What charging questions should you consider if you've ordered an EV?

Where will the charger go?

The requirement for having a home charger installed is that you have off-street parking (i.e. a driveway or a garage) available. This is where the charger will be positioned - the most common place for it to go is on the wall of the garage - but the qualified and licensed installer who visits your property will help you make the final decision.

Should you get a tethered or untethered model?

Most people who charge their EVs at home use a tethered charger. A tethered charger has a cable attached to it that can’t be removed, which is more convenient - because it will be the right cable for the car - and safe, as the cable will fit back into the unit after it’s been used. 

An untethered unit enables any cable with any connector type to be connected, which can be useful if you have more than one EV with different connector types, but otherwise would be less convenient than a tethered version. You’d have to carry the cable in the car, get it out before using it and put it away again afterwards. 

How quickly is it going to charge your car?

EV charging times depend on a number of factors, including:

• The car’s usable battery size

• The type of connector it requires

• The power of the charger - some go up to 22 kw though not many cars can take that level of power

• The car charging rate - the higher this is, the quicker the charge, but the charger’s charging rate has to match

The table below shows some examples of electric cars and their home charging times. 

Your dealer or the car’s manufacturer will be able to guide you towards the optimal choice.