A lot of people are making the switch to electric vehicles, but most of them haven't realized that an EV charging point isn't quite as simple as plugging your car into a standard outlet. In this guide, we'll cover everything you need to know about installing an EV charging point in your home or business so you can start enjoying the benefits of owning an electric car.
Why Should You Install an Electric Charging Point at Home?
EV charging stations are becoming a necessity in the modern world. The decision to install a charging point can be a big one, but with many of the costs falling on your home's energy bill, there are some great advantages to having it.
The installation process of EV charging points is not too difficult and there are a number of reasons why you should install one at your home.
- First, EV charging points can help reduce your carbon footprint by reducing gas emissions from your car.
- Second, they can help save money on fuel costs by using electricity instead of gasoline to charge your car.
- Third, installing an EV charging point is a good investment because it will increase the value of your property.
The decision to install a charging point can be a big one, but with many of the costs falling on your home's energy bill, there are some great advantages to having it. Here are some questions you need to answer before you de
The average home charger in the UK costs between £800 - £1200 to buy and install - but the government offers a grant that can reduce the price.
- How much does it cost to charge an electric car?
Most network rapid chargers cost 63p/kWh which is about £19 for 30 minutes of charging.
- How long does it take to charge an electric car?
An electric car with a 60kWh battery needs about 8 hours to fully charge with a 7kW charging point.
Preparing for Your Car Charging Point Installation
Before your electric vehicle charging point is installed, it’s important to make sure you have a suitable location and that everything is in order.
If you need a new circuit, check with your electrician if they can provide one. If not, you may have to upgrade your fuse box or electrical installation.
Where Can You Install a Charging Point in Your Home?
The best place for an EV charging point is the garage. If you don't have a garage, you can install the EV charger in your driveway or near your front porch. You should never install it in a place where it will obstruct someone's path or cause inconvenience.
Electric Charging Point Installation Process
The installation process is straightforward, but it can take around 2-3 hours. Your electrician will need to access the electricity supply on your property and install a High Voltage (HV) Distribution Board (DBS) inside your home or business premises.
They'll then run an insulated cable from the distribution board to the EV Charger itself. We've outlined some important safety precautions that you should follow during this step below:
- The EV Charger has a maximum output rating of 32A at 240VAC, so make sure that your electrician has enough cable to run from their HV DBS to where they'll be installing your new charger
- If you're installing an EV Charger in a garage or similar area where there's no natural light available, they should also bring along some portable lighting equipment
Do I need a Permit to Install a Charging Station at My House?
The answer depends on who will be using the charging station and whether you live in a home or a rented property. If you are the owner of the house, you may install an EV charger without any permit. If you live in a rented property, you need to get permission from your landlord.
If it's for your personal use, then no permit is required.
Why Should You Hire Approved EV Charger Installers?
EV chargers are a great way to cut down on your carbon footprint and help the environment. But installing it requires some knowledge of electrical work and installation. If you are not comfortable with this, then you should hire approved car charger installers in your area to do the installation for you.
Once you have an Electric Vehicle Charging Point, you will start enjoying the benefits of an electric car in no time. An EV charging point at home is a must-have for those planning to buy an electric car or have already bought one.
Contact Highland today to get a quote for EV charging point installation. We are a verified Rolec EV charging station supplier and we are looking forward to installing the most effective and reliable EV charger for you.