According to statistics, there are now over 680,000 registered electric vehicles on the road in the UK, as well as a further 450,000 plug-in hybrids. This is a significant increase from previous years, and it reflects the growing popularity of EVs.
If you’re considering purchasing an electric vehicle, it’s important that your property is sufficiently prepared for electric charger provision, and you know how to maximise its charging potential.
In this blog, we’ll explore how you can best site a charging point and the ways in which you can get your property ready for them, with the help of BFS.
Siting your EV Charger
Naturally, the most suitable places to site an electric vehicle charger depends on the nature of the property and its location, but these are some of the key things to consider when deciding where to fit the charger.
Proximity to the mains supply
One of the most obvious things to consider is where to site your electric vehicle charger as long cables can cause a voltage drop or lead to an increased installation cost.
Accessibility
Of course, it’s important that you site the charger in an area that’s easily accessible for residents and guests, while also being clearly visible so that it can be easily found.
Charging points must also be installed at least 500mm above the ground on a sturdy vertical surface such as a brick wall.
Parking
If you’re commuting regularly, you’ll need to make sure that you can charge your car to a sufficient level in order to ensure you can travel to and from work without having to stop and find a charging point.
As such, the charger should be located near a parking space where the car can be charged overnight, with a garage or driveway the ideal spots for siting. The team would be more than happy to discuss the best location for your needs.
Getting your property ready for an EV charger
There’s a myriad of factors to consider when getting your property equipped for an electric vehicle charger, but fortunately this guide is on hand to distil down the most important, from choosing the right charger to complying with UK regulations.
Determine your charging needs
Before you install an EV charger, you need to determine what your charging needs are. So, think about how many vehicles you have, what their charging capacity is, and how frequently they will be charged.
Choosing the right charger
Having a clear understanding of your charging needs, will mean you can choose the right EV charger. There are many types of chargers available, so make sure you choose one that is compatible with your vehicles and works for your convenience and location.
Check your mains supply and fuse box
As part of the installation process, we’ll check your fuse box to ensure that it’s compatible, up to standard and has capacity. If not, we would be able to discuss various options with you that best suit your needs.
Get to know government regulations
Before you begin the installation process, it’s important to look at the government’s regulations regarding charger points for UK properties to make sure you are in compliance. It’s also important that you obtain any necessary approvals or permits, however our team is on hand to help your through the process and complete the forms on your behalf.
Hire a BFS electrician to install the charging point
When it comes to installation, you can trust one of BFS’ team of qualified electricians to expertly install the charging point. Our expert electricians are on hand to solve any of your domestic electrical needs from installation to refurbishment.
If you’d like to find out more about our electrical services, get in touch today.