Table of Contents
- Benefits of Installing a Home EV Charger
- Choosing the Right Home EV Charger
- Preparing for Installation
- Step-by-Step Installation Process
- Using and Maintaining Your Home EV Charger
Install electric car charger – I can just imagine never having to visit a petrol station again. The electric vehicle (EV) you buy can help you save money and inconvenience by charging your vehicle at home. This is a sound decision that will make your life as an EV owner more convenient, and environmentally friendly, and less costly.
In our latest blog post, we will guide you through the entire process of selecting and installing the right EV charger for your home. We will also cover power output, smart features and solar compatibility and tips for a smooth installation. By the end of it, you will be ready to start enjoying the benefits of home charging.
Benefits of Installing a Home EV Charger
Before we get into the nitty-gritty of home charger selection and installation, let’s have a look at some of the key advantages of having your own charging setup:
Convenience: With a home charger, you can top up your EV overnight, so it’s full of battery when you wake up in the morning. You’ll never have to go to a petrol station or public charging points again.
Cost Savings: Charging at home is cheaper than using public chargers or buying petrol. You will save money on fuel costs over the long run, especially if you have solar panels and can charge your car for free using renewable energy.
Longer Battery Life: Home charging allows you to charge your vehicle slowly, which is easier on the battery and may extend the life of the battery than fast charging.
Increased Property Value: An electric car charger is a desirable feature that can increase the market value of your home as society moves towards the use of electric cars.
Given these benefits in mind, now is the right time to learn how to pick the perfect home charging station for your needs.
Choosing the Right Home EV Charger
There are several key factors to consider when selecting an EV charger for your home:
Power Output
The power output of a charger determines how quickly it can charge your vehicle. The majority of home chargers have a power output of between 3kW and 7kW, and the higher the output, the faster the charging time. However, your home’s wiring and electrical supply will determine how high an output you can install. An electrician can come and advise you on the maximum output your setup can handle.
Smart Features
Many modern EV chargers come with intelligent features that improve the charging experience. Some common features of intelligent EV charging include:
- Smartphone apps for controlling and monitoring the charging process remotely
- Charge scheduling to take advantage of low-energy hours and reduce energy costs
- Energy tracking to help you keep an eye on your energy consumption, and the associated costs
- Solar integration to charge your car with excess energy generated by your solar panels
These smart features are not essential, but they can make home charging more convenient, insightful, and cost-effective.
Solar Compatibility
If you have solar panels installed at your home then it is worthwhile choosing an EV charger that can work with your solar system. Some chargers, like the Zappi, can identify when your solar panels are producing surplus energy and automatically use that energy to charge your car for free. This is a great way to get the most from your solar and EV ownership in terms of reducing your carbon footprint and saving money.
Brand and Model
Among the many EV chargers available in the market, it can be challenging to choose one. At Electric Car Charger Ireland, we have analysed all options and recommend the Zappi charger because it is a well-built charger with intelligent features and easy integration with solar. However, other great brands like EVBox and EO are also recommended.
When purchasing a charger, please check if it is compatible with your specific EV model. Most chargers come with a universal Type 2 connector; however, it is always best to check before making a purchase.
SEAI Grants
To help increase the adoption of EVs, the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) provides grants for the purchase and installation of home chargers. Homeowners can currently receive up to €300 off the cost of a charger.
To be eligible for the grant, you must:
– Be the owner of an EV or plug-in hybrid
– The charger must be installed at your primary residence
– An SEAI-registered electrician must be used for the installation
– The charger must be bought from the SEAI-approved list
It is easy to apply for the grant online. This scheme is a great way to help offset the cost of a high-quality charger like the Zappi. Now that you know how to pick your ideal home charger, it is time to find out what it takes to install it.
Preparing for Installation
Before your new charger can be set up, there are a few things you need to do:
Hire a Registered Electrician
To do this in safety, it is crucial to engage the services of a qualified and SEAI-registered electrician to ensure that the installation is safe and meets all the necessary requirements when an EV charger deals with high-voltage electrical wiring. Please don’t attempt to do it yourself, or it will void the charger’s warranty.
This means that the output of the charger is the amount of power it gives to the vehicle in kilowatts (kW). Most Smart EV home chargers have between 3 kW and 7 kW of power output and the higher the output the faster the charging process will be. However, power output of your home charger is determined by your home’s wiring and electrical supply. An electrician can help you determine the maximum output of your setup.
A professional electrician will have the knowledge and experience to properly assess your home’s wiring, upgrade the supply if necessary, and securely install the charging unit. They can also assist with applying for SEAI grants and arranging any necessary permits.
You will need to decide where to install your new charger. Most homeowners choose a spot in their garage or driveway, as close as possible to where they typically park their EV. Have a think about the reach of the charging cable and where your home’s electrical supply is when picking the spot.
When putting the charger in its place it is better to avoid places with much moisture, dust or extreme temperatures as this can reduce the life of the charger. Your EV charger installers can advise on the suitability of different locations and suggest any necessary weatherproofing measures.
This depends on where you are and what kind of installation you have a tendency to need building permits or notify your local planning office. It is more likely to need so if the installation requires significant electrical work or changes to your property. Your electrician or local authority can provide further information on what is needed in your area.
When you have completed these preparatory steps you are ready to proceed with installation.
Step-by-Step Installation Process
Here’s what the general process looks like: During the day of installation your electrician will do most of the work while you enjoy the convenience of home charging. This is what a sample process looks like in steps:
Preparation and assessment: Our survey team will inspect your home’s wiring and electrical system to determine if it can support the charger’s energy requirements. They may need to upgrade the electrical system or run a new circuit to the charger.
Mounting the charging unit: Our expert team of EV charger installers will then properly install the charging unit on a wall, post or pedestal at your chosen location. This may involve drilling holes and running conduit to protect the cables.
Electrical connections: Once the unit is in place, the unit will be connected to your home’s electrical system in accordance with the relevant standards and the manufacturer’s instructions.
Configuration and Testing: After the electrical connections are done, our installation team can help setting up the charger’s features like power output and intelligent charging. We will then proceed to test the charger with your EV to ensure that it is working properly and as it should.
Demonstration and handover: The electrician will also demonstrate to you how to use your new charger, including how to initiate and monitor a charging session through the charger’s interface or a mobile application. He or she will also provide you with information on the maintenance of the charger.
Please note, the exact sequence of tasks may vary depending on the model of your charger and the existing wiring of your house; still, generally most installations are done within a day. When finished, you will be able to enjoy different benefits of electric car ownership, including home charging.
Using and Maintaining Your Home EV Charger
You can bid farewell to petrol stations and enjoy the convenience of charging your EV at home. Here are some tips on how to get the most out of your setup:
Charging Routine
Develop a charging routine that suits your lifestyle and work schedule. Most EV owners find it most convenient to charge their cars every evening when they get home and then wake up to a fully charged battery in the morning. If your energy plan has low rates at night, then you can even schedule your charging to start at off-peak times to save more.
It is recommended that for everyday use, the battery is kept between 20% and 80% charged, only charging to 100% when needed for longer trips. It is okay to fully charge the battery occasionally, but regularly charging to 100% can slightly reduce the battery life over time.
Use Smart Features
If your charger has intelligent functionality then you should use it to improve your charging experience:
Track your energy consumption and costs to see how much you are saving over petrol.
Use your smartphone app to check on your charging status and get notified if there is an issue or disruption.
Schedule your charging to occur when electricity rates are low, or when your solar panels are producing the most energy.
Analyse your charging habits over time to identify trends and find areas for improvement.
Smart features in home charging make the process more transparent, controllable and efficient. Learn about your charger’s features and find what works best for you.
Regular Maintenance of Your Charger
Since home EV chargers are relatively durable and require minimal maintenance, there are some simple tasks that need to be done to extend the product’s life:
Replace the charging cable and connector if they show any sign of damage, wear and tear, or fraying
If you notice any problems, stop using the cable and contact the manufacturer for a replacement.
The charger, as well as the surrounding area, should be clean and free of debris. You may need to wipe it with a soft, dry cloth from time to time. Do not expose the charger to severe weather or physical impact such as from vehicles or other objects.
If your charger has built-in safety features like surge protection or ground fault detection, test them annually to ensure they are functioning properly.
Please note that you should always follow the manufacturer’s suggested maintenance schedule and guidelines for your specific charger model. Your electrician or the installation company can also provide advice on maintenance.
With proper usage and care, your home charger will provide reliable charging services for years to come, making your EV ownership experience convenient and worry-free.
Having an electric car charger at home is a great decision that will save you time, money and hassle in the long run. When selecting a charger that meets your needs and budget, and by following the installation guidelines in this article, you can make the entire process easier.
With the initial work of selecting and installing a good charger like the Zappi, you can transform your EV ownership experience. You will be able to enjoy the convenience of charging your vehicle at home, save on your electricity bills, and reduce your carbon footprint without incurring any additional costs — all this may also add value to your property.
Electric Car Charger Ireland is here to help you transition to home charging. Our experienced team can advise regarding EV charger selection and installation and can guide you through every step of the process. With over 270+ 5 Star reviews on Google, it’s clear to see we have assisted many Irish homeowners achieve charging independence.
We can help with the grant application, determine your home’s suitability, recommend the perfect charger for your needs, and handle 100% of the installation through our team of expert certified electricians. We can also provide you with aftercare to ensure that your charger works properly.
Contact Electric Car Charger Ireland today on +353 1 515 93 36 or visit our website to request a free consultation. We look forward to helping you get the most from your electric vehicle with a top-of-the-range home charging setup.