Car charger installation costs and grants

Installing an electric vehicle (EV) charger at home offers unparalleled convenience and can significantly reduce running costs compared to public charging. This guide details the installation process, potential expenses, and current UK government grant eligibility, focusing on transparent costs and the importance of professional installation.

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Understanding home EV charger installation

Why install a home EV charger?

A home EV charger provides ultimate convenience, allowing you to start each day with a full battery by charging overnight. This eliminates the need for frequent public charging stops, making EV ownership more seamless. Beyond convenience, home charging, particularly with smart tariffs, can be significantly cheaper than public charging, helping you manage your energy consumption and costs more effectively.

Key considerations before installation

Before installing an EV charger, assess your property and electrical setup. You'll need off-street parking, such as a driveway or garage, to meet the installation requirements. If you rent your home or live in a flat, you'll need written permission from your landlord or property management company. An electrical safety check may also be necessary, especially for properties with older wiring, to ensure your electrical system can support the additional load. All modern chargers must be smart, requiring an internet connection via Wi-Fi or mobile data.

Home EV charger installation costs

The cost of installing an EV charger at home can vary, but transparency is key. Fuse Energy offers clear, upfront pricing for its installation services.

Base installation cost: Fuse's Easee one charger

Fuse Energy offers the Easee One EV charger, including installation, for a base cost of £899. This price typically covers standard installation, which includes up to 15m of cabling, surge protection, and a 3-year warranty for the charger.

Potential electrical upgrades and their costs

Sometimes, additional electrical work is needed to ensure your home's system can safely support an EV charger. These upgrades are common and have specific costs:

• Meter tail upgrades: Replacing the cables between your electricity meter and consumer unit with higher-capacity ones costs £100. This upgrade is often needed if you're installing high-capacity devices like EV chargers or heat pumps.
• Isolator switch installation: An isolator switch, which provides a safety cut-off at the meter, costs £170 when installed standalone. If you're getting a smart meter upgrade and don't currently have a smart meter, an isolator can be included free of charge as part of that meter exchange.

Factors influencing total installation price

Several factors can influence the total cost of your EV charger installation, including the complexity of the wiring, the length of cable required beyond the standard 15m, and any necessary groundworks if the charger is located far from your main electrical supply. Properties requiring significant electrical infrastructure upgrades or those with older wiring may incur higher costs.

Navigating OZEV grants for EV chargers

The UK government's Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV) chargepoint grants aim to accelerate EV adoption. However, the eligibility criteria have changed significantly.

Current OZEV grant eligibility

The generic Electric Vehicle Homecharge Scheme (EVHS) for homeowners with off-street parking has been discontinued. Current OZEV grants are now targeted at specific groups:

• EV chargepoint grant for renters and flat owners: This grant provides up to £500 towards installation costs. You must own and live in a flat, or rent any residential property, and have private off-street parking.
• EV chargepoint grant for households with on-street parking: Also providing up to £500, this grant is for those who own or rent a property and only have on-street parking. It requires the installation of a cross-pavement solution, such as a charging gully.
• Workplace charging scheme (WCS): Businesses, charities, and public sector organisations can receive up to £500 per socket, for up to 40 sockets across all sites.
• EV chargepoint grant for landlords: Landlords can claim up to £500 per socket, for up to 200 sockets across their portfolio.
• WCS for state-funded education institutions: This scheme provides up to £2,000 per chargepoint socket, up to 40 sockets across all sites.

Who is not eligible for domestic grants?

A typical homeowner who owns and lives in a house with private off-street parking does not qualify for any current domestic chargepoint grant. This is a common misconception, as the previous scheme that covered this group is no longer available.

How to apply for an OZEV grant

For all current domestic OZEV chargepoint grants, the customer must apply for the grant themselves via the GOV.UK eligibility and application page. Fuse Energy, as an OZEV-approved installer, can provide the necessary documentation, but does not handle the grant application process on behalf of the customer for domestic schemes.

The EV charger installation process

Installing an EV charger is a structured process designed to ensure safety and compliance.

Initial assessment and quote

The process begins with an initial assessment of your property. This typically involves submitting photos of your meter, fuse board, and a video of the proposed installation location. This allows the installer to verify feasibility and provide a detailed quote that includes any potential electrical upgrades.

Installation day: what to expect

On the day of installation, a qualified electrician will carry out the work, which usually takes a few hours depending on complexity. The power may need to be switched off temporarily, but the engineer will inform you beforehand. Installations must comply with BS 7671 (IET Wiring Regulations) and be carried out by a qualified electrician.

Post-installation: DNO notification and aftercare

After installation, your qualified electrician will notify your Distribution Network Operator (DNO) about the new load. This is a standard procedure to ensure the safe integration of your charging system into the electricity grid and that the local network can handle the additional demand, particularly for standard 7kW single-phase chargers.

Choosing the right EV charger and installer

Selecting the right EV charger and a reputable installer is crucial for a reliable and efficient home charging experience.

Key features of the Easee one charger

The Easee One charger, offered by Fuse Energy, is a popular choice for home EV charging. It features a 32A current rating, delivering a 7.4 kW power output. It comes with a 3-year warranty and has a universal socket, making it compatible with all EVs. Its compact dimensions (H256 × W193 × D106 mm) ensure a minimal visual impact. The Easee One also includes built-in RCD protection and open PEN conductor protection, eliminating the need for an earth rod in many installations.

Benefits of choosing an OZEV-approved installer

Choosing an OZEV-approved installer like Fuse Energy ensures that your installation meets high safety and quality standards. OZEV-approved installers are qualified to carry out the work in compliance with electrical regulations, providing peace of mind and ensuring any eligible grants can be claimed.

The importance of 24/7 customer support

Reliable customer support is invaluable throughout the installation process and beyond. Fuse Energy provides 24/7 human customer support, ensuring you have assistance whenever you need it, from initial queries to post-installation support.

Optimising your EV charging at home

Once your EV charger is installed, you can take steps to maximise its efficiency and minimise your running costs.

Leveraging dual-rate variable tariffs for savings

Smart charging with dual-rate variable tariffs can significantly reduce your energy costs. These tariffs offer cheaper electricity rates during off-peak hours, typically overnight, allowing you to charge your EV when demand on the grid is lower and energy is more abundant. By scheduling your charging sessions to align with these cheaper periods, you can make substantial savings on your electricity bill.

Smart charging features and benefits

Modern EV chargers, like the Easee One, come with smart features that allow you to schedule charging, monitor energy consumption, and even integrate with solar panels if you have them. These features enable you to take full advantage of dual-rate tariffs by automatically charging your vehicle during the most cost-effective times. Smart charging not only saves you money but also contributes to a more stable energy grid by shifting demand away from peak times.

Integrating your charger with your energy supply

Connecting your EV charger to your energy account, such as through the Fuse Energy app, allows for seamless control and optimisation. This integration provides visibility into your charging patterns and costs, empowering you to make informed decisions about when and how you charge your EV.

Installing an EV charger at home is a smart investment for any electric vehicle owner, offering unparalleled convenience and significant cost savings. By understanding the installation process, navigating current OZEV grants, and leveraging smart charging with dual-rate variable tariffs, you can ensure a smooth and cost-effective transition to home EV charging. Fuse Energy provides professional installation of the Easee One charger, transparent pricing, and 24/7 human customer support to guide you every step of the way.

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