You’ve made the switch.
Instead of an internal combustion engine car, you’re driving either a plug-in hybrid or a zero-emission, electric vehicle. You drive it around the city and sometimes in the countryside.
With the UK’s Net Zero Strategy underway, one of the government’s goals is to strengthen the country’s EV charging infrastructure. Because of that, EV owners can charge at workplaces and public areas such as parking spaces, shopping centres, and even in some motorway facilities.
With the UK’s Net Zero Strategy in full swing, the government is committed to enhancing the nation’s EV charging infrastructure. As a result, EV owners have access to charging options at workplaces and public locations, including parking facilities, shopping centers, and even some motorway services.
Here’s Why
Many points support having an EV charger installed at home. A home charger provides ready accessibility to the grid, safety, and lower refuelling expenses.
Accessibility and Convenience
A home charging station offers unparalleled access to a power supply for EV owners. You can plug in your electric vehicle at any time, allowing you to attend to other tasks while your car charges. Many EV owners even charge their cars overnight while they sleep.
Aside from this, a home device promotes convenient charging as it lessens reliance on a public charging device, eliminating the possibility of having to wait in a queue.
With enough power to last the day—thanks to the home EV charging device—trips to charging stations are unnecessary unless you need to top up during a long-haul drive.
A home charger gives EV owners control over when to charge.
Cost-Efficient Alternative
Like acquiring an electric vehicle, getting an EV charger installed at home comes at a price. The upfront costs seem expensive. However, investing in a home chargepoint could be more beneficial in the long run.
On their website, fuel car and EV manufacturer Kia Motors attests that “…charging at home is particularly economical.”
According to them, assuming electricity costs 21p per kilowatts, fully charging a Kia EV6 sets you back a little over £16 while giving you a driving range of 328 miles.
Meanwhile, you’ll pay less than £3 to fully charge the Kia Sorento PHEV.
Others claim that you can save up to £180 annually when you plug in at home versus connecting to the grid in public places.
In addition, car owners have the option to charge during off-peak hours, which generally costs less. And with the new regulations requiring smart chargers, some devices can be set to initialise charging specifically during off-peak hours.
Safety
Nothing beats a dedicated home electric car charger when it comes to avoiding any charging device malfunction.
While a domestic three-pin plug can be used to replenish an electric vehicle’s power, most agree that this is only advisable in exceptional situations. This is because the electricity requirements for EV charging differ from that of an ordinary household appliance, and your home socket is not designed for such a load.
Without a dedicated chargepoint, you leave your EV, home, and yourself to otherwise avoidable risks.
Improving Your Property’s Value
Having an EV charger installed at your residential property helps improve its market value and prepare it for future use.
As the UK shifts to a decarbonised environment brought in part by its commitment to eliminating old fuel cars in its streets, homes should be able to accommodate EV-driving residents.
An electric car charger can also become an additional selling point in rental homes and those up for sale. Aside from that, UK legislation requires residential buildings with parking spaces to have to work EV charging equipment.
Can I Install My Own Charger?
The cost of home electric car charging station can be next to zero as you won’t be paying for professional fees. However, the best course of action is to hire a government-certified installer for a home charging station that is safe and conforms to regulations.
An accredited charger installer, such as Pumpt, ensures that your home chargepoint adheres to strict safety standards and government guidelines. By enlisting the services of a professional, your home is protected from electrical mishaps caused by sub-par charger installation.
Lastly, unless done by an accredited technician, you cannot claim OZEV grants for EV home charging device installations which considerably lessens the upfront cost of acquiring electric car charging equipment where you live.
How Much Is A Home Charging Station?
Depending on the type, a typical charger installation costs around £700 to £1000, with the more expensive ones coming in at up to £1200. Aside from the labour and device expenses, installation costs include cabling and a safety cut-off device, among others.
Anything used beyond the standard installation package may incur additional fees.
For more detailed information on the breakdown of costs of home charger installations, you can go here.
What Is the OZEV?
Short for Office for Zero Emission Vehicles, OZEV is “a team working across government to support the transition to zero emission vehicles.” Part of its function is to aid in establishing charging infrastructure in the UK.
OZEV has different grant offerings to facilitate the uptake of plug-in vehicles and the installation of a home charging station.
The Electric Vehicle Homecharge Scheme (EVHS) is a government grant that subsidises up to 75% of the total home charger installation cost with a grant cap of £350. However, this ended on March 31, 2022, and was replaced by the EV chargepoint grant for flat owner-occupiers and people living in rental properties.
In addition, the government is now offering EV chargepoint grants for landlords.
Electric Vehicle Chargepoint Grant
According to the UK government website, the Electric Vehicle Chargepoint Grant is open to homeowners who live in flats and people in rental accommodation (flats and single-use properties).
This grant is generally the same as the EVHS except for the following main changes:
- The customer must be tenants of a rental flat or single-use properties
- The installer confirms property ownership.
- In the case where a property is rented, the confirmation of the name and address of the individual or entity letting the property must be exactly as what appears in the rental agreement
- Customers are no longer allowed two chargepoint grant claims if they have a second EV
Charger Grant For Landlords
Aside from the chargepoint grant for tenants and flat-owner occupiers, there is also a grant specifically open for landlords. In this context, landlords are those “that rent, lease or manage residential or commercial properties” and want electric vehicle charging points within such establishments.
This grant is eligible only to establishments in England, Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland.
With this funding, customers can take advantage of up to 75% subsidy (capped at £350) on charger purchase and installation. Each chargepoint socket installed is eligible, and landlords can have a maximum of 200 grants annually for residential locations.
These properties must have off-street parking spaces.
Some Things To Remember
- Pick the charger that best suits your needs and preferences
- Ask your installer for an estimate
- Promptly complete the requirements to avoid delays
- Check for OZEV grant eligibility to lower installation rates
What To Expect On Installation Day
- It takes about 2 to 4 hours to install your electric car home charging station
- Work takes longer under extraordinary instances like unfavourable weather, work adjustments due to the site specifications and conditions
- As such, customers are requested to be available for the duration of the installation
- The installer will conduct a final inspection to confirm charger location based on standard regulations together with a safety check and inform you of the job logistics
- Power and electricity will be turned off until the work is completed
- Once the installation is done, your installer will test the charger and walk you through charger use or provide a demo on how to best utilise your device
It’s A Yes!
Having enumerated the benefits of getting a home charger, we can conclude that topping up in your residence is a practical and better solution to your EV charging needs. Having a charger installed at home is essential to maximising your EV investment.
Getting an electric vehicle home charger reaps countless benefits for the EV driver and owner. The presence of a ready chargepoint beats having to go to public hubs. Plugging into the grid is a hundred times more convenient, not to mention, economical when done in your backyard.
What are you waiting for? For a hassle-free, safe, and reliable electric vehicle charging station in the comfort of your home, don’t hesitate to contact us!
We can help you solve your electric vehicle charging needs with our accredited device and installation process. Expect nothing but top-notch products and services!
