EV charger installation in Blackpool

Installing an EV charger at home in Blackpool offers convenience and can significantly reduce running costs for electric vehicle owners. However, Blackpool's unique character, with its mix of Victorian terraces, seaside flats, and newer developments, means that off-street parking isn't always a given, which directly influences charger installation options. This guide cuts through the complexity, providing Blackpool residents with clear, localised guidance on everything from charger types to grants and smart energy optimisation.

Understanding EV charging in Blackpool

Bringing EV charging home means understanding the local energy landscape and the clear benefits it offers.

Blackpool's unique energy landscape

Blackpool sits within the 'North West England' electricity price cap region, meaning your electricity unit rates and daily standing charges are influenced by regional caps set by Ofgem, which are updated quarterly. Your local Distribution Network Operator (DNO) is Electricity North West1, responsible for the local grid infrastructure and power supply. Any New EV charger installation in Blackpool must be notified to Electricity North West under the ENA connect-and-notify process, a step usually handled by your installer to ensure grid safety and compliance. If you experience a power cut in Blackpool, dialling the free national number 105 will route you directly to your DNO for assistance.

Benefits of home EV charging

Having an EV charger at home offers unparalleled convenience. You can charge overnight, waking up to a full "tank" every morning, eliminating trips to public charging stations. Home charging is often more cost-effective2, especially when paired with smart tariffs that offer cheaper electricity during off-peak hours. It also adds value to your property and provides a reliable, dedicated charging point that's always available.

Choosing the right EV charger for your Blackpool home

Selecting the right EV charger involves understanding the different types available and the features that best suit your needs.

Types of home EV chargers

Home EV chargers primarily come in two types3:

• Untethered chargers: These units require you to use your car's charging cable, offering flexibility if you own multiple EVs with different connector types.
• Tethered chargers: These have a cable permanently attached, providing convenience as you don't need to retrieve your car's cable each time you charge.

Most home chargers are "fast chargers" (typically 7kW), which can fully charge an average EV overnight. Rapid chargers (50kW+) are generally found at public stations.

Key features to consider

When choosing an EV charger, consider these features:

• Power output: Most home chargers are 7kW, suitable for overnight charging. Ensure your home's electrical supply can support this.
• Smart charging capabilities: Look for chargers that can connect to Wi-Fi and be controlled via an app. This allows for scheduling charges, monitoring energy usage, and taking advantage of off-peak electricity rates.
• Tethered vs untethered: Decide whether you prefer the convenience of a built-in cable or the flexibility of using your car's cable.
• Safety features: Ensure the charger has built-in safety mechanisms like overcurrent protection and residual current detection.
• Compatibility: Check that the charger is compatible with your specific EV model. Understanding how to pick the right home EV charger can make a big difference to your charging experience.

The EV charger installation process in Blackpool

Installing an EV charger involves several key steps, from finding the right professional to ensuring regulatory compliance.

Finding an approved installer

The first crucial step is to find a reputable, OZEV-approved installer in Blackpool. OZEV (Office for Zero Emission Vehicles) approval is essential if you plan to apply for any government grants, as only installations carried out by approved installers are eligible. These professionals are trained to meet safety standards and understand the specific requirements for EV charger installations. For more details on the process, you can explore our guide on EV charger installation.

The role of your Distribution Network Operator (DNO)

As Blackpool's DNO, Electricity North West plays a vital role in the installation process. New EV charger installations must be notified to them under the ENA connect-and-notify process regulations. This notification ensures that your home's electrical supply and the local grid can safely handle the increased demand from your charger. Your OZEV-approved installer will typically manage this notification process on your behalf, ensuring all necessary paperwork is completed and submitted correctly.

Installation steps and safety

The installation process generally involves:

1. Site survey: An installer will assess your property to determine the best location for the charger, check your electrical panel's capacity, and plan the cable routing.
2. Quotation: Based on the survey, you'll receive a detailed quote outlining costs and proposed work.
3. DNO notification: The installer will notify Electricity North West of the planned installation.
4. Installation: The charger unit is mounted, wired into your home's electrical system, and tested.
5. Certification: Upon completion, you'll receive an electrical installation certificate.

Safety is paramount. Always use a qualified and certified electrician to install your EV charger to ensure it meets all UK electrical safety standards.

Grants and costs for EV chargers in Blackpool

Understanding the financial aspects, including available grants and typical costs, is key to planning your EV charger installation.

OZEV grant eligibility for Blackpool residents

The Electric Vehicle Chargepoint Grant, provided by OZEV, offers financial support for eligible flat owner-occupiers and people in rental accommodation across the UK, including Blackpool. The EV Chargepoint Grant for renters and flat owners provides up to £500 towards the cost of installing a home EV charger, provided you own and live in a flat or rent any residential property and have private off-street parking. Similarly, the EV Chargepoint Grant for households with on-street parking provides up to £500 if you are installing a cross-pavement solution. It's crucial to check the specific eligibility criteria on the government's website, as the grant is not available for single-unit homeowners in a house with private off-street parking. Your chosen installer must be OZEV-approved for you to claim this grant.

Understanding installation costs

The total cost of installing an EV charger in Blackpool can vary. Factors influencing the price include:

• Type of charger: Some smart chargers or those with advanced features may cost more.
• Installation complexity: Longer cable runs, upgrading your consumer unit, or complex routing can increase labour costs.
• Property's electrical system: Older homes might require upgrades to their electrical infrastructure to safely accommodate a new charger.
• Grant deduction: The OZEV grant, if you're eligible, will reduce your out-of-pocket expenses.

While prices vary, expect the total cost before any grants to typically range from £800 to £1,500. Always get multiple quotes from OZEV-approved installers to compare. You can also learn more about how much an EV charger costs in general.

On-street charging solutions

For Blackpool residents without off-street parking, home EV charger installation can be challenging. However, the government's Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) fund supports local authorities in England to plan and deliver public charging infrastructure, particularly for those without off-street parking. This initiative aims to provide charging solutions for those who rely on public parking. If you don't have a driveway, contact Blackpool Council to inquire about their plans for on-street charging options in your area.

Optimising your EV charging with smart energy

Smart charging and time-of-use tariffs

Smart charging allows your EV to charge automatically during periods when electricity is cheapest and often cleanest, typically overnight. By pairing a smart charger with a time-of-use (TOU) electricity tariff, you can significantly reduce your charging costs. These tariffs offer lower rates during off-peak hours, making it economical to charge your EV when demand on the grid is low. Your smart charger can be programmed to automatically start and stop charging based on these tariff periods.

Integrating EV charging with your home energy system

Integrating your EV charging with a broader home energy system, particularly through smart energy management, offers greater control and potential savings. Fuse Energy empowers Blackpool residents to optimise their EV charging by turning it into a 'power play' for savings and control. Fuse can install an Easee One EV charger at your property, simplifying the upgrade process for Blackpool homeowners. Integrating EV charging with Fuse's smart energy ecosystem helps Blackpool residents contribute to a more efficient and sustainable local grid, aligning with the vision of rebuilding the energy system from scratch.

References

1. Community Energy England. SP Electricity North West | Principal Supporter.
2. RAC. Electric car charging – how it works and how much it costs.
3. Drive Electric. EV Charging Stations Explained | Charging Guide.