Electric Vehicle Home Charging – Everything You Need to Know

Electric vehicles (EVs) are on the rise, with more and more car buyers across the UK making the switch to these eco-friendly and cost-effective cars. Surely, if you’re one of them or considering such a purchase, EV home charging will become a major part of your life. It sounds intimidating, but actually, it’s not too tough. This blog will help you learn everything you need to know to set up and use an EV charger at home successfully.

What are the different Types of EV Chargers?

Currently, there are three types of EV charging methods: Rapid, Fast, and Slow. Rapid charging units deliver the fastest power to your EV, but only if your vehicle supports it; otherwise, you’ll be limited to using the slower charging options. The type of charger you need will depend on your car and the electricity supply at your home.

The two main types of home EV chargers are Level 1 and Level 2.

Level 1: This is the most basic type of charger and uses a standard three-pronged 120 Volt outlet. It’s an affordable option, but it takes a long time to charge your car — up to 12 hours for a full charge.

Level 2: This type of charger is more powerful than a Level 1 and uses a dedicated 240 Volt outlet. Charging times are much faster — you can get a full charge in as little as four hours. It’s also pricier, but the cost difference is usually worth it for the added convenience.

Another important factor to consider is the amperage of the charger. A higher amperage means faster charging, so look for a unit with at least 30 amps to get the fastest charge possible.

How long do EV chargers take to charge?

The charging time depends on the type of charger you use, as well as your vehicle’s battery size and condition. With a Level 2 Fast charger, most cars will take 4-8 hours to fully charge their batteries from empty. With Rapid charging, it can take 30 minutes or less to fill a battery up to 80%.

For example, a fast charging unit can power up a typical electric car within 3-4 hours, whereas, a standard household socket could take anywhere between 6-12 hours. Also, if you keep the battery below 10% or charge to 100%, it may affect battery life. Therefore, it’s recommended to keep your EV within the charging range of 20-80%.

Is it cheaper to charge my car at home?

EV home charging is much cheaper than refuelling with petrol or diesel. The average cost of charging at home from 100% drain is approximately £7-£8, compared to £70-£80 for a full tank of fuel. If you own a Tesla or Nissan EV, you’ll have vehicle contracts with charging networks, which can offer some good perks that give massive savings on charging.

One of the advantages of owning an EV is being able to charge it at home. This can save you time and money compared to going to a public charging station. However, there are certain factors that influence your electricity bills such as the tariff you have with your energy supplier or how much power your charger draws from the grid. It’s important to research these variables before deciding whether it’s cheaper to charge your EV at home or from a public charging station.

Additionally, if you are eligible for special tariffs such as Off-Peak Rates or Time of Use Tariffs, then these can make charging your EV at home even more cost effective. It’s always worth looking into these options when selecting the right electricity plan for you and your EV. Another important factor to consider when charging at home is energy efficiency. Your charger should be rated in kilowatts (kW) and the higher the kW, the faster it will charge.

How does an EV charger get installed?

Installing an EV home charging point requires a qualified electrician, as you need to ensure your home’s electrical system can handle the increased load. However, the good news is that the UK government is currently offering grant schemes to eligible households up to £350 for installing a home charging point. There are a few different options for EV charger installation such as using a wall-mounted charger or setting up a portable unit, specifically designed for outdoor use- it all depends on your personal preference and budget.

What are the safety precautions for EV charging?

Safety should be at the forefront of any EV charging activity. Always ensure you are using a qualified electrician for the installation and maintenance, and that your home’s wiring is suitable for the increased load. Before each use, check all cables and plugs to make sure they are in good condition and free from damage. It is also important to always unplug the charger when you are done. Additionally, be sure to position the charging station away from any flammable materials and avoid plugging it into a circuit shared with another appliance. Finally, always read your EV manufacturer’s safety recommendations before providing power to an electric vehicle. By following these simple guidelines, you can ensure safe and efficient charging of your EV every time.

If you have an electric vehicle, then it’s important to understand how best to charge it safely. Remember that the charge rate of an EV battery varies depending on its age and condition, so always consult your owner

What are some tips for choosing and installing an EV?

When choosing an EV charger for your home, take into consideration factors such as the power available to you, the cost of installation, and your desired charging speed. Additionally, it’s important to check with local regulations and safety standards that apply to installing an EV charger at home. Once you have selected a suitable charger for your vehicle and area, you can start the installation process. This will typically involve using an electrician to connect your charger to the electricity supply, obtain any necessary permits, and ensure that all safety standards are met.

It’s also important to have a good understanding of the charging speed of each type of charger available, as this can vary greatly depending on your vehicle and electricity connection. For example, if you have a low power connection then it may not be suitable for using a fast charger, and instead you would be better off with an AC or level 2 charger. Additionally, the cost of electricity at your location should also be taken into consideration when making your choice.

Finally, once you’ve installed your EV charger safely and in accordance with local regulations, you should ensure that it is regularly checked and maintained. This will help to keep your EV charger in good condition, minimize any risks of electric shock or malfunctioning, and make sure that your charger’s performance stays at its optimum level for years to come.