Log In / Register
Basket
Free delivery on orders over £75 ex VAT
Earn points with My City Plumbing Rewards
Free click & collect from branches nationwide
Buy now, pay later interest freeAre you looking for the best EV chargers to recommend to your customers? With the increasing popularity of electric vehicles, it's essential to ensure that your customers have access to reliable and efficient charging solutions.
Here at City Plumbing, our new and improved Elecstore offers a superb selection of EV chargers from highly reputable brands, helping your customers make the best choice for their electric vehicle and charging needs.
How To Choose The Best EV Charger
Choosing the best EV charger depends on a variety of factors, including the specific electric vehicle, as well as your customer's charging needs, home electrical setup, and budget. Here's a comprehensive guide to help your customers make an informed decision:
Understand EV Charging Levels and Speeds
EV chargers are categorised by their power output, measured in kilowatts (kW), which directly impacts charging speed. Level 1 (Slow Charging) is best for emergency use or occasional top-ups for plug-in hybrids. Level 2 (Fast Charging - AC) is best for daily home charging, and workplace charging. Level 3 (Rapid/Ultra-Rapid Charging - DC) is best for public charging on the go.
Consider Vehicle Compatibility
Most modern EVs in the UK use a Type 2 connector for AC charging. For DC rapid charging, the most common types are CCS (Combined Charging System) and CHAdeMO (though CHAdeMO is becoming less common). Tesla has its own proprietary connector but often provides adapters for other types.
EV chargers have a maximum charging rate it can accept. Installing a 22kW charger won't make a car charge faster if it can only handle 7.4kW. Check the car's manual for its maximum AC and DC charging capabilities.
Assess Home and Parking Situation
A dedicated home EV charger typically requires off-street parking, such as a driveway or garage, where the charger can be safely installed. Your customer’s home electrical system needs to have the capacity to support the charger's power output. A qualified electrician will conduct a survey to confirm this and advise on any necessary upgrades (e.g. to a three-phase supply for 22kW charging).
Customers will need to consider where they usually park their EV and the desired location for the charger. This cable length should be sufficient to reach the car's charging port comfortably. Chargers come with various cable lengths.
Finally, most smart chargers require a stable Wi-Fi connection to utilise their features (e.g. scheduling, cost tracking, app control) So, ensure the installation spot has a good Wi-Fi signal.
Consider Cost and Incentives
- Charger Price: Home EV chargers vary in price, from budget-friendly to premium models with advanced features and sleek designs.
- Installation Costs: Professional installation is necessary and will add to your customer’s overall cost. Factors like the complexity of the wiring, distance from your meter, and any required electrical upgrades can affect the installation price.
- Government Grants/Incentives: Check for any available government grants or local incentives that can help reduce the cost of purchasing and installing a home EV charger. (e.g. in the UK, grants like the EV Chargepoint Grant for flats and rental properties may be available)
- Electricity Tariffs: Opting for an EV-specific electricity tariff (often with cheaper overnight rates) can significantly reduce running costs. Customers will typically need a smart meter to access these tariffs.
Warranty and Support
Look for chargers with a good warranty period (typically 3-5 years) for peace of mind against defects or failures. Likewise, it’s a good idea to choose a reputable manufacturer and installer with good customer service in case your customer encounters any issues.
Shop EV Chargers at City Plumbing
City Plumbing is proud to offer both Myenergi and Rolec EV chargers, well-known brands in the EV charging market, particularly in the UK. The Myenergi Zappi and Rolec Zura are both smart chargers, but they have some distinct features that might make one more suitable than the other for a customer. Here's a comparison to help your customers decide:
- Renewable Energy Integration: Designed to work seamlessly with solar PV panels or wind turbines. It offers unique charging modes including Eco Mode, Eco+ Mode and Fast Mode.
- Built-in PEN Fault Protection: The Zappi has integrated PEN fault protection, which often eliminates the need for an earth rod, simplifying and potentially reducing installation costs.
- Myenergi Ecosystem: If customers have other Myenergi products (like the Eddi hot water diverter or Harvi wireless sensor), the Zappi integrates into a broader home energy management system via the Myenergi app, providing a holistic view of energy generation and consumption.
- Tethered and Untethered Options: Available in both variants, offering flexibility.
- Load Balancing: Essential for homes with multiple high-power appliances or future EV chargers, preventing the main fuse from tripping.
- Aesthetics and Customisation: The Zura boasts a modern design with an LED slash on the front and can be customised with different fascia colours (grey, black, white)
- Dual Socket Option: A significant advantage, especially for households with two EVs or those planning to get a second one. This saves on needing two separate chargers.
- Versatile Control: Offers plug & charge, mobile app (using Monta technology), or RFID card-controlled charging.
- TruePEN PME Fault Detection: Like the Zappi, it has built-in PME fault detection, negating the need for an earth rod in most installations.
- Dynamic Load Balancing: Prevents overloading the electrical supply.
- Solar PV, Battery Storage or Wind Turbine Integration: While not as overtly focused on renewable integration as the Zappi's specific modes, the Zura does support it.
- Connectivity: Features 4G, Wi-Fi, and Ethernet connectivity for robust smart features. Alexa & Google Assistant Compatible: Offers voice control for charging.
- MID-Approved Energy Metering: This is important for commercial applications or if precise billing is required.
General EV Charging FAQs
Customers considering an EV charger often have a range of questions, from the very basic to more technical or financial concerns, including:
How long does it take to charge an EV at home? For a standard 7.4kW home charger, it typically takes 6-8 hours to fully charge an average EV battery (e.g., 60-70 kWh) from empty. Charging times vary depending on your car's battery size and its maximum accepted charging rate.
Can I use a standard 3-pin plug to charge my EV? You can use a standard 3-pin plug, but it's often referred to as "granny charging" because it's extremely slow (around 3-5 miles of range per hour). It's not recommended for regular use due to slow speed and potential overheating risks if the socket isn't rated for continuous high load.
Do I need professional installation for an EV charger? Yes. Installing an EV charger involves working with your home's main electrical supply and must be done by a qualified and certified electrician to ensure safety and compliance with regulations. Trying to install it yourself is dangerous and can void warranties or insurance.
What are the electrical requirements for a home EV charger? For a 7.4kW charger (most common for homes), you need a single-phase 32A dedicated circuit installed from your consumer unit (fuse box). For a 22kW charger, you would need a three-phase supply, which is rare in UK residential properties and requires a significant and costly upgrade from your Distribution Network Operator (DNO).
Do I need an earth rod for my EV charger installation? Historically, yes. However, many modern smart chargers now incorporate built-in PEN fault protection, which often negates the need for an earth rod, simplifying installation and reducing costs. Your installer will confirm this during the survey.
Do I need off-street parking to install a home EV charger? Generally, yes. Home chargers are designed for properties with a dedicated off-street parking space (driveway, garage) where the charger can be safely mounted and the cable can reach the car without crossing public pathways.
How long does an EV charger installation take? A standard home EV charger installation typically takes 3-5 hours on the day, assuming no major complications or unexpected electrical remedial work. A pre-installation survey will assess your property's suitability.
Do I need permission to install an EV charger? If you own your property, generally, no planning permission is required as long as the charger meets certain criteria (e.g. not exceeding a certain size or height, not on a listed building, not crossing public land with cables) If you rent or live in a flat you must obtain permission from your landlord, freeholder, or management company before installation.
What is a DNO notification? Your installer is legally required to notify your local Distribution Network Operator (DNO) of the EV charger installation. This is to ensure your local grid can handle the increased electrical load safely. For 7.4kW chargers, this is usually a "connect and notify" process. For 22kW chargers, pre-approval is often required.
Can I connect my EV charger to my solar panels? Some smart chargers, notably the Myenergi Zappi, are specifically designed to integrate with solar PV systems, allowing you to prioritise charging your EV using surplus solar energy generated at your home. This is a great way to maximise your renewable energy self-consumption.
Can I charge my EV using cheap off-peak electricity? Yes! This is one of the biggest benefits of a smart home charger. Many energy suppliers offer specific EV tariffs with significantly cheaper electricity rates during off-peak hours (e.g. overnight) Your smart charger can be scheduled to charge only during these times.
Will an EV charger increase my electricity bill significantly? EV chargers will increase your bill as you're using more electricity. However, the cost per mile is usually much lower than petrol or diesel. Utilising off-peak tariffs and smart charging can significantly mitigate the increase.
Ensure Your Customers Get The Best EV Chargers For Their Needs
By walking your customers through these considerations and commonly asked questions, you can help guide them to confidently select the best EV charger for their needs, aligning best with their priorities and home setup.
If you’re looking for helpful advice and suggestions on choosing the best products for your customers, take a further look at our City Plumbing website for more information.
Help & Feedback
Chat With Us
Give Us Feedback