EV charger installation in Bournemouth

Installing an electric vehicle (EV) charger at home in Bournemouth offers convenience and control over your energy use. For residents of this coastal town, with its diverse property types, understanding the local electricity network, energy costs, and available grants is key to finding the right home charging solution.

Understanding home EV charging in Bournemouth

Why install a home EV charger?

Having an EV charger at home provides unparalleled convenience. You can simply plug in your electric vehicle overnight and wake up to a fully charged battery, ready for your daily commute or a trip to the New Forest or along the Jurassic Coast. This routine integrates effortlessly into your life, ensuring your car is always prepared.

The benefits for Bournemouth residents

For Bournemouth residents, a home EV charger means greater independence and control over your energy use. You can take advantage of off-peak electricity tariffs, which can make charging significantly cheaper than using public options. This is especially relevant given Bournemouth's location within the "Southern England" electricity distribution region, where energy unit rates and standing charges are set by Ofgem's price cap and updated quarterly. Charging at home also reduces reliance on public infrastructure, which can be a relief during peak tourist seasons or busy summer weekends.

Local considerations for EV charger installation

Bournemouth's electricity network: SSEN

Bournemouth's electricity supply is managed by Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN), the Distribution Network Operator (DNO) for the area. Any new home EV charger installation requires notification to SSEN under the ENA connect-and-notify process. This regulatory requirement ensures your new charger can connect safely and stably to the local electricity network. Typically, a qualified installer will handle this notification on your behalf, streamlining the process. Should you experience a power cut in Bournemouth, dialling the free national number 105 will route you directly to your DNO for assistance. You can also find your network operator using the Energy Networks Association (ENA) postcode tool.

Energy costs in the 'Southern England' price cap region

Bournemouth falls within the "Southern England" electricity distribution region, which influences your energy bills. Ofgem sets a regional price cap for electricity, dictating the maximum unit rates and standing charges suppliers can apply. These caps are updated quarterly, on 1 January, 1 April, 1 July, and 1 October. Understanding this regional pricing helps you anticipate the running costs of your EV charger and choose tariffs that suit your charging habits.

On-street charging options for Bournemouth homes

Not every home in Bournemouth has a driveway suitable for a dedicated EV charger. For those in flats or terraced houses without off-street parking, local councils can install on-street residential chargepoints through initiatives like the Local EV Infrastructure (LEVI) Fund. This fund supports local authorities in England to roll out charging infrastructure for residents without off-street parking, ensuring EV ownership remains viable across different property types in Bournemouth.

The EV charger installation process explained

Initial assessment and site survey

The first step in getting a home EV charger is an initial assessment. A qualified installer will visit your Bournemouth property to evaluate your electrical system, check your fuse box, and determine the best location for your chargepoint. They will consider factors like cable routing, proximity to your parking spot, and compliance with safety regulations. This survey ensures your home is suitable and identifies any potential upgrades needed. For more details on the process, you can read our guide to EV charger installation.

Choosing the right charger type

Home EV chargers come in various types, primarily differing in charging speed and smart features. Many residential installations offer around 7.4kW, providing a good balance of speed and cost. You will also decide between a tethered charger (with a permanently attached cable) or an untethered one (where you use your car's own cable). Smart chargers offer additional benefits, such as scheduling charging during off-peak hours and integrating with home energy management systems. To help you decide, consider our guide on how to pick the right home EV charger.

Installation and testing

Once the charger type is chosen and the site is prepared, the installation itself is typically a straightforward process for a certified electrician. This involves wiring the chargepoint to your home's electricity supply and ensuring all connections are safe and compliant with current regulations. After installation, the charger will be thoroughly tested to confirm it is working correctly and safely. Your installer will also provide you with all necessary certification and explain how to use your new chargepoint.

Grants and funding for EV chargers in Bournemouth

OZEV EV chargepoint grant eligibility

The UK government offers several OZEV (Office for Zero Emission Vehicles) EV chargepoint grants1, which provide financial support for home EV charger installations. For instance, the EV Chargepoint Grant for renters and flat owners provides up to £500 towards the cost of installing a chargepoint at your property. This grant is available if you own and live in a flat, or rent any residential property, and have private off-street parking. Additionally, the EV Chargepoint Grant for households with on-street parking offers up to £500 for those installing a cross-pavement solution. It is important to note that these grants are not available to all homeowners; for example, owner-occupiers in a house with private off-street parking are generally not eligible for current domestic chargepoint grants.

How to apply for the grant

For all current domestic OZEV chargepoint grants, the customer applies for the grant themselves via the GOV.UK eligibility and application page. The OZEV-authorised installer's role begins only after your application has been approved. This process simplifies things for Bournemouth residents, allowing you to focus on enjoying your new EV charger.

Choosing your EV charger and installer

Key features to look for in a charger

When selecting an EV charger, consider its power output (many home chargers are around 7.4kW), whether it is tethered or untethered, and its smart features. Smart chargers, which can connect to your home's Wi-Fi, allow for scheduled charging, remote control via an app, and integration with broader home energy management systems. These features can help you optimise charging times to take advantage of cheaper off-peak electricity rates, putting you in control of your energy use.

Finding a qualified EV charger installer Bournemouth

Choosing the right installer in Bournemouth is crucial for a safe and efficient installation. Look for installers with specific experience in the local area, who understand SSEN's requirements and the ENA connect-and-notify process. A reliable installer will offer a comprehensive service, from the initial site survey to post-installation support. Fuse Energy works with qualified partners who are experts in modern energy solutions, including seamless EV charger integration. With 24/7 human customer support and a transparent app that integrates EV charging into your broader home energy management, Fuse offers peace of mind and greater control over your energy use.

References

1. UK Government. Electric vehicle chargepoint grants