If you are considering buying an electric vehicle or already have one, choosing your electric vehicle charger is an important decision that can affect your electric vehicle experience. No matter your questions about choosing your EV charger, we’ve got you covered in our latest guide.
Key considerations for choosing your EV charger
The main points you should consider when choosing your EV charger include;
- Charging Speed
- Tethered or untethered
- Safety
- Features
- Kerb appeal
- Budget
- Where to install your charger
Charging Speed
The charging speed of your EV charger will depend on both the speed that your charger is capable of reaching and the overall power output of your home electrical installation. For most homes in the UK, the maximum speed you’ll be able to charge your car is 7.4kW.
For home charging there are two speeds available;
- Slow home charging – 3 pin plug – less than 3kW
- Fast home charging – type 2 charger – 7.4kW-22kW
When choosing between the two, it’s important to note that the slow home charger is not practical for charging EVs with larger battery capacity, as a 3 pin plug takes much longer to charge your car than a fast home charging unit, it also lacks the same safety features as a fast home charger.
Fast home chargers are better suited to motorists who would benefit from quick, frequent, and reliable charging. Find out more about charging speeds in our guide.
Tethered or untethered
After deciding the desired charging speed for your charger, you should decide between a tethered or untethered charger. Put simply, a tethered charger is always attached to your wall box, whereas with an untethered charger, the charging cable can be removed and tidied away. Read the advantages and disadvantages of tethered and untethered chargers in our guide.
Safety & Security
Safety is a key consideration when it comes to choosing your EV charger. Your charger must be certified as safe and compliant with the relevant safety and security standards including the Smart Charging Regulations. You should consider products with in-built safety features, should any electrical issues occur. For instance, PEN fault detection automatically disconnects your charger should a PEN fault occur, preventing exposure to dangerous voltages.
At Zaptec, safety is our top priority, in 2022 we were awarded the safest charger on the market by NAF (The Norwegian Automobile Federation), and we carry our external testing to meet IEC 61851-1 safety standards. Find out more about our unrivalled safety standards here.
Features
It’s a good idea to make a list of features that you’d prefer to have in a charger to ensure you’re choosing the right charger for your needs. If it’s your first EV charger, a simple interface might help you charge with ease. You should also take into account your future usage, for example, are you likely to need more chargers in the future? Or do you need a charger that is capable of charging different makes and models of EV? Make sure to choose an EV charger that fits with your style of usage. Find out more about our special features in our product guide.
Kerb appeal
Did you know that an EV charger can add value to your home? Choosing a bulky charger can change the appearance of your driveway or front of house. At Zaptec, we have won multiple awards for our Scandinavian, discreet charger the Zaptec Go and can guarantee it won’t look out of place in your desired location. Whether you’d prefer a charger that blends in or stands out, we have an option to suit all tastes, as it’s available in six different colours.
Budget
Finally, you should consider the costs of your EV charging unit and installation, selecting a charger and installer that fits in your price range.
Where to install your charger
Once you’ve decided on the right charger for you, the next step is to choose where to install your charger. It’s important that it’s accessible, especially if you’re using one charger to charge multiple cars. Ideally, it should be placed where you usually park your car to make charging as seamless as possible.
You’ll also need to make sure your installer places your charger within range of your home’s electrical supply. Be wary that it’ll likely cost more to install your charger the further away you place it from your electrical supply.
How can Zaptec help?
Ready to choose your EV charger? Find out more about the Zaptec Go today or contact our specialist team today for a quote.
