Electric Car Charging Points

Thinking about charging your electric car at home?

An electric car charging point is a product which supplies electricity to your plugin electric car. It makes it easier and faster to charge your electric car when you are at home. This comprehensive guide will answer your questions and explain the process of purchasing and installing an electric car charging point at your property.

We also look at the government grant available for installing an electric car charging point.

Charging your car at home

Charging your electric vehicle at home is generally the cheapest and most convenient option.  Currently, there are two options available to you that will determine the speed and efficiency of charging, these are:

  • Using a regular three-pin socket – a standard method which comes with an electric. It can take 6 to 8 hours to charge your vehicle.
  • A fast electric car charging point: which you can install on your property and reduce the time it takes to charge your vehicle by up to 60%.

A Dedicated EV ChargePoint

If you have a driveway or a garage, you can install your own, charging point at your home, which can reduce charging time between 30 to 60%.[1] A dedicated charging point makes charging your electric vehicle much faster and cheaper. Not only you can access off-peak energy when you charge your car overnight, but if you install a dedicated ChargePoint at home, you could be eligible to receive financial support from the government which covers up to 75% of the installation fee (capped at £350 inc VAT). 

Choosing the right type of home charging point

There are three types of electric vehicle ChargePoint: Slow, Fast and Rapid.

Rapid: 

The fastest way to recharge your car. A rapid ChargePoint provides power at 43kW and typically takes around 30 minutes to charge a vehicle up to 80%.  They are the most expensive to use, but not suitable for all vehicle types. 

Fast:  

Fast ChargePoints offer speeds between 7kW and 22kW and are ideal when vehicles are parked for a few hours.  

Slow: 

Slow ChargePoints provide power up to 3kW. They are the cheapest to use and most suitable when a vehicle is parked for a length of time such as overnight or when you’re at work. 

The rate at which your vehicle can be charged is determined by the vehicle’s onboard charger which converts Alternating Current (AC) to Direct Current (DC). Details about your vehicle’s onboard charger can be found in your handbook or vehicle brochure.

Choosing the right connector

To be able to connect your electric vehicle to your ChargePoint you’ll need a cable fitted with connectors which match the outlet socket on the charger and the inlet socket on your car.

The type of connector used will depend on whether your electric vehicle is charged using Alternative Current (AC) or Direct Current (DC) and whether you choose a Rapid, Fast or Slow ChargePoint. Your car will come with a standard cable, but you will probably need to purchase another for use at off-site ChargePoints. These cost around £145.

CHAdeMO
50 kW DC

ChargePoint
Sustainability
Rapid

CHAdeMO - 50kW DC
CHAdeMO - 50kW DC

CCS
50 kW DC

ChargePoint
Sustainability
Rapid

CSS - 50kW DC
CSS - 50kW DC

Type 1
7 kW (5-pin) AC

ChargePoint
Sustainability
Fast/Slow

Type 1 - 7kW AC
Type 1 - 7kW AC

Type 2
7-22 kW (7-pin) AC

ChargePoint
Sustainability
Fast/Slow

Type 2 - 7-22kW AC
Type 2 - 7-22kW AC

 

The following table provides a summary of charging technology, connectors and their charging times:

 SlowFastRapid
Power rating3-7kW7-22kWup to 50kW
Electrical supply typeACUsually AC, DC available at higher ratesUsually DC, AC also available
Charge time4 to 8 hours2 to 4 hours25-40 minutes (80% charge)
Vehicle range added in 15 minutes3-6 miles6-20 miles35-40 miles
ConnectorType-1Type-1 (max 7kW)
Type-2		CHAdeMO
CCS
Type-2
Best useHome/workHome/work/on-the-goOn-the-go/long journeys
EV compatibilityAllAll, some vehicles may charge slower than othersDependent on connector type. Not all BEVs and very few PHEVs are capable of accepting a rapid charge.

Source: Energy Saving Trust

Choosing the right ChargePoint cable:
Permanent or Removable?

The cable that connects your electric vehicle to the charging unit can be permanently attached to the ChargePoint (tethered) or removable (untethered). You can use both options at home but when you are using public charging points you may want to purchase a removable (untethered) cable in case a public ChargePoint doesn’t have a permanent cable.   

How much does it cost to install a ChargePoint?

Installation costs including the ChargePoint range between £400 to £1000, depending on how powerful the charger is (i.e. rapid/fast/slow). To reduce the cost of a new ChargePoint, the Government is running the Electric Vehicle Homecharge Scheme.

Eligibility – If you are the registered keeper, or the primary user, of an eligible electric vehicle you could receive up to 75% (capped at £350, inc VAT) off the total cost of the ChargePoint and installation costs.

Item BreakdownCost
Installation Costs including ChargePoint£400 to £1000
75% funding from the Electric Vehicle Homecharge Scheme£300 to £350
Actual cost£100 to £650
Extra Connection cable approx.£145

Arranging the installation of a home ChargePoint

To arrange an installation you should consider the following steps:

  • Find a reputable installer by either contacting us or visiting the OZEV website to access Electric Vehicle Homecharge Scheme authorised installers.
  • Contact two or three installers to arrange a visit for a quote
  • Make sure that the potential new ChargePoint being quoted is compatible with your electric vehicle
  • If there are any major differences ask the installer why
  • Choose an installer and ask when the installation can take place, how long it will take and what you need to do to prepare for the installation.

There are a few things you’ll need to do before the installation can take place:

  • Decide where you want the ChargePoint located: whether it’s on the side of the house or in the garage. Think about logistics of where your electric car is parked when it needs charging
  • Easy access to your electricity meter and up to where the ChargePoint is being located is free from any blockages
  • If you’ve chosen to have a Smart ChargePoint make sure you have your Wi-Fi password ready to hand so the installer can connect your ChargePoint to the internet.

It’s not necessary to apply for planning permission as long as the unit is within the boundaries of your home and doesn’t fall into any of these categories:

  • Within two metres of a highway
  • Over 1.6m in height for ground units or more than 0.2 cubic meters in volume for wall mounted units 
  • In or within the grounds of a listed building
  • You will be given an installation time slot by your installer
  • Your installer will confirm that your chosen location for the ChargePoint is suitable and complete a final safety check of all electrics
  • The ChargePoint will then be installed and tested
  • You’ll be given a demonstration on how to use the ChargePoint
  • Your installer should contact your distribution network operator (DNO) to inform them that your ChargePoint has been installed

As a guide, the installation process should take an average of four hours, unless your installation requires cabling being run under floorboards or any other preliminary work.

Generally, a standard installation will include:

  • Checking the property’s electrical connections and earthing arrangements must meet current regulations
  • Fitting the ChargePoint onto a brick, stone or plaster wall 
  • A 10/15 metre cable which runs from the ChargePoint to the electric vehicle which is clipped to the wall between the electricity supply meter and the ChargePoint
  • Routing the cable through a drilled hole in a wall up to 500mm (20 inches) thick
  • Fitting and testing all electrical cables and necessary protections
  • Installation of circuit protection in keeping with BS7671 regulations
  • The area around the electric vehicle ChargingPoint and electricity meter is clear and tidy
  • The cables are tied and not causing a hazard
  • Your installer shows you how to use the electric vehicle ChargingPoint
  • You receive instructions on how to use the electric vehicle ChargingPoint

Benefits of a Smart ChargePoint

A Smart ChargePoint provides a fast charge of 7 kW and is controlled via software which you download in the form of an App. These are some of the features and benefits you can access through the App:

  • automatically charges when electricity is in low demand thereby reducing your energy bills
  • can charge during off peak periods
  • track your energy consumption and charging history
  • tell the App when you want your car ready each day, so optimising your charging time
  • instantly get full power, over-riding any previous settings

Where can you buy charging points?

Most installers have a range of units available and are able to talk you through the pro’s and con’s of each, but if you prefer to buy your own EV ChargePoint, they can be purchased from some online retailers such as Amazon.  If you decide to purchase your unit separately to the installation, please make sure you check the manufacturer’s warranty and any guarantees and make sure they are eligible for the Electric Vehicle Homecharge Scheme grant.  A list of approved manufacturers and models can be found here.  

Find a reputable installer

To find an accredited electric vehicle ChargePoint installer, simply get in touch Or visit the OZEV website.