Charging an electric vehicle at your residence

author: FutureCar Staff    

Electric vehicles (EVs) have seen a massive increase in popularity in recent years, with over 840,000 fully electric cars now on UK roads, compared to just 30,000 in 2016. The British government's plan to ban the sale of new internal combustion engine vehicles by 2030 will only further accelerate this trend. However, many potential EV owners still have questions about the most convenient way to charge their vehicles, especially at home.

While the public charging network is growing, it can be inconvenient to drive to a public station and wait for a vehicle to charge. Charging an electric vehicle at home is often the best and most economical option. So, what are the options for home charging?

One option is to charge your EV from a standard three-pin plug socket found in any domestic home. While this is possible, it is not ideal for regular charging as it is slow and can take up to 24 hours or more to fully charge even a small-capacity electric vehicle. Using extension cables for this method can also be messy and potentially unsafe. 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 overnight off-peak hours.

Another popular option is to install a wallbox or home charge point. These standalone charging units can be free-standing or wall-mounted and offer a more practical and safer solution compared to using extension cables. They can be installed close to where you park your EV, reducing the need for trailing wires. Wallboxes can tap directly into your home's power supply, delivering a more powerful charge. They typically provide around 7.4kW of power, cutting charge times in half or more. In some cases, it is even possible to upgrade your meter to a 3-phase electricity supply for even faster charging.

If you don't have access to a private driveway or garage, you can consider charging your EV using lampposts or kerbside bollards. Some electricity suppliers have started installing charging points in these public spaces, allowing EV owners to charge their vehicles while parked on the street. Companies like Ubitricity have installed thousands of charge points in cities like London. These charging points typically offer around 5kW of power.

If you live in a rental property, there are grants available to help with the cost of installing wall-mounted charging points. The EV Chargepoint Grant is specifically designed for landlords and tenants, offering financial assistance for the purchase and installation of charging sockets. Landlords can apply for up to 200 grants for residential properties and 100 grants for commercial properties each year.

Overall, there are several convenient options for charging your EV at home, whether it's using a standard plug socket, installing a wallbox, or utilizing public charging points. The choice depends on your specific circumstances and needs.

FutureCar Staff