Do I Need a Dedicated Home Charger?
Summary
In this guide, we’ll explore the benefits of having a dedicated home charger, address some of the most common questions we hear from EV drivers, and help you decide if it’s the right solution for you.
What Is an EV Home Charger?
An EV home charger is a purpose-built device designed to charge your electric vehicle quickly, safely, and conveniently from home. Typically installed on an exterior wall near your driveway, it provides the perfect solution for overnight charging, ensuring your car is fully powered and ready to go when you need it.
By installing a dedicated EV home charger, you’ll benefit from faster charging speeds, lower costs, and the ultimate convenience of powering your car at home. Here’s why more EV drivers are choosing home chargers:
Speed:
Purpose-built for efficiency, home EV chargers deliver significantly faster charging compared to standard three-pin plugs, making them ideal for daily use.
Convenience:
Say goodbye to planning journeys around public charging points or waiting in queues. A home charger allows you to recharge your car whenever it suits you.
Cost-Effectiveness:
Charging at home is more economical than using public charging points, especially if you’re on an EV-specific energy tariff offering reduced rates for overnight charging.
Security:
Avoid the risks of leaving your car in a public car park for hours. With a home charger, you can safely recharge your EV on your own property.
Boosted Property Value:
With the UK’s EV market continuing to grow, having an EV charger installed can increase the value of your home and make it more appealing to future buyers.
Investing in a home EV charger offers unmatched convenience and long-term benefits, making it an essential addition for many EV drivers.
Charging Your EV at Home: 3-Pin Plug vs Dedicated EV Charger
When charging your EV at home, the biggest difference between using a dedicated EV charger and a standard 3-pin plug is speed. A 7 kW home charger can fully charge most electric vehicles overnight, while a 3-pin plug may take 18 hours or longer to deliver the same charge.
A typical home EV charger provides an output of 3.6 kW to 7 kW, offering efficient and reliable charging for everyday use. In comparison, a standard 3-pin plug from a domestic power outlet has a maximum output of 2.3 kW, making it one of the slowest charging methods available.
This difference in charging capacity means that a purpose-built 7 kW EV charger can achieve a full-to-empty charge in approximately 4 to 8 hours (subject to your EV’s battery size), which is ideal for overnight charging. In contrast, relying on a 3-pin plug could mean waiting 18 hours or more for a full charge.
If you’d like the convenience of charging your electric vehicle overnight or within a shorter timeframe, installing a dedicated home EV charger is essential. It offers the speed, efficiency, and reliability that make EV ownership seamless.
Is Charging Your EV From a Domestic Socket Safe?
While charging your electric car from a standard 3-pin socket might seem like a convenient option, it comes with significant safety concerns and is far from ideal for regular use.
Domestic sockets are not designed to handle prolonged high-power usage. Extended charging times can strain your home’s wiring, increasing the risk of overheating and, in extreme cases, electrical fires. A 3-pin plug provides a lower power output, meaning your EV could need to stay plugged in for up to 18 hours or more to achieve a full charge if starting from a near-empty battery.
This extended use can place undue stress on circuits, cables, and outlets, potentially leading to damage or overheating. Although 3-pin plugs sold in the UK include safety features to minimise these risks, they are not intended for the sustained energy loads required to charge an EV efficiently.
For a safer and more reliable solution, a dedicated home EV charger is the best choice. Purpose-built for electric vehicles, these chargers are designed to handle higher power loads, providing faster, more efficient charging while reducing the risk of electrical issues.
For peace of mind and optimal safety, it’s always recommended to invest in a dedicated EV charger that’s specifically engineered for prolonged use.
What’s the Easiest Way to Charge at Home?
Using a standard 3-pin plug may seem like the simplest way to charge your EV at home, but for long-term convenience, cost efficiency, and safety, a dedicated EV charger is the far better option. Purpose-built for electric vehicles, these chargers provide faster and safer charging - all located conveniently at your home.
Here’s how you can get a home EV charging point installed in five straightforward steps:
1. Secure the Necessary Permissions:
Ensure you have the appropriate approvals, such as planning permission from your local authority (if required), written consent from your landlord if renting, or agreement from the freeholders if your property is part of a block of flats.
2. Choose the Right Charging Point:
Research different models to find a charging point that fits your needs and budget. Look at a range of manufacturers, as chargers will differ from brand to brand. Key factors to look for include charging rate, compatibility with your home’s power supply, and whether you prefer a tethered or untethered unit.
3. Research Trusted Installers:
With more drivers switching to EVs, the market for charging point installers is growing. Compare options in your area to find a reputable, competitively priced provider.
4. Home Inspection by an Installer:
Arrange for a professional installer to assess your home and recommend the best location for your EV charger.
5. Install the Charging Point:
Once the planning is complete, your chosen installer will fit the charger to your property.
Tips to Maximise Convenience and Cost Savings
After your EV charger is installed, follow these best practices to ensure home charging is as economical and hassle-free as possible:
Opt for a Smart Charger:
Smart chargers allow you to schedule charging during off-peak hours, monitor energy usage, and manage charging settings via your smartphone for ultimate convenience.
Check Your Electrical Supply:
Most UK homes have a single-phase power supply, which supports chargers up to 7 kW. If your home has a three-phase supply, you might be able to install a higher-capacity charger for even faster charging.
Look Into EV Charging Tariffs:
Many UK energy providers offer EV-specific tariffs with discounted rates during night-time hours. Contact your current supplier or explore other providers to find the most cost-effective tariff for your needs.
Pre-Condition Your EV for Optimal Efficiency
Pre-conditioning your EV while it’s plugged in ensures a comfortable cabin and optimised battery performance. This maximises range and efficiency, whether on a frosty morning or a hot summer’s day.
By following these steps, you’ll enjoy seamless, safe, and cost-efficient EV charging from the comfort of your home.
Can You Take an EV Charger When You Move?
Moving house with an EV charger can be a common consideration for many EV drivers, as installing one involves some minor construction work, which most are keen to avoid repeating. The good news is that, yes, you can take your EV charger with you when you move to a new property. However, there are a few key considerations to keep in mind to ensure a smooth transition.
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