Can a normal electrician install an EV charger?

Only electricians certified under EV charger schemes like OZEV can legally and safely install a home EV charging point.

What is required to install an electric car charger at home?

To install an electric car charger at home, you’ll generally need off-street parking, a safe home electrical system, and possibly an isolation switch installed by your energy provider.

Do I need to rewire my house for an EV charger?

You usually won’t need to rewire your home to accommodate an EV charger, but older wiring may need upgrading to meet the required safety standards. If you want to upgrade to three-phase power to accommodate a charger with rapid or super rapid output, this is more likely to require rewiring. Talk to your EV charge point installer or a qualified electrician for more advice.

Will Frequent Fast Or Rapid Charging Damage My Battery?

Unlike high-output chargers for personal devices like laptops or smartphones, rapid EV chargers have a lower risk of damaging your vehicle’s battery, due to in-built safety features which are designed to accommodate frequent, high-speed charging. However, because new designs for vehicles and chargers are being developed all the time, overuse of rapid chargers can lead to issues such as excessive heat production, reduced charging efficiency, and a reduced state of charge.

Can you charge electric cars for free?

While free EV charging stations are a small minority in the national charging infrastructure, some places in the UK do still offer free EV charging, including certain car parks, supermarkets, hotels, and businesses. Accessibility to these charging points can come with some restrictions, so be sure to check the details of local charge points with apps like Zapmap.

Where can I charge my electric car for free in the UK?

Free charging is often available at supermarket car parks, shopping centres, public car parks, and other kinds of businesses or attractions. You can use apps like Zapmap or PlugShare to locate free EV charge points near you.

Do supermarkets offer free EV charging?

Yes, some UK supermarkets, including Tesco, Lidl, and Sainsbury’s, have been known to provide free or discounted EV charging, often as part of a partnership with charging networks. Accessibility and store policies can vary, so be sure to research your options before you visit a given charge point.

What is proper EV charging etiquette?

Proper EV charging etiquette is a set of rules and best practices you should use to ensure a positive charging experience for you and fellow drivers using public charging points. These include charging only when necessary, unplugging once charged, and generally leaving the EV station as you found it.

Can I sit in my electric car while it charges?

Yes, you can sit in your electric car while it charges, and many drivers do so to relax or stay comfortable. Concerns have been raised in the past about potential interference from EV charging currents with medical devices such as pacemakers or defibrillators. However, a study published in the European Society of Cardiology journal found no evidence to support this. So, whether you have a medical device or not, sitting in your car while it charges is generally safe. To avoid longer charging times, try not to keep the car on whilst it charges and avoid using screens or other features that rely on the battery. Remember to vacate the bay promptly once your charging session is complete to ensure a smooth experience for others.

How long should you leave your car at a public EV charger?

You should only use a public charger for the duration needed to charge your car. This can vary depending on the car model and the power output of the charge point, so be sure to familiarise yourself with the charging times relevant to your vehicle.

Can I unplug someone else’s EV at a charging station?

Unless a public charger has a clearly displayed policy allowing disconnection after charging is complete, you should avoid unplugging EVs or interfering with others’ charging sessions in any way.

What should I do if an EV charging point is blocked by a non-electric vehicle?

If you see an EV charging point blocked by a petrol or diesel vehicle, you should report it to the site operator or local council as it’s often considered “ICEing” (Internal Combustion Engine) and may violate the parking rules.