As the electric car industry continues its year-on-year growth, it is becoming increasingly important to prepare your business with the necessary EV charging facilities.
A commonly asked question in online forums is, ‘why can’t I just charge my electric car from a normal domestic plug socket?’. Well, here’s why…
While it may seem like a simple solution to charging your new electric car, it is not recommended by car manufacturers, electricians, or electrical safety charities.
Speed
Firstly, a domestic socket is by far the slowest way to charge your EV.
A 7kW charge point can charge a Nissan Leaf in just 6 hours, whereas a standard domestic UK plug socket can take 24 hours which is unfeasible for everyday drivers. In fact, a 7kW charger could provide up to 5 miles in just 10 minutes and an ultra-rapid 150kW charger could do 100 miles in the same time.
Having an EV charger installed by Charge and Recharge is quick and easy, cutting your EV charge time by up to 60%.
Safety
Charging your EV on your home circuit applies unnecessary strain and this will only worsen with regular use. Most EV manufacturers limit the “current draw from a standard domestic 3 pin socket to 0A or less, which equated to a maximum of 2.3kW”.
The Electrical Safety First charity forbids the use of multi-socket extension leads and ‘daisy chain’ leads due to the high risk of electric shocks and fires. It would require constant supervision and checks on the domestic circuit for any burnt-out socket and wear and tear. Plus, any older wiring would need to be replaced before plugging in your EV, so you wouldn’t be saving any money overall.
Therefore, only in the most exceptional circumstances should a domestic plug socket be used.
Money
The battery life of your EV can be damaged when plugging it in constantly or for too long. The cost of a Fiat 500e is £3654 and a Hyundai Kona Electric is £3410.41. On average, they can last up to 20 years when charged appropriately, so installing an EV charger can save you a lot of money.
Finally, simply installing an EV charger can add value to your home. As we move closer to the 2030 deadline the government set to phase out petrol and diesel car being manufactured, a dedicated EV charger is a valuable addition to a home. Some potential buyers are not only attracted to your property, but are also willing to pay a premium for the bonus of having an EV charger already installed.
So, for the sake of your time, safety and money, get an EV charger installed by Charge and Recharge! Speak to our friendly team today.