Guide to EV Charger Installation
With ever-increasing fuel costs and concern over environmental damage, more motorists are turning to use electric cars as a viable alternative for daily driving. Now that you have made the switch and you are enjoying your new purchase, it is important to familiarize yourself with electric car charging stations.
Electric Vehicle (EV) charging stations come in many shapes and sizes – from compact wall-mounted chargers to larger more robust units – but most provide charging capability for either a Level 1 charge or Level 2 charge. Let’s take a look at the different types of EV charging stations available.
Although these chargers are not as common in homes and businesses, they are very effective when it comes to transporting your electric vehicle from Point A to Point B. These chargers feature a standard household electrical outlet for plugging your charger into the brick or plaster wall.
Plugging in your electric vehicle for home charging for just eight hours will provide approximately four to five miles of range for every hour that it is charging. Obviously, this type of overnight charging system would be most useful for those who have a commute of less than 40 miles per day.
Process of Installation of EV Chargers
A professional electrician should be able to provide an accurate estimate based on your specific needs.
Level 2 chargers are more common in homes and businesses; however, they require both 240 volts AC (alternating current) and 120 volts AC (alternating current), so installation requires a second electrician.
Plug-in hybrid EVs are meant for short-distance driving between home and work or around town. These units are lightweight and compact enough to fit easily in the trunk or hatch of the vehicle. Most home charger units are small enough to fit in a “closet” or other out-of-the-way location, so they don’t protrude too much into your living space.
Types of Electric Car Charger Installations
When it comes to the installation of EV chargers, you can choose between the tethered and untethered electric car charging points.
Tethered charges connect to your vehicle and require a direct line of sight to the charger. This makes it difficult if you have a larger SUV or truck, but can be done with some custom modification.
Untethered chargers, on the other hand, allow you the freedom to park in any available spot without worrying about cord placement or access. However, the installation process for this type of charging station can become quite complex.
Not only must you have a properly sized circuit breaker, but the unit also requires a direct line-of-sight to the nearest outlet. In addition, you will need to install the appropriate extension cord to provide power from your non-contact and smart charging station. This may require a professional installation of a heavy-duty extension cord.
Although the electric car charging station installation process is not difficult, it can become quite costly if you choose to have a professional electrician do the work. However, your cost could be less if you are willing to do some of the construction yourself.
What’s included in an EV charger home installation?
An EV charger installation in your home typically consists of the following parts:
- Car charging station (with on/off switch)
- Required wiring (for both 110 volts and 240 volts, depending on the unit you choose to purchase)
- Additional circuit breakers are needed for multiple car charging ports.
Construction costs will vary depending on the size of your home, the amount of wiring needed and any customizations you decide to make.
What are the benefits of EV Chargers?
Charging electric vehicles at home can be very beneficial for many reasons.
It is much more convenient than having to wait in line every time you need a charge. With this system in place, all you have to do is plug in your vehicle at night while you are sleeping. It allows you to gain maximum range each day without much inconvenience.
Many people also appreciate the lower cost associated with charging their electric vehicle at home versus using a commercial charger or other public charging station. Imagine how much money you could save by having this conveniently located system in place!
Although most EV chargers are still quite expensive, you can expect to see prices come down as more products become available on the market.
How to Choose the Right Electric Vehicle Charger
There are a number of considerations that you will need to have in mind when choosing an EV charger for installation. Some of the key factors include:
Price (obviously!)
- Pricing on new electric vehicle charger stations varies greatly depending on the size, number of ports and the amount of power you need.
Installation requirements
- Some EV chargers can be mounted to a wall for easy access while others may require you to drill holes in your garage floor. In addition, you must make sure that there is enough space available in your home to accommodate the unit and any additional wiring that may be needed.
Efficiency
- The power of your charger will determine how fast you can recharge your vehicle, so make sure to check this factor when making a purchase.
Power usage
- Most car chargers are rated from around 10 to 30 amps. However, it is important to remember that the power usage will vary depending on the type of connector that you get.
Warranty
- Many of the best EV chargers come with a warranty to cover any defects and ensure your satisfaction.
After-sales service
- You will want to make sure that there is an efficient way for support if needed. Check references and seek advice from other customers to ensure that the company has a good track record of customer service.
Availability of a nearby electricity supply meter
- If the unit has multiple charging ports, you will need to have a dedicated electrical circuit breaker installed near your home’s main electric panel.
When you are ready to do your research, use Google Maps or another mapping tool to search for “EV charging station installation”+your city name. Then make sure you talk with each electrician before making a final decision on who will be doing the installation.
How much does it cost to install an EV charger at home?
It is hard to give an exact price range for this project, but it will depend on several factors.
For starters, there is a difference between 110 volts and 240 volts systems. If you own a plug-in hybrid with only one charging port, then that will reduce your cost as well.
Secondly, you must take into account that a separate circuit breaker must be installed near the electric panel for each EV charging port you have. This can add quite a bit of cost to your project depending on how many circuits are needed as well as the location of the electrical service.
When hiring an electrician to complete this job, expect to pay anywhere from £60 to £70 per hour. On average, a full installation will cost between £500 and £1,000.
Can I install my own EV Car charging point?
Of course! If you want to save even more money and have some spare time then it is possible to do it yourself if you are comfortable with dealing with electricity.
Although the EV charger is not as complicated as a traditional car, you must still make sure that all necessary safety precautions are taken before doing any installation work.
When buying your EV charger, you will want to make sure that it is compatible with your car so there are no issues during installation. Some plugs come pre-installed while others may require some basic wiring before being connected to the power source.
If you need help with this project, then use Google Maps or another mapping tool to search for “EV charging station installation”+your city name.
The electrician will inspect your garage to see if there is enough room for the unit to be mounted onto a wall or other surface. If you want to drill through concrete or do any additional wiring work, then expect additional costs.
Are there any government grants for EV Charger Installation?
Yes, if you live in the UK and your household income is less than £30,000 per year*, then you may be eligible for a grant from the government.
To apply for this subsidy, simply fill out an application form and send it to the address that will be provided on the document. You will typically have about 30 days to complete this process after your application is approved.
*Please note that the maximum household income is subject to change from year to year.
Be aware that you must have a dedicated electrical circuit installed at your home in order to use an EV charging station. Depending on your local electric company, the cost of installation can vary anywhere from £500 and up.
If you plan on installing a 240-volt station, then expect to pay anywhere from £70 and up per hour for installation work. This number can vary depending on your location as well as the electrician that is hired.
When purchasing an EV charger, make sure it will be compatible with your particular model of car so there are no issues during installation. Some plugs come pre-installed while others must be wired in order to work properly.
As mentioned previously, the UK government offers grant money for EV drivers who meet income requirements. These funds can significantly offset the costs of your project so it is worth looking into if you are eligible.
Final Recommendations
EV charging stations are a relatively new device and they can be quite costly depending on your specific needs. Make sure to hire an electrician that has experience with these units so not only will the job get done right, but it will also be safe for you and your family.
If you install these units yourself, then make sure to take all necessary safety precautions or hire someone to assist you.
If you are willing to spend the time and money needed to install your own charging station, then do so! It will save some additional cash on top of the government grant money so it is definitely worth looking into if you meet the eligibility requirements.
