Having an electric vehicle charging station in your driveway not only takes away the fear of running out of power on the way to work, it can also increase the attractiveness of your home.
Even as Rishi Sunak shifts gears on net zero by delaying the ban on new diesel and petrol vehicles until 2035, estate agents say a home charger is a sought-after amenity among buyers and they see the addition of green features becoming even more popular in the future.
Electric vehicle (EV) charging points were included in agent Jackson-Stops’ top ten must-haves for the first time this summer.
Desirable: charging points for electric vehicles were in the top ten must-haves of agent Jackson-Stops for the first time this summer
Rightmove, meanwhile, said the number of homes for sale listing EV chargers had increased by 40 per cent on last year and by 592 per cent since 2019.
In Rightmove’s Greener Homes report, Tim Bannister, director of property science, says that in an increasingly price-sensitive market, homes with green benefits will stand out from their neighbours.
‘There will come a time, not in the too distant future, when more buyers will queue up for homes with electric charging points and good insulation, rather than seeking out Victorian fireplaces,’ he says.
But the jury is still out on whether an EV charging point adds value to your property.
The National Association of Property Buyers estimates that they add between £3,000 and £5,000 to the price tag of your home, while some estate agents say they have not yet seen charging points increase the value.
In addition to convenience, there are even more advantages to having your own charging point.
James McKemey, head of policy and public affairs at EV charging company Pod Point, said: ‘Using a dedicated charger instead of a standard three-pin plug is much safer and faster for charging your vehicle.
‘A standard household socket is only 13 amps, while we typically install a 32 amp/7kW charger, which is almost three times as fast.
‘With a special charger you can charge about 45 kilometers per hour, with a standard plug only nine.
“There’s also a safety consideration. Household 13 amp sockets are not designed to run at full power for hours. It can also affect your wiring by overheating. We’ve seen a lot of blown wiring.”
It is also cheaper to charge your car at home than via a public charger. If you have smart charging features, you can charge your car when the rate is lowest, usually at night.
Chargers range in price from around £300 to over £1,000.
So what affects the price? Cheaper models are unlikely to include installation, which could cost an extra £400 to £600. An electrician can install it for you or there are companies that specialize in EV points.
More expensive chargers will have features for homeowners with solar panels.
‘Integrating a home charger with solar energy could mean that homeowners can charge for free
David Martell, founder of charging point manufacturer Andersen EV, says: ‘Integrating a home charger with solar energy could mean homeowners can charge for free. Compared to using a three-pin plug, the costs of installing a solar-integrated EV charger are typically recouped within a year.”
Homeowners living in a listed building must obtain planning permission before attaching a point to the wall.
If you own a flat, rent a house or are a landlord and have parking, you could be eligible for an EV charging point grant, which entitles you to £350 or 75 per cent off the cost of buying and installing one socket, whichever is lower.
When you are not using your charging point, you can earn a small amount of money by renting it out. Mr Martell explains: ‘The EVIOS One home charger has PIN access, so you can lend your driveway to EV users and know exactly how much to bill them.
‘Companies like JustPark and Co Charger can help with community EV charging by matching drivers and chargers and you can set your own rate.’