Over 80 percent of all electric cars are charged at home, so it’s crucial to make charging painless, quick, and cost-effective. Here is a guide that answers all your questions about the different types of charging so the process is as simple as possible.
Do all electric car chargers work the same way?
You can either install a wallbox or use the slow charger that comes with the car when it comes to charging at home. With the former, you can plug it into your domestic supply, and it is easy to use and portable. With battery sizes increasing all the time, however, these devices can take over 24 hours to fully charge, and manufacturers therefore recommend they be used for ’emergency situations only’. You’re better off buying a wallbox charger if you’re committed to daily EV use. It can be installed on the side of your house or in your garage to deliver faster charging times as well as ensure safety and reliability. Additionally, it is easier to use and doesn’t require a lot of cables.
How does a wallbox charger work?
Essentially, it’s an electric charger that’s connected directly to your domestic electricity supply. You can plug your car into the charger quickly and easily by mounting it on the outside of your home. Additionally, fast charging units can shorten the recharge time. Furthermore, there are ‘smart’ units that you can program remotely to only charge at an appropriate time (such as during the cheapest electricity hour) and that condition the battery to increase its lifespan.
Although there are simpler and cheaper 3kW slow chargers available, most wallbox units are fast chargers, which deliver electricity at 7kW.
If you want a wallbox, you will need an off-street parking area close to your house, as you can’t run the charging lead over a public walkway or road. You will also need an electrician to install your wall box.
How much does it cost to install an electric car charger at home?
Charging speeds and smart features you want from your charger vary according to your preferences. A basic 3kW charger costs about £100, while a 7kW charger will cost you around £350. Between £450 and £1000 are commonly available ‘smart’ units that can be controlled by a smartphone app. It is generally included in the price of the home charge installation, but if significant changes need to be made to your wiring, there may be an extra charge. Moreover, some manufacturers offer free wall boxes and fittings with the purchase of one of their EVs, so it makes sense to examine what deals are available.
How to install an electric car charging station in your home
Installation is most easily arranged through the company that sells the wallbox. A wallbox provider’s approved installers are often included in the purchase price of the wallbox. The technician you choose will need to be accredited by the manufacturer of your chosen device if you buy the unit on its own.
It’s important to know that the installer will probably need to look at the electrical circuitry in your home and your home’s preferred location for installation. Also, if you need the wallbox to be installed far from your fuse box or if you need to upgrade your wiring, then you will have to pay more for the installation.
