Let’s start by saying that having an EV charging station built on your property is completely legal. While there are restrictions and regulations about installing EV chargers, no laws prohibit a regular property owner from installing a charging point.
An expert understanding of your EV charger and home electrical system is required to install an EV charger securely. The installation procedure might go awry without this knowledge, putting your charger’s safety and performance at risk and your home’s.
So unless you are a qualified professional, the answer is a straight NO.
You cannot and must not install your EV chargers on your own, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have a charger installed in your home. You may also want to understand what you should consider when you decide to get a home electric charge point.
We have compiled a list of basic things you need for your home to have a charging unit for your electric cars.
Things To Consider When Getting An EV Charger At Home
Safety.
Don’t try to install it on your own. Hire a professional. ALWAYS
Unless you are a professional electrician and a trained EV charger technician, do not try to install your home chargers on your own.
Your charger uses a large amount of power from your home or apartment to your vehicle. So, if it’s not fitted correctly, you and anyone close (family, friends, or neighbours) might be exposed to harmful levels of electricity. As such, it’s critical to choose an expert–an EV charging station installer–to reduce the risk of fire or electric shock.
Having an electric vehicle is a sizable investment. Don’t cheapen your investment by trying to put your chargers on your own. You may spend more by hiring a professional, but it is still money well spent. Prioritise safety. Hire a professional.
UK regulations would also require you to have an OZEV-certified technician install your charger should you need to apply for a grant. (More on the OZEV grant below)
Pricing: Grants And Other Costs To Consider
It is easy to google your way into checking what chargers you think you may need and how to install them. Everything is on the internet, right?
However, besides the actual cost of the charger you want to buy, there are other aspects you need to consider. Some of these that you need to take into account are the cost of professional installers, assessments, and applicable government grants.
When calculating costs, it’s wise to look into national and local EV charging subsidies.
The UK is one of the few countries with a complete strategy for electrification. It has the government arm Office for Zero-Emission Vehicles (OZEV) and an electrification policy called the Net Zero Strategy.
Chargers and charging stations are part of the national scheme of creating a zero-emissions environment for the UK. It has charged OZEV to roll out the different agendas in the pipeline toward the 2030 goal of zero sales on non-electric vehicles.
Ask your dealers and consult your charger’s manufacturer if the charger you want to install is OZEV-approved so you can apply for a grant.
Components, labour, and professional knowledge are not cheap. And you shouldn’t be surprised by these costs. Consider these as investments for your future and, of course, your safety.
Supply Capacity Of Your Home
Most electric cars can charge using a regular electrical outlet with the charging cable that came in when you bought your EV—this should replenish your car’s power overnight. However, many experts don’t recommend that you do this often, nor should it be your primary means to install electric car charging.
In addition, installing EV chargers can raise your home’s power consumption. So before you plan your charging system, you need to understand how much electricity you consume and when you’re using it. You must identify your maximum demand or the most considerable quantity of power at your home at any given time.
Have a professional assess your electrical supply capacity and the current needed by the charger you are considering installing. The electrician should be able to recommend a list of chargers you can buy, assess your garage or parking area if it can handle a charging point, and even estimate actual costs.
Understand Regulations
There are different regulations to adhere to when getting EV chargers. One such regulation, which is a usual prerequisite, includes acquiring compliance certificates.
These compliance certificates are assurances of the dependability and safety of your installed charger. You may also need these in the future to qualify for insurance reimbursements if something goes wrong. EV charging stations will lose their warranty if not installed by a licensed electrician. You don’t want to take that chance.
Furthermore, if you have a problem with the EV battery and require the manufacturer to fix it, you may need the certificate to establish that the problem is with the car, not the charger.
The OZEV has changed guidelines for its EV charger installation grants. Since March 31st, the OZEV has stopped giving the £350 grant to individual households that desire to have an EV charger installed.
It has, starting April 1st, allocated a £500 grant towards landlords and apartment block owners who create charging stations on their property.
The new OZEV changes are being made to address the gaps where funding was unavailable for some EV or commercial property owners. As a result, the new changes intend to continue improving the UK’s charging infrastructure by providing more affordable charge point installation in areas where funding was previously unavailable.
Hire An End-to-end Professional
It’s quite clear that hiring accredited reputable, skilled EV charger installers is a wise investment. It’s an investment in your own safety and regulatory compliance. An OZEV-approved installer also helps ensure the security of your automobile, house, and the people around you.
Installing an EV charger suddenly becomes complicated the more you know about the technical aspects and policies you need to satisfy. The fewer people you deal with, the less headaches you’ll have.
Shop for companies that offer end-to-end solutions- from assessment to post-installation solutions and guarantees. To make everything easy, you can set a meeting with us!
Some experienced electricians may be unfamiliar with the technical requirements and the rules governing an EV charging point. Check if they are well-versed and familiar with the specific charger you have in mind.
Ask For A Home Visit
A house visit allows your potential installer to provide you with a comprehensive quotation tailored to your specific needs. Most installers allow this without really the pressure of making any commitments.
Be aware that most buildings and properties differ in specifications and needs. A home visit allows you to have a specific quote for your home instead of settling for a blanket price for the installation of your charger.
Ready to immerse yourself in the details? Click here to learn more about this captivating topic: Can I Install My Own Electric Car Charger
Step-by-Step Process For Having A Home Charger Installed
Knowing all of these things, let’s take a quick look at a list of steps you may go through to have that EV charger installed at home.
- Choose your charger
Manufacturers and the government have a list of accredited chargers specific to your car and need. Understanding them should give you a better chance of purchasing your home charger.
- Choose your EV Charger installation professional
As discussed thoroughly in the article, you cannot install your charger on your own. Look for companies and professionals that are trained and certified to install the specific charger that you bought.
- Get a Home Visit appointment
Have your chosen installers quote you correctly by getting a home visit appointment. By doing this, you can rest assured that they indeed studied your needs and have given you a quote properly.
- Install your charger
Once you have chosen your installer, set a date and have them install your charger in your home. It should take a day or less to install and run your charger.
- Ask for post-installation advice
Once installed, make sure you have asked questions about warranty, maintenance, apps to use, contact numbers of their company, and other pertinent information you may need.
Home Chargers Are Investments
Installing an EV charger may not be as inexpensive or straightforward as you had hoped. However, by taking the time to have your charger installed properly– you will enjoy the benefits in the long run. By guaranteeing complete and professional EV charger installation – particularly hiring government-certified professionals to do it instead of doing it yourself, you are prioritising your and your household’s safety.
A quality installation service may make all the difference, from ensuring your charger is safe and compliant with national regulations to enhancing the value of your house.
Look no further. You can contact us, and we can help you get that EV charge point installed at home. Let us worry about the details while you relax and wait.
