Complete Buyers Guide to EV Chargers

In 2035, all the car brands you know will cease to manufacture ICE (Internal Combustion Engine) powered vehicles as the industry looks to move in a more sustainable direction. It won’t be too long after when all you see on Britain’s roads are EVs (Electric Vehicles). Many are already proud owners, and some have been on the bandwagon since the 1997 release of the original Toyota Prius, the world’s first mass-market electric hybrid car. The wonderful thing about EV cars is you don’t have to go to a service station to charge them, you can conveniently do this right at home with electric vehicle chargers. So, with times-a-changing and the future knocking on our door, we felt a complete guide to EV chargers was what the Great British public needed.

This comprehensive guide will take you from setting your budget and getting the most for your money all the way through to installation and maintenance.

Price and Quality

Cost and Warranty

It is always wise to conduct price comparisons when making new purchases to ensure you get the biggest bang for your buck. When it comes to EV chargers, you want to consider more than just the initial outlay. Check the details of the product warranty, the expected lifespan of the unit and average costs for repair to calculate the lifetime cost, thus ensuring you get the best deal around.

Rebates and Incentives

Another great way to bring down the price is to check for any current government or local authority incentives, rebates or tax credits available for purchasing and installing electric vehicle chargers in your area. These incentives can help offset the cost and may even offer discounted repairs.

Brand Reputations and Reviews

Other advisable research to partake in would be looking at product and brand reviews online. This is a great way to get real-life opinions from actual users. You can gain handy insights into ease of use, reliability, durability and ongoing costs which can help you make an educated decision when it comes to EV charger solutions.

Specifications

Compatibility

Different EV models may have different plug types or charging requirements, so it is important to make sure you purchase the correct EV charger for your car. These are typically Type One and Type Two connections. Type One is a five-pin plug and Type Two is a seven-pin plug, so they are not interchangeable. This won’t be a problem going forward for new buyers as the EU intends to set standards for all new EV cars to come with Type Two charging.

Charging Port

If you have more than one EV car at your property, then you may want to consider getting dual port EV chargers installed as they not only save space but can charge two vehicles simultaneously without sacrificing charging speed. Make sure to check the two ports are compatible with your two EV models.

Power Management

Another thing to consider if you have multiple EV cars, or plan to charge other high-power appliances, is an EV charger with power management capabilities to distribute electricity evenly and effectively without overloading your electrical circuit.

Preferences

Charging Cable Length

Do you have a garage at home where your charger will be located, and your car is stored? Do you have a driveway? Do you rely on street parking and can’t guarantee a space directly outside your property? These are all things to consider when you decide on the length of the charging cable you need to ensure it reaches your car charging port securely and doesn’t cause a hazard or obstruction to a public right of way. It is worth noting that, typically, longer cables are available for untethered EV charger solutions.

Charging Speed

Electrical vehicle chargers come with different connections that supply various voltages which affect the speed of the charge. Basically, how long it takes to fill your EV car. Type One chargers provide 120V, Type Two chargers supply 240V and rapid Type Three chargers are much faster, though only available at public charging stations. As important as it is to understand the time it takes to charge your EV, you will need to choose the charger that fits your individual EV model. Typically, people will plug in and top up the charge on their car overnight, keeping the level quite high.

Smart Features

Some EV chargers come with smart features, such as smartphone apps for remote monitoring and control, scheduling and energy consumption tracking. These features can be convenient and help you manage your charging efficiently. Another great benefit of smart features is they can activate push notifications allowing you to know every time your charger is operating and be alerted if it is being used without your permission.

Tethered or Untethered

This is always a question of personal and pragmatics. Firstly, if you have to park a distance from your property then it is highly likely you will need to get an untethered unit as you can get much longer aftermarket charging cables whereas tethered chargers typically only come with up to 10 metres in length. If distance is not an issue, then it is simply down to appearance. An untethered unit can look neater without having cable storage and takes up less space on your wall, but you must ensure you keep your cable handily placed and never leave it anywhere. Also, you will need somewhere to store it either way.

Installation

Installation Regulations

It is always wise to be informed of any regulations regarding any plans you may have to ensure you don’t fall foul of local authorities. It is recommended to research any local building codes and regulations regarding the installation and use of EV chargers to ensure you meet all criteria for compliance. This is essential for safety and legal reasons.

Maintenance

Maintaining home electrical vehicle chargers is essential to ensure its safe and efficient operation. This includes regularly inspecting the charger, cable and plugs for wear and tear and physical damage, tightening any loose connections and keeping the unit clean and clear of dust, dirt and debris. If your charger unit is located externally, then it is also important to keep it protected from the elements with some housing, and if it comes with smart features, you will want to check for regular updates to ensure all features function optimally.