The UK Government’s decision to ban all petrol and diesel vehicles by 2030 has changed the nature of transportation for all Britons. More than 108,205 electric vehicles were sold in 2020, according to the latest figures. The surge in electric vehicle sales now means that more people need to make sense of the different types of EV charger installations, EV charger companies, and government grants.
The most common concern among new electric vehicle owners is how they will power their vehicle. Whether you are considering EV charge point installation for your workplace or home, it’s essential to be prepared.
So, what can you expect from your EV charge point installer? Here we discuss the various steps of the EV charger installation process.
Step 1: Choose the Right EV Charge Point Installer
Before you can enjoy the benefits of your work or home EV charging point, you have to find the right installation company.
The EV charger installers you choose must be appropriately accredited by the government and experienced in delivering their services. The popularity of electric vehicles has led to a surge in new EV installation companies. Some of these companies do not have the necessary experience, accreditations, or skills to install EV charging points correctly. Poor EV charger installations can lead to costly damage to your property and additional installation costs in future.
Your preferred EV charge point installer should be recognised by the Office for Lower Emission Vehicles (OLEV). Using an OLEV-approved charge point installer, such as Applegarth, will ensure that you receive a high-quality EV charger installation and additional support during your OLEV grant application.
Step 2: Prepare for the Site Visit By the EV Charger Installer
After choosing your EV charge point installer, one of their team members should visit your property and take pictures. The purpose of the short site survey is to understand the layout of your premises.
The EV charge point installer will be on the lookout for details, such as driveway space restrictions or power supply locations, that will be considered as they plan out your EV charger installation.
Step 3: Choose the Right EV Charger for Your Property
There are different EV charge points available. The one you choose will depend on whether you have a residential or commercial property, the number and type of vehicles that need to be charged, and whether you will be applying for an OLEV grant.
Once your EV charge point installer has completed a site visit, they will help you choose the right charging point for your needs. However, if you apply for an OLEV grant, you will have to choose a smart EV charger, as this is one of the grant requirements.
If you have a residential property with a garage or parking area close to your home’s power supply, an EV wallbox charger could be ideal. On the other hand, if you have a commercial property, you might need to choose between installing a mix of low and high-speed units across your premises.
Step 4: Set Time Aside For Your EV Charge Point Installation
Thirty days before your EV charger installation occurs, your EV charger installer must inform your supply network and prepare everything for your installation.
Your EV charge point installation will generally take 2 hours to complete, but they can last anywhere from a morning to a full day. If the installation takes longer than expected, your EV charger installer will inform you before the installation starts.
First, a dedicated fuse board will be fitted during your installation. An outfit such as us here at Applegarth can fit a residual current device for better protection between the main fuse board and the charge point, the charge point itself, and the vehicle. Your OLEV-accredited installer will thoroughly check that the groundworks and wiring are installed correctly before the work is signed off.
Before they leave, your charger installer will walk you through your new EV charging system to ensure that you are comfortable using it.
Why Choose Applegarth for Your EV Charging Installation?
Applegarth has been specialising in the installation of renewable energy solutions for commercial and domestic properties since 2006. We are an OLEV-accredited and manufacturer-preferred EV charge point installer and can provide high-quality service to our clients.
Our experienced and fully trained team of EV charge point installers can walk you through every step of your EV charge point installation process. As an OLEV-accredited EV company, we can provide comprehensive EVHS and WCS grant application support too.
Get in touch with us today at 0151 649 8350 or info@applegarth.co.uk for all your EV charging needs.
