Electric car charging doesn’t need to be confusing. Our local installers at Blythe Electrical have put together this blog to tell you the benefits of electric vehicles, and what EV charging point is best for you.
The majority of homes will be able to benefit from a 32amp (7kw) EV charging point (this is the maximum power charger approved on the OLEV domestic home charge scheme)
Charging Units are available as either a socket only or a ‘tethered’ unit where the charging lead is built into the unit. There are benefits to both which we are happy to discuss with you.
OLEV approved units are required to be ‘SMART’ enabled, this is will mean some form of GPRS or ethernet connectivity, and in most cases access to a smart app.
Home Charging
First : Check your eligibility for the OLEV Homegrant scheme
1. Do you have an eligible vehicle ?
2. Will you be the primary user of this vehicle for at least 6 months?
3. Does your property have suitable off-street parking?
If you are eligible, the OLEV Home Grant scheme is for you. Home charging is considered the easiest and most convenient place of charging. Plugging your car in over night at home is an effective, and can be the cheapest way of charging (if you have overnight cheaper electricity rate).
Most electric cars can be charged at home using a standard 13amp three-pin domestic plug socket. A new electric vehicle will generally be supplied with a standard EVSE (Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment) charging cable for 3-pin plug charging – but it is also worth asking about the inclusion of the additional cable for rapid charging. Having both types of cables will give you greater flexibility for charging.
A dedicated EV charging point (32amp/7kw) is quicker than using a 13amp domestic plug socket for charging, as this type of charging point is solely dedicated to charging the car.
Workplace Charging Points
If you don’t have the option of charging your car at work, it is a good idea to suggest it. Your workplace could take advantage of the Government’s Workplace Charging Scheme (WCS).
The WCS is a voucher-based scheme that provides a contribution towards the up-front costs of the purchase and installation of electric vehicle to the value of £350 per socket.
Public Charging Points
This is becoming more and more popular, with connectors at nearly 5,000 different locations. These are great when you are travelling on long journeys. Public charging points can provide up to 80% of charge in as little as 20-30 minutes. Most Motorways Service Stations have some provision for EV charging, but it is always worth checking your route / charging stations before you set out.
How We Can Install Your Electric Vehicle Charging Point
Whether you are an individual or a business, we can install car charging points at home or at work. Take advantage of government schemes and receive up to £350 cashback for home or Business charge stations, or £350 per socket for work charging stations.
We are accredited by the Office of Low Emission Vehicles (OLEV) so get in touch now, charging your electric car at home couldn’t be easier and more straightforward. Contact our friendly local staff today for more information.
For more details about the electric vehicle grant eligibility, visit the OLEV website.
