Electric Vehicle Charging
Sales of Electric Vehicles continue to grow with improvements in their design technology, more affordable models on the market, increasing inner city congestion charges and the UK Government’s 2030 ban on the sale of petrol and diesel cars.
EV charge-points for your home or business makes charging your EV safer, simpler and more convenient. No more extension leads, worrying about plug connections outside or concerns that you’re overloading your onsite electrical supply. It’s also an ideal SMART Technology to link in with a Solar PV and battery system.
Home EV
Charging at home is often the most cost effective and convenient way to charge your vehicle. Charge points are typically rated at between 3kW or 7kW. Caplor have a range of products compatible with all major vehicle plug-in brands and as OZEV approved installers can apply for any grants you might be eligible for under the Home Charging Scheme
On-Street EV
UK Government grants are available for Local Authorities to cover much of the installation costs for the installation of on-street charge points. Charge point ratings available are variable with the majority rated at 3kW, similar to a standard home charger. Some faster 5kW and 7kW points are being installed depending on existing power supply available in the area.
Workplace EV
As car fleets switch to electric vehicles it will become increasingly important for businesses to offer EV charge points for both employees and visitors. Under the Workplace Charging Scheme businesses can benefit from a contribution of £250 towards the cost of installing an EV charger. Employees and visitors with an EV can charge up within a couple of hours, enjoying the cost, and environmental benefits of owning an EV. Currently businesses can also apply for Enhanced Capital Allowances for EV charge points.
Public EV Networks
The growth of public networks will provide the opportunity to extend journey times in EV mode. Most networks provide a mix of slow, fast and rapid charging options. Most networks offer access via a smart phone app and/or an RFID card. Contactless payment is also now common.
EV Charging Options
Generally, EV charging is categorized as slow, fast or rapid charging.
Slow charge
Typically, this uses a 3kW charging point, which are often installed at home for overnight charging when tariffs are cheapest. Charging times will vary depending on the charging unit installed and the EV being charged. A full charge using a 3kW charger will typically take around 10 to 14 hours.
Fast charge
A 7kW fast charger will power up your EV battery in around 4 to 6 hours depending on the vehicle type. Fast chargers can be specified up to 22kW which could do the same job in a couple of hours. There is some research that continued DC fast charging can reduce the lifespan on lithium batteries. The good news is that EV technology is developing so that they automatically limit the power to its maximum capacity and therefore minimize the wear on the battery.
Rapid charge
Rapid chargers use a high powered direct or alternating current to recharge a car in the quickest possible time. Rapid chargers can charge an EV to 80% full in as little as 20 to 30 minutes. These units use huge power and are not available for installation at home, but will become increasingly available in public networks. It is important to note that a rapid EV charger is tethered, so you need to make sure your EV is compatible with the charger you want to use. Most rapid chargers use CHAdeMO or CCS charging standards and thankfully these are the most common types and your EV is likely to be able to use them.
EV Charging Cost Estimates
Based on a Nissan Leaf EV
| Slow | Fast | Rapid | |
|---|---|---|---|
| EV unit | 3kW unit | 7Kw unit | 50kW |
| Time to charge | 13.3hrs | 5.7hrs | 30 mins |
| Miles added | 160 miles | 160 miles | 96 miles |
| Charge cost | £6.60* | £6.60* | £7.20** |
| Cost per mile | 4.1p | 4.1p | 7.5p*** |
*using 16.5p per kWh
**using 30p per kWh
***excludes any connection charge that might be levied
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