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 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. With this rise in EV ownership, many people are curious about the most convenient ways to charge their vehicles at home.

While public charging stations are becoming more common, they can be inconvenient and time-consuming. Charging an EV at home is often the best and most cost-effective option. There are several options available for home charging.

One option is to use a standard three-pin plug socket found in most homes. While this method is possible, it is the slowest way to charge an EV, and it can take up to 24 hours or more to fully charge a vehicle. It can also be messy and potentially unsafe, as it may require the use of extension cables that are not safety rated. Additionally, charging during peak times can be expensive. A more cost-effective option is to take advantage of multi-rate tariffs that offer lower rates during off-peak hours.

Another popular option is to install a wallbox or home charge point. These standalone charging units can be installed on a wall or as free-standing units. They are practical, safe, and can be conveniently located near where the EV is parked. Wallboxes can tap directly into the home's power supply, delivering a more potent charge than a standard socket. They typically provide around 7.4kW of power, cutting charge times in half or more. In some cases, it is possible to upgrade the meter to a 3-phase electricity supply, enabling even faster charging.

For those without access to private parking, charging points in lampposts and bollards can be a solution. Companies like Ubitricity have installed thousands of charge points in London, allowing EV owners to charge their vehicles while parked on the street. These charge points typically offer 5kW of power.

Landlords can also play a role in facilitating EV charging. Grants are available to help with the cost of installing charging points, particularly for owners of flats and landlords with tenants. The EV Chargepoint Grant offers financial assistance for the purchase and installation of sockets. Additionally, there are grants available for residential car parks and small to medium-sized businesses.

With the increasing popularity of EVs, it is important to have convenient and accessible charging options. Whether it's charging at home, utilizing public charging stations, or tapping into innovative solutions like lamppost charging, there are options available for every EV owner.

FutureCar Staff