Charge electric car at home

author: FutureCar Staff    

Electric vehicles (EVs) have seen a significant increase in popularity in recent years, with over 840,000 fully electric cars now on UK roads, compared to just 30,000 in 2016. This growth is expected to continue as the British government plans to ban the sale of new internal combustion engine vehicles by 2030. However, many potential EV owners are still unsure about where to charge their vehicles.

While public charging stations are becoming more common, they can often be inconvenient and time-consuming. Charging an electric vehicle at home is often the most convenient and cost-effective option. There are several ways to charge an EV at home.

The simplest method is to use a standard three-pin plug socket found in most homes. While this method is possible, it is slow and inefficient. It can take up to 24 hours to fully charge even a small-capacity electric vehicle. Additionally, using extension cables can be messy and potentially unsafe, especially when drawing maximum power for extended periods of time.

A more practical and efficient option is to install a wallbox or home charge point. These standalone charging units can be installed close to where you typically park your EV, such as in a garage or on a driveway. Wallboxes can tap directly into your home's power supply, delivering a faster charge compared to a standard socket. They typically provide around 7.4kW of power, cutting charging times in half or more. In some cases, it is possible to upgrade your meter to a 3-phase electricity supply, allowing for even faster charging.

For those without access to a private parking space, charging points in lampposts and bollards are becoming more common. These charging points are installed on the street and eliminate the need for trailing wires and extension cables. Companies like Ubitricity have installed thousands of these charging points in cities like London.

It is also worth noting that there are grants available to help with the cost of installing home charging points. The EV Chargepoint Grant is available to landlords and owners of flats, providing financial assistance for the purchase and installation of charging sockets. Additionally, there are grants available for residential car parks and small to medium-sized businesses.

Overall, charging an electric vehicle at home is the most convenient and cost-effective option for many EV owners. Whether using a standard socket, installing a wallbox, or utilizing street charging points, there are options available to suit different needs and circumstances.

FutureCar Staff