The ability to charge up at home can transform the whole electric vehicle ownership experience. Not only does it mean that you can have a fully-charged car each morning, but it also allows you to access low-cost electricity through EV-focused energy tariffs. Here at Prestige Cars Kent, we’ve got many electric vehicles to choose from, so take a look at our current range today.
But are you wondering how to install an EV charger? There are some things to bear in mind before you start. In this article, we’ll explore all the things you need to know about installing an EV charger for your home.
Do you have off-road parking?
One of the first things you need to think about before installing an electric car charger at home is whether you have off‑road parking. This is a key starting point, as you’ll need an area off‑street in order to access an EV home charger installation.
For instance, if you have a driveway which leads up to the side of your home, then you’ll be able to get your car close enough to plug it in. There are solutions for those without off‑street parking, but you may need to consult with the local council if you’re considering electric vehicle charger installation, particularly if cables or equipment could affect pedestrians using the pavement.
Likewise, if you’re a homeowner, then the installation process is more straightforward. If you’re renting, however, you’ll need to speak to your landlord before installing an EV charger at home to make sure they agree to changes being made to the property.
What type of charger do you want?
You might have noticed that we’ve got electric vehicles here at Prestige Cars Kent, and the number of home charging solutions available for EV charger installation is just as broad.
The two primary ways of splitting chargers are between tethered and untethered units. Tethered chargers have the charging cable permanently attached, making them convenient for day‑to‑day use when installing an EV charger at home. However, they are bulkier and more visible on the exterior of your property.
Untethered units, meanwhile, consist only of the charging box, with the cable supplied separately with your vehicle. Although you’ll need to connect and disconnect the cable each time, these chargers are more discreet, making them popular for EV home charger installation where space is limited.
Two further considerations when planning electric vehicle charger installation are connectivity and smart functionality. Most chargers available today are ‘smart’ chargers, allowing them to communicate with your vehicle and your energy supplier to optimise charging during off‑peak times.
These chargers connect to the internet either via Wi‑Fi or a built‑in SIM card. If your charger is located far from your home router, or you have thick walls, a SIM‑enabled charger may be the best option. Otherwise, Wi‑Fi chargers tend to be the simplest solution when installing an EV charger at home.
What charging speed would you like?
Most chargers used for EV home charger installation in the UK deliver 7kW of power. This is significantly faster than a standard three‑pin plug, which provides around 2.3kW, and is typically enough to fully charge an average electric car overnight.
Because these chargers are specifically designed for electric vehicle charger installation, they are far safer and more reliable than charging via a standard household socket.
Higher‑powered home chargers are also available, with outputs of up to 22kW. These can reduce charging times significantly, but they require a three‑phase electricity supply and a vehicle capable of accepting this higher rate. Most EVs are limited to 11kW charging at home, so this is an important consideration before upgrading.
Does your home electricity supply need upgrading?
Newer homes are generally well prepared for installing an electric car charger at home, though a qualified electrician will always need to confirm suitability. The installer will connect the charger directly to your consumer unit, and distance can affect the final cost if additional cabling is required.
Older homes may require upgrades before EV charger installation can take place. An electrician will assess whether your current supply can safely handle the increased load of an EV charger for home use. In some cases, an upgrade to the property’s electrical system may be required, so it’s wise to factor this into your planning.
Finding an energy supplier with an EV-friendly tariff
Once installing an EV charger at home is complete, it’s worth switching to an EV‑specific energy tariff. Many suppliers now offer significantly reduced overnight rates, helping to keep overall EV charger installation and running costs down.
Smart chargers work with these tariffs by automatically charging when electricity is cheapest. This intelligent charging approach makes EV home charger installation even more cost‑effective over time.
If you have any further questions about how to install an EV charger at home, get in touch with our team at Prestige Cars Kent today.