FAQ

We’ve taken some time to answer the most common questions relating to the installation of domestic and commercial car chargers.

What is an EV, and what is the difference between EV, a plug-in hybrid and a hybrid vehicle?

An EV is an electric car that depends solely on rechargeable battery power to drive the engine. Hybrids and plug-in vehicles use a combination of a battery pack and an internal combustion engine to power the car.

How green are EVs?

EVs do not release any green house gases when they are used, so in that respect they are zero-emission. However, the manufacturing of the cars and the charging of them does involve electricity, which means fossil fuels are involved. But, as we are moving towards more renewable sources of energy, EV’s will increasingly become more and more green. Current calculations show that the CO2 emissions from an EV are about half those from a conventional car during their lifetime (so says Top Gear).

How do I compare electric cars when I am looking to purchase one?

There is an increasing range of EVs available now so the best thing to do is compare online what professionals say about the cars and then get out there and test drive a few. Next Green Car has some reviews of the latest cars for 2021, as does What Car?.

How many charging points are there across the UK?

According to government statistics at the end of 2020 there were approximately 19,487 public electric vehicle charging devices available in the UK.

Since 2015 there has been an 18% increase in the number of public charging points, and the number of rapid charging points is also steadily increasing.

Zap Maps provides a guide to the locations of know charging points and is updated regularly.

Are there different types of charging points?

There are three main types of charging points:

The slow chargepoint uses a single-phase 13 Amp three-pin plug and uses 3 kW of power. A full charge can take 8-12 hours, so cars usually use a domestic socket and charge overnight. If this chargepoint is going to be used it is advised to have a qualified electrician check that the wiring can support long charge times.
The fast chargepoint is twice as fast as the slow charge at around 32 amps and uses 7kW of power. A full charge would take 4-7 hours and most public chargepoints use this technology.
Rapid chargerpoints supply an EV directly with power through a dedicated charging unit using a cable with a non-removable connector. Usually this is about 50kW and charging to about 80% takes about an hour. Not all EVs can use a rapid charger – it is usually only pure EVs with long ranges that are adapted for rapid charging points. There are rapid charging sites around the UK and ultra-rapid chargers that charge in 15 minutes will be added as the technology develops.

Do you have to pay to use an EV chargepoint?

Some EV chargepoints are free to use, however the majority of fast and rapid chargers are pay as you go. Prices are usually set around the cost per energy consumed (pence per kWh) for a specified time, but there are charging points that essentially charge a set pence per hour or a set fee for a charging session.

Do you have to plan your journeys more carefully with an EV?

At the moment the advice would be yes, owning an EV needs more journey planning. If you know the range of the EV you can map the stopping points at chargers and plan your charging time. Generally, journeys can take longer when compared to a petrol or diesel car, but this factor will slowly become less important as EV car’s range increases, charge time decreases and more charging points are installed.

Are there different makes of home charging points?

Yes, this is a short list of available providers, but new manufactures are coming onto the market all the time. Models range in functionality and how future-proof they are. To be able to get the OLEV/OZEV grant at home the meter installed must use ‘smart technology’. Such chargepoints can be accessed by your phone and functions controlled via an app, you will need to research and make sure that the model you want at home is smart.

What vehicles are eligible for the OLEV / OVEZ grant?

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Save £350 off the cost of an electric vehicle charging point with OZEV – The Office for Zero Emissions Vehicles. The following electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles are eligible for the government OZEV grant scheme. When applying for the grant, additional criteria apply; please check for details.

Eligible cars

Eligible taxis

LEVC TX
Nissan Dynamo Taxi

Eligible vans and trucks

FAQ

How is a charger installed?

What is the OLEV / OZEV Grant?