Written by The rise of electric vehicles has dramatically changed the way people perceive transportation and energy consumption. In Manchester, more individuals have been switching to electric vehicles; therefore, the need for convenient and efficient charging solutions has increased. One of the major steps an EV owner can take is to install a personal EV charger at home or work. Knowing the costs and benefits of EV charger installation in Manchester is important in making an informed choice for this valuable investment. In this article, we break down the financial considerations, advantages, and considerations involved when installing an EV charger in Manchester.
A) The Costs of EV Charger Installation in Manchester:
1) Installation of the initial equipment:
The cost of the charger would depend on the kind of charger and model you use. There are basic level two units and advanced smart ones fitted with Wi-Fi, complete with energy monitoring. Installation of average costs:
i) Basic Level 2 Charger: £500 – £800
ii) Smart Level 2 Charger: £800 – £1200
2) Installation Costs:
Installation costs depend on the complexity of the job. Factors such as distance from your home’s main electrical panel, upgrades to your electrical system, and extra wiring can all affect the overall price. The average installation costs in Manchester are as follows:
i) Basic Installation: £500 – £800
ii) Complex Installation: £1000 – £1500
3) Potential Upgrades:
Your home may need to have an upgrade to the electrical system for the EV charger. Some examples include:
i) Upgrade of Fuse Box £500 – £1000 Electrical Panel Upgrade £1200 – £2000.
4) Government Grants and Incentives:
The UK Government’s Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV) provides grants under the EV Chargepoint Grant scheme. This can save up to £350 on installation costs for eligible households in Manchester. Businesses may also be eligible for the Workplace Charging Scheme (WCS), which pays up to 75% of the installation costs, capped at £350 per socket.
5) Running Costs:
Once installed, the cost of using your EV charger will depend on the rates for electricity. Average charging costs for an EV at home are about 10-15p per kWh, which is cheaper than refueling a petrol or diesel vehicle. When charging at night, the cost will be lower during off-peak hours.
B) Benefits of Installing an EV Charger in Manchester:
1) Convenience:
One of the most important benefits to having an EV charger at work or home is that one can charge their vehicle at ease. Instead of depending on public charging stations, your vehicle can be charged overnight or during work hours, so when you need it, it is ready to go.
i) Time Savings: Avoid the detours to public charging stations.
ii) Reliable Access: No need to compete with others for charging points during peak hours.
2) Cost Savings:
Installing an EV charger in Manchester offers significant long-term cost savings:
i) Less Expensive Charging: Electricity from home is usually cheaper than public charging.
ii) Less Maintenance: EVs have fewer moving parts, thus less expensive to maintain.
iii) Government Grants: Use grants and schemes to reduce the cost of purchase.
3) Environmental Benefits:
Manchester is committed to sustainability, which is part of the reason for buying an EV. Installing an EV charger helps you make a difference in:
i) Lower Carbon Emissions: Charging your EV from renewable energy sources reduces your carbon footprint.
ii) Cleaner Air: Less dependence on fossil fuels cleans up the air of Manchester.
4) Improved Property Value:
As more and more people begin to adopt EVs, homes with installed chargers are turning into goldmines for those seeking houses. Installing an EV charger can increase the resale value and appeal of your property.
5) Future-Proofing:
With the UK government’s plan to ban the sale of new petrol and diesel vehicles by 2030, installing an EV charger ensures you’re prepared for the transition to electric vehicles.
6) Workplace Benefits:
For businesses in Manchester, offering EV chargers can:
i) Attract Customers and Employees: Providing charging facilities demonstrates a commitment to sustainability.
ii) Tax Benefits: Employers can claim tax relief on installation and electricity costs for workplace chargers.
iii) Employee Satisfaction: Workplace charging improves the employee benefits and boosts the adoption of EVs.
C) Factors to Consider Before Installing an EV Charger:
1) Charger Type:
Select a charger suitable for your needs:
i) Level 2 Chargers: Suitable for home usage; will provide a full charge in 4-8 hours
ii) DC Fast Chargers: Suitable for commercial use; charges up to 80% in 30 minutes but is pricey.
2) Location:
Choose a location that is close to your vehicle, as well as your home’s electrical panel. The location must be weatherproof and safe.
3) Electrical Capacity:
A licensed electrician must measure your home’s electrical system to find out if it needs to be upgraded to support the charger.
4) Smart Features:
Most contemporary chargers have the following smart features:
i) Wi-Fi connectivity: Monitor and control the charging from anywhere.
ii) Energy monitoring: Tracks electricity usage and its associated costs.
iii) Scheduled Charging: Schedule charging to occur during off-peak hours when electricity rates are at their lowest.
5) Laws and Permits:
You will need permission to install a charger in a shared or listed building in Manchester. Your property management or local council can provide this information.
D) How to Install an EV Charger in Manchester:
1) Assess Your Requirements:
Choose the right type of charger and location that meets your lifestyle and needs of your vehicle.
2) Find a Registered Installer:
Choose a certified electrician or OZEV-approved installer to ensure compliance with safety standards and eligibility for grants.
3) Apply for Grants:
Submit applications for the EV Chargepoint Grant or Workplace Charging Scheme to reduce installation costs.
4) Schedule Installation:
Coordinate with your installer to schedule the installation and address any necessary upgrades to your electrical system.
5) Test and Start Charging:
Once installed, test the charger and begin enjoying the convenience of charging at home or work.
E) Why Choose EV Charger Installation in Manchester?
Manchester is leading the UK’s drive towards sustainability, so it is an excellent city for installing EV chargers. With an ever-increasing number of EV owners and government-backed incentives, it is an excellent city to transition to electric vehicles. Moreover, Manchester has diverse installers and services to offer you a solution according to your requirements and budget.
The Final Words:
Installing an EV charger in Manchester is an investment that pays off in convenience, cost savings, and environmental benefits. Although the upfront costs may vary based on equipment and installation requirements, government incentives and long-term savings make it a smart choice for both residents and businesses.
Installing an EV charger makes not only your daily life a better experience but contributes toward a greener and cleaner Manchester. As an owner of a home or an office, this is an excellent time to consider future transportation and the comfort brought about by EV charger installation in Manchester.
