Questions often asked about EV Chargers explained

How far can I travel on a fully charged EV car?

What model of car will determine how far that you can travel on a full charge. Some EV’s can travel up to 300miles on a full charge whereas some of the older models can only do around 150 miles. For example, the new Volkswagen ID3 can get up to 357miles on a charge whereas the Tesla Model X can only get 259miles. This should be something to consider when purchasing.

Also, what you use inside your car will have an impact on your milage. For example, using the air conditioning/heaters in your car will decrease your milage range. Most EV cars will give you the option to use sports mode or eco mode, these will also have an impact on your total usable milage.

Can my solar install be used to charge my car?

To use your solar panels to be able to charge your car, you need a compatible charger to communicate to your solar system. Typically, you would have a solar system with battery storage. This will then allow you to use energy you have generated during the day from your panels to charge your car in the evening, effectively giving you free charging.

How much can I expect to pay for a charger install?

There are a few deciding factors in how much your install can cost. These range from the type of charger you choose, the speed that the charger can charge at, to the conditions of the installation. On average in the UK, a car charger install can cost anywhere between £800-£1200.

Are there any tax incentives for buying an EV charger in the UK?

In the UK, there are a few different tax incentives available for those that install EV chargers. Here are some examples:

Enhanced Capital Allowances – This helps businesses that install EV chargers, allowing them to claim the full cost of the charger as a tax deduction in the year of purchase.

Reduced VAT Rate: The installation of EV chargers in residential properties is subject to a reduced VAT rate of 5%. This can result in significant savings for individuals who install EV chargers at home.

Workplace Charging Scheme: The UK government offers the Workplace Charging Scheme, which provides businesses with up to £350 per charging socket to help cover the cost of installing EV chargers. Businesses can apply for up to 40 sockets under the scheme.

How long does an installation take?

There are several factors that can influence the time it takes to install your charger. If your charger location is near to your electrical supply and is a relatively simple install, you could be looking between 3-5 hours. If you require your charger to be on a separate building to your electrical supply and requires a trench to be dug, longer cable routes and clipping to buildings, you could be looking at 6–8-hour job depending on conditions.

If you’re looking for EV charger installation services, Lumen Electrical is here to assist. We specialise in professional EV charger installations across Peterborough, with a mobile team offering reliable service wherever you need it. Contact us today for tailored EV charging solutions to suit your requirements!