Should I install an electric car charger at home? 10 things you should know

Installing an electric car charger at home – The electric car revolution is here and using an electric car charger at home is becoming more common. Depending on where you live, you might find that public electric chargers are scarce, which means that electric car owners have to plan ahead to find places they can plug in their vehicles while they’re out and about.

An electric car charger at home can alleviate this problem as you will always be able to begin your journey with a fully charged battery. But are EV home chargers right for everyone?

The Team at Electric Car Charger Ireland know a thing or two about EV home chargers and the SEAI Electric Car Grant Ireland , here are 10 things you should know about installing an electric car charger at home.

1. Do not cut corners

When installing an EV charger at your home, you must select a high-quality electric car charger that will last a long time. While there’s nothing wrong with basic models, the better quality a charger is, the more reliable it will be. Plus, you will get some added features – security can be important to prevent anyone from driving up and using your charger.

2. Electric car chargers are not cheap – but there are options available

How much does it cost for an electric car charging station at home? You could pay €1,000 or more to install an electric car charger at home, but it isn’t all expenses – there are Electric Vehicle Home Charger Grants available to help you switch to an electric vehicle more easily. You can potentially obtain a grant from the SEAI towards the cost of a new electric vehicle and towards an EV home charger installation. You will also spend less on charging your vehicle when compared to public charging points, and you can keep an eye on your vehicle.

3. Can I install an EV charger at home? A site inspection will be needed.

Installing an electric car charger at home will require an inspection to be completed before work starts. The charger integrates directly with your electric service, and any installer will need to ensure that your current system can handle an EV charger. Safety aspects also need to be considered, including the charger’s location and how it will be run.

4. Charging overnight is the cheapest option

Charging your electric car during off-peak hours will considerably reduce your electric bill, so it’s important to consider this if you’re planning to install an electric car charger at home. If you are charging at peak times, make sure that the electric vehicle charger you install has demand control, which will help you avoid high costs.

5. Electricity costs can be offset

Charging electric vehicles could negatively impact your energy bills, but you will potentially be paying less than if you needed to use diesel or petrol. Plus, if you have solar panels or wind turbines on your property, you can install an electric car charger at home that takes advantage of these devices, further reducing your expenditure.

6. Electric car chargers can be in garages and in driveways – but check with your local authority first

Many electric cars owners will charge their electric vehicle at home with an electric car charger in the garage or outside. The latter is becoming more common, and electric car chargers can even be installed inside the perimeter of your driveway if there is enough space. However, before you decide, it is best to check with your local authority to ensure that you don’t need planning permission or any other licence or permission to install an electric car charger. In most cases, you will be able to go ahead with no issues, but it makes sense to check beforehand.

7. It might take longer to charge at home

An electric car charger at home is a great solution for electric car owners who regularly drive long distances and don’t want to worry about finding electric chargers on the way. How far can an electric vehicle go on one charge? It depends entirely on the make and model of vehicle and the health of your battery. Some vehicles can exceed 350 miles on a single charge.

Typical charging takes between four and ten hours, so most people will do this overnight. It takes longer than at a public charging point due to the electricity supply – domestic properties usually have a lower power level than commercial properties. If you cannot complete a full charge, your battery will still be boosted by one of the best Electric Car Home Chargers, but keep the time constraints in mind.

8. You will need an electrician

A home Car Charger Ireland residents recommend must be installed by a qualified electrician – even if you know how to install electric wiring, an electric car charger needs a professional on the job. The high voltages present mean that strict safety procedures must be followed. Once the charger is installed by reputable EV charger installers, it will require minimal maintenance and be perfectly safe – but always ensure the installation is completed by a professional. Can you plug your electric car into a regular outlet? If you have the correct cable, yes – but it is not as convenient as having a dedicated charger.

9. You can choose your electric car charger

Electric car chargers come in different shapes and sizes, so electric car owners have a range of options for choosing an electric car charger at home. The electric car you own can help determine the type of electric vehicle charger you can buy, but most electric vehicle chargers are compatible with the most popular vehicles.

10. Electric car chargers at home are convenient

Charging your electric car with an electric car charger at home is a great way to get the most out of your electric vehicle. It reduces the costs associated with travelling and means that electric car owners can top up their electric vehicles, even when they are not near a public charging point. For homes with multiple electric vehicles, you can install more than one charging point, making owning electric vehicles even more convenient.

Get your own electric car charger at home

If an electric car charger at home is what you need, we can help. Based in Dublin, Electric Car Charger Ireland’s Team of installers are RECI registered & SAFE ELECTRIC compliant. Our electricians are skilled and experienced in electric vehicle charger installation, and we offer everything from planning and site inspection to finalising the installation process. Electric Car Charger Ireland can also help you with SEAI grant applications, and we are fully registered to ensure we can complete the work for you.

For electric car charger installation or electric vehicle charging solutions in Ireland, contact the Electric Car Charger Ireland team today.

Ever wondered….What Happens When Your EV Runs Out of Power? Read our latest blog post for details.