Electric cars have become increasingly popular, with many switching to them due to their cost savings. One key factor in making the most of these savings is a home charger. With a home charger, electric cars can be as cheap to run as combustion-powered counterparts, even for high-end models like the 900bhp Lotus.
A 7.4kw output is the industry standard for home chargers, providing the same power output regardless of the charger brand, as long as the home has a 32-amp circuit. Chargers with this output typically cost between £100 and £700, before fitting costs and incentives.
Home Charger Options
While the 7.4kw output is standard, there are other options available, including lower outputs for limited power supplies. A 2.3kw ‘granny’ charger, which plugs directly into a three-pin wall socket, can be used as a temporary solution or in scenarios where a permanent charger can’t be installed. These chargers cost between £100 and £300, depending on the manufacturer.
For homes with access to a three-phase supply, typically associated with commercial premises, it’s possible to charge at up to 22kw AC. However, most electric vehicles don’t support this charging speed on an AC supply, so it’s essential to check before investing in a higher-output charger.
The cost of charging an electric vehicle at home can be significantly lower than using public charging points. Energy prices fluctuate, but at the time of writing, charging an electric vehicle like the Lotus at home costs over 4 times less per mile than running a V8-powered petrol equivalent.
Connector Types and Installation
All new electric vehicles use Type 2 connectors for home charging, making it easier for people to use the market. The Type 2 port supports up to 22kw and is used for AC charging. In contrast, the CCS2 port is used exclusively for high-speed public charging.
Installing a home charger requires a certified electrician and can vary significantly in cost, depending on the age of the fuse board, power supply, and supporting hardware. The biggest obstacle to home charging is whether it’s practical to charge an electric vehicle at a given property, considering factors like parking and cable management.
For those who can’t park on a driveway, companies can now install discrete cable channels through the pavement, allowing for safe and convenient charging.
When considering a home charger, it’s also essential to think about energy tariffs. EV-specific energy tariffs offer cheaper rates for a fixed time period, often at night or on weekends, making it more cost-effective to charge an electric vehicle at home. However, these tariffs typically come with higher standing charges, so they need to weigh the costs and benefits.
Premium Charger Features
Higher-end models from brands like Andersen offer additional usability features. These include remote stop and start functions as well as in-app cost tracking. They also provide improved surge protection and designs that can be customized from the factory.
Units come in tethered or untethered versions. Tethered chargers have an integrated cable. Untethered options require a separate cable to be plugged in for each use.
Power Limits and Older Models
Some properties have limited 16-amp power supplies. In these cases, output is limited to 3.6kw. This results in charging times that are about twice as long as the standard output.
Vehicles built before 2020, such as certain Teslas or the Nissan Leaf, use different connectors. Adapters are available for these models to allow for home and public fast charging. A specific adapter for the Nissan costs more than £500.
Electricians often perform a pre-installation visit to assess the property. This process allows them to provide an accurate quote based on the specific setup. The distance between the car and the charger is a key factor to prevent cables from becoming trip hazards.
