FAQ

Answers to the most frequently asked questions appear below. For product-specific enquiries please email support@evgoods.co.uk

What are the benefits of electric vehicle charging at home?

As electric vehicles become more popular, it's important to understand the benefits of charging them at home. Home charging offers a number of advantages over public charging, including convenience, cost savings, and environmental benefits. Let's take a closer look at the benefits of electric vehicle charging at home.

One of the biggest benefits of charging your electric vehicle at home is convenience. With a home charging station, you can charge your vehicle overnight while you sleep, ensuring that it's fully charged and ready to go in the morning. This eliminates the need to make a special trip to a public charging station, which can be time-consuming and inconvenient.

Home charging also allows you to charge your vehicle at your own pace, without having to worry about other drivers waiting for a charging spot. This can be particularly important if you have a busy schedule and need to charge your vehicle quickly.

Charging your electric vehicle at home can also save you money in the long run. Putting aside the upfront cost of purchasing a home charging station, it's important to remember that the cost of electricity is typically much lower than the cost of petrol. This means that over time, you can save a significant amount of money on fuel costs.

In addition, many utility companies offer special rates and incentives for electric vehicle owners, which can further reduce the cost of charging your car at home.

Finally, charging your electric car at home can have significant environmental benefits. By using electricity instead of petrol, you can reduce your carbon footprint and help to reduce air pollution. In addition, if you use renewable energy sources like solar power to charge your car, you can further reduce your environmental impact.

Overall, there are many benefits to charging your electric vehicle at home. Home charging is convenient, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly, making it a great choice for electric vehicle owners. If you're considering purchasing an electric vehicle, be sure to factor in the cost of a home charging station, as it can help you save money and enjoy the full benefits of electric vehicle ownership.

Tethered vs untethered electric vehicle chargers: what's the difference?

When it comes to electric vehicle charging, there are two main types of chargers: tethered and untethered. But what do these terms mean, and how do they differ? Let's take a closer look.

Tethered chargers have a cable permanently attached to the charging unit, which means that the cable is always available and ready to use. The cable is typically coiled up and stored on the charger when not in use, and it can be easily pulled out and plugged into the vehicle when needed.

Tethered chargers are often more secure than untethered chargers, as the cable is not easily removable from the charging unit, thereby reducing the risk of theft.

However, tethered chargers can be less flexible than untethered chargers, as they may not be compatible with all types of electric vehicles, and they may limit the positioning of the charging cable relative to the vehicle.

Untethered chargers, also known as socketed chargers, require the user to provide their own cable to connect to the charging unit. The charging unit has a socket that the user can plug their cable into, and the cable can be easily removed and stored in the vehicle when not in use.

Untethered chargers are generally more flexible than tethered chargers, as they can be used with a wider range of electric vehicles and allow the user to choose the length and type of cable they want to use. However, the need to carry a cable around can be inconvenient, and the cable can be more susceptible to theft or damage.

The choice between tethered and untethered chargers will depend on a variety of factors, including the user's individual needs and preferences. Tethered chargers offer the convenience and security of a permanently attached cable, while untethered chargers offer greater flexibility and versatility.

For home charging, untethered chargers allow the user to choose the cable that best suits their needs. A tethered charger offers a secure, reliable connection between the charging unit and the vehicle.

Ultimately, both tethered and untethered chargers have their pros and cons, and the best choice will depend on the specific situation and user preferences.

How much does it cost to install an electric vehicle charger?

As more people make the switch to electric vehicles, the need for home charging stations is on the rise. Installing a charger is an investment, but it is essential for those who want to take full advantage of their electric vehicle. In this article, we will explore the cost of installing an electric vehicle charger.

The cost of installing an electric vehicle charger can vary depending on several factors. Some of the main factors that can affect the cost include:

1. Type of charger

The cost of installation can vary depending on the type of charger, and to some extent, the length of the charging cable you choose. Level 1 chargers are the most basic and cost-effective option, but they are also the slowest. Level 2 chargers are faster and more expensive, but they are also more convenient. DC fast chargers are the most expensive option, but they can charge your vehicle in just a few minutes, althought there are very few cars that can receive the special DC charging rate from an AC source like a domestic wall charger. If you have a three-phase connection however, this is good for future proofing.

2. Electrical work required

The cost of installation can also depend on the electrical work required. If your electrical panel needs an upgrade, or if you need to run new wiring, the cost can increase significantly.

3. Location

The location of your charger can also affect the cost. If your charger needs to be installed in a difficult-to-reach location, or if your home has unique electrical requirements, the cost can increase.

The cost of installing an electric vehicle charger can range from £500 to £1,200. As a rule of thumb, expect the installation to account for around 30% of the overall cost - e.g. if you paid £600 for your EV charger, an electrician will cost £180. This does however, assume a standard home installation without any additional cabling or thick exterior walls to drill through - you are best off getting a few quotes. (Follow the the EV Goods guidelines to find a qualified tradesperson.)

Installing a charger can be a significant investment, but it is essential for those who want to take full advantage of their electric vehicle. The cost of installation can vary depending on several factors, including the type of charger, electrical work required, and location. The average cost of installation is around £900 (which includes the cost of the charger itself). If you are considering installing an electric vehicle charger, it is essential to do your research and get quotes from multiple installers to ensure that you get the best price.

How long does it take to charge an electric vehicle?

One of the most common questions people have when considering an electric vehicle is how long it takes to charge. The answer to this question depends on several factors, including the type of charger you use, the size of your car's battery, and the charging speed. In this article, we will explore how long it takes to charge an electric vehicle.

There are three types of electric car chargers: Level 1, Level 2, and DC fast chargers. The charging time can vary significantly depending on the type of charger you use.

Level 1 chargers are the slowest type of charger, but they are also the most basic and cost-effective. Level 1 chargers use a standard 120-volt outlet and can take up to 20 hours to fully charge a car with a 40 kWh battery.

Level 2 chargers are faster than Level 1 chargers and are ideal for home use. They use a 240-volt outlet and can fully charge a car with a 40 kWh battery in about 8 hours.

DC fast chargers are the fastest type of charger and are typically found at public charging stations. They can charge a car with a 40 kWh battery in as little as 30 minutes.

The size of your vehicle's battery can also affect the charging time. The larger the battery, the longer it will take to charge. For example, a vehicle with a 100 kWh battery will take longer to charge than a vehicle with a 40 kWh battery, even if they are both using the same type of charger.

The charging speed can also affect the charging time. Some electric vehicles have a faster charging speed than others, which means they can charge more quickly even when using the same type of charger.

The time it takes to charge an electric vehicle can vary depending on several factors, including the type of charger, the size of your car's battery, and the charging speed. Level 1 chargers are the slowest, while DC fast chargers are the fastest. The size of your car's battery and the charging speed can also affect the charging time. If you are considering an electric vehicle, it is essential to understand the charging time and to choose a charger that is appropriate for your needs.

Will the charger I choose be compatible with my vehicle?

As the popularity of electric vehicles continues to grow, more people are considering installing chargers in the UK. However, not all electric vehicles are compatible with all home chargers. In this blog post, we will explore electric vehicles and their compatibility with home electric vehicle chargers in the UK.

There are two types of home charger: tethered and untethered. Tethered chargers have a cable permanently attached to the charger, while untethered chargers require you to use your own cable.

The compatibility of electric vehicles and chargers depends on several factors, including the type of charger, the car's charging capabilities, and the connector type.

Most electric vehicles are compatible with both tethered and untethered chargers. However, some vehicles may require a specific type of charger, such as a Level 2 charger, which is faster than a Level 1 charger.

The charging capabilities of electric vehicles can also affect compatibility. For example, some electric vehicles can only accept a certain level of charging power, which may not be compatible with all chargers.

The connector type is another factor that can affect compatibility. In the UK, most electric vehicles use a Type 2 connector, which is compatible with most home chargers. However, some vehicles may require a different connector type, such as a CHAdeMO or CCS connector.

When choosing a home charger, it is essential to consider the compatibility with your electric vehicle. You should also consider the charging speed, the cost of installation, and any additional features, such as smart charging capabilities.

Electric vehicles are becoming increasingly popular in the UK, and many people are considering installing home chargers. The compatibility of electric vehicles and home chargers depends on several factors, including the type of charger, the vehicle's charging capabilities, and the connector type. When choosing a home charger, it is essential to consider compatibility, charging speed, cost, and features. With the right charger, you can enjoy the convenience of charging your electric vehicle at home and reduce your carbon footprint.