JJB Electrical, Harlow – Experts in home EV charging.
Purchasing an electric vehicle (EV) is a big investment which requires considerable thought before taking the plunge. You need to make sure you have sufficient infrastructure to home your EV charger and be sure the charger you settle on meets all of your requirements. One of the biggest rewards to owning an electric vehicle is the convenience of home charging – no more last-minute petrol trips before work! On top of this you’ll be significantly reducing your carbon footprint, helping to contribute to a greener, more environmentally friendly way of life…something we are all eager to achieve.
Charging your EV at home
Charging your EV at home is by far the cheapest and most convenient charging method. Installing a wall mounted EV charger on your driveway means charging your EV is simple, enhancing your life not making it harder. Wall mounted EV chargers are available from multiple manufacturers and come in a wide range of designs and colours. You can also choose how powerful the charger is and whether is tethered or untethered.
Where can an EV charger be installed?
Before installation can begin, your EV charger installer will need to determine whether your home is suitable. An EV charger installation will usually require an off-street parking area, such as a driveway or garage. Your EV charger installer will conduct a site survey to check for any potential issues. These could be metal objects including streetlights which may hinder a safe installation. After concluding that your home is suitable, installer will then talk you through you charging options and book you in for an installation appointment.
What will happen during installation?
Before your EV charger installer arrives, you will need to make sure they can access the area of the installation easily as well as your consumer unit. Upon arrival, your EV charger installer will need to switch off the power for at least a couple of hours – this is when your charger will be connected up. After reinstating your power, our installer will test the EV charger to ensure everything is working correctly. After testing and certification is complete, our installer will talk you through how to use your EV charger and how to get the most out of its capabilities. We will never leave you in the dark and once we’ve left, if you are unsure about anything feel free to give us a call.
Who can install an EV charger?
Only a fully qualified electrician with adequate training. You should always ensure the electrician you intend to use has previous experience installing EV chargers and is recommended within your local area.
EV chargers – How do I choose?
With so many brands to choose from, along with different types and power ranges, how do you choose the right EV charger? Well, your charger needs to work in harmony with your EV, driving habits, lifestyle, and budget. It’s also a plus if it looks smart on your driveway! Let’s look at the different types of EV chargers in more detail.
Tethered & Untethered
A tethered charger has the cable permanently attached. With an untethered charger, the cable isn’t fixed. Untethered chargers are compatible with multiple EV’s, making them the better option if you plan on owning more than one electric vehicle. Untethered chargers offer a compact and sleek design however be prepared to lose some boot space to home the cable.
Tethered pros:
- Convenient, simply plug in & charge.
- Secure, much harder to forcibly remove or steal.
- Cost-friendly, no need to spend extra on a cable.
Cons:
- Inflexible, can only charge one type of EV.
- Limited cable length, typically only available in standard cable lengths.
Untethered pros:
- Flexible. can charge different EVs.
- Choice of cable length.
- Tidy, no cables on display.
Cons:
- Slightly less secure.
- More expensive, additional cost of separate cable.
- Storage space needed to home the cable, typically in the boot.
- Inconvenience, you may have to wipe down the cable regularly.
Charging speeds
Another important consideration in the selection process is charging speeds. You should determine, how often and how far you are driving on a daily basis, if you have access to other EV chargers like at your workplace and if you can leave your car charging overnight regularly. Understanding your driving habits will enable you to choose an EV charger which meets your requirements.
A slow charger, typically 3kW can charge the average electric vehicle in just under sixteen hours, from empty. They are commonly found in homes, utilising regular overnight charging. Slow chargers a great, cost-effective option as they keep your energy bills as low as possible.
A fast charger, ranging from 7 to 22kW can charge the average EV in four to eight hours. A 7kW charger can add up to 30 miles of range in as little as one hour! A fast charger is a great option if you drive often and far, and don’t generally have access to other EV chargers. Although your energy consumption will increase, the benefits could outweigh the cost increase thanks to the fast and convenient charging speed.
Rapid and ultra rapid chargers are also available however these are commonly found at designated EV charging stations and service stations.
To summarise, adding 100 miles of range will take:
- Slow (3kW): 7hours.
- Fast (7kW): 3.5 hours.
- Rapid & ultra rapid (50kW +): Less than half an hour.
Kerb appeal – design & additional features
For some homeowners, the idea of having a big black charger on the side of their cottage is hardly ideal. Luckily, manufacturers spotted this flaw quickly altering their chargers accordingly. Coloured cases, sleek designs, neat and tidy – everything you want design and aesthetic wise. In the selection process you should consider:
- Style: Have a look at different chargers online, what colours do you like? Do you want a case? The design options are endless so feel free to see what’s out there.
- Location: It’s also a good idea to know exactly where your EV charger will be installed. If your EV is actually out of sight, perhaps design isn’t that important…opting for a standard design will be cheaper!
- Size: Make sure you measure! Each charger will be a slightly different size and cases will also impact this.
Smart EV chargers
A smart EV charger will significantly reduce your electric vehicle’s running costs. A smart EV charger utilises EV charging tariffs, solar energy, and grid connectivity. By making the most of off-peak charging times you’ll be charging your EV for less, saving you hundreds of pounds! Smart chargers use live data, which stop and start charging automatically when charging is at its cheapest rate aligning with low energy demand.
How much does it cost to charge an electric car?
Let’s talk money. On average, to fully charge an electric car at home will set you back around £6. For many of us, a full tank of petrol is at least £40…that’s a big difference. This of course will vary depending on the car, charger, and battery capacity.
How often will I need to charge my EV?
With the average EV having a mileage range of 150 to 300, your £6 charge should last you quite a few days, unless you are a long-distance driver. Even if your daily commute to work is around 50 miles, you won’t need to charge your car every night.
You should note, it’s recommended to keep your battery charged to over 20% but less than 80%, this will keep your battery in optimal condition, keeping its lifespan as long as possible. It’s not much different to owning a petrol or diesel run car, you rarely fill up unless you need to, but you also wouldn’t leave it until the last minute to fill up.
What’s the lifespan of an EV battery?
As long as you charge responsibly, your battery should last around 20 years before needing a replacement. Charging too often or not enough will decrease this.
Can I charge my EV in the rain?
Yes, EV chargers are fully weatherproof thanks to their water-tight seals.
EV charger installation in Harlow
Are you a homeowner based here in Harlow? Ready to go green and purchase your first EV? Let JJB Electrical make the process easy and hassle free. We have installed a wide range of EV chargers including Ohme, Sync EV, Zappi, Rolec and more. Our expert EV charger installers will listen to your requirements offering you a complete home charging solution which ticks all of your boxes, from power to design. Our installers are fully insured up to £5 million, registered with NAPIT, and proud to be a Which? Trusted Trader. We are professional but always friendly and happy to offer our expertise when requested. If you’re based in Harlow and want to know more about EV charging, get in touch with JJB Electrical today – your Harlow EV charging experts.
