What you need to know about installing an EV charger
20th Dec 2022 Motoring
With the growing popularity of electric vehicles, is it worth investing in a home EV charger?
Electric vehicles are growing in popularity as more and more drivers choose to go electric—but does it make sense to invest in an EV charger at your home to make your experience more convenient as well as cost-effective and environmentally friendly?
In a nutshell, the answer is yes. Installing a home EV charger is a worthwhile investment despite the initial cost of doing so.
"On average, car owners in the UK change their vehicle every 36 months"
On average, car owners in the UK change their vehicle every 36 months. A combination of the looming 2030 deadline for the ban of petrol and diesel-fuelled cars, together with an awareness of climate considerations, is leading to an increasing number of drivers buying electric vehicles for their next purchase.
While some electric car owners choose to recharge their vehicles at public charging points, many more prefer the ease and convenience of using a home EV charger.
Pros of installing an EV charger at home
1. Convenience
Many of us park our cars on the driveway or in the garage overnight, so it makes sense to use this time when the vehicle is not being used, to charge it. By having a home EV charger, you can choose when the best time is to plug your car in to power it up so it’s ready to go whenever you are.
For many, home EV chargers are more convenient
Unlike a public charging point, when you charge your car using a home EV charger, you’re free to use your time as you normally would while at home—there is no need to hang around unnecessarily or buy a coffee to pass the time while your car charges.
2. Speed
An EV charger powers up your vehicle faster than a standard wall-socket charger does. This means you can charge your car on your driveway for a few hours if you need to use it again, as well as leaving it plugged in to fully charge overnight.
3. Simplicity
With a home EV charger, you don’t need to worry about keeping a cable in your car—and there is no need to rush around trying to find a cable in a hurry, either.
4. Energy efficiency
If you have solar panels installed on the roof of your home, you can use the energy stored in these to power your electric vehicle for free.
5. Property value
A recent report showed that 76 per cent of homes with an EV charger installed command a higher-than-average price.
Rivervale Leasing analysed 1,000 homes across 50 UK areas and revealed that more than three-quarters of these houses with an EV charger fitted have a higher value than the local average. The study also revealed that homes with an EV charger sell for 13 per cent more than the local average.
"More than three-quarters of these houses with an EV charger fitted have a higher value than the local average"
There is strong demand for electric vehicles, and for the convenience of being able to charge your electric cars at home, at a time that suits. The government announced that from June 2022, property developers will be legally required to install electric vehicle charging stations, and it will also be a legal requirement for all homeowners undertaking major renovation works to install a home EV charger at this point.
Cons of installing an EV charger at home
1. Initial cost
Installing an EV charger costs, on average, around £1,000—which is a chunky number, even when there isn’t a cost-of-living crisis.
Over time, the cost of charging an electric vehicle at a public charging station adds up
However, it is a good investment as charging your electric vehicle from home will save you money over time compared to the cost of charging it at a public charging station, and you could well add far more than this initial outlay to the value of your home.
2. Energy cost
Using a home EV charger will increase your energy bill, but it will be more cost-effective than buying fuel for a car with a combustion engine.
Conclusion
Despite the initial expense of installing an EV charger at your home, it remains a worthwhile investment because of the convenience it provides once it’s been fitted, combined with the ability to own a car in a far more environmentally friendly way.
Homeowners who have electric vehicle chargers can choose when to charge their car and, thanks to the faster charging ability, have the option to charge for shorter time periods as well as overnight too.
"There is no doubt that driving an electric vehicle reduces your carbon footprint"
There is the added bonus that a home EV charger could increase the value of your property. With the 2030 ban on new petrol and diesel car sales looming, many home buyers are actively seeking properties that already have a charger installed, ready for when they need to charge their electric vehicle after they move in, or for when they decide to switch to an electric car in the future.
There is no doubt that driving an electric vehicle reduces your carbon footprint, and when you install a home EV charger you can enjoy your electric car in the most convenient way, as well as in the most cost and energy-efficient way.
You can find more important information on EV charger installation with - IMPORTANT EV CHARGER INSTALLATION: A guide to installing, avaialble on Amazon.
Read more: Does it pay to buy an electric car?
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