How To Find The Ideal EV Charger To Install
If you’re an electric vehicle owner (or soon to be one), it’s important to understand the most efficient way to charge it so you don’t run out of power during an important journey. As electric vehicles become more common, more and more drivers are installing EV chargers at home to ensure that they’re always topped up when they need it. But which is the right EV charger for you? That’s what we’re here to find out.
In this guide, we’ll be breaking down what you should be looking for in an EV charger for your home, and answering some of the most common questions you may have about them.
What To Keep In Mind When Selecting Your EV Charger Installation?
When considering a home EV charger installation in the UK, the following are the items you will be interested in checking and making decisions about:
Charging speed & power rating
First things first, you need to make sure the charging speed meets your initial requirements, along with the power rating. The last thing you want is to get caught short because your electric vehicle hasn’t had enough time to charge, or in fact, the charge is too weak for the vehicle itself.
To break it down a little, a 3kw charger will take around 18 hours to charge, while a 7kw will be around 9. So, if you need a charge and you need it quickly, the higher the wattage, the faster it will be.
Location & weather-proofing
Where you mount the charger matters. As with all charging devices, you only have a limited amount of cable that you definitely won’t want to stretch or bend out of shape. Most EV charging units for a home will typically be found at the front of the house. However, this will depend on where you park your car. If you have a driveway, this will likely be the case. However, if you favour a garage, then that is where it should probably go.
If your EV charger is going to be out in the open (as it likely would be on a driveway), you’ll need to ensure it is appropriately covered to ensure it lasts as long as possible and doesn’t get damaged by the elements.
Smart features and connectivity
Many modern residential EV chargers offer smart functions like scheduling when charging happens and tracking energy usage via an app. This allows you much more control over how and when you charge your EV.
Cost considerations and future-proofing
Installation cost depends on the charger unit and labour costs. Running cost depends on when you charge, your tariff, and how efficient your EV is.
Planning for future needs, like any upgrade to your EV to one with a bigger battery or adding a second EV in the household, is wise. Picking a charger installation now that can handle likely future needs avoids re-installing later.
What is The Difference Between Level 1 and Level 2 EV Chargers
This is where many people get a bit confused, so let’s explain clearly the difference between Level 1 and Level 2 EV chargers and what it means for your home.
What is a Level 1 charger?
A Level 1 charger typically refers to a basic single-phase unit, often using the standard household supply or, at most, a simple dedicated circuit, providing slower charging speeds.
What is a Level 2 charger?
A Level 2 charger is a unit optimised for home charging and offers higher power. If you drive more miles, want faster turnaround, or have multiple EVs, Level 2 is a better fit.
Do You Need Planning Permission To Install An EV Charger?
Most installations of home EV chargers fall under “permitted development,” so you will not generally need to get planning permission. The charger also has to comply with UK regulations. For example,
- It will need to be installed at a height not more than 1.6 metres,
- It cannot be positioned in the line of sight of a highway if it is situated directly next to your property’s boundary,
- The charger will need to have the appropriate safety rating.
If your property is a listed building, located in a conservation area or on a leasehold, you will most likely require permission from the local authority or landlord.
And that’s it! Just a few of the things you should know about installing an EV charger for your home. If you’re ready to make the most of an electric vehicle and need a charger installed, then get in touch with East Gostcote Electrics today using our online contact form, or by giving us a call on 0116 260 1749.
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