Assembling your own charging station for an electric car can seem complicated if you don’t have experience in electrical work or DIY. Where do you start if this is your first EV charger? Is it possible to install it yourself? How much might it cost? In this article, we’ll walk you through the process of installing an EV charger, answering the most important questions. You’ll be up and running in no time.
Can I install an EV charging point myself?
Not unless you are a certified electrician specializing in EV charger installation. It’s always a good idea to hire an experienced and certified installer. This may be more expensive in the short run, but it is crucial for proper and safe charger installation and compliance with regulations. In addition, some EV charging points may lose their warranty if not installed by a certified electrician. It’s better not to risk that.
Where to look for the right company to install an EV charging station?
Once you have purchased an EV charging station there is often a question about its installation. The easiest way is to use an installer recommended by the charger manufacturer. Some suppliers, like Wallbox, offer a comprehensive service that includes both the charger and its installation.
If buying an integrated package is not an option, there are many options available: you can consult your local automotive association; ask friends who have had EV chargers installed at home; check out EV driving communities; consult your local car dealer; ask the brand you bought the charger from for advice; or look for certified installers on the Internet. Remember, you need an installer with specific EV charger installation experience.
How exactly does the EV charger installation process work?
1. Safety: a priority when installing an EV charging station.
Installing an EV charger safely requires an expert’s knowledge of both your home electrical system and the charger itself. Without this knowledge, the installation process can go wrong, and the safety and performance of the charger can be compromised.
Your charger transfers a large amount of electricity from your home or apartment building to your car. If it’s not installed properly, you and those around you (your family, friends or neighbors) are at risk of dangerous consequences from this energy. That’s why it’s important to choose an experienced and specialized EV charging station installer to avoid the risk of fire or electrocution.
2. Compliance: Make sure your EV charging station is fully certified.
By choosing an experienced EV installer, you are guaranteed compliance with national regulations, such as those for electrical installations. Once the EV charger installation is complete, the electrician usually has to approve it with the government department. This is confirmation that the installation was done safely and in accordance with all national regulations. Reputable installation companies will provide you with a copy of the charger’s certificate of compliance. In some countries it is mandatory to have a certificate of compliance, without one you can be fined, so be sure to double check the requirements for your location.
This certificate of conformity is not just a guarantee of the reliability and safety of the installed charger. You may need it to qualify for insurance payments if something goes wrong in the future. For example, if there is excess current due to a charger failure or an event such as a lightning strike, you’ll want to report the damage to your insurance company. Without a certificate of compliance, the insurer may refuse to pay out because there is no proof that your charger was properly installed and protected to begin with. What’s more, if any problems arise with your EV battery and you need the manufacturer’s help, you may need a certificate to prove that it’s the car, not the charger, that’s malfunctioning.
3. Cost: determining the cost of installing EV chargers.
How much does it cost to install an EV charging station?
It’s worth investing in a reliable and experienced installer, because it’s an investment in safety and compliance, not only for you, but also for your car, home and others around you. Based on our experience, the minimum price for a proper installation by an experienced electrician is around €700, but the exact amount depends on your location and the specific technical requirements of your home.
For example, the distance between the fuse box and your parking space or driveway will affect the cost of the cable and the overall cost of the installation. Therefore, if your parking space or driveway is 10 meters from the fuse box and your neighbor’s is 50 meters, your neighbor’s installation costs will be higher than yours. This is due not only to the greater distance needed for the wires, but also because regulations mandate that the installer use larger diameter wires for longer distances to provide additional protection, which incurs additional fees. Don’t forget that labor costs make up a large portion of installation costs. Any of the installation variables listed here, such as the need for certain wires, can also lead to higher labor costs, as the installer will have to adjust to your home’s specifications.
That’s why it’s a good idea to schedule an in-home visit and evaluation with your installer before making any commitments. A home visit means that a potential installer can give you a complete quote tailored to your building’s specific requirements. In some cases, this home inspection can be done online. Quoting a standard flat fee or an “installation from €700” quote that doesn’t take these requirements into account could end up costing you extra. That’s why it’s a good idea to ask your installer for a personalized quote early on, which could save you money in the future. However, it’s worth noting that electrical components can cost a lot of money, which can be shocking if you’re not an electrician. Don’t be surprised by how much an installation costs. The components, labor and expertise of a specialist are not cheap, but consider it a worthwhile investment in your safety and future.
Save money by installing an EV charging station with subsidies.
When considering costs, it’s also worth looking at national and local incentives for EV charging. Many states offer subsidies and tax refunds for people who want to install an a charging station for electric vehicles (EV) at your home or on a nearby street. Depending on where you live, you could be reimbursed between 15 and 90% of the initial cost of a charging installation.
4. Services and experience: look for specialization and comprehensive offers.
Choose installers with specific knowledge of EV chargers.
When choosing EV charger installation services, look for technical training and quality of service. Look for companies or electricians who have specific knowledge of EV charger installation and the complex regulations that come with it.
Keep in mind that even the most trusted and experienced electricians may not be familiar with the technical requirements and regulations for EV charging stations.
Choose comprehensive services when possible.
When searching for an installer, you don’t just want a company that will install the charger and leave you with the hassle of using it. It’s worth looking for a comprehensive package of services. Some installers will provide pre-installation advice on choosing the right charger and provide guidance on using the charger with its application or software. By choosing a comprehensive service, you can get expert advice on choosing the best charger for your current and future needs, as well as a full analysis of how to install the charger in the best way for your home and electricity bills. The ideal option would be to use a comprehensive service that includes both the charger and its installation.
For example, you may currently have a hybrid car that requires a 3.7 kW charge, but you are considering purchasing a full-size electric car that will require a faster charge and more power in the future. By talking to an installation company or charger manufacturer, you can choose a charger and installation plan that will both suit your current hybrid car and support a future EV purchase. This way, you will be able to simply insert a new charger for your new car when the time comes, rather than having to update your entire installation infrastructure.
EV charger brands are likely to have access to a team of technicians with more advanced knowledge of smart charger installation than the average electrician. They will also be able to provide advice on the use of smart charging apps. This is important because some European governments are now requiring that all new private chargers have smart features built in.
Installing a charger for electric cars – a profitable investment in the future.
Installing a charger for electric cars is not cheap or simple as it may have seemed. However, it is worth investing in a professional installation, especially choosing the best installer. This way, you will gain many benefits in the long run. From ensuring charger safety and regulatory compliance to increasing property value, a solid installation service can make all the difference.
Whether you choose a comprehensive package offered by an EV charger supplier or hire a local electrician, look for reputable and trusted professionals with experience installing EV charging stations. It’s a good idea to find an installer that offers a comprehensive service to make sure it meets your current and future charging needs.