Beginner’s Guide to EV Charging at Home
So, you’re planning on buying your first electric vehicle. One of the first things you’ll have to consider is your car home charging point. Do you have one? Can you install one? When it comes to EV charging at home, is it practical? Here’s everything you need to know about home charging stations for electric vehicles.
Do I need a special electric car home charging station?
The short answer is yes! Charging a car efficiently cannot be done with a regular electric point – it would eventually charge but can take all day, and night, depending on the model. So, you’ll want to install a 7kW home charger to make electric car charging at home practical.
There are an estimated 300,000 private EV car home chargers already installed in UK homes. While it sounds like a lot, this still means that the majority of UK residential properties do not currently come with the facility for electric vehicle charging at home. So, if this is your first time buying an electric vehicle, you may well also be looking at setting up a new charging point for your car at home.
How do I install a home car charging point?
You’ll need a suitable space to install your home charging point that’s close to where you park and conveniently located, bearing in mind where the charging port on your vehicle is and how long a charging cable you have. EV chargers can be installed inside a garage or on an outside wall. You’ll also need a suitable Wi-Fi connection (assuming you pick a charger with smart functionality) and appropriate earthing arrangements to comply with safety regulations.
For these reasons, it’s vital that you choose a trusted and recommended EV charging point supplier and installer. Ask your installer for advice, as they may well be able to suggest ways to make your installation cheaper or more convenient for you. It’s worth asking if they include a test and certification upon completion of your installation as well, for peace of mind.
When it comes to home-charging electric vehicles, the type of property you live in can limit your options. If you live in a block of flats with, for example, a shared underground parking garage with a communal electricity supply, this can also present extra issues, but also extra opportunities as you may be able to share your home EV charging station with your neighbours, reducing overall costs.
Those in shared flats and rental accommodation may also be eligible for the Electric Vehicle Homecharge Scheme which can mean a reduction in the cost of purchasing and setting up a home charging unit. A good EV charging point installer can often manage the application and documentation relating to this grant on your behalf.
How much does a home EV charging station cost?
Not all home EV stations are the same, so costs can vary, but you can expect to pay anywhere between £1,000 and £1,500 for a basic home vehicle charging point that’s capable of delivering around 7kW, which is generally enough to fully charge the average electric car overnight.
The price quoted will generally include a standard install and charger materials. Reputable suppliers should be happy to give you a quote and explain exactly what’s covered in the price. Don’t forget to check if VAT is included and if the installation comes with a standard warranty.
As we’ve already mentioned, you can cut costs by sharing with your neighbours, and renting a home vehicle charger is also an option. Ultimately, though, if you’re investing in an EV, then the cost of installing a charging point at home is something that you’ll need to factor in, unless you’re lucky enough to already live somewhere that has home charger facilities
Can I manage without a home charging point?
You can still have an electric car if you can’t install a home charger, but car use will almost inevitably become something to manage carefully, and most drivers will probably find it impractical, if not impossible.
If you have EV charging points at work, for example, where you can leave your vehicle on charge all day, you’ll easily get that eight-hour charge that most cars need to reach full range. It’s also possible to use public charging points, which might work for you if you live close to charging stations and feel confident that you’ll be able to find one when needed.
A lot will also depend on your mileage and the range you need. Very low mileage drivers will find it easier to manage without a home charging station for their car than those who are clocking up a lot of miles and need regular top-up charges.
The majority of drivers who are considering an electric car, however, will invariably also have to invest in a home charging set-up to ensure efficient, and stress-free, motoring.
Hopefully, you now have a much better idea of what’s involved in installing – and paying for – a charging station for your electric car at home.
How can I get an installation quote?
Your EV installer will be able to quote you remotely by seeing a few simple images of your electrical setup and your home. Here’s a list of what you are likely to be asked to supply:
A picture of your main incoming fuse
A photo of your main electricity meter for your property
A picture of your Consumer Unit with the lid open and the surrounding area so they can see the breakers available and space around the unit
Any pictures of additional Consumer Units you may have in your property
Details of where you would like your EV charger installed
Confirmation your gas and water are both bonded, a way to check for this is to look for a green and yellow cable clamped to the pipework near your gas meter and water stop tap
A picture of the parking area your car will be located in next to the EV charger