Introduction to EV Chargers
As we move towards a future focused on sustainable transportation, electric vehicles play a vital role in reducing carbon emissions and reshaping how we commute.
In this blog, we cover all you need to know about EV charging installs and offer insights into charging options, maximising battery life, and what to consider when having an EV Charger installed at your home.
Why You Need a Home Charger
Having an EV charger at home offers greater convenience, significant cost savings, and time efficiency compared to relying on public charging stations. With a home charger, you can easily charge your vehicle overnight, eliminating the hassle of searching for or waiting at public stations. This ensures your car is ready to go each morning, providing peace of mind.
Home charging is also much more cost-effective than public charging. You can take advantage of off-peak electricity rates, reducing your overall energy expenses. By avoiding frequent trips to public chargers, you can streamline your routine and enjoy the flexibility of charging at your own pace.
Which EV Charger Is Most Suited for Your Home?
Choosing the right EV charger for your home depends on several factors, such as your driving habits, your home’s electrical capacity, and whether you’ll need faster charging in the future. At Burge Electrical, we typically recommend Type 2 chargers, which are compatible with both single-phase and three-phase power supplies. This allows for charging speeds of up to 22 kW AC at home and 43 kW at public stations, making it a great combination of affordability, convenience, and charging speed for most homeowners.
What is the Difference Between a Tethered and Untethered Charger?
A key difference between tethered and untethered EV chargers is how the charging cables are managed. A tethered charger comes with a built-in cable permanently attached to the unit, making it easy to use—simply plug the connector into your vehicle without needing a separate cable. This setup saves time and reduces wear on the cables since they’re neatly stored when not in use.
An untethered charger requires the use of a separate charging cable, which can be swapped depending on the vehicle. This offers greater flexibility, supporting a variety of electric vehicles, though it does require users to carry their own cable, which may be less convenient.
The Installation Process
The installation process for an EV charger starts with you sending over pictures of the fuse board, meter box, and their proximity to the desired charger location. This helps determine the most suitable placement and allows for a price estimate before installation. Proximity to the fuse box and meter box is essential to minimise wiring costs and ensure efficient power delivery.
You’ll also need to consider whether the charger will be installed indoors or outdoors, depending on your lifestyle and vehicle access. Cable length is another key factor to ensure the charger is easily accessible to your vehicle. Once the location is finalised, a certified electrician will wire the charger to your electrical system, ensuring all connections meet safety standards and regulations. After installation, the electrician will test the charger to ensure it works properly, providing you with a safe and reliable charging solution for your electric vehicle.
Common Questions
One of the most common questions we receive is, “How long does EV charger installation take?” Typically, installation takes around half a day for two electricians or a full day if only one electrician is on-site. To provide an accurate price estimate for your EV charger installation, we’ll ask for photos of both your fuse board and meter box, as well as their proximity to the desired charger location and your preference of charger. This helps us determine the best placement and streamline the installation process, ensuring everything runs smoothly.
If you’re ready to make the switch to home EV charging or have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out for expert advice and a personalised estimate.