Government Grant Scheme
There are two grant schemes currently available: the Electric Vehicle Homecharge Scheme (EVHS) and the Workplace Charging Scheme (WCS). Through these schemes you can claim money back on your EV charger installations for up to a maximum of £350 per charger socket, with a limit of 75% on your purchase and installation costs.
There are various criteria you need to meet in order to be eligible to apply for a claim through these schemes, but here are our top 3 tips:
Make sure you get in touch with an electrical contractor who has been approved on either scheme you qualify for. Your application will not count if your contractor is not on their list of approved installers.
WCS - you need to apply for an unique voucher code before work commences in order to be able to process the claim once the EV chargers have been installed.
EVHS - there are several elements involved with the paperwork process involving the engineer on site, the client, and administration staff. Our advice would be to start the paperwork right at the beginning of the project so that each person can complete their section as they go along and collate the evidence needed as well. This should reduce the likelihood of any deadlines being missed at a later date.
Charging Speeds
In our previous blog we talked about the different issues consumers are experiencing when installing EV chargers and the information that is not being circulated as generously as it maybe should. Following on from that, here is our main tip to consider before committing to an EV charger installation:
Answer the question, what is going to fit in with your lifestyle? Are you at home every evening and able to leave your vehicle on charge for the whole night? Or do you need to use the car in the evening, as well as during the day, making a long charge much more difficult? This is one of the most important aspects to consider before buying your car and/or your charger. Make sure if you are wanting to buy a charger with a faster charge speed e.g. 22kw and above - ask if your car has a 22kw or matching converter on board already. This will allow you to use your EV charger to its full potential.
Electrical Protection
An expense that isn't always mentioned when you are first enquiring about your EV charger is the cost to make sure it has sufficient protection to prevent accidents from occurring. The protection that will need to be installed will obviously vary depending on the characteristics of the power supply and the capabilities of the chosen charger. This should be discussed at the beginning of the project with your installer to ensure the right protection is chosen and the added costs are within budget.
BIGGEST TIP! Don't be tempted to pick the cheapest quote you receive - make sure you talk through any proposals with the contractors you have approached and ask these important questions. Better to know the extent of the whole project up front, rather than be faced with many additional costs further down the line. Likewise, if the project is planned thoroughly from the start, it will run smoother and come in on budget and time.