If you own an electric vehicle (EV) or are considering switching to one in the future, you should be considering installing an EV chargepoint at your home.
There may be a range of publicly accessible charging opportunities in your area, but having the ability to recharge your vehicle at your own convenience whilst you are at home is unmatched. You no longer need to take dedicated trips out to a local chargepoint or take breaks in your journey to recharge, you can simply plug your vehicle in after a long day’s work and relax knowing it’ll be ready for when you next need it.
Not only this, but research shows that 76% of homes with an EV chargepoint increase in value compared to similar homes in the area. So you’re adding value to your home whilst making your vehicle charging opportunities much more convenient.
The Best Location for Your Home Chargepoint
Where you choose to install your chargepoint will depend on your home, needs and preferences. The majority of homeowners will opt for an area where their vehicle is usually parked, such as a driveway or inside a carport or garage.
This isn’t the case for every type of property. Some homes, such as flat blocks, have communal parking within a car park and others have on-street parking. You are still able to install a chargepoint for these properties, but more considerations must be made.
If you have a dedicated parking space within a communal area, you can install a chargepoint at your bay. However, you must have permission from the owner of the land in order to carry out the electrical installation. As for on-street parking, you cannot install a private chargepoint onto public land. Instead, you can install one at your property and then run the charging cable to your vehicle, assuming your vehicle is parked in a close enough proximity to your home. If you are running a cable across a pavement or footpath, always cover it with a cable protector so that it does not become a hazard for pedestrians.
How to Choose the Right Home Chargepoint
There are a range of chargepoints on the market, and the model you choose will depend on your needs. It can be difficult to understand some of the terminology used, so here’s a quick rundown of some key chargepoint definitions.
Tethered – A tethered chargepoint has a charging cable attached that cannot be removed. This is handy for households with only one EV, that do not wish to take the cable out on journeys, although you can always purchase a spare cable to keep in the vehicle for on-the-go charging. Tethered chargepoints are less likely to fall victim to cable theft.
Untethered – Untethered chargepoints have a removable cable. This is ideal if your household has multiple EVs that have different charging ports and therefore require different cables.
Single-phase – This refers to the power supply of the chargepoint. Most households have a single-phase power supply, so this is the common option for homeowners. An electrician can survey your home to determine your existing power supply.
Three-phase – Three-phase has a higher power transfer capacity than single-phase charging, providing the ability to fast-charge an EV. Your power supply can be upgraded to three-phase if you desire, but this can be costly. Most homeowners do not require fast charging due to the fact that their EV is plugged in for longer durations whilst at home.
Smart charging – A smart EV chargepoint can be connected to the internet via ethernet or 4G. These chargepoints are controlled via an app, allowing you to remotely turn them on and off or lock them from use. The app can also alert you of any hardware issues.
EV Charging with Convenience
Once your chargepoint is installed, you’re ready to charge your vehicle. The chargepoint should be serviced every 12 months, either by your installer or a registered electrician.
If you’re still unsure about which chargepoint is right for you, or where on your property is best to locate it, contact an EV chargepoint installer who can assist you with finding the best options for your circumstances.
———————————————————————————————————————Matthew Gibbons is managing director of Plug&Drive, a UK manufacturer and installer of electric vehicle chargepoints.
