Electric vehicle ownership is increasing across the UK. As such, more drivers want to know the same thing: are public chargers better than home EV chargers in Woodhall Spa, or is the opposite true? Based on real-life examples, installing a charging system at home is better because it is hassle-free, entirely personal, and relatively less expensive than public charging.
To make an informed choice, you must first understand the differences between the two charging systems. You have to understand everything from the installation costs and charging speeds to operating costs and accessibility. Once you have a proper understanding, you will notice that both options have unique benefits and drawbacks.
How Electric Vehicle Charging Works
Unlike a diesel or petrol engine car, an electric vehicle uses electricity to run. The power is stored in a battery that needs frequent charging through an external source. However, charging speeds and costs may vary widely from one charging system to another.
What Are the Different Types of Chargers Available
EV chargers are generally divided into four categories based on charging speed, including slow, fast, rapid, and ultra-rapid.
Slow Chargers
These chargers typically provide up to 3kW of electricity and are most commonly used with a conventional UK three-pin plug socket.
Fast Chargers
These usually range from 7kW to 22kW and are usually found in homes, workplaces, supermarkets, and public car parks.
Rapid Chargers
These chargers start at 50kW and are designed for significantly faster charging.
Ultra-Rapid Chargers
An ultra-rapid EV charger is the fastest public charging option, delivering 150kW or more.
Why Charging an EV At Home is the Best Solution
For most EV owners, having at-home EV chargers in Woodhall Spa is the most practical and cost-effective option. Actually, most electric car charging takes place at home. All you have to do is plug it in overnight and receive a fully charged battery the next morning.
As electricity rates and public charging costs keep fluctuating, home charging offers one of the biggest financial advantages of owning electric cars.
The Advantages & Disadvantages of Home EV Chargers
Pros
Firstly, having an EV charger installed at home is convenient. You only need to plug in your car at night and wake up to a fully charged vehicle.
Secondly, electricity rates are lower because most energy suppliers offer off-peak tariffs. This feature makes charging at night much cheaper.
Thirdly, with a home-based charger, you can track your charging costs and monitor usage.
Cons
The most noticeable disadvantage of installing an EV charger at home is the initial installation cost, which varies significantly depending on your property’s wiring, consumer unit, and the charger’s location.
Another disadvantage involves gaining DNO approval. Based on your energy usage, your Distribution Network Operator may need to be informed before installation for approval.
The Benefits and Drawbacks of Public EV Charging Systems
Pros
You already know a bit about the different types of EV charging systems. The most powerful variants are installed for public use, enabling faster charging.
Also, public chargers let you recharge your vehicle away from home. It is a useful perk, but only if charging stations are installed along your route.
As public charging stations are owned and operated by third parties, you do not need to worry about installation or maintenance costs.
Cons
Public chargers demand premium rates, making them way more expensive than at-home EV chargers.
Availability will always be an issue because you might arrive to find all chargers are occupied or out of order.
As you can see, both options have their merits. However, from an EV owner’s perspective, installing EV chargers at your home in Woodhall Spa is a better option. If you are planning to outfit your home with an efficient EV charging system, you need an equally proficient brand to provide you with the right product and installation services. Lamming Electrical is that brand. We will help you transition smoothly to electric driving with our safe, reliable, and tailored charging point solutions.
Give us a call today.