What is an earth rod for an EV charger?
EV chargers that don’t have built-in earthing require an external earth rod. An earth rod is a copper rod that is inserted into the ground and connected to the charger, creating an earthing system for the charger. Earthing is necessary to stop the car body from becoming live. If no earthing is present, this is […]
Is a smart charger necessary for an EV?
Smart chargers are connected EV home chargers that let you create schedules and set kWh price caps to unlock the cheapest possible charging rates. In contrast, dumb chargers are glorified power sockets that are on or off. However, you can still control charging via your vehicle or vehicle’s OEM app. The question of whether a […]
Solar PV to EV charging – how does it work?
Solar PV to EV charging works by utilising solar photovoltaic (PV) panels to generate electricity. The electricity generated is then used to charge an electric vehicle (EV). The electricity generated by the PV panels is converted into alternating current (AC), which is then converted into direct current (DC) by an inverter. The DC current is […]
What factors can slow down EV charging speeds at home?
When charging at home you might experience slower charging speeds than advertised. For example, your 7kWh home charger might only achieve 5kW in the morning. Generally, slow charger speed is caused by the vehicle receiving low voltage from the charger due to inadequate power supply that cannot support the speed. However, there are several other […]
Smart home charger vs socket for EV charging
A smart home charger is a device that can be used to charge an electric vehicle (EV) at home at significantly higher speeds than a standard socket thanks to in-built RCD protection and bolstered circuits that regulate the power flow. The charger is connected directly to your home energy supply and can be customized to […]
How EV charger installation works
Installing an electric car charging point requires a professional electrician to ensure that your property can house one and to plan out where it’ll go. This stage is usually free. The installer will then set up the physical charger – often in a garage or on a driveway – and run up to 10 meters […]
What is smart charging?
You may have noticed that most EV home chargers are labelled ‘smart chargers’. A smart charger is a charger that can take advantage of scheduled times and kWh price caps for greater charging control. Smart chargers are also connected to your smartphone, sometimes syncing directly with your electric car and relaying the vehicle’s charging information […]
Single versus three-phase home EV chargers
When it comes to home EV chargers, you can get a single-phase or three-phase charger, although your home is probably only compatible with single phase. In terms of functionality, single phase chargers are slower, but for most people, single phase delivers the necessary charging speeds for modern motoring. The decision between which one to choose […]
EV home charger installations in Hull – prices and what to expect
EV home charger installations in Hull usually cost between £600 and £1,200, depending on the type and power of the charger. Prices may also vary depending on the supplier and any installation costs. You can expect a fully qualified, accredited engineer to visit your property and carry out a survey and risk assessment. This will […]
Home EV charging costs in 2023
The cost to charge your electric vehicle in 2023 depends on the following factors: Here are some examples: Home charging costs with Energy Price Guarantee However, if you have an Economy 7 or EV energy tariff, you will pay significantly less than 31.8p/kWh when charging during off-peak hours. Home charging costs with off-peak electricity rates […]