Which Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Point Should I Buy?
With so many EV charging points available today, it can be difficult to decide which solution you should install for your home or business. Elecology’s step-by-step guide and online tool for selecting the correct EV charging point can help you make the correct choice for your individual needs. The best place to start is to look at car charging requirements and ask yourself the following questions:
What government incentives are available for installing an EV charger?
In the UK, the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV) offers two notable grants: the Electric vehicle chargepoint grant for renters or flat owners and the Workplace Charging Scheme (WCS). These schemes provide financial support to encourage the adoption of electric vehicles and the necessary charging infrastructure.
For renters or flat owners, the EVHS provides up to £350 off the cost of purchasing and installing a home charging point. This scheme is available If you:
Own or live in a flat (including those acquired through the shared ownership scheme)
Live in a rented residential property
You must also have:
Private off-street parking space
Own a qualifying electric vehicle
To qualify the charger must be installed by an OZEV authorised installer to ensure that the installation meets the necessary safety and quality standards.
Businesses, meanwhile, can benefit from the Workplace Charging Scheme, which offers grants to cover up to 75% of the cost of installing EV charge points at workplaces up to a maximum of £350 per socket. Each business is eligible for a grant against for up to 40 sockets. This scheme is ideal for businesses looking to provide charging facilities for their employees or fleet vehicles.
There are also various infrastructure grants available for staff, fleets, landlords and residential car park owners.
Do you want a smart electric vehicle (EV) charging solution?
When choosing an electric vehicle (EV) charger, one important consideration is whether to opt for a smart charger or a charger that can be used as plug-and-charge. Smart chargers are equipped with advanced features that offer enhanced functionality and convenience compared to standard chargers, such as internet connectivity and mobile app control, which collectively provide a more efficient and user-friendly charging experience. Since the government’s Electric Vehicles Smart Charge Regulations came into force all chargers must have the ability to be smart but many also have the ability for the user to simply plug-and-charge.
What smart charging capabilities do you need for your EV charging solution?
Today’s leading EV chargers will typically incorporate some or most of the following features:
Wi-Fi Connectivity
Enables the charger to connect to your home network, allowing for remote monitoring and control via a smartphone app.
App Control
Provides the convenience of starting, stopping and scheduling charging sessions from anywhere, as well as monitoring the status of your EV's charge.
Scheduling Capabilities
Allows you to set specific times for charging, which helps you take advantage of off-peak electricity rates to save on energy costs.
Real-Time Data Tracking
Offers insights into your charging habits and energy consumption to help you optimise your charging efficiency and understand your electricity usage.
Load Balancing
Ensures your home’s electrical system is not overloaded by managing the distribution of power when multiple devices are in use, which is especially useful for households with multiple EVs.
Energy Management Integration
Works with your home energy management system to optimise energy usage. Often prioritises renewable energy sources if available.
Over-the-Air Updates
Keeps your charger up to date with the latest features and improvements via automatic software updates to guarantee optimal performance and security.
Voice Control
Some smart chargers are compatible with voice assistants like Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant, which offer hands-free control over your charging sessions.
User Profiles
Allows multiple users to have customised settings and schedules. This is an ideal feature for households with more than one EV driver.
Usage Reports
Generates detailed reports on your charging activity and provides valuable data for tracking and managing your EV’s energy consumption over time.
These functionalities collectively make smart chargers a compelling choice for those looking to conveniently enhance their EV charging experience with the latest technology.
Do you want a tethered or untethered EV charging point?
Tethered EV Charging Point
Tethered charging points come with a permanently attached cable, which makes them a convenient option for many EV owners. One of the primary advantages of a tethered charger is that it’s easy to use. Since the cable is always attached to the charging point, you don't need to worry about getting your own charging cable out each time you need to charge your vehicle. This can save time and effort, especially in bad weather or when you're in a hurry.
However, tethered chargers do have some drawbacks. The cable's length is fixed, which might not always be sufficient depending on the layout of your parking space. If you end up needing more length for your charging cable, this will probably cost you more.
UNTethered EV Charging Point
Untethered charging points, also known as socketed chargers, do not come with a permanently attached cable. Instead, you use your own charging cable, which you can plug into the charger and your vehicle as needed. This means that you can adjust the length of your cable to suit your requirements instead of dealing with the length constraints that typically come into play with tethered chargers.
Another benefit is that untethered chargers tend to have a cleaner appearance when not in use, as there are no cables permanently attached and potentially dangling. Lastly, if you operate a charging point at a public location, an untethered charging point is your best option, as untethered charging points are flexible enough to accommodate a variety of EVs with different cable types.
On the other hand, untethered chargers can be less convenient because you need to get the cable out and connect it each time you want to charge your vehicle. This can be particularly cumbersome in poor weather conditions or if you're in a hurry. You’ll also need to ensure you have your own charging cable with the correct connector type and that it's stored safely and securely when not in use.
Do you need a fast or slow charging solution?
The slowest EV chargers typically provide a charging power of around 3.6 kW, slightly faster than chargers that simply plug into a domestic socket. This means that 3.6 kW chargers can take over 35 hours to fully charge an EV, depending on the battery size and state of charge. Slow chargers are best suited for overnight charging at home or at workplaces where the vehicle can remain plugged in for an extended period. They are also the most affordable option and require minimal installation effort.
In contrast, fast chargers offer a significantly higher charging power, usually ranging from 7 kW to 22 kW. This increased power allows for much quicker charging times; these models typically take between 3 to 12 hours to fully charge an EV. Fast chargers are ideal for both residential and commercial settings where quicker turnaround times are necessary. For instance, they are beneficial for homes with higher daily mileage requirements, public charging stations or businesses that need to charge fleet vehicles efficiently.
How much does it cost to install an EV charging point?
While the cost of a commercial installation can vary, a home charging point installation typically starts at £390.00.
The cost of an EV charging point can vary depending on what features you would like the charger to have and how simple the installation is. The ability to start charging sessions with an RFID card, programme the charging point to use economy energy tariffs, a longer cable length, and a customised design are all features that can change the cost.
To provide you with a bespoke EV charging point installation plan, we conduct a free survey of your property and can advise you on the best charging solution for you without any bias for a specific brand. We provide our clients with bespoke charging solutions to meet their individual requirements and offer end-to-end solutions ranging from one-off installations to large scale commercial projects.
Use our online EV charging point selection tool to define your requirements and we will provide you a personal recommendation on the best EV charging solution for you.