Switching to an electric vehicle is an exciting step, but choosing the right EV charger for your home can feel like a big decision. With a wide range of chargers available, it’s important to understand what makes one option more suitable than another. By looking at your car, your lifestyle, and your property, you can make a confident choice that ensures safe, efficient charging every day.
A Step-by-Step Guide to Choosing Your EV Charger
Step 1: Decide on Charging Speed
The main difference between chargers is their power output. A standard 7kW charger is the most popular for UK homes because it recharges most cars overnight. If your property has three-phase electricity, a 22kW charger could be an option for much faster charging, but this is often unnecessary for typical daily driving.
Step 2: Check Vehicle Compatibility
Not all chargers work with every car. Some EVs have different connector types, and not every charger supports them. Before making a choice, confirm the charger is compatible with your vehicle’s plug and battery capacity. This prevents unexpected issues and ensures safe, efficient charging.
Step 3: Think About Smart Features
Smart chargers are becoming the new standard. These let you schedule charging at cheaper off-peak hours, track your energy use, and even pair your charger with solar panels if you generate your own electricity. These features give you more control and can reduce your running costs over time.
Step 4: Consider Location and Installation
The position of your charger makes a big difference to convenience. Most homeowners choose to mount the charger on an outside wall or near the driveway. A qualified installer will assess your property, check your electrical supply, and make sure the unit is installed safely with the right cabling and protective devices in place.
Step 5: Plan for the Future
If you’re likely to upgrade your car or add another EV in the coming years, future-proofing is worth thinking about. Some chargers can be updated with new software, support higher capacities, or allow for load balancing between two vehicles. Making this choice now can save you the cost of upgrading later.
Step 6: Weigh Up Costs and Incentives
The price of EV chargers can vary depending on the speed, features, and installation complexity. While it’s an investment, government grants and schemes can sometimes reduce the upfront cost. Over time, the savings you make from home charging compared to public charging or petrol quickly add up, making it a cost-effective decision.
EV Charger Installations in Brighton and Hove
Resistance Electrical offers expert EV charger installations. Our skilled team of EV charger installers will guide you through choosing the right unit and ensure it’s fitted safely and professionally to suit your property. Call us today on 07935923323 or fill out our contact form to arrange your EV charging installation.
