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Getting Started: An Introduction to Home Electric Vehicle Charging

5 min to readElectric vehicles
Charging an electric car to 'refuel' at home is one of the biggest perks of driving an electric vehicle. So, what do you need to know before you install your own charging point?
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Why should I consider getting an electric car charger?

Most electric vehicle charging takes place at home, and having the right equipment makes the experience much more convenient. A wallbox offers:

It's also becoming the default electric car charger. Most plug-in hybrid and electric cars are supplied with a cable suitable for both public and domestic charging points. Cables with a three-pin plug are increasingly offered as a backup, at extra cost, which a lot of public infrastructure doesn't support.

What funding is available for electric car charging at home?

The UK government has provided grant funding for installing electric vehicle chargers at home since 2012, administered by the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV). As of April 2020, the Electric Vehicle Homecharge Scheme covers up to 75% of the cost of the equipment and installation, capped at £350. [1]

OZEV grants are available for registered keepers of eligible new or used plug-in hybrid or electric cars [2] living in flats and rented accommodation - with the landlord's permission. Lease and company car drivers can also apply, as long as they will use the vehicle for at least six months. However, funding is no longer available for single-occupancy properties such as houses and bungalows. [3]

The main condition of the OZEV grant is that you have an off-street parking space. This doesn't have to be attached to your home (for example, if you live in a flat). However, it can't be shared with other households, and it must be possible to plug in without trailing cables across public land - such as a pavement or footpath.

Households can apply for multiple electric car charging points if they have more than one plug-in vehicle. Funding can be used to upgrade older units if they were fitted by a previous owner or tenant.

How do I know if my home is suitable for an electric car charging point?

As long as your property has off-street parking, the process should be straightforward. EV charging points are classed as permitted development, so don't require planning permission [4],[5],[6]. The only restrictions for domestic units are:

Otherwise, EV charging points are classed as permitted development, so don't require planning permission [3],[4],[5]. The only restrictions for domestic units are:

How do I choose the right EV charger type?

There are hundreds of models available in the UK, but choosing an appropriate electric car charger for your home isn't as complicated as it sounds.

Almost all new plug-in hybrid and electric cars sold in the UK use the same 'type 2' charging connector. This means compatibility shouldn't be an issue and decisions can be made based on personal taste and usage.

Here's what you need to consider:

Speed of the electric vehicle charger

Most domestic EV chargers offer a maximum output of:

Faster rates are most important for electric vehicles with long ranges and large-capacity batteries. Only a few plug-in hybrids can charge at 7.4kW. Properties with a three-phase supply can claim OZEV funding for 22kW units, though not many vehicles support this.

Tethered or socketed electric car charging point

Some electric vehicle chargers feature a Type 2 socket. This is compatible with the cable supplied with the majority of cars and vans - a bit like how a USB port can charge different portable devices. Others feature a built-in cable and connector that matches the socket on the vehicle. It's easier than unravelling a cable from the boot, but might be incompatible with some older cars and vans.

Built-in data connections became mandatory for grant funding in July 2019. This means new units can:

Data connections

OZEV made built-in data connections mandatory for grant-funded chargepoints in July 2019 [7]. From 30 June 2022, this will extend to all home chargepoints regardless of whether they are grant funded or not. [8]

This will mean new units can:

The latest 'smart chargers' will be supplied pre-set to charge outside peak hours (8-11am and 4-10pm on weekdays), but with the option for drivers to override any delays and begin charge sessions immediately if they need to.

What does installing an electric car charging point at home involve?

Installing a home electric car charging station will be undertaken by approved contractors. It's a routine job that typically takes less than a couple of hours.

Similar to an electric oven, the units are hard-wired into the household's 230-volt supply and - aside from old properties that haven't had recent upgrades - there should be no need for additional work. Installers will carry out a survey beforehand and apply to the electricity DNO (Distribution Network Operator) for permission to install. They can also apply for the grant on your behalf.

Easier still, LeasePlan enables drivers to add a domestic charge point during the vehicle ordering process, either as part of the monthly costs or paid for up front. This provides either a tethered or socketed 7.4kW wallbox, fully installed and accompanied by a three-year warranty and 24/7 support. It's a convenient way to get the right start for your electric journey.

REFERENCES

[1] OZEV, (2021). Electric Vehicle Homecharge Scheme: customer guidance [online] Available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/customer-guidance-electric-vehicle-homecharge-scheme [Accessed 29 Mar. 2022]

[2] OZEV, (2021). Electric Vehicle Homecharge Scheme: eligible vehicles [online] Available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/electric-vehicle-homecharge-scheme-eligible-vehicles [Accessed: 29 Mar. 2022]

[3] OZEV (2020). Support for small businesses, landlords and leaseholders: government charges up the electric vehicle revolution with £50 million boost. [online] GOV.UK. Available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/support-for-small-businesses-landlords-and-leaseholders-government-charges-up-the-electric-vehicle-revolution-with-50-million-boost [Accessed 29 Mar. 2022]

[4] Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government (2015) Town and Country Planning Act (General Permitted Development) (England) Order 2015 [Accessed 29 Mar. 2022]

[5] Department for Communities and Local (2019) Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (Amendment) (Wales) Order 2019 [Accessed 29 Mar. 2022]

[6] Local Government and Communities Directorate (2014) The Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (Scotland) Amendment Order 2014 [Accessed 29 Mar. 2022]

[7] Department for Transport (2019) Electric Vehicle Smart Charging. [online] Available at: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/817107/electric-vehicle-smart-charging.pdf [Accessed 29 Mar. 2022]

[8] Department for Transport (2021) The Electric Vehicles (Smart Charge Points) Regulations Impact Assessment. [online] Available at: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/1015290/electric-vehicles-smart-charge-points-regulations-2021-impact-assessment.pdf [Accessed 29 Mar. 2022]

[Article originally published 29th March 2021, updated 5th April 2022]

Published at 29 April 2022
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29 April 2022
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