We understand that electric cars are new technology, so for many making a choice to install the best electric car charging point take some consideration. So to help you better understand your options, we’ve created this guide to electric car charging points and what’s involved during the installation process.
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Electric Car Charging Grant
£350 towards your OLEV purchase and installation
Can I get the OLEV Grant?
There are five main requirements you must fulfil to be eligible for the OLEV Electric Vehicle Homecharge Scheme. These are:
- You must have purchased an OLEV-eligible electric car or plug-in hybrid vehicle. See if your vehicle is listed here.
- You must have private, off-street parking where a charging cable will not cross a pedestrian pavement.
- The charger must be OLEV-approved. All our chargers are approved (except for the Tesla Wall Connector), but you can check the full list of OLEV-eligible chargers here.
- You need to use an OLEV-approved installer such as Smart Home Charge (trading under Response EPR).
* Content from www.gov.uk
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OLEV Workplace Charging Scheme (WCS)
Grants for businesses installing electric car chargers
Businesses looking to install electric car charging points could be eligible for up to a £14,000 grant.
All businesses from SMEs to multinational corporations could be eligible for £350 per socket at their workplace car park, up to a maximum of 40 at each location. However you must meet the following criteria:
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Must have sufficient off street parking.
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Your fleet does not require currently require electric cars, but you are looking to the future.
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An approved workplace charging point installer must install your charger.
The government workplace electric car charging point installation grant is a voucher based system, follow the steps below to claim:
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Complete an online application form.
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You will receive an e-voucher if successful.
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The voucher code is valid for 120 days from the date of issue.
Learn more about electric car charging
Electric cars are a relatively new thing and for those who need more information before applying for electric vehicle grants, we’ve created this handy guide.
How to Charge an Electric Car at Home
Charging an electric car at home requires the installation of an electric charging point. You can charge your car using a standard three pin plug for occasional charging.
The reason why drivers of electric vehicles choose a home charging point is because of the following features:
- A home charging point is weatherproof.
- An electric car charger is faster than plugging directly into the mains.
What’s the Cost of Installing an Electric Car Charger?
Electric car charging point installation costs just under £500 with the government OLEV grant.
One your charging point is installed you only pay for the electricity you use to charge your car.
Why it makes sense to install an electric car charging point at homes is to take advantage of smart charging using the Economy 7 tariffs which run at 8p per kWh v 14p per kWh on the UK daytime electricity rate.
How Fast you can Charge an Electric Car at Home?
A home charging point for your electric vehicle charges at 3.7kW or 7kW which is about 15-30 miles per hour charged, that’s compared to charging an electric car using a 3 pin plug which provides up to 8 miles per hour charged (2.3kW). You can get charge points that go up to 22kW but these require 3-phase power not commonly available at domestic properties.
Charging speed for electric cars is measured in kilowatts (kW).
However charging speed is limited by your vehicle. Even so, smart electric car charging points limit the charging rate so installing a 7kW charger will not damage your battery.
Installing an Electric Charge Point at Home
Electric car charging points need to be installed by a registered electrician, here’s what’s involved:
- Mounting the electric vehicle charge point onto a solid exterior wall or garage, near to where you park your car.
- Installing a EV charger takes around three hours, but can take longer depending on how complex the process.
- You can book an installation with us or just get in touch to discuss electric car charging point options.
Now is a great time to make big savings on electric car charging point installation
Call us: 07307 149170
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Other electrical
services
Shrewsbury Electricians we offer a wide range of support for our domestic and commercial clients in Shrewsbury and Shropshire:
Fuse board and consumer unit upgrades
Wiring, re-wiring and extension wiring in old and new buildings
Electric underfloor heating and air conditioning
Electric showers, boiler wiring and storage heaters
Customer testimonials
The team carried out various electrical works at our property all to high standard. We will be definitely using Shrewsbury Electricians again.
Shrewsbury Electricians carried out a test and inspection at my rental property, they arrived on time and were very friendly. I received the certificate the following day.
Very pleased with the job. All completed to a high standard. Professional workmen, both reliable and friendly. I would highly recommend Shrewsbury Electricians.
Who to talk to about installing an electric car charging point at home?
While many big electrical companies are now offering to install electric car charging points, it doesn’t guarantee you the best electrician to do the job. Here’s what to look for when choosing a reliable electrician.
