Day 3 - Domestic Charging Points: Decisions

Although I am absolutely loving having EV it's becoming more and more apparent that I need a home charging point.  My nearest fast charger is at Ikea Bristol which is about 6 miles away.

Under the OLEV domestic charge point grant scheme, existing EV car owners can apply to have a charging point installed at their home.  At the minute 75% of the cost of a domestic charging point is covered by the grant.  The remaining 25% is either passed on to the EV car user, or absorbed by the manufacturer/installer, depending upon which company you choose to go with.  Because of this, it's worth looking around to see which companies install in your area and what charges you may be liable to incur.

To give some examples:

British Gas install domestic charging points free to all new Renault Zoe customers.  However, for used Zoe customers there is a charge starting at £115 depending upon the unit opted for.

Chargemaster (the Polar Network) offer a free 3kw home charging unit.  However, there is a £95 charge for a 7kw unit and other charges that may also apply depending upon your electricity supply.  Initially, I tried to order my unit through Chargemaster.  I ended my dealings with them because:

1. It would have cost me a minimum of £145 to have a 7kw charging point installed at my home.  
2. I found the company difficult to deal with and organise definite date for installation.  They insist upon a 'free survey' first, at which point they will tell you what extra charges you will incur.  Then they arrange for installation depending upon the survey.

Rolec are still offering completely free charging points, this includs the 7Kw unit that most other companies ask you to pay extra for. In this case, Rolec absorb the 25% left to pay (See leaflet below).

I have spoken to Marie and Simon at SOL Electrical who install the Rolec charging units in my area.  I was asked to email photos of my electricity fuse box, the outside of the house, the position that I'd want the box to be installed and a couple of other things.  After they were received, Simon (the installing electrician) telephoned me to confirm the details of the install and Marie agreed an install date for me.  My date is set for the 20th December - this is a much quicker turn around than any of the other companies that I've dealt with.  Both Simon and Marie have been a joy to deal with so far and I would feel happy recommending SOL Electrical.  Roll on the 20th November!