What are Electric Vehicle Charge Points?

Electric vehicle charge points are charging stations for an electric vehicle and can be installed at domestic or commercial premises. These are basically charging cables and connectors, with the connector determined by the vehicle and manufacturer for domestic clients and standard connectors for public use. Electric Vehicle charge points can be used by the majority of EV’s that have portable adapters that match the connectors available.
 

There are three types of charging points available to install, your choice of installation type will typically be determined by how fast you want your car to be charged. For commercial clients, rapid vehicle chargers would be optimal to allow your customers to charge their cars in the minimum amount of time. For domestic customers, you might want to choose a slow charger as they typically have a lower installation cost.

As with everything in life, more speed means more expense, rapid chargers for EV’s are much more expensive to buy and install over slow chargers for EV’s.

Rapid Electric Vehicle Charging Points are high power chargers, designed to charge your vehicle to a charge level of around eighty percent within an hour or less.
 

Who Would Install Rapid Electric Vehicle Chargers?

For commercial use, rapid EV charging points are a must, customers will generally want to have the minimum charging time available. These are charged via a card or an app and provide businesses with the option for generating an additional revenue stream. They are ideal for installations at garages looking to move away from fossil fuel reliance. They are also idea for installations at points where cars are left for medium to short periods, such as commercial car parks, and allow commercial car park owners the opportunity to develop additional revenues.

The majority of fast charging points will have a Type 2 connector and range from 4kw to 25kw with an average around the 7kw area. These are ideal if you are looking for a top up, work-based charger or want to have a guaranteed full battery after an overnight charge. The time taken to charge a car with a fast charger is determined by your battery size and the speed, a 10kw charging point will generally charge a car to full in about 6 hours assuming it was near empty to start.
 

Who Would Install Fast Electric Vehicle Chargers?

The vast majority of cars will ‘top up’ their batteries so usually the charging time will be lower. Fast electric vehicle chargers are ideal for non-commercial use, at your home for example if you require a fast charge during periods of the day.

They are also ideal for environmentally friendly businesses that want to provide their employees the option of charging an electric car whilst at the workplace. = Fast electric vehicle chargers are ideal for businesses that run fleets of electric vehicles that can be charged overnight. They are also suitable for any commercial use where a car will be left for a long period, such as a long stay car park or park and ride car park.

Slow electric vehicle chargers are perfect for home use where you have the flexibility to charge your vehicle overnight. Ideal for full electric and hybrid models, the slow chargers run from Type 2 sockets or standard 3 pin sockets and can take up to 12 hours for a full charge on an electric vehicle with an empty battery. The slow charge time is reflected in the fact that slow electric vehicle chargers are typically the lowest cost, in terms of installation, with units that charge around the 3kW area.
 

Who Would Install Slow Electric Vehicle Chargers?

Slow electric vehicle chargers are ideal for home use where the costs of installation are important. If you have a typical day car usage and a slow charge fits in with your pattern, a slow charger is usually the right financial choice for you. Slow chargers are common in new build houses and can be fitted to commercial premises such as hotels and holiday accommodation where a car could be left on charge overnight.

Circular Systems install all types of electric vehicle chargers for home and commercial use. Backed by a green ethos and representing the circular economy, we are founded on the basis recovering waste and regeneration of components within electrical installation. Circular Systems is based in Devon and provides a full installation service as well as helping you to choose the right type of charger for your business or home. We provide no obligation quotes for installations small or large.