As electric vehicles become more mainstream, having an electric charging point can enhance the public perception of your holiday let. It shows that you are forward-thinking, progressive and supportive of new technologies.
What electrical capacity is required to install an electric charge point at my holiday let?
The electrical capacity required for electric car charging point installation at a property will depend on several factors:
1. Charging speed: The charging speed of the EV charge point will determine the electrical capacity required. Different charge points have different power ratings, which can range from 3.7 kW to 22 kW or even higher. Higher charging speeds will require a higher electrical capacity.
2. Available electrical capacity: The existing electrical capacity at the property needs to be assessed to determine if it can support the additional load of an EV charge point. This is typically measured in terms of the amperage (amp) available in the electrical panel.
3. Load management: If the existing electrical capacity is insufficient, load management techniques can be employed to distribute the available capacity efficiently. This can involve controlling the charging speed of multiple EVs to prevent overloading the electrical system.
4. Upgrading electrical infrastructure: In cases where the existing electrical capacity is insufficient, it may be necessary to upgrade the electrical infrastructure, such as the electrical panel and cabling. This will require a professional assessment to determine the required upgrades.
Consulting with a specialist in electric charging point installations, such as McNally EV, to assess the specific electrical capacity requirements for adding an EV charging point at a property is highly recommended.
The EV charging point options: how quickly will they charge a vehicle?
The speed and power of an Electric Vehicle (EV) charging point can vary depending on the type of charger. There are three common types of EV chargers: Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3 (also known as DC fast chargers).
Level 1 charger
This is the slowest type of charger, typically providing power at 120 volts AC and charging at a rate of around 2-5 miles of range per hour. Level 1 chargers usually come with the car when you purchase it and they can be plugged into a standard household outlet. They are suitable for overnight charging or for situations where there is plenty of time to charge a vehicle. These chargers are not built for prolonged use.
Level 2 charger
This is the most used charger for residential and commercial EV charging. Level 2 chargers operate at 240 volts AC and provide charging speeds of about 10-60 miles of range per hour, depending on the charger's power rating (measured in kilowatts or kW). A typical Level 2 charger at home may have a power rating of between 3.3 kW and 7.2 kW, while public Level 2 chargers can go up to 25 kW or more when using a three-phase power supply.
Level 3 charger (DC fast charger)
It's important to note that the actual charging speed will also depend on factors such as the vehicle's battery capacity, the state of charge when charging starts and any limitations set by the vehicle's charging system. To estimate how quickly an EV charging point will charge your vehicle, you can consider the power rating of the charging point and the capacity of a vehicle's battery. Charging speed is commonly measured in miles of range added per hour.
For example, if you install a Level 2 charging point with a power rating of 7.2 kW and a vehicle has a battery capacity of 72 kWh, you can estimate that it will take approximately 10 hours to fully charge the vehicle assuming no charging losses. This can vary based on the efficiency of the charger and the vehicle.
If you have access to a Level 3 DC Fast Charger, with charging speeds of around 60-80 miles of range in 20 minutes, you can significantly reduce charging time. However, it's important to note that Level 3 chargers are not as common as Level 2 chargers and may not be compatible with all EV models – this is a definite consideration if you are trying to appeal to a wider guest base.
How much does it cost to charge an electric vehicle?
The cost of charging an electric vehicle (EV) in the UK can vary depending on several factors:
1. Electricity tariff: The rate you pay for electricity can differ depending on your supplier and tariff. Generally, off-peak rates (during the night) are cheaper than peak rates.
2. Charging method/location: There are various charging options available including home charging, workplace charging, and public charging. Home charging tends to be the cheapest as you can take advantage of lower electricity tariffs. Workplace charging can sometimes be free or subsidised by employers. Public charging can have a cost associated with it, but prices vary depending on the operator.
3. Charging speed: Different electric vehicle chargers support different charging speeds. Faster charging methods like rapid chargers can be more expensive than slower alternatives.
4. Vehicle battery capacity: The size of your EV's battery will impact the cost of charging. A larger battery will require more electricity, increasing the cost.
To give you an approximate idea, if we consider an average price of 15p (pence) per kWh, and assume the EV has a 40-kWh battery, you could expect to pay around £6 for a full charge (40 x 0.15 = £6). However, it's important to note that these figures are approximate and can vary significantly depending on the factors mentioned above. It is advisable to check with your energy supplier or charging network operator for accurate pricing details.
What regulation exists in relation to electric vehicle charging?
The Electric Vehicles Smart Charge Points Regulations 2021 introduced several new requirements that were designed to help manage the increased electricity demand as a result of the nationwide trend to move towards using electric vehicles.
These regulations set out what capabilities home and workplace chargers should have, and these include:
- Coming with a pre-determined charging schedule that will only charge an electric vehicle during off-peak hours when demand is lower. This can also have financial benefits with energy being cheaper in off-peak times. Peak periods are between 4pm-10pm on weekdays and 8am-11am at weekends. Any charger installed after 1 July 2022 won’t charge between these times by default.
- Having a randomised delay of up to 10 minutes to avoid a power surge – otherwise, all electric vehicles would start to charge at the same time when on the default schedule.
- Clear, additional information on charging sessions including length of charge and all charging events over the last 12 months.
- Smart charging capability: all charge points must be capable of being remotely accessed and capable of receiving, interpreting, and responding to signals through a roaming service or other technology approved by the relevant authority.
- Having a tamper detection mechanism installed.
For more detailed information on smart charge points, take a look at this guide on all of the smart charge point regulations.
Property: Patagonia | Builth Wells
Are grants available for EV charging points at my holiday let?
The Workplace Charging Scheme (WCS) is a UK government initiative that provides support and financial incentives for employers to install electric vehicle (EV) charging points at their workplaces. The scheme aims to encourage the adoption of EVs by making it more convenient for employees to charge their vehicles while at work.
Under the WCS, businesses can apply for grants to cover up to 75% of the costs associated with purchasing and installing EV charging infrastructure. The maximum grant available is £350 per charging socket, up to a maximum of 40 sockets per applicant.
The government made an update to its Workplace Charging Scheme (WCS) policy on 29 March 2022. This change permitted holiday and short-stay accommodation providers to apply for a grant.
To be eligible for the grant, you must meet certain criteria and comply with specific terms and conditions. If you believe your holiday let business fulfils these requirements, you can complete the application process online.
More information on the WCS criteria and how to apply is available here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/workplace-charging-scheme-guidance-for-applicants
If you successfully qualify for the grant, the EV charging point you install must meet the minimum technical specifications and be fitted by an installer authorized by the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV).
Are EV chargers compatible with solar panels?
Yes, EV chargers can be compatible with solar panels. You can connect solar panels to an EV charger to directly charge your electric vehicle with clean and renewable energy.
This setup is commonly known as ‘solar EV charging’ or ‘solar-powered charging stations.’ It allows you to harness the energy from the sun to charge your electric vehicle, reducing your carbon footprint and electricity costs.
Property: The Farmstead | Stratford-Upon-Avon
Can my holiday let support an EV charger installation?
It is recommended to consult with a qualified electrician to assess the electrical capacity and infrastructure to determine if your property can support having an EV charging point installed. The electrician will be able to evaluate the electrical panel, the wiring, and the capacity of the electrical service to determine if any upgrades or modifications would be necessary to support the installation of an EV charger.
They will also consider factors such as the distance from the main service panel to the potential charging location and the capacity of the local power grid. It's important to consult with a professional to ensure the safety and compatibility of the EV charger with your property's electrical system.
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This article was developed with the support of McNally EV, experts in the installation and maintenance of residential and commercial EV charging points. They provide nationwide coverage and can be contacted on 01535 444 101 or [email protected] for more information.