point installation, you will enjoy convenient charging, improved battery life, and the value of your home will increase too.
Installing a wallbox EV charger will give you control over when and how long you’ll charge your vehicle. Charging a flat EV battery can take up to 14 hours, which makes relying on public charge stations as your primary charging option, inconvenient and impractical. Home EV charge point installation gives you the freedom to schedule your charging. You can also determine the duration of your charge, which makes it the most convenient charging option around.
Your EV battery will become less effective over time. According to experts, having a full battery for most of the day, instead of constantly charging for a few hours, can slow down the degradation of the battery. A home EV charger will let you charge your vehicle overnight until it’s full, which allows you to preserve the capacity of your battery for longer.
EV charge point installation can increase the value of your property too. Home EV charge points are becoming a necessity for homeowners as more people are driving electric vehicles. An EV charge point can make your home future proof, which can positively impact its resale value.
How Much Will Charging Your EV at Home Cost?
The cost of your EV charging is influenced by installation costs and electricity tariffs.
Installation
Home EV charge point installation can cost roughly £850, depending on the EV charger and installation company you choose.
If you want fast EV charging at home, you’ll need to invest in specialist wiring and equipment. Your charge should also have a power output of 3.6kW, 7kW, or 20kW. Most EV drives choose to install a 7kW home charger, as it charges three times faster than a standard three-pin plug. The 7kW charger can cost about £625.
Luckily, the Office for Low Emission Vehicles (OLEV) grant can cover up to 75% of the purchase and installation costs of your home EV charger. The OLEV grant has strict eligibility requirements, but an OLEV approved installation company, such as Applegarth, can provide OLEV grant application support to simplify the application process.
Tariffs
There are now several competitively priced electricity tariffs available for electric vehicle owners to choose from. The new tariffs make running an electric car a lot easier, cheaper, and greener.
The tariffs are differ depending on the time of day, but most electricity providers have cheaper rates late at night. The cheaper late-night tariffs are ideal for overnight EV charging.
To take full advantage of reduced rates, you will have to install a special electricity meter, called an Economy 7 meter. According to the RAC and British Gas, charging your EV between 12 am and 5 am could cost as little as 6p per kWh, which could save you up to £300 on your electric bill.
Many homeowners are choosing to invest in solar panel installation too. Charging your EV using solar power not only reduces electricity costs, but it also makes your home more environmentally friendly.
Why Choose Applegarth for Home EV Charge Point Installation?
To enjoy the benefits of home EV charge point installation, you must choose an experienced, accredited and reputable EV installation company. The installation company you choose should also be OLEV approved, or you could jeopardise your chances of receiving an OLEV grant.
Here at Applegarth, we have been providing high-quality EV charge point installations to residential and commercial clients in Wirral, Chester, and across the UK. As an OLEV approved installation company, we are experienced in the grant application process and can provide the support you need to make EV charge point installation a reality.
Get in touch with us today to find out more about home EV charge point installation.
