With electric vehicles (EVs) becoming more popular, property buyers are looking for homes that offer an EV charging point.
An EV charger is faster and safer than using a standard plug and electric vehicle service equipment cable, which can take a day to fully charge a vehicle. A dedicated EV charger can be up to three times faster. Ideally, a standard plug and electric vehicle service equipment cable should only be used in an emergency. You should not use an ordinary extension lead.
If you have off-road parking and an EV charger, you can leave your vehicle to charge overnight so that it is fully charged and ready to use in the morning. By using off-peak energy, you may also be able to take advantage of a lower tariff.
Installing an EV charging point
Charging points can be tethered or untethered. If your charging point is untethered, you will also need a cable, which may come with your car. This will need to be put away after charging. A potential advantage of this option is that should the socket-type change in the future, you would not have to pay for a new unit.
A tethered charging point has a fitted cable that stays in the charging unit and needs to be coiled when not in use.
When deciding where to instal the EV charging point, you need to take into consideration where you can park your car without causing a tripping hazard and also ensure that the cable comfortably reaches the charging port on the car.
You will need to park within reach of your Wi-Fi, as the charger will connect to this so that you can control charging and energy use.
Can I install an EV charging point if I own a flat?
If you own a leasehold property with communal parking, it can be more complicated to instal EV charging points. The landlord will own the property, and their consent will be needed.
There are also issues around apportioning electrical use fairly, so that the person charging their car is the only one charged for the electricity used.
You will need to establish whether the lease designates you a particular parking space or whether this has been done informally. If your property does have its own space, then you can ask the freeholder for a licence to add an EV charging point. There may be a fee for this. You will also need to pay the installation costs and any related maintenance charges.
To ensure that the person charging their vehicle is the person who pays for the energy, you will need to consider having the ‘pay as you go’ type of charger.
Is there a grant for installing an EV charging point?
The government offers an electric vehicle chargepoint grant to renters and flat owners. This is £350 or 75% off, whichever is lower.
There is also an option for landlords to apply for a grant or an infrastructure grant if they want to instal EV charging points at their property.
Funding for grants has currently been confirmed until 31 March 2025.
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