A Guide to Installing EV Charging Points at Home
The rise of electric vehicles (EVs) marks a significant shift towards sustainable transportation. As more people make the switch, the convenience of charging your EV at home becomes increasingly appealing. Installing a dedicated EV charging point at your residence offers numerous benefits, from cost savings on public charging to the comfort of waking up to a fully charged vehicle. However, navigating the options and installation process can seem daunting. This guide will walk you through the essential considerations for setting up your home EV charging solution, focusing on leading brands like Hypervolt, Ohme, and Zappi.
Why Install an EV Charging Point at Home?
While public charging networks are expanding, having a home charging point provides unparalleled convenience and control.
Cost Savings: Home charging, especially when utilising off-peak electricity tariffs, is typically more cost-effective than frequenting public rapid chargers.
Convenience: Charge your car overnight, eliminating the need to search for available public chargers or wait in queues.
Time Efficiency: Maximise your car's range daily without disrupting your schedule.
Smart Features: Many home chargers offer smart functionalities, such as scheduling, energy monitoring, and integration with solar panels, optimising your charging experience and reducing electricity bills.
Key Considerations for Home EV Charger Installation
Before selecting a charger, it's crucial to assess your home's electrical capacity and your charging needs.
Electrical Supply: Most homes in the UK have a single-phase electricity supply. For faster charging, a 7kW charger is standard, requiring a dedicated circuit. It's essential to have your electrical supply assessed by a qualified electrician to ensure it can handle the additional load.
Charger Type:
Tethered vs. Untethered: Tethered chargers come with a cable permanently attached, offering convenience. Untethered chargers require you to use your car's charging cable, providing more flexibility for different EV models.
Smart Features: Look for chargers with app control, dynamic load balancing (to prevent overloading your home's electricity supply), solar integration, and scheduling options.
Location: Consider where you park your EV and the proximity to your electricity meter. The charger should be installed in a safe, accessible, and weather-protected location.
Our Recommended EV Charger Brands
We specialise in installing high-quality EV charging points from leading manufacturers known for their reliability, smart features, and user-friendly interfaces.
Hypervolt: Hypervolt chargers are renowned for their sleek design, advanced smart features, and robust build quality. They offer excellent connectivity, allowing for easy scheduling, cost tracking, and dynamic load management through a user-friendly app. Hypervolt chargers are designed and manufactured in the UK, making them a popular choice for homeowners.
Ohme: Ohme chargers are at the forefront of smart charging, focusing on optimising charging around electricity tariffs. Their intelligent software integrates with your energy provider's rates, automatically charging your EV when electricity is cheapest, leading to significant savings. Ohme offers both home and untethered options.
Zappi: Zappi chargers are unique in their ability to work seamlessly with solar PV and wind generation systems. They can intelligently divert excess renewable energy directly to your EV, making your charging truly green and cost-free when your renewables are generating enough power. Zappi chargers offer various charging modes, including "eco" and "eco+" for maximum energy independence.
Each of these brands offers unique advantages, and our experts can help you determine the best fit for your specific requirements and lifestyle. For a truly intelligent and efficient home EV charging solution that stands the test of time, get in touch with us today to discuss how a professional EV charging point installation can transform your driving experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
In most cases, no. Home EV charging points are generally considered permitted development, provided they meet certain conditions (e.g., not exceeding a certain size or protruding significantly from the wall). However, it's always best to check with your local planning authority if you have any doubts.
-
No, for safety and compliance reasons, EV charger installation must be carried out by a qualified and certified electrician. They will ensure the installation meets all relevant wiring regulations and safety standards.
-
The most common power rating for home EV chargers in the UK is 7kW, which can fully charge most EVs overnight. Faster 22kW chargers are available but require a three-phase electricity supply, which is less common in residential properties.