Can Any Electrician Install An EV Charger?
Even if you’re not a DIY pro, the prospect of building your own electric vehicle (EV) charger may be daunting.
If this is your first EV charger, where should you start? Is it feasible to install it yourself? And how much will all of this cost? We’ll guide you through the process of setting up an electric vehicle charger in this article, and we’ll answer your most pressing questions.
Can I install my EV charging point myself?
No, if you’re not an electrician with expertise in installing EV chargers. Always hire a trained and certified expert installer. It’s always worth double-checking that your charger is correctly connected and that it’s in compliance with all limitations in the event of an emergency. Finally, certain EV charging stations will invalidate their warranty if not installed by a certified electrician. You don’t want to take the chance of that happening.
Where do I look for the right EV charging station installation company?
You’ve acquired an electric vehicle, so you’re probably wondering how to install your EV charger. The simplest method to locate an EV charging company is to look for one on the list of recommended installers provided by your charger manufacturer. Wallbox, for example, provides a comprehensive service that covers both the charger and its installation, which is known as 360° coverage.
If purchasing a bundled package isn’t an option, there are a few alternatives: contact your automobile club; inquire with friends who have had home EV chargers installed; check out electric vehicle forums; seek advice from your local automobile dealer; look for certified installers on the internet. Remember, you’ll want someone who has installed electric vehicle charging stations before.
4 important factors to consider when choosing installation services for your EV charger
1. Safety
Installing an EV charger safely necessitates a thorough understanding of both your house’s electrical system and the charger itself. The installation process might go wrong without this knowledge, putting the safety and performance of your charger at risk.
Your charger regulates a large quantity of electricity from your house or apartment building into your vehicle. So, if it’s not properly installed, you and those around you (your family, friends, or neighbors) risk being dangerously exposed to this energy. As a result, it is critical to hire an expert, professional EV charging station contractor.
2. Compliance
Choosing a professional EV installer also means you’ll be sure to follow national standards, such as wiring rules. When an electrician is done installing an EV charger, they must usually pass an exam with a government agency. This is a sign that the installation was completed correctly and in accordance with all applicable national laws. A copy of your charger’s compliance certificate will be provided by reputable installation firms. In some nations, having a compliance certificate is required, and you could face fines if you don’t have one. Make sure you double-check the requirements for your home country.
If you own a Tesla, chances are you’ve received a certificate like this one. While it’s not necessary for your charger to be certified, it is an important assurance of its quality and safety. If something goes wrong in the future, you may need this compliance certificate to qualify for insurance reimbursements. You may also save money by claiming back the costs of replacing or repairing your damaged equipment, as well as any labour costs for both you and your insurance company. For example, if the charger breaks or there is an exceptional instance like lightning, you will want to file a claim with your insurance provider. Because they don’t have any proof that your charger was installed correctly. Furthermore, if your EV battery experiences a problem and you need the manufacturer to repair it, you’ll need the certificate to show that it’s not the charger that’s broken.
3. Price: determining EV charger installation costs
How much does it cost to install an EV charging station?
It should be obvious by now that investing in a trustworthy, experienced installer is well worth the money. It’s an investment in your safety and regulatory compliance, not just for you but also for your automobile, house, and others surrounding you. The cost of installation is determined by your location and the specific technical demands of your home, according to our research. A competent electrician will charge between $700 and $1,200 for a correct installation, depending on where you live.
For example, the distance between your fuse box and your parking space or driveway will affect the cost of the cable and, as a result, the overall installation costs. If your parking space or driveway is 10m from the fuse box but your neighbor’s is 50m, their installation expenses will be higher than yours. That’s not simply because cabling runs farther; it’s also due to the need for higher-diameter cables for greater distances, which comes with extra costs. Remember that labor is a significant portion of your project expenses. The various elements involved in an installation, such as specific cabling needs, might all result in higher labor costs for your installer since he or she will need to adapt to the requirements of your house.
It’s for this reason that you should schedule an appointment with your installer to conduct a home visit and assessment before making any decisions. A home visit enables your potential installer to provide you with a thorough estimate that is tailored to your building’s particular demands. In other words, you can conduct this house check over the internet. Any quotation that doesn’t satisfy these criteria, for example, a normal blanket fee or a quote of ‘installation from $700 for example, might result in additional unforeseen expenses along the way. As a result, getting an installation quotation from the start may save you money in the long run. That being said, electrical components can be pricey; if you’re not an electrician, this might come as a surprise. Don’t be shocked by how much your installation will set you back. Components, labor, and expert knowledge are not inexpensive, but they are a worthwhile investment in your safety and future.
Save money on the EV charging station installation with grants
When looking at costs, it’s worth considering government and local EV charging incentives. Many nations provide subsidies and tax rebates to individuals who want to install an electric vehicle (EV) charging station in their home or on their street. Depending on your location, you may be reimbursed anywhere from 15 to 90% of your initial charging installation costs. Check out our EU EV Charging Incentives Guide to see if any incentives are available in your nation.
4. Services and experience: look for specialization and end-to-end offers
Look for installers with specific EV charger expertise
When picking an EV charging installation service, look for one that has experience in both technician training and quality of service. Look for firms or electricians with expertise in EV charger installation and the often complex laws that govern it.
Be cautious that even the most reputable and seasoned electricians may not be familiar with the technical specifications and rules for EV charging stations.
Opt for a seamless end-to-end service when you can
When looking for an installer, you don’t want one who just installs your charger and then leaves you to figure out how to use it on your own. You should seek for a comprehensive service package. Some installers will provide you with advice on which charger to choose and how to use it, as well as post-installation instructions for using the charger together with its associated software or app. Aim for an end-to-end service so you can get expert recommendations on which type of charger is ideal for your current and future needs, as well as comprehensive advice on how to install your charger in the most cost-effective manner possible. Using a comprehensive service that covers both the charger and its installation might be an ideal choice.
For example, you might currently have a hybrid vehicle with a 3.7 kW charge but be considering an upgrade to a completely electric automobile that will need faster charging and more electricity in the near future. You may select a charger and installation strategy that works for both your current hybrid car and future electric vehicle by talking with the installation or charging business. To ensure that you can use your new car’s charger with ease, install a split-cable connector in the same place where your old one was. You won’t have to upgrade your entire installation infrastructure this way.
The majority of EV charger manufacturers will have access to a team of experts with more advanced understanding of how to install smart chargers than the typical electrician. They’ll also be able to assist you with using your smart charging app. This is crucial since several European nations have now imposed stringent requirements on all new private charging stations.
EV charger installation: a worthy investment for the future
Installing your EV charger may not be as cheap or simple as you thought. However, by carefully selecting the proper and competent installer for your EV charger installation – particularly in terms of taking the time to choose the finest one for you – you will benefit in the long run. A professional installation service may make all the difference in terms of improving the value of your property or making sure your charger is safe and satisfies national standards.
Whether you go with a full package from your EV charger provider or seek the help of a local electrician, Finally, finding the best installer who provides an end-to-end service will guarantee that you are covered for all current and future charging demands.