Electric vehicles are quickly becoming an essential part of our lives. According to recent projections, nearly 6.5 million UK households plan on buying an electric vehicle by 2030. There are currently over 500,000 electric vehicles on our roads, with the million mark set to be passed within a few years.
But what about the associated charging infrastructure? What are the options for the people making the switch to an EV today?
At the moment, EV drivers can charge their vehicles at work, at public charge points, or at home. Your electric vehicle can take up to eight to twelve hours to charge, making public and workplace EV charging ideal for top-up charges, but perhaps not as your primary EV charging option.
Consequently, most EV drivers have chosen to invest in home EV charge point installation as it’s the most convenient way to power your electric vehicle.
So, if you’re still weighing up whether to make the switch, here’s everything you need to know about installing a home-based EV charge point.
How Does Home EV Charging Work?
You can charge your electric vehicle at home using an EV home charging unit or your 3-pin plug socket. Some drivers choose to charge their electric vehicles overnight using a conventional socket, but it’s both potentially dangerous and an inefficient way to charge your electric vehicle. Ideally, your 3-pin plug should only be a last resort.
By investing in an EV charge point, you can benefit from faster, safer, and more convenient EV charging. Home EV charging units, such as EV wallboxes, are also compact and weatherproof and don’t have any noticeable impact on the aesthetics of your home. The units usually have their own cables connected, allowing you to plug in your electric vehicle and start charging immediately.
How Much Does Home EV Installation Cost?
With an Office for Low Emission Vehicles (OLEV) grant, your home EV charge point installation could cost around £450. The Electric Vehicle Homecharge Scheme (EVHS) from OLEV can contribute up to 75% or £350 of the cost for a single point EV Charger. Once your home EV charge point is installed, you can enjoy affordable EV charging with a full charge typically costing less than £10.
Your home EV charging unit must be installed by a qualified, OLVE-approved EV installation company, such as Applegarth. You should never attempt a DIY EV charge point installation as you will lose your eligibility for government EV funding.
How Long Does It Take To Charge Your EV at Home?
Your home EV charge point can charge your electric vehicle at a speed of 3.6kW or 7kW, which gives about 15-30 miles of driving range per hour. A 3-pin plug, by contrast, only supplies eight miles of range per hour, making it the least efficient way to charge your vehicle at home.
You can charge your electric vehicle as often as you need to. Most drivers charge their electric vehicles overnight and top-up at public charging points when necessary. Charging your electric vehicle overnight will allow you to take advantage of off-peak electricity rates, costing you as little as 2p per mile.
Although you might not need to charge your vehicle every day, having a full battery will help you be prepared for unexpected journeys. An overnight charge will not damage your battery as the car will stop charging automatically once it is fully charged.
Why Choose Applegarth for Your Home EV Charge Point Installation?
When pursuing a home EV charge point, remember that it must be installed by certified professionals.
The EV installation process is complex and requires extensive electrical expertise to mount the charging unit and connect it to your mains electricity supply. The installation can take roughly three hours to complete, depending on where you choose to have your charge point installed and its distance from your electricity supply.
To prevent jeopardising your OLEV grant application and wasting time and money, you should partner with an experienced installation company, such as Applegarth. We are renewable energy experts that have been servicing commercial and residential clients for close to two decades.
As an OLEV approved installation company, we can provide high-quality EV installation that is safe and efficient. If you’re ready to install your home EV charge point, we can help. Contact us today, and one of our experienced team members can get you started with an obligation-free quote.
