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. While a driveway makes installation straightforward, there are options if you park on the street. We can install chargers with retractable cables, or route cables safely along your property boundary. For Scottish flats and terraced houses, you may be eligible for the OZEV grant or Home Energy Scotland interest-free loans to help cover installation costs. We’ll assess your specific situation and advise on the best solution.
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 perfectly with just your standard grid electricity, allowing you to take advantage of cheap overnight tariffs. Adding solar panels is a great upgrade that allows you to charge for free, but it’s not a requirement to get started.
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. All our electricians are fully qualified and, crucially, are approved by OZEV (Office for Zero Emission Vehicles) and the EVCC (Electric Vehicle Consumer Code). This ensures your installation is safe, compliant, and eligible for any available grants.
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 are fully OZEV approved. This means our work meets the strict safety and quality standards required by the UK government, and we can access applicable grants for eligible properties (like flats or rental accommodation).
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We are officially trained and approved to install equipment from the most trusted names in renewable energy. This is your assurance of a quality installation and a fully-protected warranty.
