7 Top Features to Look for When Buying an EV Charger

While public electric vehicles (EV) infrastructure continues to develop throughout the UK, EV drivers and fleet operators must still invest in their own chargepoints as a practical matter. As useful as public chargepoints are, the growing energy demand for EVs means that many drivers can expect long queues at charging stations. Even when they are available, public EV charging stations won’t always offer the speed or compatibility that you need for your journey.

Because of this, charging your EV at home or your workplace guarantees that your vehicle is always ready to go. However, this is only true when you have an EV charger that fits your specific needs. Here are the top chargepoint model features to consider for your upcoming EV home charging point installation:

1. Charging Speed

Faster charging speeds help guarantee flexibility and maximum use from your EVs. As a practical matter, faster is better when it comes to EV chargers. The most common EV charging point installation options include the following charger types:

Domestic Plug Sockets: These are the slowest chargers, typically providing around 2 to 3 kWh. These are generally only suitable for overnight charging since getting a full charge with these requires several hours.
7 kWh Chargers: These are common home chargers and can fully charge most EVs roughly twice as fast as domestic plug sockets. They still make more sense for overnight charging, but they should be sufficient for daily use in general.
22 kWh Chargers: These are substantially faster options than either 7 kWh or domestic plug sockets. These are the charger types most often found in public charging stations or homes with three-phase power, providing most EVs with a full charge within 3-4 hours and with top-ups just lasting about 1-2 hours.
DC Fast Chargers: These are the fastest chargepoints that can provide most EVs up to 80% charge in as little as 30 minutes. They are most commonly found along motorways and in commercial locations.

2. Tethered vs. Untethered Chargers

Tethered EV chargers have built-in cables, providing convenience and protection against cable theft. Untethered chargers require separate cables, offering flexibility and potential cost savings, as damaged or short cables can be replaced without affecting the unit. Either tethered and untethered chargers can be a good choice depending on your charging habits and future EV requirements. Whichever option you choose, be sure to have it professionally installed.

3. Connector Type

Type 2 connectors are, by far, the most common connector type in the UK and the EU. These support both single-phase (7kWh) and three-phase (22kWh) AC charging. They also feature a locking mechanism that can deter tampering, making it a great way to secure your EV while it’s charging.

If you own a vehicle that uses other connectors, however, make sure your charger supports its proprietary connector in addition to Type 2. This will ensure your chargepoint is future-proofed, if you purchase another EV.

4. Suitable for Your Desired Location

The location of your home chargepoint can influence the lifespan of your hardware as well as your daily charging experience. Ideally, the chargepoint should be near your driveway or inside your garage in a spot that is immediately accessible to your car’s charge ports.

The cumulative effects of the elements on your chargepoint hardware should also be considered. While many chargepoints are durable and weather-resistant, providing some cover will add an extra layer of protection and longevity.

5. Compatible with Your Property’s Electrical System

EV chargepoints need to be supported by a safe and sufficiently powerful property electrical system. EV charging point installers like Elecology can help assess your electrical system and make recommendations on upgrades. Any modifications that need to be done to your existing system should be followed to the letter to avoid any possible mishaps.

6. Smart Features

Smart features on chargers can significantly improve your quality of life as an EV owner. Look for features such as:

Wi-Fi or Bluetooth Connectivity: Wireless connectivity lets you monitor and control your charger remotely via a smartphone app.
Scheduling: This enables you to take advantage of off-peak electricity rates, which are usually in the early morning.
Energy Monitoring: This feature can help you manage your electricity usage and bring down the cost of EV ownership.

7. Design and Aesthetics

Functionality is the first thing you must look out for. However, an aesthetically pleasing EV chargepoint will also complement your home and help improve the experience of EV ownership. When choosing between two similar options, choose whichever complements your garage’s design.

Power Your EV Investments with Expert Chargepoint Installation

While the UK’s EV infrastructure is certainly expanding to meet current demands and government climate commitments, public EV chargepoints may not necessarily be fully compatible with your car nor meet your specific demands as a driver. So, having easy access to a chargepoint at home or a designated parking area at your workplace should help you get the most out of your EV by eliminating range anxiety and giving you full control of your charging schedule.
The key to deriving these benefits is to choose your EV’s specs and features wisely. Find a local EV charger installer near you for recommendations that will suit your needs and your property’s existing infrastructure.