The increasing demand for electric vehicles (EVs) has necessitated the installation of EV charging points. However, not all buildings or parking spaces are suitable for EV charger installation. The process of installing EV chargers requires careful consideration of several factors to ensure that the charging points are safe, efficient, and functional.
That said, this article outlines all the key requirements for EV charger installation.
Having a home charging point is a must if you plan to switch to an electric vehicle. To ensure compliance with all rules, you should familiarise yourself with the EV charger installation requirements in the UK before beginning the process.
Where Can Electric Vehicle Chargers Be Installed?
Homes with garages or driveways are ideal locations for electric vehicle charging stations. Because of this, a driveway or garage is usually the best place to install the charge station because it has ready access to the main energy supply.
The Planning Permission
Wall-mounted electric vehicle charging points can be installed without permission from the local authorities in areas lawfully used for off-street parking (under specific circumstances), but permission may be necessary for other situations.
Places Where It Is Illegal to Install an Electric Vehicle Charging Station
No electric vehicle charging stations are permitted within two metres of a public roadway, a listed building, or a scheduled monument.
Engineers will also need to take into account rules when deciding where to place an EV charger. A sim touch is any metal object connected to your electrical supply; hence EV chargers cannot be positioned closer than 2.5 metres to a sim touch. A metal-encased light fixture in the home or a streetlamp outside could prevent the charger from being placed in its ideal placement.
Technical Prerequisites
Technical specifications must be met when setting up an electric vehicle charger in the UK. The volume of the covering on an outlet can’t be more than 0.2 cubic metres. Charging station pedestals are permitted, but only if their height does not exceed 1.6m and there is only one such pedestal per parking spot.
Regulations for Electrical Safety
- The EVHS and the electrical safety criteria outlined in Building Regulations Part P must both be met by any EV charger installation.
- IET Wiring Regulations, as outlined in BS 7671, must be met by the charger.
- The charging station must have an IP rating higher than the minimum specified by BS EN 61851.
- The charge point should also be able to track the amount of energy being used and relay that information using the Open Charge Point Protocol.
- For the electric vehicle charging station to function at its maximum capacity, there must be adequate electrical supply potential. The most typical charger output is 7 kilowatts (kW), but chargers with outputs of 3 kW and even 22 kW exist.
Cost
A 7kW charger may be installed in a home for about £800, although a 3kW device is less expensive, and a high-speed unit is more expensive.
If you qualify for the OZEV (Office for Zero-Emission Vehicles) award, also called the EV chargepoint grant, you may be able to receive a discount on any unit you purchase. The Office of Low Emission Vehicles (OLEV) grant is the new name for what was once called the Electric Vehicle Homecharge Scheme (EVHS).
The OZEV Government Grant will be restricted to homeowners of multifamily dwellings and tenants of multifamily and single-use buildings as of April 1, 2022. Single-family homes, such as bungalows, detached, semi-detached, and terraced houses, will no longer be eligible for this programme.
Different Charging Stations for Electric Vehicles
There are two types of charging stations: those that require a cable and those that don’t. In order to use a portable charging station, you’ll need to have the appropriate cable in your vehicle at all times, but the station can be connected to nearly any vehicle with the necessary cable. You can charge your car quickly and simply with a tethered charging point, but it will take up more room and may not be compatible with the new vehicle.
Conclusion
Overall, before installing an electric vehicle charger, there are several key requirements that must be considered. These include the location of the charging point, planning permission, technical specifications, regulations for electrical safety, and cost. It is crucial to comply with all rules and regulations to ensure the charging points are safe, efficient, and functional. With the increasing demand for electric vehicles, it is vital to have an adequate number of charging stations to meet the needs of EV users.
By following the guidelines outlined in this article, electric vehicle owners can ensure that they have access to safe and reliable charging facilities.
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