The UK government recently announced that the sale of any new diesel and petrol vehicles will be banned from 2030. This has made owning an electric or plug-in hybrid (PHEV) a much more realistic prospect for those looking to upgrade their vehicle in the near future.
Owning an electric car is great for the environment and has a lower total cost of ownership. Still, there are practical things to consider before you can start enjoying your electric vehicle’s benefits.
The most significant change is how you’ll power your car. Electric cars need to be charged regularly to ensure that you have enough “fuel” to get from A to B. Your electric vehicle can take several hours to charge fully. So unless you enjoy spending a good chunk of your existence hovering around public EV charge points, you’ll need to consider alternative home-based EV charging options.
If you have a garage, driveway, or off-street parking, a home EV charger will fit into your life effortlessly. But which home EV charger should you choose?
Below we provide a guide to the different types of chargers to help you choose the best home EV charger
What is a Home EV Charger?
A home EV charger (most often a wall-mounted or “wallbox” charger) is connected to your home’s mains electricity. With a specialist wallbox charger, the high-voltage power allows you to charge your electric car much faster than a standard three-pin plug. The home EV charger is usually installed outside your house or in your garage, depending on where you park your car.
Installing an EV charger makes the charging process more straightforward and safer. You won’t need to run any unnecessary extension cords from your home, making it safer for you and your family. Wall-mounted chargers can be used in all weather conditions too, and most of them can even be controlled remotely with a smartphone.
Which Home EV Charger is Right for You?
Finding the right home EV charger can be overwhelming with the growing number of companies offering different EV chargers. To narrow your search, you should consider factors like charging speed, ease of installation, connector and cable types, and if the unit is compatible with your home.
Cables & Sockets
It goes without saying that the home charger you choose should work with your car. Home EV chargers are available in Type 1 and Type 2 sockets. Most new electric vehicles feature Type 2 plugs and cables. This is because of the European Commission’s 2014 ruling that all public charging points will feature Type 2 connectors.
EV chargers are also available in tethered or untethered point options. Tethered EV chargers have a charging cable attached to them that can be plugged straight into your car. Untethered home EV charge points have standard plugs to which you connect your own cable. The one you choose will depend on what’s most convenient and economical for you.
Charging Speed
The charging speed of your home EV charger is an essential consideration too. Most home chargers start at 3kW to 3.7kW, while advanced options can achieve up to 22kW. As the power band increases, the price tag does too. If you don’t do a lot of driving, a 3.6kW charger is enough to charge your car overnight.
The maximum charging speed your house can provide depends on the type of electricity supply it receives. Most UK households have a single-phase connection, which should be enough for most drivers.
Installation Time
The EV installation company you choose should ensure your home EV charge point installation is prompt and efficient. Depending on where you live, some providers can install your EV charger within a week.
Many providers (including ourselves) have all-inclusive purchase prices, which include installation by a qualified technician. In rare cases, we’ve heard of installation companies charging murky “additional installation fees,” so be sure to confirm pricing includes everything you need before committing to a particular home EV charger installation company.
Why Use Applegarth for Your Home EV Charger Installation?
Choosing the right EV installation company is as important as selecting the best home EV charger. According to the law, all EV suppliers and installers must be government-approved.
Applegarth Electrical and Mechanical Installations are the approved and preferred installers for several EV Charger manufacturers. Our experienced EV technicians are also accredited by the Office For Low Emission Vehicles. This allows us to install EV chargers under the OLEV Grant for residential and commercial properties. We can even help you with your grant application.
We have been providing high-quality, accredited electrical services to homeowners and commercial clients in Wirral, Chester, Liverpool, the North West and surrounding areas for almost two decades. Our clients have praised us for our fast installation, attention to detail and leading expertise, and we can do the same for you.
Contact us today at 0151 649 8350 to book your home EV Charger installation. One of our experienced technicians will be more than happy to walk you through the installation process and answer any questions you may have.
