Important Things To Know About EV Chargers

Luke Webb

07/03/2024

The Basics of EV Charging

Electric and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles operate similarly to any other chargeable devices or electronics. They are connected to a charging point, drawing electricity from the grid. In the UK, most chargers are Type 2, featuring a seven-pin design and powered by Alternating Current (AC).

The slowest chargers are utilised at home or in workplaces, offering limited charging capacity through a standard AC power outlet. Although your EV usually includes this charger, it is notably slow and often the least preferred charging option. These chargers use standard 3-pin plug-ins that provide 2-3kw. If your battery is significantly depleted, it could take up to 36 hours to reach a full 100% charge.

The most affordable option is a 3.6kw EV charger, but the most common type is a 7kw charger. This provides a significantly higher charging capacity, resulting in faster EV charging, typically taking 6-8 hours. Installing a 22kw charger at your home or business is also an option, but it depends on factors like requiring a three-phase electricity supply. Additionally, ensure your vehicle can support speeds exceeding 7kw. The great thing about 22kw is that it can charge your car three times faster.

Before installing an EV charging station, certain requirements need to be taken into account:

Property ownership: If you own the property, you won’t require external approval, simplifying the process.
Access to private parking: For both residential and commercial settings, having off-street parking is essential to ensure the EV charger is conveniently located near your vehicle without causing disruptions in public areas.
Wi-Fi connection: Installing an EV charger necessitates access to Wi-Fi for connection to a central server, especially with smart chargers that link to an app.
Professional installation: It is crucial to hire a skilled technician for the installation of the charger. For more information, reach out to us at Maisum.

Saving On Your Expenses

Setting up your personal electric charger costs nearly half as much as using public charging stations. Both options are more cost-effective than petrol. While plugging into a 3-pin UK socket is feasible, these sockets are not designed to handle high electric loads. It is advisable to reserve this for emergencies or situations where even public charging points are unavailable. Using a 3-pin socket is slower, while a 7kW power source can charge three times faster. Similar to investing in solar panels, purchasing your own electric charging station may appear daunting due to the initial expense, but it will lead to long-term savings.

Petrol prices are continuously on the rise, mirroring the increase in living expenses. Although there were brief signs of a decrease in petrol prices last year, they surged again in January. Additionally, public charging costs escalated by 11% over the course of a year. ZapMan reports that only 8.5% of public charging services are of no cost.

Benefits For Your Business

Despite this, there is a rising trend among commercial enterprises to install EV chargers for their employees’ convenience. The Arvil Mobility Observatory discovered that currently, only 1 in 5 businesses provide on-site charging, but this is expected to increase to 2 in 5 within the next year. While the costs may appear substantial for businesses, the benefits are numerous. Future-proofing your workplace is a wise move to stay ahead of the rapidly growing electric car usage trend. This not only benefits employees but also enhances the appeal of your business to visitors, clients, and potential investors. Furthermore, with the increasing cost of living in the UK, employees are seeking ways to save on expenses, making a company EV charging station a valuable employee retention strategy.

Another significant advantage for businesses is the availability of government grants that may fund up to 75% of expenses for eligible applicants. To qualify, your business should have 249 employees or fewer, provide off-street parking, adhere to fire safety regulations, and meet other criteria. You could receive up to 5 grants for 5 different businesses.

The number of government grants that have supported installations in homes or businesses.

Environmental Benefits

Maisum always prioritises environmental sustainability and collaborates with partners who share this ethos. One major benefit of installing EV chargers at your business or residence is the significant reduction in your carbon footprint. Just like solar panels, owning an electric vehicle and charging it at home results in zero emissions. With the UK’s goal of achieving a net-zero society by 2050, transitioning to electric vehicles is a positive step forward.

Benefits For Your Home

One significant advantage of home charging is the rise in property value. Green initiatives in both businesses and homes can enhance home value, as future-proofing appeals to potential buyers. According to the Property Buying Company, a property with a charger may see a 30% increase in value. Additionally, installing solar panels could further boost your home’s value by 4-14%. Furthermore, there are misconceptions about the effectiveness of electric charging. These chargers are designed to withstand harsh weather conditions like rain and snow without any risk of electric shocks or power outages.

One of the key benefits of home chargers is that they enable electric car owners to wake up to a fully charged vehicle every morning. In our fast-paced lives, eliminating the need to travel to charge or visit petrol stations simplifies daily routines. Whether for a short while or overnight for longer trips, having a home charger not only streamlines life but also contributes to cost savings and environmental preservation.

We offer a wide range of EV charging from some of the leading brands. There are various types of EV chargers available including individual charging speed and compatibility. To find out more, click on our name below.

Maisum Renewable Energy

The Basics of EV Charging

Electric and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles operate similarly to any other chargeable devices or electronics. They are connected to a charging point, drawing electricity from the grid. In the UK, most chargers are Type 2, featuring a seven-pin design and powered by Alternating Current (AC).

Saving On Your Expenses

Benefits For Your Business

Environmental Benefits

Benefits For Your Home

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