What to consider when buying an EV charger

Thinking about buying an electric vehicle charger for your home or business? There are some important factors to consider to make sure that you get the EV charging point best suited to your needs. We’ve highlighted some key considerations, but if you have any queries or need some advice, please don’t hesitate to reach out to your local Mr Charger team. 

Does my home have sufficient electricity supply to charge an EV? 

First things first, it’s essential to consider whether you have a sufficient electricity supply to your home to charge an electric vehicle. EV home chargers typically deliver around 7kW of power, which the majority of homes can handle, but it’s worth investigating to be sure. 

Are home EV chargers safe?

Safety should always be the main priority when installing an electric vehicle charging point. The Mr Charger team have the expert knowledge regarding home and electrical systems to ensure that your home charger is set up safely and performing at maximum capacity. Our team members also know best practices regarding dynamic load management, which optimises a property’s charging load to make sure EVs are charging safely at full capacity. 

Should I get a tethered or untethered EV charger? 

Another key consideration is whether you should opt for a tethered or untethered charger; tethered chargers have a fixed cable attached that can’t be removed, whereas untethered chargers have a detachable cable. Tethered cables are more common, especially for home charging, as they are more convenient - you simply unravel the cable and plug it into the charging point on your vehicle. However, it’s important to note that this does limit you to the length of the tether, so it’s worth considering how far your car would be from the charging point. 

Untethered chargers are transportable for use at public charging stations and can be tidied away if you’re limited on space, and are also easier to switch out if you update your electric vehicle to one that uses a different connector type. They can be more hassle to set up each time you want to charge your car though, so take some time to think about which of these options would be best for you. 

Where should I put my EV home charging point?

When considering installing an electric vehicle home charging point, it’s important to check installation permissions for your local area. The requirements for the location of your charger can vary depending on local authorities, but it’s important to make sure it doesn’t block any public walkways or cause a tripping hazard. Other considerations include the size and colour of the unit that will best suit its location. 

Which EV charger is right for me?

Mr Charger product offerings have either a 3 or 5 year warranty, so it’s worth thinking about which you’d prefer. Some are wifi-enabled, some require an app and others depend on 3G/4G, so these are all things that may affect your decision. The model of your car will also impact which charger you need, as it will determine the connector type needed and the charger speed you can use (these range from slow, fast, rapid to ultra-rapid). Find out more about selecting the right EV charger in our Beginners Guide to Electric Vehicle Charging.

Ready for your EV installation? 

Once you’ve considered these main points and decided that you’re good to go, or if you'd like further guidance, give your local friendly team a shout by calling 0800 669 6159 or email us at install@MrCharger.co.uk. We’ll provide you with any advice or information you need, and get you up and running quickly and efficiently.

Want to know if Mr Charger services are available in your area? Enter your postcode on our website to find a Mr Charger team near you.