EV Charger Installation At Home

What is an Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging?

By Electric Vehicle (EV for short) charging, we’re referring to a station that uses communications technology to integrate two-way power flow.

This new philosophy of electric vehicle batteries has as its main goal to become a useful utility asset for our society. Electric Vehicles may be the most environmentally friendly way of transportation but it still has some discomforts for the driver. One of the main obstacles that presents itself when we mention electric vehicles, is the battery life. Electric vehicle manufacturers are always looking for all kinds of solutions to ensure long-term performance, and it is without a doubt the industry’s priority.

Another big discomfort for the user when it comes to EV’s, is that the available spots for charging your electric car around the city may be hard to find. It is no big surprise that the electric vehicle market is growing more and more every year. What you probably didn't know yet, is that some cities around the globe are facing problems when it comes to providing enough charging points for all the electric cars on the road. That is exactly why you need an EV charger at your home. I know you’re thinking… is that so easy as it sounds to be done? The answer? Definitely!

Why do I need an EV Charger at my home?

In short? Charging your EV with a charger at home is cheaper, faster and safer.

Usually, drivers prefer to charge their EV overnight in order to use it in the morning and therefore, having an EV charger at home is the most convenient solution. Apart from that, home-based overnight charging, in most cases is the quickest and easiest way to recharge. Furthermore, previous studies suggest that overnight charging is the most efficient way to recharge as compared with re-charging during peak hours or on off-peak. However, some consumers do not have their own parking space and have to use public parking. If you are one of those, you may want to reconsider an EV charger installation at your home. Some benefits that come along with this decision are the following:

• Convenience

  On average, with a Level 2 charger (learn more about the types of chargers below), it takes about four to six hours to fully charge your EV. Having your EV charger installation at home, you can easily charge your car overnight and and it'll be fully ready for you in the morning. In this way, you don't have to drive around with a low battery in your vehicle trying to find the closest charging spot during a busy day. Having your own personal charger at home can save you a lot of time and stress, but also in the long-term, money.

• Safety

  It's no secret that charging your EV at home is safer than charging it at a public station. Charging in public is not only risky for your car's safety, but also it takes a lot more time to be fully charged. Not only is it faster and more convenient by charging it at home, you also protect your car from other potential dangers such as fires, lightning storms, damages by natural elements etc.

• Property Value

  If you're interested in selling or renting your property, having your own built-in home ev charger installation will definitely make your property more attractive to potential buyers.

• Cost Efficiency

  One of the best advantages of having an EV charger installation at home is that you can save a lot of money in the long-term. After paying the cost of installation, your electric charging costs will be cheaper than the cost of public charging stations.

How long does the EV charger installation take?

The entire onsite process of an EV charger installation typically takes around 2 hours when it’s done by a professional, unless any unexpected extra work is needed.

It’s recommended being at home during the installation. Most EV charger installers will install a chargepoint in the most convenient location for you but also demonstrate you how it works and answer any questions you may have.

Can I Install an EV Charger at home by myself?

Well, it’s important that you understand that the EV charger installation isn’t so simple as it sounds. This kind of installation is not the kind of DIY project you can take on alone, so you’ll definitely need a qualified and certified electrician to do it. Trying installing the charger all by yourself not only will cost you a lot of time and money, but also may have some risks for your safety. Understanding the technical requirements are imperative in setting it up correctly, and therefore, hiring a professional is vital for making sure your charger is properly and safely installed. The most important thing you need to know is that some charging points may lose their warranty if they’re not installed by a certified electrician.

Why should I hire a professional to undertake my EV charger installation?

Hiring an OLEV certified professional is vital for your EV charger’s performance especially in the long-term. Besides good performance, hiring an EV charger installer can save you time, stress and money. The process is really simple and the best part is that you can be as much involved as you want to!

How does the EV Charger Installation Service usually go?

The process of the EV Charger Installation is pretty simple and you can be involved as much as you want to.

First things first, the professional you chose will come fully-equipped at your location in order to undertake the task. If you want to be involved you and the professional can go through the manual together before the installation begins. You also are able to choose the location you want your EV charger to be.

Not to worry if you don’t have enough space at the place of your preference. Our professionals will adjust it for you in order to do the installation there! Once everything is set, it's time for the actual EV charger installation process. Your qualified professional will use a combination of methods in order to achieve best results.

The very first thing of the installation is to fix the charger by clipping the cables to the wall.

After that, he will turn off the power while he connects the charger to the main supply. When the installation is over (the process lasts 2 hours on average) the professional will run some tests on your EV charger installation in order to check its performance.

And that was all! You’re ready! Feel free to ask the technician anything you want in order to be sure about your charger and how to use it.

NOTE: Choosing an expert through MyConstructor means that our professionals are able to install any type of EV charger besides the model, size etc.

What are the types of EV Chargers?

In general, there are three basic types of EV chargers. Choosing which type works best for you, depends on your Electrical Vehicle model and of course on your lifestyle.

• Level 1: Perfect for charging your EV overnight and use it for average daily driving. Standard 120-volt wall out. Up to 5 miles of range per hour.
• Level 2: This type can also be used for overnight charging and also for quick charging at home. 25 miles of range per hour.
• Level 3: Fast charger. Up to 250 miles of range per hour. Chargeable in 15 minutes.

NOTE: Please note that DC Fast Chargers are not available for home installation.

What is the OZEV Government grant? for an EV charger installation

The OZEV grant is a £350 government grant, provided by the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV which is redeemable on the cost of the EV charger installation at home. The goal of this grant is to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution on our roads.

How can I claim the OZEV Government grant?

You must fulfil a few criteria to receive the grant:

• You must have off-street parking
• You must provide proof you own an electric vehicle
• The date of installation must not be more than 4 months ahead of the date of delivery or start date of vehicle use.
• The installation of the ev charger must be made An OZEV approved charging point installer.
• You must install an OZEV approved home charging point