Installing a home charger for your electric car is a convenient way to charge an electric car at home and can save you money on car charging costs in the long run. The electric car charger installation process is relatively simple if you have dedicated off-street parking or a driveway home.
The cost of installing an electric charger at home can vary depending on several factors, including the type of electric charger installed and the complexity of the installation.
If you are wondering how much does it cost to install an EV charger at home? Well, we are here to help. This article explores the different factors that affect the cost of installing an electric car charger at home.
Types of EV Chargers:
The type of electric car charging point you choose will impact the installation cost of an electric charge point. There are a range of electric car chargers on the market, each with different specifications and features.
When choosing a charge point for your electric car, it’s important to consider the charger’s power output. The power output of a home charging point impacts how quickly a charger can recharge an electric car. Therefore, paying attention to the power output specifications of an electric car charger before making a purchase is crucial.
A ‘fast’ electric car charger with a power output of 7kWh is ideal for charging at home. A 7kWh fast charger is three times faster than a slow charger, such as a regular plug socket at home. You can get faster rapid chargers with a higher power output of 7kW, but they typically require a three-phase power supply that is not commonly available in homes. As a result, if you choose an even faster charger, you may have to pay to upgrade to a three-phase power supply, which can be expensive. For home charging, a 7kW charger is a more than sufficient option instead of opting for a rapid charger with a higher power output.
Chargers also have two different cabling options: ‘tethered and untethered’. A tethered charger has a cable permanently attached to the charger. An untethered charger has a socket to attach and detach a charging cable. Tethered chargers may be slightly pricier, but they offer greater convenience. To understand more and understand what one is right for you, read our ‘tethered vs. untethered charger’ guide.
Additional features include fuse protection, solar compatibility, and locks. So you may opt for some of these features.
You can use our simple comparison page to filter and find the EV charger.
Installation Complexity
The level of complexity of installing the EV charger will also impact the overall cost.
Installations are either standard or non-standard.
A standard installation with our service includes:
- 10m of standard cable
- Drilling of holes and routing of cable through one internal and one external wall
- Fitting and testing of electrical connections and circuit protections
- Installation of components to meet the latest wiring regulations
….and more!
Suppose you need additional special civil work like digging trenches or upgrading your home fuse box or consumer unit. In that case, a non-standard install may be necessary, and the cost will increase accordingly.
Before installing your home EV charger, an installer will complete a remote or an on-site home survey. Therefore, the installer can inform you before getting the charger installed if any extra costs are involved and what they are for.
OZEV Grants
In the UK, the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV) offers a government grant to assist with the installation costs of EV chargers at home. The UK government created the grant to encourage the adoption of electric vehicles.
The Electric Vehicle Homecharge Scheme (EVHS) provides up to 75% of the full charger installation cost back, capped at £350 (including VAT). This grant can significantly reduce the financial burden of installing an EV charger at home.
Ongoing charging costs for electric cars
While the installation cost of an EV car charger is a one-time expense, it is essential to consider the ongoing costs associated with charging your EV at home.
These include the cost of electricity, which will depend on your tariff and the amount of charging required.
If you are getting a home charger installed, it is worth looking into EV-friendly tariffs; these are designed specifically for EV owners and drivers. EV-friendly tariffs offer lower electricity rates during off-peak hours. This means that EV drivers who charge their electric cars during off-peak hours can save money on their charging costs.
Frequently asked questions:
1. Public charging points vs dedicated home chargers
Across the UK, there are public charging points that offer rapid chargers. While they may be convenient for topping up your car on longer journeys, they can cost more to charge your car with and be detrimental to your battery’s health.
2. How can I save money on my home charging costs?
By switching to an EV-friendly electricity tariff and scheduling your electric car charging, you can save up to £400 a year. EV-friendly tariffs offer lower energy prices during off-peak hours when energy demand on the national grid is lower. Additionally, during off-peak times, energy comes from renewable sources such as solar or wind power. Charging during off-peak hours saves money and often uses greener energy, which is better for the environment.
If you are lucky enough to have a solar panel system and battery storage installed at your home, you have an incredible opportunity to utilise solar energy to power your electric vehicle. This provides a more sustainable and environmentally friendly way to charge your car and saves you money by reducing the need to rely on the national power grid. By harnessing the sun’s power, you can take advantage of a green and renewable energy source while benefiting from the cost savings of using solar-generated power.
3. How can I get my EV home charger installed?
Simply visit our website, enter your postcode and electric car, and we’ll help sort the rest from there. You will receive a commitment-free quote once you complete a remote or in-person home survey.
Summary
In conclusion, the cost of installing an electric car charging point at home in the UK can vary depending on factors such as the type of charger, installation complexity and eligibility for OZEV grants. Our service at Rightcharge will find you the right charger and the most affordable installation service in your area. Installing an EV charger at home is an investment in sustainable transportation and can contribute to a greener future. The home charger installation process is simple when you choose Rightcharge.