Should you consider installing an EV charging station at home?

With an estimated 345,000 electric cars taking to the roads by the end of October 2021, there are currently around 300,000 EV (electric vehicle) chargers installed in private residences. Last year saw the largest annual increase in the number of EV registrations of 175,000 – a growth of almost 70% compared to 2019. 

The Government’s intention is to phase out the sale of diesel and petrol vehicles by 2030 and as such, now may be the time for you to consider purchasing an electric or plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV). If you do, then you will need to consider installing an EV charging station at home.

What is an EV charging station?

An EV charging station is exactly what it says on the tin; it is a station where you can plug your electric vehicle in to charge.

You could use the slow charger you will receive with your EV, which takes power from your domestic electricity supply via a standard 3-pin plug. This can take a full 24-hour day to charge your vehicle.

Alternatively, you could install a wall charging unit either in your garage or at the side of the house if you want a separate area to charge your vehicle. Again, this will feed directly from your domestic electricity supply but will charge your electric vehicle much quicker. Both options are safe and reliable to use but must be installed by a registered electrician.

There is also the option of a ‘smart’ home wall charger, which will provide you with additional features. You can choose to use electricity to charge your vehicle when it costs less, and even select a time you’d like the battery to be topped up by. 

Innovative and smarter options are being trialled around the world at the moment, so there are exciting things to come in this area!

Benefits of installing an EV charging station at home

There are a number of benefits of installing EV charging stations at home:

• Convenient

It doesn’t matter if you live in a large house or a small apartment, having the option to charge the battery of your electric vehicle from the comfort of your own home is so convenient. If the battery is running low, you can simply plug it in, rather than driving to find the nearest public charging station.

• Cost-effective

According to Which? Cars, charging an electric vehicle at a charging station at home is less expensive than filling up a vehicle with either petrol or diesel. While it can cost up to £1,200 to purchase and install a wallbox, that outlay will be typically recouped over time due to the amount saved through charging your electric vehicle.

If you are a homeowner, you could be in receipt of the Electric Vehicle Homecharge Scheme (EVHS) offered by the Government to help with buying and installing a wallbox at home. 

This covers 75% of the cost, capped at £350. However, you will need to be quick, as this grant is being closed to the majority of homeowners from 20 April 2022 but remains open to those who live in flats or apartments, or those in rented accommodation.

Also, you can expect to travel between 100 and 300 miles on a fully charged electric car, depending on the type of model of elective vehicle you go for, which is extremely cost-effective.

• Safer

Whilst public electric vehicle charging stations are a fantastic resource, when using them you are putting your vehicle at risk from theft and vandalism. When charging at home, you are significantly reducing these risks.

• Speed

Home charging stations are much faster than standard public charging stations, with a typical charge time of between 4 and 6 hours.

• Energy efficient

If you have already purchased an electric vehicle, then the chances are you are aware of the negative impact petrol and diesel vehicles has on the climate. The most up-to-date EV charging points are compatible with renewable energy sources, including solar.

So if you have solar panels on your property or a way of harnessing wind energy, then you can charge your electric vehicle with extra green energy. 

If you don’t have this option, then you can still be mindful and reduce your carbon footprint by choosing a green energy tariff for your electricity.

• Increased property value

Following the announcement by the Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, that all new homes being built have to include an EV charging station at home, research has shown that the value of your home could increase by between £3,000 and £5,000, as it makes property more desirable.

Future of EV

With the expectation that there will be approximately 11 million electric vehicles being driven in the UK by 2030 and 36 million by 2040, it’s time for you to think about installing an EV charging station at home. Get in touch with us here at PNP Electrical Services Ltd and we will be happy to help.

 

*This is a collaborative post.