Home Charging with SSE Airtricity EV Chargers

January 17th, 2025
Home Charging with SSE Airtricity EV Chargers

Why Choose an EV Charger for Your Home?

As electric vehicles (EVs) become more popular, it’s important for EV drivers to have a good home EV charger. A home charger is convenient and can help you save money. It lets you charge your electric car whenever it works best for you, giving you peace of mind. SSE Airtricity offers different EV charger installation services that meet the needs of UK homes, renters, and landlords.

An EV charger at home helps you use energy more efficiently. You can charge your car when energy prices are lower. You can also use renewable energy sources. Plus, you won’t need to rely on public chargers. This is very useful for families with several EVs or for people living in rural areas where public chargers may be difficult to find.

Features of SSE Airtricity EV Charger Installations

Professional Installation

SSE Airtricity has certified electricians for all EV charger installations. They begin with a detailed survey of your site. This helps them find the best spot for your EV chargepoint. It keeps the process safe and follows the industry’s standards. Installations mostly include:

  • Chargers that have fixed cables or sockets.
  • Make sure to use current electricity meters.
  • Add a surge protection device (SPD) if needed.

Wide Range of Chargers

SSE Airtricity has several types of EV chargers. These chargers are made to fit different needs, including:

  • Standard Installation Chargers: These are affordable and reliable options for daily EV charging.
  • Smart Chargers: They connect to an app, letting you track energy use and plan your charging times.
  • Fast Chargers: These chargers can provide a full charge quickly, great for busy EV drivers.

SSE Airtricity’s smart chargers are compatible with most EV models. This makes it simple for you to include them in your setup. They also work efficiently. For customers with special needs, such as high-mileage EV drivers or those using electric vans, we can customise fast chargers to provide more energy.

Smart Features and Apps

Many chargers from SSE Airtricity work well with apps like the Hive App and Aplotus’ Intelligent Octopus. This lets you:

  • Watch your EV charging sessions from afar.
  • Control the costs of electricity when it’s cheaper.
  • Receive notifications when your EV is fully charged.
  • Review previous energy use reports to manage your energy better.

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The Installation Process

Step 1: Consultation and Site Survey

SSE Airtricity begins by talking with you to understand your needs. Next, a professional installer will come to your site to:

  • Look at your electricity meter and the setup from your distribution network operator (DNO).
  • Figure out if you need civil work, such as running cables through walls or underground.
  • Choose the best location for the charger. It should have good airflow and be easy to reach.

The site survey checks for possible upgrades in the future. This includes adding more charging points and using solar panels. This will help the installation change with energy needs as time goes on.

Step 2: Grant Assistance

The UK government offers help through the EV Chargepoint Grant. This program provides funds for qualified homeowners, renters, and landlords. SSE Airtricity can assist you in applying for this grant, which can decrease your installation costs. Using this grant can significantly lower your upfront expenses.

Step 3: Installation Day

On the scheduled day, the certified electrician:

  • Installs the EV chargepoint and checks that all parts are safe.
  • Sets up the charger for optimal performance.
  • Teaches how to use the charger and any connected apps.
  • Tests to ensure it works safely and is suitable for your EV model.

Step 4: Post-Installation Support

SSE Airtricity’s customer service team is here for you 24 hours a day. They assist with any problems or questions you have about your home EV charger. Their thorough aftercare includes fixing issues and giving updates. This way, your charger works at its best.

Benefits of Installing an EV Charger at Home

Convenience

With a home EV charger, you can charge your electric car whenever it is best for you. This way, you do not have to rely on public chargers. Your vehicle will always be ready when you are. If you drive long distances every day, having a fully charged EV each morning is very important.

Cost Savings

Charging at home is often cheaper than using public charging stations. This is especially the case if you use smart plans like Octopus Energy’s Intelligent Octopus. These plans allow you to pay lower rates at times when usage is low, which can reduce your charging costs. Also, when you charge at home, you avoid extra fees that come with public EV chargepoints.

Environmental Impact

Using an EV charger at home with clean energy is a great way to lower your carbon footprint. SSE Airtricity’s chargers connect to clean energy projects. These projects support the UK’s goal for a sustainable future. When you use home charging with solar panels or green energy plans, it really helps to reduce our need for fossil fuels.

Increased Property Value

Installing an EV charger can attract buyers or renters with electric cars. It is a wise investment for the future. This matches the increasing demand for eco-friendly living options.

Benefits of Installing an EV Charger at Home

Common Challenges and Solutions

Installation Costs

The price of the charger and its installation can be a concern for some homeowners. SSE Airtricity is here to help. They offer grant support and affordable choices for you. The EV Chargepoint Grant helps reduce the financial burden. This support makes it simpler for people to switch to home EV charging.

Renters and Landlord Permissions

Renters may need to ask their landlord for permission to install an EV charger. SSE Airtricity provides documents and support to help with this process. They show landlords the benefits of adding a home charger to their property.

Civil Work Requirements

Some setups require extra effort. This often involves digging trenches or drilling into walls. SSE Airtricity’s skilled installers handle these tasks effectively, causing minimal disturbance. If your home needs major upgrades, like SPD installations or moving an electricity meter, SSE Airtricity provides clear instructions and outlines the costs.

Key Features to Look for in an EV Charger

  • Smart Connectivity: Chargers that connect to an app to check and plan your charging times.
  • Fast Charging: Options available to speed up the charging process.
  • Surge Protection Devices (SPD): Protects your charger from electrical surges.
  • Customization: Choose chargers that have sockets or fixed cables to meet your needs.
  • Future Compatibility: Chargers designed to work with new EV models and support faster charging speeds.

Benefits of Smart Tariffs for EV Charging

Intelligent Charging

Pairing an EV charger with a smart plan like Intelligent Octopus helps users charge their vehicles when energy demand is low. This smart timing not only saves money but also ensures that your EV is charged with the lowest electricity costs available.

Real-Time Energy Management

EV drivers can use apps like Hive or Electroverse to see their energy use right away. These apps display how many kWh they are using. This helps them make better plans and budget their money.

Flexibility for Multiple EVs

Households with more than one electric vehicle can benefit from smart tariffs. These tariffs help them manage energy usage through several chargers. SSE Airtricity’s chargers are designed for these cases. They ensure that all connected vehicles work well.

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Integrating EV Chargers with Renewable Energy

Home EV chargers can be great when paired with solar panels and battery storage systems. This mix helps save energy. When homeowners use the renewable energy they create, they depend less on the grid. This can lower charging costs, too. SSE Airtricity’s chargers can link up with these systems. This gives a full solution for managing energy in a sustainable way.

How does SSE Airtricity EV chargers compare to other brands in terms of performance and reliability?

SSE Airtricity EV chargers are known for their excellent performance and reliability. They charge electric vehicles quickly and safely. When compared to other brands, SSE Airtricity EV chargers are more efficient. They are a good option for those wanting quality home charging solutions.

FAQs About SSE Airtricity EV Chargers

What is the EV Chargepoint Grant?

The EV Chargepoint Grant can provide £350 to help cover the cost of getting a home EV charger. This grant is available for homeowners, renters, and landlords who meet the eligibility requirements.

How long does installation take?

A standard installation usually takes between 2 and 4 hours. This time can change if the setup is more complex.

Can I monitor my charging sessions?

Yes, many chargers can work with apps like the Hive App or Electroverse. These apps allow you to check energy use. You can also see how charging is going.

Do I need a smart tariff for my charger?

Using a smart tariff, like Intelligent Octopus, is not necessary. However, it can help you save money on charging costs. It does this by using cheap electricity during off-peak times when you charge your charger.

Are home chargers suitable for all electric vehicles?

Yes, SSE Airtricity’s chargers can be used with most electric cars you see today. Always check that your car works with the charger during your meeting.

What additional costs might arise during installation?

Extra costs can come from civil work, surge protection devices, or upgrades to the electricity meter. These costs depend on how your property is set up.

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