EV Charger FAQs
Common questions about home and workplace EV charging — from costs and fuse board upgrades to smart charging and OZEV grants.
Do I need to upgrade my fuse box for an electric car in Scotland?
It depends on your current setup. If you have an older fuse box with rewireable fuses or no RCD protection, we’ll likely recommend upgrading to a modern consumer unit to meet Scottish Building Standards. Even with a modern board, we’ll check if your main supply fuse (typically 60A, 80A, or 100A) can handle the additional load from an EV charger. We assess all of this during our free survey across Central Scotland and will be upfront about any upgrade requirements.
Do I need a driveway to install a home EV charger in Scotland?
Not necessarily. If you have private off-street parking, an eligible renter or flat owner can apply for an OZEV grant of up to £500. If you only have on-street parking, a separate OZEV route may apply where an approved cross-pavement solution is permitted. Energy Saving Trust also offers up to £400 to eligible rural or remote Scottish households with income of £50,000 or less. There is no general Home Energy Scotland interest-free loan for a domestic chargepoint.
What’s the difference between a 7kW and a 22kW charger?
A 7kW charger is the standard for most UK homes and adds about 25-30 miles of range per hour of charging. A much faster 22kW charger requires a three-phase electricity supply, which is rare in homes but common in commercial properties. We’ll assess your supply and recommend the best fit for you.
Can my home’s wiring handle an EV charger?
This is a crucial safety question. An EV charger is a high-power device that runs for hours. As part of our survey, we conduct a full assessment of your home’s main fuse and existing wiring to ensure it can safely handle the load. We always install chargers on their own dedicated, protected circuit.
Do I need solar panels to get a home charger?
Not at all. A home charger works with a normal domestic electricity supply and can schedule charging for cheaper tariff periods. Solar is optional: a compatible charger can use genuine surplus generation, reducing the electricity you buy from the grid.
What does a ‘smart’ charger do?
A smart charger connects to your Wi-Fi, allowing you to use an app on your phone. You can schedule charging for when electricity is cheapest (like on an overnight tariff), monitor your energy usage, and see the cost per charge. It’s essential for getting the lowest running costs.
Are your installers certified for EV chargers?
Yes. Our EV charger work is carried out by qualified electricians and JME is listed as an OZEV-approved installer. Installer approval is required for the relevant grant routes, but the customer and property must still meet each scheme's eligibility rules.
How much does a 7kW home charger installation cost?
Costs vary depending on your cable run length and fuse board, but a standard installation typically starts from around £900-£1,200 (supply and fit). We provide fixed quotes after a remote survey so there are no surprises.
Are you OZEV approved installers?
Yes, JME Green Energy is listed as an OZEV-approved installer. That lets us complete installer-side work for relevant grants, but the customer must apply first and the applicant, property, parking and vehicle must meet the scheme rules.
