As the UK continues its transition towards greener transport solutions, electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming an increasingly common sight on our roads. With the 2030 ban on new petrol and diesel cars fast approaching, the demand for EVs and their infrastructure has never been greater. If you’re an EV owner or considering switching to electric, one of the most crucial aspects of the journey is ensuring you have access to reliable charging. But why install an EV charger at home or the workplace? Here’s a breakdown of the benefits and why you should consider a 7kW charger for your home and a 22kW charger (or higher) for your workplace.
1. Convenience at Home: 7kW Charging
Home charging is all about ease and convenience. Here’s why a 7kW charger is ideal for residential properties:
Fast and Efficient
A 7kW charger can provide about 30 miles of range per hour of charging. For most EV drivers, that means a full charge overnight, ensuring your vehicle is ready to go each morning. Compared to the standard 3-pin plug that only offers 2-3kW, the 7kW option significantly reduces charging times.
Cost Savings
Charging at home can often be cheaper than public chargers, especially when utilising off-peak electricity tariffs. With many UK energy providers offering special EV tariffs, you can save even more by charging your car during low-demand periods, usually at night.
Future-Proofing
As EV technology evolves, the average battery size is likely to increase. Installing a 7kW charger now ensures you’re future-proofed, giving you the capacity to charge newer vehicles more efficiently in the future without needing costly upgrades.
Control Over Your Charging Schedule
With a home charger, you can set charging times, monitor energy usage, and even integrate with solar panels if you have them. This level of control can further help to reduce costs and maximise efficiency.
2. Boosting Workplace Efficiency: 22kW or Higher
For businesses, offering EV charging isn’t just about keeping up with trends – it’s an essential service. A 22kW charger (or higher) at your workplace can provide several key benefits:
Faster Charging for Multiple Vehicles
A 22kW charger can fully charge most EVs in 3-4 hours, making it perfect for businesses where employees or visitors may only be parked for part of the day. This rapid turnaround keeps multiple vehicles charged and ready to go, ensuring productivity isn’t hampered by long waiting times for charging.
Attracting and Retaining Talent
In a competitive market, businesses that support sustainable initiatives such as EV charging can attract and retain top talent. More employees are making the switch to EVs, and providing workplace charging demonstrates a commitment to green practices, which resonates well with environmentally conscious staff.
Meeting Corporate Sustainability Goals
Many UK businesses are striving to meet their carbon reduction targets. Installing EV chargers at the workplace is a tangible, practical way to reduce your organisation’s carbon footprint and contribute to a greener future. It’s also a visible statement of your company’s commitment to sustainability.
Generate Revenue
Some businesses are now using their charging infrastructure to generate additional revenue by allowing public access to their chargers. With smart chargers, you can manage access, set prices, and even monitor usage, providing an additional income stream for your company.
3. Government Incentives and Grants
The UK government offers several incentives to encourage the installation of EV chargers, both for homeowners and businesses.
For Homeowners:
The EV Charge Point Grant offers up to £350 towards the cost of installing a home EV charger, making it a no-brainer for those looking to set up a 7kW charger. Combined with long-term savings on fuel costs, this makes home charging a financially sound investment.
For Businesses:
The Workplace Charging Scheme (WCS) allows businesses to claim up to £350 per charging socket, with a maximum of 40 sockets across all sites. This can help reduce the upfront cost of installing a 22kW or higher charger and make it easier for businesses to support a fleet of EVs or provide charging for employees and visitors.
4. Be Ready for the Future
With the UK government’s ban on new petrol and diesel vehicles set for 2030, it’s clear that electric vehicles are the future of transport. Installing an EV charger, whether at home or at work, is a proactive step towards embracing this shift. The convenience, savings, and sustainability benefits far outweigh any initial costs, especially with government support making it even more affordable.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re a homeowner looking for convenience or a business owner aiming to meet the needs of your employees and visitors, installing an EV charger is a sound investment. The 7kW home charger provides efficiency, cost savings, and ease of use, while workplace chargers at 22kW or higher boost productivity, sustainability, and even potential revenue. With the government backing the move to EVs through incentives and grants, now is the perfect time to take action and join the green revolution.
At London EV Chargers, we’re dedicated to helping you navigate the world of EV charging, providing expert advice and installation services across London. Contact us today to find out how we can help you power up for the future.