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The four main considerations that EV drivers have when purchasing an EV home charger are: energy efficiency, ease of use, warranty, and data insights.
As the number of electric vehicles (EVs) on the road skyrockets and is expected to reach 200 million by the end of the decade, more and more people are discovering the benefits of driving electric and the ability to charge their cars at home.
Still, for many, driving electric cars is a completely new experience, let alone charging one. With a myriad of different home charging stations, each offering various features, charging speeds, and coming at a range of costs, how do you know which one is the best for you?
In our latest Mobility Monitor report, we’ve asked thousands of EV drivers which factors they find most important when buying a home charging station. In this article, we break them down for you so that you’ll know exactly what to look out for when you’re in the market for a home charging station.
While there are many different types of EV home charging stations, there is no single perfect one: the best EV home charger is the one that fits your needs the most.
As such, simply choosing the fastest or most advanced charging station may not be the right option if it doesn’t fit your needs.
For instance, you might not need the fastest charger if you use your car for commuting to work and mainly charge at night, as even “slower” charging stations can charge an average EV up in less than 8 hours.
Based on our research in collaboration with Ipsos, we identified the four main considerations that EV drivers have when purchasing an EV home charger:
Energy efficiency;
Ease of use;
Long warranty and service;
Data insights.
Let’s look at each of them in more detail.
With the energy crisis and rising costs across the world, it’s not surprising that energy efficiency is a key consideration for many EV drivers.
Our research – conducted before the height of the energy crisis – shows that 65% of EV drivers consider energy efficiency as the most important factor when looking to purchase an EV home charger, and we can imagine this number will have only increased since.
Beyond just choosing the most efficient charging station for your home, it’s often worth considering smart charging features offered by newer chargers that let you monitor and control your energy use, helping you save even further on charging costs.
The second most important feature EV drivers look for in an EV home charger is the ease of use, with 54% citing it as their main consideration. Switching to electric mobility can seem daunting and complicated enough, and moving away from the familiarity of the gas pump is a big step.
As such, having a charger that makes the transition easy can be a major benefit. For instance, many EV home chargers come with easy-to-understand LED lights that let you quickly tell the status of the charging session. On top of this, many connected charging stations offer smartphone apps that allow you to monitor and control the charging process remotely.
While EV home charging stations come in many different shapes and sizes, they all generally represent a considerable investment. It’s not surprising, then, that 47% of EV drivers cared most about long warranties and 25% about preventative maintenance services.
Indeed, it’s worth taking steps to ensure that your wallbox will last as long as possible. While charging stations almost always come with a standard warranty, some vendors or manufacturers can offer an extended warranty or extra service options. Even though these come at a premium, they may be worth it to help guarantee your wallbox’s longevity.
Connected charging stations can also benefit from software updates and open up opportunities for remote servicing.
Keeping your charging station up-to-date will ensure optimal performance, while remote maintenance allows service providers to diagnose problems remotely based on real-time data and insights, often eliminating the need for an in-person visit altogether.
Perhaps the most underrated aspect of an EV home charger is its connectivity and the insights it unlocks. Still, our research shows that 42% of EV drivers state the ability to view charging session costs and fees as their main consideration, while a further 32% consider access to insights as the most important aspect of an EV home charger.
Connected charging stations can unlock access to a range of real-time insights about energy use and costs, allowing drivers to stay informed throughout the charging process and adjust their behavior accordingly. For instance, knowing your EV’s energy use and how much you currently pay for charging allows you to find ways to reduce and optimize charging costs.
Choosing the right EV home charger for your home can be a difficult decision, so before diving into all the possible options, it’s essential to consider your priorities. As with any investment, it’s worth considering the long run and not making a decision overnight.
If you want to know which type of EV home charger fits best with the capabilities (or limitations) of your electric car, have a look at our handy tool. Since you now have an idea of the 4 main considerations, you still might be wondering if you need one in the first place, what it will cost, and how to get one installed. Luckily, we’ve written a complete and free online guide that will tell you everything you need to know about EV home chargers.
Getting your charger installed may sound daunting. Where do you even begin if this is the first EV charger you’ve ever bought? Can you install it yourself? (You can leave that part to us, by buying this part directly). And how much should it all cost?
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In this article, we’ll walk you through the process of installing an EV charger and answer your most pressing questions. You’ll be all set up in no time. The most important thing to remember is this: a good working charger all depends on having a good installation.
No, unless you’re an electrician with experience in installing EV chargers, don’t do it yourself. Always hire an experienced and certified installer. This might prove to be more expensive in the short-term, but it’s vital for making sure your charger is properly and safely installed and that you comply with all regulations. Furthermore, EV charging points will lose their warranty, if not installed by a certified electrician. You don’t want to risk that.
Use our simulator to choose the right installation for you.
Installing an EV charger safely requires expert knowledge of both your home’s electrical system and the charger itself. Without this expertise, the installation process could go wrong and the safety and performance of your charger could be compromised.
Your charger mediates a high quantity of electricity from your house or apartment building into your car. So, if it’s not correctly installed, you and those nearby (your family, friends or neighbors) stand a chance of being dangerously exposed to this electricity. Therefore, to avoid the risks of fire or electric shock, it’s vital to choose an experienced, specialized EV charging station installer.
Choosing an experienced EV installer also means you’ll be guaranteed compliance with national regulations, such as wiring regulations. When an electrician finishes an EV charger installation, they normally have to certify the installation with a government department. This is a validation that the installation has been completed safely and in compliance with all national regulations. Reputable installation companies will give you a copy of your charger’s compliance certificate. In some countries, having a compliance certificate is compulsory and without it you could face a fine, so make sure you double-check the requirements for where you live.
This compliance certificate isn’t just a reassuring guarantee of your installed charger’s reliability and safety. You also might end up needing it to qualify for insurance payouts if something goes wrong in the future. For instance, if there is an overcurrent due to the charger breaking or an event such as lightning, you’ll want to claim back the damages with your insurance company. Without the compliance certificate, the insurer may refuse to pay out because they don’t have any proof that your charger was correctly installed and protected, to begin with. Moreover, if any issues arise with the EV battery and you need the manufacturer to fix it, you could need the certificate to prove that it is the car, not the charger, that isn’t functioning properly.
And perhaps most importantly, if you’re applying for a grant or incentive, you’ll need to provide the certification of the installation.
It should be clear by now that investing in a trustworthy, experienced installer is worth the money. It’s an investment in safety and regulatory compliance not only for you but for your car, your home and others around you too. Based on our experience, the minimum price for a proper installation by an experienced electrician starts at around €700, though the exact figure will depend on your location and the specific technical requirements of your home.
For example, the distance between your fuse box and your parking spot or driveway will influence the cost of the cable and, therefore, the overall installation costs. So, if your parking spot or driveway is 10m away from the fuse box and your neighbor’s is 50m, your neighbor’s installation costs will be higher than yours. That’s not just down to the greater distance of cabling needed; it’s also because regulations oblige the installer to use higher-diameter cables for longer distances for additional protection, which incurs extra fees. Don’t forget that labor makes up a large proportion of your installation costs. Each of the installation variables mentioned here, such as specific cabling requirements, could also result in increased labor fees as your installer will need to adapt to the specifications of your home.
Ultimately, it’s vital to have this carried out by a certified installer, to have a healthy, working charger that’s long lasting.
When considering costs, it’s also worth looking into national and local EV charging incentives. Many countries offer subsidies and tax rebates for individuals that want to install an EV charging point in their home or adjoining street. Depending on where you live, you could be reimbursed for anywhere from 15 – 90% of your initial charging installation costs. Take a look at our EU EV Charging Incentives Guide to find out which policies you could take advantage of in your home country.
Technician training and quality of service are also key considerations when selecting an EV charging installation service. Look for companies or electricians that have specific expertise in EV charger installation and the often complex regulations that surround it.
Be aware that even the most trusted and experienced electricians may not be familiar with the technical requirements and regulations specific to EV charging stations.
When looking for an installer, you don’t just want a company that installs your charger and then leaves you to figure out how to use it on your own. You should look for a comprehensive service package. Some installers will give pre-installation advice about which charger to opt for, as well as post-installation guidelines for how to use your charger along with its accompanying app or software. Aim for an end-to-end service so you can access expert insights into which type of charger is best for your current and future needs, and full analysis of how to install your charger in the best way for your home and electricity bill. An ideal option would be using a comprehensive service that covers both the charger and its installation.
For example, you might currently have a hybrid car that uses a 3.7 kW charge, but be considering an upgrade to a fully electric car that will require faster charging and more energy in the near future. By discussing with the installation or charger company, you can choose a charger and installation plan that fits both your present hybrid car and could also support your transition to a new EV in the future as well. That way you can simply insert a new charger for your new car when the time comes, rather than having to upgrade your entire installation infrastructure.
EV charger brands are likely to have access to a team of technicians with more advanced knowledge of how to install smart chargers than the average electrician. They’ll also be able to offer advice on using your smart charging app. This is important as some European governments are now mandating that all new private chargers must have smart functionalities built-in.
Installing your EV charger may not be as cheap or as simple as you originally expected. However, by ensuring a proper and professional EV charger installation – notably in terms of taking the time to choose the best installer for you – you will reap the rewards in the long-run. From making sure your charger is safe and complies with national regulation, to actually increase the value of your property, a solid installation service can make all the difference.
Whether you choose a comprehensive package offered by your EV charger provider or hire a local electrician, you should look for reputable, trusted electricians with specific expertise in EV charging station installation. Finally, finding the right installer that offers an end-to-end service will ensure you’re covered for all present and future charging needs.
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