What are the considerations when installing an EV charger at home

Installing an electric vehicle (EV) charger in your own garage or drive makes it easy to charge an electric car whenever you’re at home, so you don’t have to worry about finding a charging station or running out of battery power during the morning commute.

Of course, there’s a lot to think about when selecting and installing an EV charger at home, such as whether you could install the charger yourself and what kind of system is right for your home. In this blog, we aim to answer some of these common questions and help you make an informed decision about having an EV charger installed at home.

Do I need an EV charger at home?

With ever-growing concern for the environment, as well as fluctuating fuel costs, more and more UK drivers are opting for electric vehicles. These cars are on their way to becoming the norm on UK roads and the government has committed to banning the sales of all new cars with internal combustion engines by 2030. With so many electric vehicles on the roads, the demand for charging stations throughout the UK road network infrastructure will increase as convenience of charging points will be one of the key drivers.

For homeowners, the most convenient option, however, is an EV charger in their own drive or garage. Many homeowners are having charging stations installed, while developers and housebuilders are now required to install EV charging stations to meet future homeowner expectations and the requirements of Approved Document S: Infrastructure relating to the charging of Electric Vehicles.

Can I install an EV charger myself?

Electric vehicle chargers are very safe devices; however, they should be installed by a professional. It’s important to remember that these are electrical devices that are connected to the mains supply. That’s why it’s essential that qualified electricians install EV chargers – they will have the necessary knowledge of residential electrical systems and the EV charging device to ensure it is installed in a safe and reliable way.

Can I connect an EV charger to solar roof panels?

Connecting an EV charger to solar roof panels isn’t just possible; it’s recommended!

With so many variables to consider – from the fluctuating costs of electricity to the specific capacity of a solar vehicle’s battery – it’s impossible to say how much it costs to fully charge an EV using electricity from the grid. However, if the car is fully charged using electricity from a solar PV system, such as the Marley SolarTile ®, the cost of charging is essentially free.

How long does it take to install an EV charger at home?

The standard installation of a residential EV charger will usually only take a couple of hours, although this can vary depending on site requirements.

Be sure to provide the installer with as much information as possible ahead of time, so they know what to expect. You can also help to ensure the installation goes smoothly by ensuring there is easy access to the electricity supply distribution board and that the area where the EV charger is to be installed is clear of obstructions. Also, have your Wi-Fi password ready so the installer can connect the charger to the internet.

What type of cable do you need for an EV charger?

Charging an electric vehicle with an EV charger uses a Mode 3 cable, which come in two variations.

Type 1 charger cables have 5-Pins and are single phase. Type 1 charging cables are more popular in Asia than Europe, but Type 1-to-Type 2 charging cables are available. Type 2 EV charging cables have a 7-Pin design and are considered the standard in the UK and Europe. These are available for single phase, three phase and DC Charging (the later typically reserved for Tesla Supercharger vehicles). Type 2 cables have a built-in locking mechanism for additional reliability and safety.

The cables usually have a diameter of around 16-20mm and come in various lengths from 2–50m. When choosing a cable, select a length that will easily reach the parked car. Usually, something around 3-5m is about right.

Which domestic EV charger is suitable for my home?

Choosing the right electric vehicle charger will depend on your home’s electrical supply and your charging preferences. Here at Marley, we offer an EV charger that can work with solar-electric systems in residential properties.

For homes incorporating solar panels such as Marley SolarTile®, The Marley EV charger allows you to charge your vehicle using free power from sunlight. It can be installed indoors or outdoors and has a small footprint – about the size of an A5 sheet of paper. It can be easily controlled from your smartphone and comes with a three-year warranty for peace of mind.

To learn more about the Marley EV charger and how it can be combined with the Marley SolarTile® and our complete roofing system, please visit our product page. Our technical team is also available to answer any questions, so please get in touch to discuss your requirements in more detail.