In 2021, 7,000 EV charging points were installed for public use here in the UK. However, it is estimated that we’d need to install at least 35,000 such charging points per year in order to meet the demands of the number of electric vehicles on the road by 2030, when the ban on petrol and diesel car sales comes into effect.
We are seeing many Government led incentives and restrictions, encouraging the move to electric vehicles. They are no longer cost prohibitive and ‘range anxiety’ is being reduced as technology improves.
All new build homes will soon be built with EV charging capability and there are a number of schemes available for residential and commercial properties to try and make EV chargers more affordable.
SEVEN REASONS TO INSTALL YOUR OWN
1. Environmentally friendly
Simply by owning an electric vehicle, you are reducing the amount of greenhouse gasses and air pollution you produce, which is great for the planet and for Great Britain.
There are also associated benefits for businesses investing in green company vehicles and installing EV chargers at your workplace, including the ability to evidence your ‘green credentials’, and as a step towards becoming ‘net zero’.
2. Take advantage of Government grants while you can
A grant for homeowners that covered the cost of 75% of the installation cost of an EV charger (the Electric Vehicle Homecharge Scheme) came to an end after two years (on 31st March 2022).
The focus is now on buildings of multiple occupation rather than individual dwellings, with a new grant for landlords and building owners which launched 1st April 2022. For more information, click here.
Another scheme, the Workplace Charging Scheme (WCS), is a voucher-based scheme that provides support towards the up-front costs of the purchase and installation of electric vehicle charge-points for eligible businesses, charities and public sector organisations.
In addition, Kent County Council’s C-Care Green Recovery Voucher Scheme, which eco Electrical have been selected as the only provider of electrical services and equipment for, and is being offered to all SMEs under KCC. We can work with your business to assess your suitability for this grant and apply for £1,500 towards the cost of installing EV chargers, or any other green solutions at your place of work.
3. Save money
Charging your electric car privately is generally far cheaper than charging your car at public use rapid charge points. The average cost to fully charge your car at home is just around £4. For example, to fully charge a 30kWh Nissan LEAF overnight will cost about £3.96. Whereas, if you were to use a rapid charging point, typically found at service stations, it generally costs about £6.50 for a 30-minute charge.
NB figures stated were calculated prior to UK energy price increases of April 2022.
4. No need to search for a charger
Charging points have yet to be installed in every service station and supermarket, in fact currently only 3% have chargers.The map below shows there are still many pockets of Kent without public use charging points.
The map below shows there are still many pockets of Kent without public use charging points.
‘Range anxiety’ is still an issue for many EV owners. The fear of setting out on a journey and running out of charge, or not being able to find a charger before reaching their final destination, is something that puts off many drivers from owning an electric car. Luckily, with sites like Zap Map, EV owners can find EV chargers in advance, and plan their journeys accordingly.
Range anxiety’ can also be curbed by installing a home charger or working somewhere where you have access to one.
5. Faster charging
Home chargers are generally much faster than standard public use EV chargers. Depending on the size of the EV charger, your car can be fully charged in as little as one hour.
Rapid chargers can be found for public use but be warned – they’re almost twice the cost of a standard charger.
6. Increase your property value
Having an electric vehicle charging point already installed at your home could make your property more attractive to potential buyers if you choose to sell, thereby adding potential value.
7. Business benefits
Business owners can reap many benefits from the installation of EV charging points.
Green credentials are a key concern and a desirable addition to many businesses’ corporate statements. Furthermore, introducing benefits for your staff is proven to increase retention.
Commercial properties can have a ‘Pay as You Go’ feature installed for use by the public which will introduce an additional revenue stream that will literally put your business on the map, (with Zap Map), increasing footfall and potential new customers. Even without the revenue stream of ‘charging for charging’ you will attract customers through providing good parking and the facility to charge their vehicle.
To discuss the supply and install of your own EV charging point, get in touch for more information.
The government is offering grants to support the wider use of electric and hybrid vehicles via the Office of Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV). For more information, click here.
ECO Electrical are on the UK Government’s list of EV chargepoint authorised installers.
