You’ve gone electric—great choice! But now you’re probably wondering: “Do I stick with charging my EV using a trusty 3-pin plug, or is it time to level up with a dedicated home EV charger?” While the 3-pin plug might seem like the easy option (because, well, it’s already there), there are a few reasons you might want to reconsider.
In this blog, we are going to explore why upgrading to a dedicated home EV charger is a smarter choice than sticking with a 3-pin plug.
- What is a Dedicated Home EV Charger?
- Safety: Protect Your Home and EV
- Why EV Certified Installers Matter for Charger Installations
- Convenience and Control: Smart Features of a Home EV Charger
- Built to Withstand the Elements: Charger Durability
- EV Chargers We Offer
- OZEV Grant Funding: Save on Installation
- When to Upgrade to a Dedicated Home EV Charger
- The Benefits of a Dedicated Home EV Charger
What is a Dedicated Home EV Charger?
Think of a dedicated home EV charger as a wall-mounted device designed exclusively for juicing up your electric vehicle. It’s usually installed on an exterior wall at your property, and it does a whole lot more than your standard plug socket. Charging your EV with a 3-pin plug is a bit like trying to fill a bathtub with a teaspoon. Sure, it’ll get there… eventually. But why wait when a dedicated home EV charger can speed things up dramatically? Instead of waiting a whole day (or more!) for a full charge, a home EV charger gets the job done overnight—or even faster.
Nowadays, it’s all about efficiency, isn’t it? Why waste time when you could be out on the road enjoying the benefits of electric driving? No more waiting around. Just plug in, go to bed, and wake up to a fully charged car, ready for the day ahead. Who doesn’t love that?
Safety: Protect Your Home and EV
Charging your EV using a regular 3-pin plug might seem harmless, but it’s not without risks. Domestic sockets aren’t designed to handle the heavy loads that an EV demands, especially for long charging periods. Overheating? Yeah, not something you want to worry about.
A dedicated home EV charger, on the other hand, is built for this very purpose. It’s installed on its own circuit, designed to handle high-power demands safely. So, you can charge your EV without worrying about any electrical mishaps.
Why EV Certified Installers Matter for Charger Installations
When it comes to installing a dedicated home EV charger, safety isn’t just a bonus—it’s a must. In the UK, EV charging installations must comply with strict safety regulations to ensure that the electrical work is carried out safely and effectively. EV certified installers follow specific guidelines to reduce risks associated with electrical installations, such as overheating or short circuits. This includes using proper materials, installing dedicated circuits, and performing thorough safety checks.
At Story Electrical, we provide professional EV charger installation services. Our team of qualified electricians can help you with every step of the process, ensuring a safe, compliant, and efficient installation tailored to your specific needs.
Wondering whether you need a certified electrician for your EV installation? Read our blog: Do You Need an Electrician to Install an EV Charger?.
Convenience and Control: Smart Features of a Home EV Charger
A dedicated home EV charger does more than just charge quickly—it’s smart, too. Many chargers come with mobile apps that let you control your charging remotely. You can schedule charging sessions during off-peak hours (hello, lower energy bills!), monitor energy usage, and even get notifications when your car is fully charged.
Smart chargers also receive software updates automatically, keeping your system running smoothly without you having to lift a finger.
Built to Withstand the Elements: Charger Durability
Unlike your standard 3-pin plug, a dedicated home EV charger is designed for long-term, all-weather use. Whether it’s rain, snow, or wind, your charger will keep on working—reliably and safely. You don’t have to worry about it being exposed to the elements, making it a durable choice for any home.
EV Chargers We Offer
At Story Electrical, we’re proud to offer a range of top-quality EV chargers from trusted brands, ensuring your installation is both reliable and meets the latest UK regulations. Here’s a quick look at some of the options we can install:
RolecEV (Official Approved Partner)
Choose from models with various power settings and safety features to ensure reliable and secure charging for your EV.
- Pod Point Solo 3
An advanced charger that offers quick charging times and smart monitoring options. - Zappi by Myenergi
Great for homes with solar panels, prioritising solar energy for charging. - Easee Charger
Stylish, versatile, and capable of smart monitoring and automatic adjustment. - Hypervolt Home 2.0
With smart features and built-in safety measures, it’s designed for worry-free charging. - Ohme Home Pro
Offers an interactive LCD screen and options for scheduling and monitoring. - EO Mini Charger
One of the smallest and most discreet chargers on the market.
OZEV Grant Funding: Save on Installation
Did you know you could be eligible for an OZEV grant to help reduce the cost of your EV charger installation? The UK Government’s Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV) offers grants to support the installation of electric vehicle charge points at residential properties.
At Story Electrical, we are approved OZEV EV charger installers, ensuring your installation meets all requirements for grant eligibility. Our team will guide you through the application process.
If you’d like to learn more about how to take advantage of EV charger grants in the UK, check out our blog post: What You Need to Know About EV Charger Grants in the UK.
When to Upgrade to a Dedicated Home EV Charger
If you’re only driving short distances and don’t mind waiting around for your EV to charge, a 3-pin plug might work for now. But if you want faster, safer, and more convenient charging (and let’s be honest, who doesn’t?), upgrading to a dedicated home EV charger is the smart move.
The Benefits of a Dedicated Home EV Charger
Your 3-pin plug might get you by, but let’s face it: a dedicated home EV charger is a serious game-changer. Faster charging times, enhanced safety, and smart features that make life easier—what’s not to love?
At Story Electrical, we take pride in delivering outstanding service to all our customers. It’s this commitment that earned us the award for the Best EV Charger Installation Company – East of England as part of the Automotive Awards in 2022.
Interested in installing an EV charger at home in Peterborough or surrounding areas? Call us at 01733 913133 to discuss your EV charger needs or simply fill in our Online Enquiry Form.