With rising petrol prices and many manufacturers now offering far more models and government grants to help with purchasing, tax and charging many people are now investing in an electric vehicle for the first time.

So you’ve just invested in your shiny new electric vehicle but what do you do about getting it charged? There are increasing numbers of charging points around the country but the most cost efficient way to charge your car is with a charge point at your home.

There are a few things that need to be considered before you get your home charging point installed.

Electric Cars Charging Point Installation

Get your main electricity fuse checked.

In order to install a charging point in your home you need to have a compatible main fuse. You will need to have either an 80 or a 100amp fuse installed at your property.

What sort of charger do you need?

There are several types of chargers available today. The first thing to decide is the output you require. You can get 3kW, 7kW and 22kW chargers, the more powerful it is the quicker it will fully charge your car. The 7kW chargers are generally the most common.

Do you want a cable?

You can choose between a tethered or untethered charger. A tethered charger will have a cable, this means you won’ have to carry around a cable in your boot so is more convenient. Tethered cables don’t fit every electric car though. An untethered charger has no cable attached to it, meaning you will need to carry the cable around in your boot. The big advantage of an untethered charger is that is will connect to almost any electric vehicle.

How much does charger installation cost?

The cost of home charging points varies depending on the type of charger you choose. An average cost is around £800 however there are cheaper options. The lower powered 3kW unit could cost you between £250 and £500. The faster, more powerful 7kW chargers can cost between £450 and £800 – and if you want a really fast charger, that can cost up to £1,500 or more.

Grants for Electric Vehicle Charging Points

There is a government grant that can help with the cost of your charging point installation. The electric vehicle homecharge scheme (EVHS) provides a 75% contribution to the cost of one chargepoint and its installation. The grant is capped at £350 and has a couple of requirements for eligibility.

Firstly the person must own, lease or have ordered a qualifying vehicle and secondly they must have off street parking available. The government’s website has more information about EVHS and the vehicles that are eligible

HMS Electrical Can Help

If you’ve just bought a new electric vehicle and are looking to get a home charging point installed, give us a call today and we can help you get the best charging point for your needs.