Electric vehicles (EVs) are not a trend anymore. Drivers in London are abandoning petrol and diesel, and are motivated by the rising fuel costs, the spread of Ultra Low Emission Zones (ULEZ), and the increasing concern with sustainability. However, the purchase of an EV itself is a thrilling process, and then the bigger question is, How am I going to charge it?
The public charging stations are increasing exponentially, and it is becoming apparent to the majority of people in London that the actual convenience lies in having a charger at home. Whether you’re a first-time EV owner or planning to switch soon, understanding the process and benefits of EV charger installation in London can make the transition much smoother.
What Does EV Charger Installation in London Involve?
In straightforward terms, EV charger installation will imply the installation of a specially designed charging station at your workplace or house. In comparison to charging the car after plugging in a regular three-pin socket, a wall-mounted charger (alternatively known as a wallbox) is EV-specific. It is more reliable, safer and faster. The following is what usually occurs:
- Site survey. The installer examines the wiring in your property location and determines the location of your charger, typically an exterior wall near your car parking space.
- Connexion: The charger is hard-wired to your main power supply, and protective equipment is included to make it safe.
- Fitting: The unit is fitted, tested and switched on.
- Handover: You are provided with instructions on the usage of the charger and the connection with any app or intelligent system.
Installing most of them only requires a few hours, and after installation, it is just as easy to charge your EV as it is to park your car and plug in.
Types of EV Chargers
Not every charger is similar, and it is good to know what you have:
- Slow Chargers (3 kW): Usually just a standard plug. Recharging empty batteries can also take over 24 hours, and this is the reason why not many EV owners trust this in the long run.
- Fast Chargers (7 kW to 22 kW): The most widespread option of charging at home in London. Most EV batteries can be recharged overnight by a 7 kW charger. There are more powerful properties that can accommodate 22 kW chargers.
- Rapid Chargers (50 kW+): Located predominantly at publicly-charging locations. They have the capability of providing up to 80% charge within less than an hour, though they are not commonly installed at home as they are very expensive and consume a lot of power.
A 7 kW wallbox is the ideal trade-off between cost and payment to most London homeowners.
Home Charging vs. Public Charging
There are over 18,000 public charging points in London today, including car parks of supermarkets and bays on the roadside. They can be used in the top-ups, particularly in the fast chargers. However, it is frustrating when one relies on them only:
- Availability: The chargers can already be taken when you come.
- Public chargers are frequently three to four times more expensive than home charging.
- Time- Even quick chargers involve waiting, particularly in the rush hours.
You can avoid all of that with home charging. Your vehicle is charged overnight, hence you wake up every morning with a full charge. It is predictable, cheap and can easily fit in your schedule.
Why London Needs More Home Charging
London’s push towards sustainability means more people are buying EVs. However, demand for charging infrastructure is outpacing supply. Councils are working on installing more on-street chargers, but for residents with driveways or garages, home charging remains the most reliable solution.
A strong network of home chargers also reduces pressure on public points, making the EV ecosystem work more smoothly for everyone.
Costs and Government Support
The cost of EV charger installation in London typically falls between £800 and £1,200, including both the charger itself and professional fitting. This can be minimised by government incentives:
- OZEV Grant -Up to a reduction of the installation cost of 350 for those who qualify as a homeowner or landlord.
- Workplace Charging Scheme- This scheme supports companies that have installed staff/ fleet chargers.
Home charging will become cost-effective even in the absence of grants. Overnight charging at an off-peak tariff could be less than £8 for a full charge, whereas it is 25-30 at certain rapid chargers in public. The savings become considerable after more than one year.
Who Can Install an EV Charger?
- Households that have off-street parking. It is also easy to install.
- Owners/ renters of flats- Refusal by the landlord or the building manager is required. Sharing charges are also starting to be installed on some blocks of flats.
- Businesses -Offices, shops, and warehouses are finding it convenient to install chargers that can serve both the personnel and the customers, as well as promote sustainability.
Councils are also trying more innovative solutions, including lamp-post chargers, where residents do not have a driveway. London is at the forefront with innovative methods, although, where feasible, home charging is the benchmark.
Smart Chargers and Future-Proofing
The second advantage of the present-day installation of EV chargers is smartness. Smart chargers got connected to apps, where you can:
- Billing at lower times of the day.
- Track your electricity use.
- Start and stop charging remotely.
- Interoperate with intelligent homes.
Smart chargers will also be useful in balancing the grid as EVs are more and more adopted. Even more savings could be achieved soon, as vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology could enable the EVs to provide electricity during the peak time.
Conclusion
Placing an EV charger in London is not only a matter of convenience but also a matter of control over your costs of driving, less dependence on the infrastructure provided to the population, and the readiness for a more eco-friendly future of transport.
Flexibility requires that there be public chargers, but in life, home charging has no substitute due to its predictability and affordability. Grants, intelligent technology, increased awareness, and more are leading to more Londoners switching every year.
According to Diligent Electrical, EV charger installation in London is making electric vehicle ownership more accessible, helping drivers enjoy the benefits of going electric with ease and confidence.
