The Advantages of Installing an EV Charger at Home

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In today's rapidly evolving world of electric vehicles (EVs), opting to install a charger at home can significantly enhance your EV ownership experience. 

This article explores a few reasons why installing an EV charger at home is advantageous, while also addressing potential obstacles and offering alternative solutions for those facing challenges such as living in apartments or in a house that doesn’t have a drive.

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Convenience and Accessibility

One of the primary benefits of installing an EV charger at home is the unparalleled convenience it offers. With a dedicated charger in your driveway or garage, you can benefit from plug-and-play functionality, simply plugging in your EV whenever needed without the hassle of searching for public charging stations. This seamless process ensures that your EV is always ready to go whenever you are, enhancing the overall convenience of electric vehicle ownership.

Solar Ready

Additionally, if you have solar panels at home, you can use clean, renewable energy to charge your EV. This helps reduce your carbon footprint and lessens your dependence on traditional electricity from the grid. It's a greener and more self-sufficient way to power your electric vehicle, combining solar power with EV charging for sustainability.

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Cost Savings

Charging your EV at home can also lead to significant cost savings over time. Home electricity rates are typically lower than those at public charging stations, allowing you to charge your EV for a fraction of the cost. Additionally, many utility companies offer special EV charging tariffs or incentives, further reducing your charging expenses. By taking advantage of off-peak charging rates and optimising your charging schedule, you can maximise your savings and minimise your overall energy costs.

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EV Charging Grants Available for Home Owners

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In the UK, there are several grants available to support homeowners in installing EV charging points. These grants aim to promote the adoption of electric vehicles by reducing the costs associated with installing home charging infrastructure. Here are the main grants available:

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1. Electric Vehicle Homecharge Scheme (EVHS):

• Administered by: Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV)
• Eligibility: Homeowners, including those who have access to a private off-street parking space.
• Funding: Up to 75% of the cost of installing a home charge point, capped at £350.

Conditions:

• The charge point must be OZEV-approved.
• The installer must be OZEV-authorised.
• The vehicle must be eligible (most electric cars and plug-in hybrids qualify).

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2. Workplace Charging Scheme (WCS):

• Administered by: Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV)
• Eligibility: Businesses, charities, and public sector organisations.
• Funding: Up to 75% of the purchase and installation cost of a charging point, capped at £350 per socket, up to a maximum of 40 sockets.

Conditions:

• Applies to workplace locations.
• The organisation must have sufficient off-street parking.
• The charge point must be OZEV-approved.
• The installer must be OZEV-authorised.

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3. Local EV Infrastructure Fund:

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• Administered by: Local authorities in conjunction with OZEV
• Eligibility: Local authorities can apply to provide charging infrastructure in residential areas where off-street parking is not available.
• Funding: Varies by local authority; typically aimed at community or on-street charging solutions.

Conditions:

• Focus on areas with high residential demand and low private charging options.

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4. On-street Residential Chargepoint Scheme (ORCS):

• Administered by: Local authorities with support from OZEV
• Eligibility: Local authorities that are installing on-street residential charging points.
• Funding: Covers up to 75% of the cost of installing on-street charging infrastructure.

Conditions:

• Designed for residents without off-street parking.
• Charge points must be accessible to the public.

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How to Apply For Home EV Charging Grants

EVHS: Homeowners can apply for the EVHS through an OZEV-authorised installer who will handle the grant application process on their behalf.

WCS: Businesses can apply directly to OZEV through an online application portal, then select an OZEV-authorised installer to complete the installation.

Local EV Infrastructure Fund and ORCS: Local authorities must submit applications to OZEV, detailing their proposed projects and demonstrating local demand and need.

Key Considerations

Eligibility: Each grant has specific eligibility criteria, so it's crucial to check the requirements carefully.

Approved Equipment and Installers: Only OZEV-approved charge points and installers qualify for these grants, ensuring high standards and safety.

Limitations: There are caps on the amount of funding provided, so additional costs may be incurred by the applicant.

These grants are designed to make the transition to electric vehicles more accessible and affordable for homeowners, businesses, and communities across the UK.

You can find out more about the current EV charging grants for the home by clicking here.

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Environmental Impact

Installing an EV charger at home aligns with your commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship. By charging your EV with clean, renewable energy sources such as solar power, you can significantly reduce your carbon footprint and contribute to a cleaner, greener future. Home charging allows you to take control of your energy consumption and reduce reliance on fossil fuels, making a positive impact on the environment with every mile driven.

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Potential Challenges and Alternative Solutions

While installing an EV charger at home offers numerous benefits, some individuals may face challenges due to living in flats or apartments without dedicated parking spaces. In such cases, alternative solutions such as shared charging facilities or workplace charging may be viable options. Many workplaces offer EV charging stations for employees, allowing you to charge your EV while at work and minimising the need for home charging infrastructure.

For those living in flats or apartments without access to dedicated parking, community charging initiatives or public charging networks can provide convenient charging options. Collaborating with local authorities or property managers to install communal charging stations can benefit EV owners who lack home charging capabilities, ensuring access to charging infrastructure for all members of the community.

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The UK’s Push Towards EV Adoption

In addition to the benefits, it's important to consider the broader context of the UK's push towards net-zero emissions. As part of this initiative, the government has mandated that all new builds be EV-ready, signaling a significant shift towards electric mobility infrastructure. This proactive approach by the government demonstrates a commitment to sustainable transportation and lays the groundwork for widespread EV adoption.

For homeowners facing challenges with installing EV chargers, such as those in flats or apartments, this government mandate provides assurance that future housing developments will support EV ownership, making it easier for individuals to transition to electric vehicles.

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Empowering EV Ownership

Installing an EV charger at home offers numerous benefits, including convenience, cost savings, and environmental sustainability. However, for those facing challenges such as limited parking or living in flats, alternative solutions such as workplace charging or community charging initiatives can provide accessible charging options. By embracing home charging and exploring alternative solutions, EV owners can empower themselves to enjoy the full benefits of electric mobility while contributing to a cleaner, greener future.

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Installing Multiple EV Chargers at Your Home

Installing multiple EV chargers at home can offer substantial benefits, particularly for households with several electric vehicles. Many property developers are installing EV chargers at their new build properties for a few different reasons:

1. Future-Proofing: As more people buy electric cars, having chargers ready will make homes more attractive to future buyers.
2. Increased Property Value: Homes with built-in EV chargers are seen as more valuable and can sell faster and for higher prices.
3. Environmental Benefits: Installing EV chargers supports eco-friendly transportation and helps reduce carbon emissions, appealing to environmentally conscious buyers.
4. Convenience: For households with multiple electric cars, having several chargers means all cars can be charged at the same time, making life easier.
5. Regulatory Compliance: In some areas, building codes now require new homes to include EV charging infrastructure, and there may be financial incentives for doing so.

These benefits make the inclusion of multiple EV chargers a smart choice for both developers and homeowners.

Watch the video below where we install 10 EV charge points for a new build development.

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Take Charge of Your EV Experience

Ready to take the next step towards convenient, cost-effective, and sustainable EV ownership? 

Contact our team today to learn more about installing an EV charger at home. Let's work together to make your electric driving experience smoother, greener, and more rewarding than ever before.

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