More than 80% of all electric vehicle (EV) charging takes place at home, which makes selecting the right charger an important decision. To help you choose, we've created the definitive guide to electric car charging at home - answering frequently asked questions from drivers nationwide.
What electric car charger should I buy?
With zero tailpipe emissions and a low carbon footprint, EVs are fast becoming the most convenient transport choice for an increasingly environmentally conscious society. What's more, if you commute less than 40 miles a day, you might only have to charge up once a week.
So, if you have an EV and somewhere to park it at home, a wallbox charger is essential. Providing a simple way to keep your battery topped up, it's usually the cheapest and easiest way to charge your EV.
There are hundreds of charge point options available, with prices varying depending on features, capability and quality. However, with the EV market developing rapidly, we'd advise investing in a future-proof solution that gives you complete control over your home charging.
The myenergi zappi is one of Britain's best-selling EV wallbox chargers. It boasts a wide variety of carefully designed features and functions to keep you in charge of your charging experience. Paired with the myenergi app, you can set timers to utilise economy tariffs, use the boost function, monitor your devices, and so much more.
Not only does it operate as a standard EV charger, but it also has optional charging modes capable of turning green energy generated by solar panels or wind turbines into electricity to power your EV. This makes it possible to reduce your carbon footprint even further, and power your car with zero emissions.
Are electric car chargers the same?
Wallbox chargers are, essentially, a waterproof and tamper-proof way to wire your EV directly into your domestic electricity supply. Fitted to the outside of your property, they provide a convenient and cost-effective charging solution.
But despite having similar appearances, every charger offers different functionality. Standard chargers, for example, simply act as a bridge to your mains supply. For the more discerning EV driver, smart units are a great alternative: by calculating when your electricity tariff is cheapest, they can be programmed to only charge your EV at certain times - a more expensive unit to buy, but cheaper running costs in the long-term.
The most intelligent devices, such as myenergi's zappi, allow users to harness self-generated green energy, for example from solar panels, trimming return on investment for both the panels and your EV.
How easy is it to install a new charger?
Depending on the complexity of your home charging system, your installation requirements will depend on how many volts the charger needs. While it's simple to fit lower voltage Level 1 chargers, Level 2 chargers need a special installation process and require a certified electrical engineer to implement.
For some Level 2 chargers, you'll also need to install an 'earth rod' - a metal conductor providing protection against potentially fatal shocks in the event of an electrical fault. A minimum 3ft long, they must be sunk into the ground outside your property (an expensive and time-consuming process).
Some chargers, like the myenergi zappi, boast class-leading safety functions that remove the need for an earth rod. This makes installation a quick and easy process.
How much should I expect to pay on electric car charging at home?
Depending on product type and functionality, you can expect to pay anywhere between £100 and £1,500 for your wallbox charger (excluding installation). However, it's important to remember that UK drivers are entitled to a grant through the Electric Vehicle Homecharge Scheme (EVHS) that could reduce this price tag considerably.
Aiming to encourage UK drivers to switch to electric plug-in vehicles, the grant sees up to £350 deducted from the price of the installation/charger (combined) and reclaimed from the government by the OZEV approved installer. All you need to do is choose a charger and book in the fitting.
How will an electric car charger impact my utility bills?
The cost of charging your EV depends on several factors, including battery size, vehicle weight and the type of charger used. It also depends on your energy tariff (with flexible, time of use options easily the most cost effective).
On a standard day rate, the cost of charging an EV at home from empty to full (around 200 miles on a 60kW battery) would cost in the region of £7.80. With an EV tariff in place, this cost could be halved.
However, it's important to remember that it's unlikely that you'll be charging from empty. Indeed, with most drivers commuting less than 23 miles, it's more likely that you'll simply be topping up your charge. To do so will cost, on average, between £1.10-£1.20 per day - a significant expense spared compared to rising fuel prices.
So, while home charging may sound complex, it can be a quick, easy, and highly cost-effective system. The most important part is choosing a future-proof charger that offers the functionality to suit your lifestyle and making sure you take advantage of all available grants.
The myenergi zappi is a great option for anyone looking to charge at home. Stylish, multi-functional, future-proof, and sustainable, it sets the standards in flexibility and performance.
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