Electric Vehicle Charge Points (EVCP)
An EV charge point is a product which supplies electricity to your plugin electric car. It makes it easier and faster to charge your electric car when you are at home. This comprehensive guide will answer your questions and explain the process of purchasing and installing an electric car charge point at your property.
Certified EVCP Installers
Flexi-Orb launched the first UKAS accredited EVCP Installation Scheme because of audit reports that raised concerns about the safety of some installations that were independently assessed. Installers that are certified to the Scheme have demonstrated the highest quality of installation competency, and are monitored and reassessed regularly.
Charging your car at home
Charging your electric vehicle at home is generally the cheapest and most convenient option. Currently, there are two options available to you that will determine the speed and efficiency of charging, these are:
- Using a regular three-pin socket – a standard method which comes with an electric. It can take 6 to 8 hours to charge your vehicle.
- A fast electric car charging point: which you can install on your property and reduce the time it takes to charge your vehicle by up to 60%.
Choosing the right type of home charging point
There are three types of electric vehicle ChargePoint: Slow, Fast and Rapid.
Rapid
The fastest way to recharge your car. A rapid ChargePoint provides power at 43kW and typically takes around 30 minutes to charge a vehicle up to 80%. They are the most expensive to use, but not suitable for all vehicle types.
Fast
Fast ChargePoints offer speeds between 7kW and 22kW and are ideal when vehicles are parked for a few hours.
Slow
Slow ChargePoints provide power up to 3kW. They are the cheapest to use and most suitable when a vehicle is parked for a length of time such as overnight or when you’re at work.
The rate at which your vehicle can be charged is determined by the vehicle’s onboard charger which converts Alternating Current (AC) to Direct Current (DC). Details about your vehicle’s onboard charger can be found in your handbook or vehicle brochure.
Choosing the right connector
To be able to connect your electric vehicle to your ChargePoint you’ll need a cable fitted with connectors which match the outlet socket on the charger and the inlet socket on your car.
The type of connector used will depend on whether your electric vehicle is charged using Alternative Current (AC) or Direct Current (DC) and whether you choose a Rapid, Fast or Slow ChargePoint. Your car will come with a standard cable, but you will probably need to purchase another for use at off-site ChargePoints. These cost around £145.
CHAdeMO
50 kW DC
ChargePoint Sustainability
Rapid
CSS
50 kW DC
ChargePoint Sustainability
Rapid
Type 1
7 kW (5-pin) AC
ChargePoint Sustainability
Fast/Slow
Type 2
7-22 kW (7-pin) AC
ChargePoint Sustainability
Fast/Slow
Choosing the right chargepoint cable: permanent or removable?
The cable that connects your electric vehicle to the charging unit can be permanently attached to the ChargePoint (tethered) or removable (untethered). You can use both options at home but when you are using public charging points you may want to purchase a removable (untethered) cable in case a public ChargePoint doesn’t have a permanent cable.
Arranging the installation of a home chargepoint
To arrange an installation you should consider the following steps:
- Find a reputable installer by either contacting us or visiting the OZEV website to access Electric Vehicle Homecharge Scheme authorised installers.
- Contact two or three installers to arrange a visit for a quote.
- Make sure that the potential new ChargePoint being quoted is compatible with your electric vehicle.
- If there are any major differences ask the installer why.
- Choose an installer and ask when the installation can take place, how long it will take and what you need to do to prepare for the installation.
And of course, make sure that the Installer is assessed to the Flexi-Orb Scheme for the Installation of Electric Vehicle Charge Points.
FAQs
These are the questions we are most frequently asked about ev charging points.
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How much does it cost to charge an EV?
Charging your electric vehicle (EV) at home is not only convenient but can also be cost-effective. The overall cost of charging depends on several factors, including your electricity tariff, the size of your vehicle’s battery, and your driving habits. Assuming a tariff rate of 24.5p per kWh, the cost to fully charge a typical electric vehicle with a 60kWh battery would be £14.70. However, if you are able to charge overnight, for example, at a cost of 10p per kWh, the same full charge would only cost you £6.00.
To get a clearer picture of what it would cost based on your specific circumstances, use GoCompare’s Electric Car Charging Cost Calculator. This handy tool takes into account your electricity costs and vehicle specifications to provide you with a more accurate estimate.
By understanding these costs, you can better manage your energy consumption and budget, ensuring that your switch to electric driving is as efficient and economical as possible.
How much does it cost to install a home car charger?
Installation costs including the ChargePoint range between £400 to £1000, depending on how powerful the charger is (i.e. rapid/fast/slow). To reduce the cost of a new ChargePoint, the Government is running the Electric Vehicle Homecharge Scheme.
Eligibility – If you are the registered keeper, or the primary user, of an eligible electric vehicle you could receive up to 75% (capped at £350, inc VAT) off the total cost of the ChargePoint and installation costs.
| Item Breakdown | Cost |
| Installation Costs including ChargePoint | £400 to £1000 |
| 75% funding from the Electric Vehicle Homecharge Scheme | £300 to £350 |
| Actual cost | £100 to £650 |
| Extra Connection cable approx. | £145 |
How do I prepare for the installation of an EV charging point?
There are a few things you’ll need to do before the installation can take place:
- Decide where you want the charger located: whether it’s on the side of the house or in the garage. Think about the logistics of where your electric car is parked when it needs charging.
- Easy access to your electricity meter and up to where the charger is being located is free from any blockages.
- If you’ve chosen to have a Smart ChargePoint make sure you have your Wi-Fi password ready to hand so the installer can connect your ChargePoint to the internet.
It’s not necessary to apply for planning permission as long as the unit is within the boundaries of your home and doesn’t fall into any of these categories:
- Within two metres of a highway.
- Over 1.6m in height for ground units or more than 0.2 cubic meters in volume for wall-mounted units.
- In or within the grounds of a listed building.
What happens before, during and after an EV charging point installation?
The installation process
- You will be given an installation time slot by your installer
- Your installer will confirm that your chosen location for the ChargePoint is suitable and complete a final safety check of all electrics
- The ChargePoint will then be installed and tested
- You’ll be given a demonstration on how to use the ChargePoint
- Your installer should contact your distribution network operator (DNO) to inform them that your ChargePoint has been installed
As a guide, the installation process should take an average of four hours, unless your installation requires cabling being run under floorboards or any other preliminary work.
What does a standard installation include?
Generally, a standard installation will include:
- Checking the property’s electrical connections and earthing arrangements must meet current regulations
- Fitting the ChargePoint onto a brick, stone or plaster wall
- A 10/15 metre cable which runs from the ChargePoint to the electric vehicle which is clipped to the wall between the electricity supply meter and the ChargePoint
- Routing the cable through a drilled hole in a wall up to 500mm (20 inches) thick
- Fitting and testing all electrical cables and necessary protections
- Installation of circuit protection in keeping with BS7671 regulations
What does a finished installation include?
- The area around the electric vehicle ChargingPoint and electricity meter is clear and tidy
- The cables are tied and not causing a hazard
- Your installer shows you how to use the electric vehicle ChargingPoint
- You receive instructions on how to use the electric vehicle ChargingPoint
What are the benefits of home vehicle charge points?
A Smart ChargePoint provides a fast charge of 7 kW and is controlled via software which you download in the form of an App. These are some of the features and benefits you can access through the App:
- automatically charges when electricity is in low demand thereby reducing your energy bills
- can charge during off peak periods
- track your energy consumption and charging history
- tell the App when you want your car ready each day, so optimising your charging time
- instantly get full power, over-riding any previous settings
Where can you buy EV charging points?
Most installers have a range of units available and are able to talk you through the pro’s and con’s of each, but if you prefer to buy your own EV ChargePoint, they can be purchased from some online retailers such as Amazon.
If you decide to purchase your unit separately to the installation, please make sure you check the manufacturer’s warranty and any guarantees and make sure they are eligible for the Electric Vehicle Homecharge Scheme grant. A list of approved manufacturers and models can be found here.
Are you looking for a EV Charge Point Installer?
By choosing a Flexi-Orb Certified Installer you can be confident in the knowledge that your installation will be carried out by a qualified and experienced professional who has undergone rigorous training and assessment to meet our exacting standards.
Plus, all our certified installers are reviewed regularly and have appropriate insurance and warranties in place to protect you and ensure peace of mind.
Don’t settle for less… choose a Flexi-Orb Certified Installer!
