How to Choose the Right Electric Car Charger for Your Home

As electric vehicles (EVs) become more popular, many homeowners are exploring options for installing a home charger. This decision depends on factors like your vehicle type, charging speed, and even your home’s electrical system. This guide will help you navigate these considerations, ensuring you choose the best charger for your needs.

Types of EV Chargers: Level 1 vs. Level 2

• Level 1 Chargers: Basic, but Effective for Some Drivers
  Level 1 chargers are the most straightforward and widely accessible type of charger, as they use a standard 3-pin, 230V household outlet (the same one you’d use for everyday appliances). These chargers typically deliver about 2.3 kW of power, which translates to roughly 6-8 miles of range per hour of charging. For low-mileage drivers or those who only drive short distances each day, this slower charging rate may be sufficient.

  • Charging Speed: Due to the lower power output, a full charge using a Level 1 charger can take anywhere from 10 to 20 hours, depending on your vehicle’s battery size. While it might not be the quickest solution, for people who drive fewer miles daily and can charge overnight, it can meet basic needs without additional electrical upgrades.

  • Suitability: Level 1 chargers are best suited for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) or EV owners who only drive short distances (around 20-30 miles per day) and have ample time to charge their vehicle, such as overnight charging. However, for most full electric vehicles, a faster charging solution will be needed, especially if you're frequently on the road.

  • Installation Requirements: Since Level 1 chargers only need a standard outlet, installation is straightforward and typically doesn’t require any electrical upgrades or special permits. However, for regular EV users, these chargers may not provide the convenience or efficiency required for day-to-day use.

• Level 2 Chargers: Fast, Efficient, and Ideal for Daily Use
  Level 2 chargers are significantly faster, providing a much higher power output—typically between 7.2 kW and 22 kW, depending on the specific charger and your home’s electrical system. This allows for much quicker charging times, delivering anywhere from 25 to 75 miles of range per hour. Level 2 chargers require a dedicated 240V electrical circuit, similar to what’s used for large home appliances like an oven or dryer.

• Charging Speed: A Level 2 charger can charge most electric vehicles in just 4-8 hours, depending on the vehicle’s battery capacity. This makes it ideal for daily commuters or anyone who needs their EV fully charged within a shorter timeframe. The faster charging speed also means you can easily top up your car during the day, even if you only have a few hours to charge.

• Suitability: Level 2 chargers are the most practical option for most EV owners, especially those who rely on their vehicles for daily commutes or longer trips. They’re also better suited for full-electric vehicles with larger battery capacities. Given their faster charging rates, these chargers are perfect for drivers who need consistent, reliable charging at home.

• Installation Requirements: Unlike Level 1 chargers, Level 2 chargers require a dedicated electrical circuit and proper wiring to support their higher power output. This may involve an upgrade to your home’s electrical panel, depending on its current capacity. A professional installer will ensure your system is capable of handling the increased load safely. In some cases, smart charging features can also be integrated, allowing you to schedule charging sessions during off-peak hours to reduce electricity costs.

Assessing Your Home’s Electrical System

Before installing a charger, it’s important to check your home’s electrical capacity. Our professional installers can assess your system and handle any necessary upgrades, ensuring your installation is safe and efficient. This step is especially important for older homes that may need additional work to support the charger. Here’s a deeper look into what’s involved in assessing your home’s electrical capacity and why it matters.

1. Evaluating the Electrical Panel (Consumer Unit)
The electrical panel, also known as the consumer unit in the UK, is the heart of your home’s electrical system. It distributes electricity throughout your property. To install a Level 2 EV charger, your panel needs to have sufficient capacity to handle the added electrical demand. Most chargers require a dedicated 32-40 amp circuit. If your panel is already near its limit, it may need upgrading or additional circuits to safely support the charger without overloading your system.

• Load Capacity: A key part of our assessment is calculating your home’s existing load. This includes everything from lighting and appliances to heating systems. We'll compare this with the power requirements of the charger to ensure there's no risk of overloading the system.

• Circuit Space: Modern consumer units often have extra space for additional circuits, but older panels may be limited. If this is the case, a panel upgrade or replacement may be required to install the charger safely.

2. Ensuring Your Home Meets Current Electrical Standards
In the UK, all new electrical installations must comply with the IET Wiring Regulations (BS 7671). This includes installing EV chargers. Our licensed electricians ensure that your home’s electrical system adheres to these regulations, safeguarding against potential hazards like overcurrent, short circuits, or electrical fires.

For older homes, electrical standards may not have been updated in decades, meaning wiring could be outdated or damaged. In some cases, we may recommend rewiring specific circuits or installing additional safety devices such as Residual Current Devices (RCDs) and circuit breakers to meet modern safety standards.

3. Future-Proofing Your Electrical System
If you plan to add more electric vehicles to your household in the future, or if you want to take advantage of other home electrification trends (such as solar panels or battery storage), we recommend future-proofing your installation. This could involve setting up a more powerful charger, upgrading your panel for higher capacity, or adding infrastructure that supports smart charging. Doing this now can prevent costly upgrades down the line.

4. Energy Efficiency and Peak Load Management
One concern that homeowners often overlook is how installing an EV charger could impact energy consumption, particularly during peak usage times. We assess whether adding a charger will significantly increase your energy bills, especially if multiple high-demand appliances (like electric ovens or heating systems) are used simultaneously. To mitigate this, we can help you explore smart charging solutions that let you schedule charging during off-peak hours when electricity rates are lower, or integrate solar energy if your home is equipped with it.

5. Installation and Safety Considerations
It’s essential that the charger is installed on a dedicated circuit with its own isolator switch to ensure it operates independently from the rest of your home’s appliances. Our certified installers take care of this as part of the installation process, ensuring that everything from wiring to circuit breakers is correctly fitted to prevent any power surges or risks to your home’s electrical system.

Additionally, we check grounding (earthing) systems to prevent any electrical shocks, especially in outdoor installations. This step is vital in protecting both your vehicle and your home from electrical faults.

6. Additional Upgrades for Outdoor Installations
For outdoor charger installations, we consider additional safety and weatherproofing measures. If your installation site is exposed to the elements, we use weather-resistant and corrosion-proof materials to ensure long-term durability. We also ensure that any exposed wiring is safely encased to prevent wear or damage over time.

Why Choose E-Charge Install?
At E-Charge Install, we don’t just install chargers; we guide you through the entire process, from choosing the right model to ensuring it operates efficiently. Our team of professionals is dedicated to making your switch to electric as smooth as possible. Contact us for a no-obligation quote, and we’ll help you get started.