How Much Would An Electrician Charge To Install An EV Charger?

Ev charger installation Liverpool prices

It usually costs between £800 and £1,200 to purchase and install an electric car charging point on your property.

 

Suppose you choose the company that sells the charging point for its installation. In that case, they might hire the cheapest electrician in your area to increase their profits. However, this electrician may need to gain the required competency and customer service skills. Suppose anything goes wrong after the installation process. In that case, the car charger company will have already paid the electrician, or their relationship with the company may have broken down. In such a scenario, you may have to deal with the go-between who may try to avoid the problem or send someone new, which could lead to additional delays and complications.

 

On the other hand, if you hire a local competent electrician, they can offer you a range of charging points from different manufacturers. This route lets you choose a charger that meets your charging speed, appearance, and budget needs. From an electrical installation standpoint, all these chargers get installed similarly, so it does not matter which one you choose. 

 

The worst-case scenario is buying a charging point from a company that uses a subpar electrician who rushes the installation because they only get a small portion of the payment. If you want a home charger, see what options Ideal Electrical Solutions offers.

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If you are looking for the best EV charger installation in Liverpool, it is always better to research and hire a competent local electrician. This way, you can ensure the installation is done correctly and safely without shortcuts or compromises. As mentioned earlier, choosing a reputable electrician can also offer you a range of charging points from different manufacturers, giving you the flexibility to pick the one that best suits your needs. So, if you want to invest in the best EV charger installation in Liverpool, look for local electrical service providers like Ideal Electrical Solutions, who can offer you the expertise and customer service you need.

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How Long Does It Take To Get An EV Charger Installed?

​The installation of EV chargers is a task that requires unique considerations, and the time needed to complete it varies accordingly. However, on average, an installation is completed within 2 hours. The total duration of the task depends mainly on the number and type of EV chargers installed. For example, a simple domestic EV charger installation would require significantly less time than a complex multi-charger installation designed for commercial use.

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What Factors Affect The Cost Of An Electric Car Charging Point?

Undoubtedly, the brand, speed, aesthetics, and intelligent features are the key factors determining the cost of an electric car charging point.

 

• Brand: Some companies may charge you more for a product than others, but it may be worth the extra cost if it's a brand you trust. We suggest you review our guide on the Best Home EV Chargers and read our product reviews before making a final decision.

 

• Speed: When it comes to electric car chargers, rapid charging is the fastest option available. However, it is also the most expensive. On average, a rapid charger costs £400 more than a slow charger. So, suppose you don't need to recharge your vehicle quickly or frequently. In that case, a slow charger may be more affordable and practical. It's worth noting that a 7 kW charging point is also faster than a 3.6 kW model, but it will cost you more money, typically hundreds of pounds more. Therefore, it's essential to consider your specific needs and budget when choosing a charger for your electric car.

 

• Aesthetics: If you care about aesthetics, you may have to pay extra for a sleek charger or a specific colour. But you can save money by getting a purely functional charger if you don't care how it looks.

 

• Intelligent features: Some electric vehicle chargers have intelligent features that allow for special abilities. These features can include schedule charging, which only charges the vehicle at the cheapest possible rate. Some chargers can be remotely locked and unlocked using a mobile app, while others can charge the car with solar energy.

 

• Extra costs: When you receive an installation quote for your electric car charger, it should include a standard distance of around 15 meters from your consumer unit (also known as a fuse box or distribution board). If your consumer unit is located close enough to your charger, there should be no additional charges. In most cases, your installer should be able to install the charger in a convenient location for your car at this distance unless your consumer unit is in an unusual place.

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How Fast Is A 7kW Charger?

​Compared to a 3.6kW charger, an EV charger with a power rating of 7kW can be considered rapid charging. It can add approximately 25 to 30 miles of range to your electric car per hour, faster than the 3.6kW charger. It takes 4 to 8 hours to charge an electric vehicle using a 7kW charger. The charging time of 8 hours is based on an empty to full battery charge, while it takes closer to 4 hours for a top-up charge.

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How Do I Stop People From Using My Home EV Charger?

Home EV charging points are becoming popular, but there is the potential security issue of people stealing electricity. However, stealing an EV charge is unlikely for two reasons: electricity costs are lower than petrol or diesel, and it takes hours to charge an EV. Thus, it is challenging to steal an EV charge without getting noticed. If you are still concerned, you may ask yourself, Do I need an isolator for EV charger? You can install a switch inside your home for your charger supply, which enables you to turn off your electric car charger when not in use.

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Should I Get A 3.6 kW Or 7kW Charger?

If you own an electric car, you might wonder what type of charger is best for your vehicle. Generally, electric cars with higher onboard chargers will benefit more from a 7kW charger as it will charge your vehicle faster. However, if your car has a smaller battery with a 3.6kW or 3.3kW onboard charger, a 3.6kW charger might be sufficient. 

 

Most people opt for a 7kW home charger as it's ideal for electric vehicles with any size battery. Additionally, a 7kW charger allows you to charge your car more quickly and flexibly than charging overnight as you usually would with a 3kW form. Home chargers come in many different styles, so you should be able to find one that suits your needs. 

 

We recommend having a 7kW charger fitted to recharge your car's batteries twice as quickly as a 3.6kW unit, similar to a domestic three-pin socket. For example, a 3.6kW unit will take around 20 hours to charge the batteries in a Volkswagen ID 3 entirely, but a 7kW unit will do the job in 10 hours. 

 

It's also worth noting that if you currently only have an electric vehicle or plug-in hybrid with a small battery, having a faster charger will be more helpful if you decide to change to a car with a bigger battery, which will take longer to charge. 

 

A 3.6kW wall box charger will be slightly quicker than your domestic plug. This type of charger would work for you if you make short daily trips and will only slowly burn through your mile range. These chargers are also a good option for plug-in hybrid cars, as you won't require as much of a charge as a fully electric car. You can expect a 3.6kW wall box charger to cost around £350 to £600. 

 

On the other hand, a 7kW wall box charger is significantly quicker than a domestic plug or the 3.6kW options. It will charge your electric vehicle doubly fast, which is ideal for most people and enough to recharge most electric cars overnight. You can expect a 60kWh battery electric vehicle to take around eight hours to charge from empty to complete, using a 7kW charging point. A 7kW charger will usually cost around £850.

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Tethered Or Untethered EV charger? 

When choosing your wall box charger for your electric vehicle, you must decide whether to go for a tethered or untethered charging point.

 

A tethered EV charger has a permanently attached charging cable, which some drivers find more convenient as the cable is always on hand and can't be misplaced. However, you'll have to choose the manufacturer's cable length and stick with it. Tethered chargers feel similar to petrol pumps; you only have to grab the cable and plug it in. The advantages of a tethered charger include having the cable permanently attached and ready to use, being included with the wall box, and being more secure. However, it can feel untidy and is limited to charging only certain types of vehicles, depending on the cable. 

 

An untethered EV charger, also known as a "socket-only" charger, allows you to remove the charging cable from the wall box and store it away. You'll have a socket to plug in your charging cable and can swap and change the cable to suit the vehicle and cable length you need. The advantages of an untethered charger include the flexibility to choose your cable, the fact that it looks tidy with no cable on display, and the ability to switch between cable lengths. However, you'll need to supply your cable and store it away after use. It can feel less secure as the cable is easier to remove and might get wet or dirty.

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What Is The Difference Between Type 1 and Type 2 EV chargers?

Most electric vehicles (EVs) in Europe now use Type 2 chargers. However, some, especially those from Asian manufacturers, still use Type 1 chargers. Before buying a charging cable, knowing which type works for your car is essential. You can check this information in your manufacturer's guide by contacting the manufacturer or referring to this helpful guide on the Pod Point website. 

Let's understand the difference between Type 1 and Type 2 EV chargers. 

 

What is a Type 1 EV charger? 

Type 1 chargers have a 5-pin design and provide single-phase charging. They offer fast charging at an output between 3.7kW and 7.4kW AC, giving you a range of 12.5-25 miles per hour. Type 1 charging cables come with a latch to hold the plug in place securely during charging. However, anyone can remove the charging cable from the car despite the present latch.

 

What is a Type 2 EV Charger?

Type 2 EV Charger is the standard plug type used in Europe. These chargers feature a 7-pin design supporting single- and three-phase mains power. Type 2 cables typically range from 30 to 90 miles per charging hour. With this type of charger, it is possible to reach domestic charging speeds of up to 22kW and public charging speeds of up to 43kW. Furthermore, Type 2 compatible public charging stations are more readily available. Type 2 charging cables have a locking pin that keeps the plug in place during charging. This feature makes them more secure, mainly when used at public charging stations. Additionally, only the owner can unplug the charging cable from the car.

 

 

Do I Need Permission To Install An EV Charger?

Do you own the property? Suppose you are planning to install an EV charging point. In that case, ensuring that you have the necessary permissions is essential. If you are a tenant, you will need to obtain written consent from the owner of the property before proceeding with the installation. Similarly, if you have a leasehold agreement, it is advisable to check with the freeholder before undertaking any works, as you may be required to return the property to its original state and may be held liable for any associated costs.

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What Is The Lifespan Of An EV Charger?

On average, EV chargers usually last 10 to 15 years. However, some chargers with proper maintenance and replacement parts may last even longer. The lifespan of an EV charger depends on the quality of its internal components and its exposure to harsh weather conditions or physical damage. If you take good care of it, it will continue to work for a long time. 

 

It is essential to understand that while the charger may last long, individual components will likely need to be changed. Charging cables and connectors are the parts of an EV charger that undergo the most wear and tear.

 

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Can I Install An 11kW Charger At Home?

However, installing an 11kW electric car charger on a single-phase electricity supply is impossible. Any charging rate higher than 7kW, including 11kW and 22kW EV chargers, requires a three-phase electricity supply to provide the necessary power. This requirement applies whether you want to install the charger at your home or your commercial/workplace property.

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What Are The Dangers Of EV Chargers?

Electric Vehicle (EV) chargers can be a fire hazard if the electrical wiring and power supply are installed in the building to be updated or if a structure where the charger is suitable for installation. This danger is the most common cause of fire accidents related to EV charger installations.

 

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Can Any Electrician Install A Home EV Charger?

It would help if you only chose a qualified electrician for any new electrical installation. This choice also applies to home EV chargers and those at the workplace. Your home charger’s warranty might only be valid with an Electric Installation Certificate (EIC) from a competent electrician. Given this news and the need for electrical safety, it’s worth ensuring your charge point installer carries the correct accreditations:

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• Registered with NICEIC

• Registered with the Office of Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV)

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Do I Need SPD For The EV Charger?

Did you know that as of 27th September 2022, the new 18th Edition Amendment 2 of the Wiring Regulations requires all new electrical circuits to have Surge Protection Devices (SPDs) installed? If you plan to install a new EV charger, you must ensure it has surge protection to comply with the regulations. Surge protection is essential to protect your EV charger from power spikes and ensure longevity.

 

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Is It Okay To Leave The EV Plugged In All The Time?

It is best to avoid charging an electric car overnight unless necessary. Leaving an EV plugged in for extended periods can cause battery degradation, which leads to poorer performance and a shorter lifespan for the battery. Therefore, keeping your electric car plugged in is only sometimes recommended.

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