Electric Vehicle Charging Points
We are registered with OLEV for the installation of OLEV compliant charge points.It used to be the case that we also had to be registered with each manufacturer so
as to install a compliant charge point. This is no longer (Oct20) the case and we can
now install any manufacturer.
We can also install any other chargepoint, whether OLEV compliant or not.
OLEV Grant
Some information about the OLEV grant.There "were" two grant schemes. EVHS for home users. This scheme has now terminated. WCS, Workplace Charging Scheme, is for companies, landlords, and some others. That is, "eligible" parties.
The grant is a maximum of 350 pounds, at most 75% of installation cost.
With WCS you do not need to already have an electric vehicle, merely the intention.
The charge point must be on the OLEV list of compliant charge points.
Simply, this means that it must be a "smart" chargepoint (uses an app).
Which pretty much eliminates all of the cheaper charge points.
And eats into the usefulness of the grant.
The grant must be applied for by the registered installer.
AFTER the event.
There's lots of paperwork, taking time and hence more cost.
Pre-Requisite Site Survey
Prior to any quote or installation, we have to do a Site Survey.We have to come and examine the existing electrical installation to
identify any issues.
The existing system has to be fault free and comply with the main safety
requirements of the current electrical regulations.
Which might mean additional work that has to carried out in advance.
Also, we have to determine the current "load" levels and be satisfied that
there is sufficient capacity for the EV charger.
This latter is usually the easiest. If you've already got a 100amp main fuse
then you're probably ok. If it's less than that there will be a delay.
We have to notify the electric board about the installation.
If the capacity is ok, then it's a simple notification and we can go ahead.
If the capacity is questionable, then we have to get permission to go ahead.
Smart Chargers
To be OLEV compliant it has to be Smart charger.Which means it has to be able to be controlled by your phone.
Some chargers have both manual and app controls.
Some ONLY have app controls.
Charging Times
Obviously varies depending upon the car, bigger means longer.Via a 13amp socket, supplying 2kw, typically 24 hours.
Via 7kw EV chargepoint, typically 8 hours.
Electric Supply to Chargepoint
A 7kw chargepoint is supplied by a 6mm cable direct from the fusebox.A dedicated circuit.
Hence the cost of installation varies upon the awkwardness of
getting this cable into place.
Earth Spike
Many of the EV chargers specify the need for their own earth spike.It must be installed at least a couple of metres away from any underground
metalwork.
An "interesting" requirement which can prove time consuming, if not
impossible to achieve.
or No Earth Spike
Conversely, some EV chargers include PEN Fault protection negating theearth spike requirement. eg Zappi, WallBox Pulsar, PodPoint.
The extra cost balances against the spike installation cost.
An alternative is a special consumer unit, eg GARO.
Putting the protection at the fusebox end.
A fifty fifty cost between the two options.
Electrical Safety
The mains is AC, the car battery is DC.There can be a tiny DC leakage back into the system during charging.
EITHER the charger has built circuitry to trap and handle it.
OR the fusebox end of the circuit has to have a special (type-f) RCBO.
Sometimes supplied with the charger, maybe not.
It pays to do the research.
Some chargers have both the RCBO and the DC handling built in, making them
"appear" to be a more expensive option. Debatable.