As electric vehicles (EVs) become increasingly popular across the UK, more drivers are looking to enjoy the convenience and cost savings of EV charging at home. However, for many homeowners, questions arise about whether their property is suitable for an EV charger installation. Concerns about space, location, permissions, and electrical capacity are common among those considering this eco-friendly upgrade. At GreenTech, we install EV chargers in homes and businesses across the South East of England and understand that EV charger installations can seem complex. In this post to help you navigate these questions, assess your home’s suitability for an EV charger installation, and outline the key factors to consider.
Why Homeowners Opting for EV Charger Installations
More homeowners across are choosing EV charger installations, due to their convenience. The opportunity of charging at home eliminates the need for searching for public stations or waiting in queues; you can simply plug in your car when you arrive home and wake up to a fully charged vehicle. Cost savings also play a significant role, as home charging is often cheaper than using public stations, especially during off peak hours.
For those with solar panels, the savings can be even greater, allowing you to charge your car with renewable energy. Installing a home charger now also means you can take advantage of government grants that may not be available in the future. With demand for EVs on the rise, acting sooner rather than later is a smart move that positions homeowners to benefit from both financial incentives and the convenience of home charging.
Assessing your Homes Suitability for an EV Charger Installation
Some homeowners are unsure if their property is suitable for an EV charger installation. Assessing your home involves considering several key factors that can influence the feasibility and effectiveness of the setup. By understanding these elements, you can make informed decisions and enjoy the benefits of charging your electric vehicle from your home;
Property Ownership or Permission
Before considering EV charger installation, you must either own the property or obtain written permission from your landlord if you are renting. If you own a property, you’re able to make modifications such as installing an EV charger freely without needing any approvals. However if you are renting, you must enquire with your landlord whether you’re able to install a charger on their property. You will need to obtain their permission before having an EV charger installed, and some landlords may even consider covering part of the installation cost due to the increased appeal for future tenants and potential property value increase.
Location for EV Charger Installation
The location of your EV charger is also important, and should be relatively close to your main electrical panel. Ideally you want to have off street parking, such as a private driveway or garage, where the EV charger can be easily installed and accessed. Your parking space should be as close as possible to the proposed charger location so that the charging cable can reach your vehicle without any issue.
AC Supply
It’s essential to evaluate your home’s electrical system to ensure it can handle the additional load of an EV charger. Most UK households have a single phase AC supply, allowing for a maximum charging rate of 7 kWh with an average charge time of about eight hours. However some homes have a three phase AC supply, significantly reducing charging time to just 3-4 hours.
Wi-Fi or Mobile Connectivity for Smart Charging
A stable internet connection is necessary for utilising smart charging features of an EV charger effectively. At GreenTech, our smart EV chargers allow you to share data that optimises your vehicle’s charging process. Smart charging enables remote operation and communication with your electric vehicle, providing flexibility and control over when and how much power you draw from the grid. This capability not only offers cost savings through charging but can also potentially increase your property’s value.
Charger Type Selection
When considering an EV charger, it’s important to decide whether a tethered or untethered model is more suitable for your needs. Tethered chargers come with a permanently attached cable, making it easy to plug in and charge without needing your own cable. In contrast, untethered chargers require you to provide your own charging cable, offering more flexibility if you have multiple vehicles with different connectors.
Combining EV Charging with Solar Panels
If you already have solar panels installed, you can use them to charge your electric vehicle. A compatible solar EV charger can be integrated into your solar PV system, allowing you to utilise surplus green energy for charging. This setup effectively provides you with free green miles and enhances the return on your investment in renewable energy, making it an ideal option for environmentally conscious homeowners. Not only does this save money on fuel costs, but it also contributes positively to reducing your carbon footprint and promoting sustainability.
EV Charger Installations Across Essex with GreenTech
If you’re looking to have an EV charger installed, partner with GreenTech. We are renewable energy experts, specialising in the installation of solar energy systems and electric vehicle charging points across the South East of England. We bring over 15 years of expertise to both residential and commercial clients and specialise in installing home EV charging points. We also provide professional solar panel installations for both homes and businesses, should you wish to power your EV charging point with renewable energy.
Want further information on our EV charger installations in Essex? Contact the GreenTech team today, and we’ll be happy to assist you further.