As UK consumers continue to switch to electric vehicles in their thousands, it could be an important time to highlight the importance of picking the right EV charger.
For those wanting to charge their brand-new electric vehicle, there are countless EV chargers to choose from at a variety of price points. You could go for something simple with basic functionality, like a unit from Rolec, or you could choose something stylish and premium, like the Andersen A2. However, one important consideration for many homeowners right now should be whether or not they want a charger that supports solar out of the box.
In 2022, domestic solar installations tripled the rates recorded in 2021, and as UK consumers continue to consider alternative energy sources, it’s important to consider the EV charger that you’re installing.
There are several chargers to choose from in this category, offering EV owners the ability to match their car’s charge rate with the amount of energy generated from their solar panels. This means that it will be completely free of charge to fill up an electric vehicle, potentially saving hundreds a year on energy bills.
In terms of options, you of course have the myenergi zappi, as well as the Hypervolt Home 2.0, Indra Smart Pro, Wallbox Pulsar Plus and Rolec WallPod SolarCharge, amongst others. But choosing one of these options now – even when you don’t have solar – could save you up to £1,000 in the future, according to Tom Callow, Head of Corporate Communications at myenergi.
“As EV registrations continue to grow, demand for domestic chargers is rocketing. However, with so many options out there, which should you choose,” he noted.
“While there are a number of excellent products available to specify, we believe that consumers should be thinking about the future. Charging your EV with mains electricity is typical today, but with decentralised domestic energy generation becoming ever-more commonplace across the UK, drivers should specify a device compatible with renewables to prevent buying twice.
“At myenergi, we believe that any EV driver who either has solar panels – or has the opportunity to install them in the future – should invest in a solar-compatible charger. With ongoing concerns around the rising cost of energy, taking advantage of solar power to keep costs down has become a hugely desirable option.
“Any EV driver installing a non-compatible device may come to regret their choice, as they will need to replace it if they choose to invest in renewables. Car manufacturers and leasing companies that are recommending non-solar chargers should therefore be making it clear that these chargers will not necessarily be future-proof for many.
“What’s more, this short-term thinking will undoubtedly create unnecessary e-waste in the longer term.”
