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Electric vehicle home charging point installation
Charging an electric car at home is the cheapest and easiest way to keep your battery topped up. Find out why and how to install one here.
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Can you charge an electric car at home?
For many people, the best way to charge an electric car will be at home rather than at public electric charging points. This is because:
A home charging point is solely yours to use - you don’t have to run the risk of a public charging point not being available when you need it
You can charge the car whenever is most convenient - many people do it overnight so it’s ready to go in the morning.
Additionally, with the electric vehicle market projected to grow significantly in the next five to ten years, a home charger is going to be an increasingly desirable addition to any home.
How does EV charger installation work?
The installer will help you decide on the position of the charger based on where you park your car and what sort of charger you’re getting.
The installer will fix the charger in position and connect it to the mains power supply.
There will be a few final safety checks before the installer demonstrates how to use the charger.
How do I choose the right EV home charger?
When you choose an EV home charger, you'll need to think about factors including:
Your budget - how much you can afford to spend on a charger, especially with the OLEV grant ending for homeowners on 31 March 2022, could dictate which charger you go for.
Power - you can save money by opting for a lower power charger, though it'll take longer to charge the car.
Tethered or untethered - a tethered charger has the cable attached, while an untethered charger allows you to attach your own cable, giving you more flexibility but a bit more hassle.
Can I install an EV home charger myself?
It’s not recommended that you install an EV home charger yourself - it should always be done by a qualified and certified electrician. This ensures that the installation will be done safely and not jeopardise any warranty that might be applicable to the charger you choose.
How long does it take to install an EV home charger?
It should only take a couple of hours or so to install an EV home charger, though this will depend on the type of charger and where it is being installed.
Unsure if you need an EV home charger?
Find the advice you need for the stage you're at here.
I'm considering buying an EV
If you're thinking about getting an EV, what do you need to consider when it comes to charging?
My EV is on the way
If you've ordered an EV, what do you need to do to prepare for its arrival?
I already have an EV
If you have an EV and you're considering installing a home charger, we can help advise you.
Uswitch EV charging map
Need to charge your EV when you're out and about? Uswitch’s electric car charging points map will help you plan your journey and make range anxiety a thing of the past.
Scroll around the map, search by postcode and use the filters provided to find the nearest, quickest and cheapest EV charging stations.
How many public EV charging points are there in the UK?
There are thousands of public charging points across the UK which help make electric vehicles accessible for drivers.
Zap-Map estimate that there are over 18,000 locations with public charging points installed with almost 50,000 EV connectors.
However, as the market grows, so does the demand for charging stations. In the past ten years, the number of cars per Plugin Electric Vehicle charging point has risen from just one EV in 2011 to 19 EVs in 2021.
Finding an available public charging point will likely grow increasingly competitive.
For many, the reliability and convenience of a home charger will outweigh the initial cost of installation.
I already have an EV home charger, what's next?
If you've already installed an EV charger at your home, the most affordable way to charge your car is with a specific EV tariff.
“Currently, the Department for Transport reports that transport is responsible for 27% of total UK greenhouse gas emissions, with over half of the UK’s transport emissions coming from cars.
“With an increasing number of environmentally conscious consumers, more accessible technology and government incentives to reach the UK’s 2050 Net Zero carbon emissions target, the EV market is projected to grow significantly.
“However, with more electric cars on the road, there’s no guarantee that a public charging point will be available when you need it. In 2021, research found there were 19 cars for every Plugin Electric Vehicle charging point.
“For many people, the most convenient way to charge an electric car will be at home. Not only will a home charger ensure you always have access to a charging point but it could increase the value of your property.”
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Why compare EV home charging point installations with Uswitch?
Uswitch is one of the best-known and most trusted names in the energy space. Having brought UK energy customers money-saving energy deals for over 20 years, it is now committed to helping electric vehicle drivers save money on their home charger purchase and installation.
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