Home EV charging: What you need to know.
Not all EV chargers are the same.
Imagine: you’re going to buy an electric car. You’ve done your homework and worked out which one is best for your needs, your budget and so on. Do you just go and find the cheapest charger you can?
Picking the right charger is as important. They come with a variety of features - some of which you will want or like, and some you’ll feel are superfluous. It’s important to choose a charger that not only charges your car but also suits your specific needs.
Get the balance right.
It’s all a question of balancing what you need, any “nice-to-haves” and price (of course). The first, and no doubt most pressing, questions you’ll have is “Does it work with my car and will it charge it up?”.
When it comes to power delivery and compatibility, it's crucial for you to match the charger's capability with your EV's requirements. Most home chargers provide about 7 kW of power, which is a sweet spot for efficient charging. However, if you're looking for something more powerful, options like the Tesla Wall Connector can deliver up to 22 kW. It's all about what suits your vehicle the best.
Some chargers offer you the flexibility to choose from different charging modes, with names like “Fast”, “Eco”, and “Eco+”. You may choose to prioritise speed of charging. But that is not always the most efficient, or even cost effective way to charge your EV (you will often find that energy companies - like E.ON Next - offer discounted rates at off-peak times, so maybe you don’t need a fast charger). What’s more, you may want to take advantage of your solar energy set up if you have one, and integrate the charging process with that.
The cost and installation of these chargers are worth considering too. Prices can range from approximately £400 to £1,500. Remember, some of these costs might be offset by government incentives like the EV chargepoint grant. The government has attached terms and conditions to the grant so it's always a good idea to check if you're eligible for such schemes but if you are, you could get up to £350 towards the cost of your charger.
How to solve common EV charger issues.
Getting you back on the road quicker with a simple guide solving EV charger problems.
Get smart!
Smart features in modern chargers can make your life much easier. With these, you can manage your charging schedule remotely via apps, monitor your energy usage, and even monetise your charger by renting it out.
For example our E.ON Home app, allows you to set when your EV will start charging (which makes it easier to take advantage of off-peak prices). You can see your energy consumption, and importantly the cost. Plus you can view your charging history so you have an idea of how much you’ve been spending. It’s state of the art tools like these that make running an EV a doddle.
One final clever move… If you're someone who's invested in solar panels or planning to, it’s also worth making sure your charger can draw energy from them. This can significantly reduce your reliance on the grid and lower your energy bills. Additionally, chargers with bi-directional charging technology allow you to sell back energy to the grid, turning your car into a mini power station.
Get a second opinion.
Lastly, don't underestimate the power of user reviews and ratings. Websites like Smart Home Charge and The Eco Experts provide comprehensive reviews and comparisons, giving you a glimpse into what other EV owners like you think about various chargers.
Get going!
When you're selecting the right EV home charger, there’s a great deal to think about. The type of charger, its features, compatibility with your vehicle, installation costs, smart functionalities, and user reviews.
Every charger has something unique to offer, and the best choice for you will depend on your specific EV charging needs.
Fortunately, our EV chargers work the majority of electric vehicles. We’re sure you’ll find something that will suit you, so why not take a look and see what we have to offer?