WHO CAN INSTALL AN EV CHARGER?
#evcharging, #electricvehicles
It is a fairly common error to think that an EV charger is a simple piece of home electronics. However, the nature of EV chargers and the large amount of power they transfer makes this a whole different ballpark.
If you are familiar with the benefits and advantages of owning an electric vehicle (EV), then your mind is most likely made up: you are ready to take the leap and commit to EV travel. However, before you select the EV that is right for you, it is worth considering the EV charging situation.
While the number of public EV charging stations around the world is increasing – having grown to almost 1,8 million in 2021 – relying solely on recharging in supermarkets and retail parks is inconvenient for many EV owners.
Instead, they choose to implement a home EV charging solution. This allows recharging electric cars at their convenience without worrying about time limits, limited capacity, or the relatively scarce availability of EV charging stations in some countries. If this also appeals to you, then you might be thinking about the next step: selecting an attractive, reliable, and customizable EV charger and then getting started with the installation.
But before you dive in with installation, though, there are a few key points to consider that make installing EV chargers a little less clear-cut than your usual home DIY project.
EV CHARGER IS NOT AN EVERYDAY PRODUCT
It is a fairly common error to think that an EV charger is a simple piece of home electronics, so you can just, for example, attach it to a wall and connect it. However, the nature of EV chargers and the large amount of power they transfer makes this a whole different ballpark.
Installing an EV charger, while quick, easy, and convenient for qualified installation experts, is a job that requires expertise and training. To keep yourself and your home safe and ensure that you get the most out of your EV charging solution, it is often best – and most convenient – to organize installation through the company you bought your EV charger at or through independent installers who know how to deal with your chosen EV charger.
Every EV charging solution is slightly different; the benefits of having such a wealth of experience on-hand to ensure the smooth installation of your EV setup cannot be overstated.
Experienced installers might assess where your EV charger can be installed, recommend alternatives if your chosen location is unsuitable, and even conduct electrical inspections to ensure that your home's infrastructure is ready to take on a home EV charger.
CAN ANY ELECTRICIAN CARRY OUT THE INSTALLATION OF AN EV CHARGER?
EV charger installers are qualified electricians but have additional specific knowledge provided by the EV charger's manufacturer to understand the specifics of their EV charging solutions.
At Teltonika Energy, for example, we provide training to every partner installing our EV charger, ensuring the safety of everyone involved in this process and guaranteeing that our customers get the most out of our EV charging setups.
Although each EV charger fulfils the same purpose, installation professionals should be aware of every tiny difference in their construction and design to maximize their value. Speaking of value, there are even EV charging incentives offered by governments worldwide that tie into the notion of proper installation.
In the UK, for example, the EV Homecharge Scheme refunds up to 75% of the EV home charging installation cost. This grant is only valid, though, if the installation is conducted by an OZEV-approved (Office for Zero Emission Vehicles) installer, again emphasizing both the financial and safety benefits of ensuring proper installation.
