EV News & Updates
Welcome to PJS EV’s news page – bringing you the lastest updates, guides and useful information about electric vehicles, EV Chargers and installations across Dawlish, Devon and the South West.
We’ll share:
– New EV models & charger tech
– OZEV grant updates
– Tips for home & business EV Charging
– Our latest projects from around Devon
Have a question or topic you would like us to cover? Get in touch!
Should I get an EV Charger installed at home?
Introduction
Electric vehicles (EVs) are the fastest-growing choice on UK roads, driven by falling vehicle prices, expanding model ranges, and national targets to phase out new petrol and diesel cars by 2035. For any EV owner or buyer, one of the biggest decisions is whether to install a dedicated home charging point. This guide breaks down the benefits, costs, grants, practical considerations, and whether it’s the right choice for you.
EV Charging in the UK: Current Context
EV adoption is accelerating: over 1 in 5 new cars registered in 2025 are fully electric. Public charging networks are expanding, but they remain uneven—rural areas often have fewer options, and popular locations can be busy. Most EV owners do the vast majority of their charging at home, making a dedicated charger one of the most practical upgrades you can make.
Key Benefits of a Home Charger
Unmatched Convenience
- Plug in overnight when you get home, and wake up to a full battery every morning—no detours to charging stations, no queuing, no rushing out before a trip.
- Ideal for daily commutes, school runs, and local driving; you only need public chargers for longer journeys.
Significant Cost Savings
- Home electricity is far cheaper than public rapid chargers: typically 24–30p per kWh at home vs. 45–80p per kWh at public rapid points.
- Example: A 40-mile daily commute costs ~£1.40–£1.70/day at home, vs. £2.70–£4.50/day on public rapid chargers. Savings add up to £300–£700+ per year for average mileage.
- Benefit from cheaper off-peak tariffs (e.g., Economy 7, Octopus Go) to charge overnight for as little as 7–12p/kWh.
Better for Your Car
- Consistent, gentle charging at home puts less strain on your battery than frequent rapid charging, helping preserve long-term battery health.
Important Considerations Before You Proceed
Your Home Electrical Supply
- Most modern UK homes can support a 7 kW charger (the standard home model), but older properties may need an upgrade.
- An installer will check your fuse board, main cable size, and supply capacity. If your supply is limited, you may need a 6–7 kW smart charger with load balancing to avoid overloading the system.
- If you have solar panels or a battery storage system, ensure the charger is compatible to maximise self-consumption of renewable power.
Parking and Access
- You need off-street parking: a driveway, private garage, or allocated parking space with permission to install. Chargers are not designed for use on public pavements.
- Cables should be neatly managed to avoid trip hazards; some models have a cable retractor or socket-only design (you use your own cable).
Permissions and Rules
- Permitted Development rights usually apply—you don’t need planning permission if your property is a house (not a listed building or in a designated area) and the charger is under 0.2 cubic metres in size.
- Flats/rented homes: You must get written permission from your landlord or property management company. There are legal rights in England to request installation from landlords, who cannot unreasonably refuse.
Costs: Upfront and Long-Term
| Item | Typical Cost (2026, UK) |
|---|---|
| 7 kW smart charger (supply & install) | £800 – £1,400 |
| 3 kW slow / 3-pin portable unit | £150 – £300 (no dedicated install, but limited speed) |
| Supply upgrade / extra work | £200 – £800+ if required |
| Annual running cost (average 8,000 miles/year) | £250 – £450 |
Return on Investment: With typical fuel savings, a £1,000 installation usually pays for itself within 2–4 years, and raises your home’s appeal to future buyers.
Types of Home Charger
| Type | Power | Charging Speed (typical EV) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3-pin portable (Level 1) | ~2.3 kW | 12–15 hours for a full charge | Occasional use, second vehicle, or backup only |
| 7 kW dedicated smart charger (Level 2) | 7 kW | 4–7 hours for a full charge | Recommended standard—fast enough for daily use, affordable |
| 11 kW / 22 kW | 11–22 kW | 2–4 hours | Faster charging, but requires three-phase electricity (rare in most UK homes) |
Smart Chargers are the standard choice now:
- Schedule charging for off-peak hours to cut costs
- Monitor energy use via an app
- Work with energy suppliers to support grid stability
- Integrate with solar panels and home batteries
UK Government Support & Incentives (2026 Update)
- EV Chargepoint Grant: For homeowners in England, Scotland, and Wales, the grant currently contributes up to £350 towards purchase and installation. Eligibility: you own an EV or have one on order, have off-street parking, and use an approved installer.
- Landlord & Flat Owner Grants: Additional schemes exist for rental properties and multi-occupancy buildings.
- Tax: If you install a charger at a workplace, costs are fully deductible against Corporation Tax; for personal home use, there is no direct tax relief, but savings on fuel and VAT make it cost-effective.
- Note: Grants are subject to change—always check the latest on the GOV.UK website before buying.
Environmental Impact
- Charging at home lets you choose an electricity tariff from renewable sources (wind, solar, hydro), cutting your carbon footprint far more than charging on grid-average electricity.
- Pairing home charging with rooftop solar panels means you can power your car with zero-emission energy, reducing lifecycle emissions to near zero.
How to Choose & Install Your Charger
- Check compatibility: Ensure the charger works with your EV’s connector type (Type 2 is standard in the UK).
- Pick power: Stick with 7 kW unless you have confirmed three-phase supply.
- Choose an approved installer: Use an OZEV-registered company—this is required to claim the grant, and ensures work meets safety standards (IET Wiring Regulations).
- Get 2–3 quotes: Compare price, warranty (aim for 3+ years), and aftercare.
- Process: Survey → quote → install → test → commissioning; typically takes 2–4 weeks from enquiry to completion.
Final Verdict: Is It Worth It?
| YES, if: |  NO, if: |
|---|---|
| You own or plan to keep an EV for 2+ years | You have no off-street parking or landlord permission |
| You drive daily and value convenience | You rarely use your EV and mostly charge elsewhere |
| You want the lowest running costs | Your electrical supply needs an expensive upgrade |
| You plan to stay in the home for 3+ years | You’re only testing EVs with no long-term commitment |
Short answer: For nearly all EV owners with off-street parking, yes—it is absolutely worth it. The convenience, savings, and battery benefits far outweigh the upfront cost, especially with grant support. It is the single best way to make EV ownership simple and affordable.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I just use a standard 3-pin plug instead?
You can, but it is very slow (~12+ hours for a full charge), not recommended for daily use, and carries safety risks if the circuit isn’t designed for continuous high load. Always have a dedicated circuit or charger installed for regular charging.
2. How long does charging take?
- 7 kW home charger: 4–7 hours for a typical 40–60 kWh EV battery
- 3-pin plug: 12–18 hours
- Public rapid charger: 20–45 minutes (to 80% charge)
3. Do I need to tell my electricity supplier?
Not always, but it’s good practice—some suppliers offer special EV tariffs with cheaper overnight rates. Your installer will advise if your supply capacity needs reviewing.
Used Electric Vehicle in the UK?
Introduction
Electric vehicles (EVs) are now mainstream on UK roads, driven by falling running costs, expanding model choice, and the UK government’s commitment to end the sale of new petrol and diesel cars by 2035. Whether you’re looking at a brand-new model or a second-hand EV, both options offer clear benefits over conventional vehicles — but each has distinct pros, cons, costs, and considerations. This guide will help you decide which path best fits your budget, lifestyle, and driving needs.
EVs in the UK — The Basics
EVs fall into two main categories:
- Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs): Fully electric — no petrol or diesel at all. Charged from the grid or home charger. Zero tailpipe emissions.
- Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs): Combine a battery with a fuel engine. Typically offer 20–50 miles of electric range, then switch to petrol/diesel. Best if you can charge regularly.
Modern EVs can offer real-world ranges from roughly 150 miles for budget models up to 350+ miles for long-range versions. Running costs are roughly 2–3p per mile vs. 12–18p per mile for petrol or diesel — a massive daily saving.
New EV — Pros & Cons
| Advantages | Challenges |
|---|---|
| Latest battery tech — longest range, best efficiency | Higher upfront purchase price |
| Full manufacturer warranty (typically 3–7 years; battery often 8 years/100,000+ miles) | Slower depreciation in early years — value drops most in first 1–2 years |
| Latest tech: fast charging, improved safety, smartphone integration, software updates | Fewer immediate stock options for popular models; possible delivery waits |
| Choice of finance, PCP, or lease deals with fixed costs | Fewer tax incentives now removed for cars — savings come from running costs |
| You can specify exactly the trim, colour, and features you want | Insurance may be higher on newer, higher-value models |
| Peace of mind — no unknown history or battery degradation concerns | — |
Used EV — Pros & Cons
| Advantages | Challenges |
|---|---|
| Significantly lower upfront cost — often £10,000–£20,000 less than new | Smaller remaining battery warranty; older tech may have shorter range |
| Depreciation already taken by first owner — slower value loss for you | Faster charging may be limited on older models |
| Immediate availability — no waiting for factory orders | You inherit someone else’s choice of spec/colour; fewer customisation options |
| Lower insurance on many mid-range models | Battery health is critical — you must check capacity and degradation |
| Great value for money — many early models are now affordable | Charging speed, connector types, and app compatibility vary by age |
Key Factors to Help You Decide
Budget
- New EVs: Start from roughly £26,000–£32,000 for mass-market models; premium brands start at £45,000+. Monthly finance is typically £350–£600 over 3–4 years.
- Used EVs: Available from £8,000–£15,000 for older models (Nissan Leaf, early Renault Zoe); £16,000–£25,000 gets you low-mileage, newer models with good range.
- Tip: Factor in the £0 road tax (VED) on all pure EVs and savings on fuel — these make even pricier options affordable long-term.
Battery Health — The #1 Used EV Check
Batteries degrade slowly over time — expect ~10–15% loss after 5–7 years under normal use. Before buying used:
- Ask for the battery health report from the seller or dealer
- Check the warranty status — most cover 70%+ capacity for 8 years/100,000 miles
- Compare stated vs. real-world range — a drop of more than 20% is a concern
- Avoid models with repeated rapid-charging history or consistent zero-percent storage
Your Driving Needs
| Your Situation | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Long daily commute (40+ miles) / regular long trips | Newer or newer used EV — 250+ mile range |
| Short commutes, school runs, local driving | Used EV with 150–200 mile range works perfectly |
| Can charge at home overnight | Any EV works — home charging is ideal |
| Rely mostly on public charging | Newer model with faster charging capability recommended |
| Family car / frequent passengers | Check rear space and boot — some early EVs are compact |
Charging Infrastructure
- If you have off-street parking, a home charger makes any EV practical — you’ll wake up full every day
- If you rely on public chargers, check availability in your area first — rural North Devon coverage is improving but still patchy
- Newer EVs support 150–350 kW rapid charging (10–80% in ~25–35 mins); older models may take 45–60+ mins
Cost Comparison at a Glance
| Cost Element | New EV | Used EV (3–5 years old) | Petrol Equivalent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Purchase price | £28,000 – £55,000 | £12,000 – £24,000 | £16,000 – £30,000 |
| Annual fuel cost (8,000 miles) | £250 – £400 | £250 – £400 | £1,200 – £1,600 |
| Annual maintenance | £150 – £250 | £150 – £300 | £400 – £600 |
| Road tax (VED) | £0 | £0 | £150+ |
| Depreciation (year 1–2) | High | Low | Moderate |
Note: Fuel costs based on home charging at 24–30p/kWh; public rapid charging will increase this.
Environmental Impact
- New EVs: Have a higher initial carbon footprint from manufacturing — but over 7–10 years of driving, total emissions are far lower than petrol/diesel
- Used EVs: Lower immediate footprint — you’re extending the life of an existing vehicle. The biggest ongoing impact comes from how you charge it
- Biggest green win: Pair any EV with home charging from renewable energy or solar panels → near-zero emissions from daily driving
Maintenance & Reliability
| New EV | Used EV | |
|---|---|---|
| Moving parts | Far fewer than petrol — no oil changes, no clutch, no exhaust | Same low complexity — but check brakes, tyres, and cooling system |
| Servicing intervals | Annual or every 12,000 miles | Same — but check what’s been done |
| Typical costs | £150–£250/year | £200–£350/year |
| Common concerns | Software updates; sensor calibration | Battery health; worn suspension parts; older cables |
| Warranty | Full manufacturer cover | Remaining warranty + dealer/seller guarantee where applicable |
Final Decision Checklist — Which For You?
| Choose NEW if: | Choose USED if: |
|---|---|
| You want full warranty & zero battery worry | Budget is under £20,000 |
| Latest range, charging speed & tech matter | You want to avoid heavy first-year depreciation |
| You plan to keep the car 4+ years | You need a car immediately — no wait |
| You prefer customising spec & finance deals | You’re happy with proven models that already fit your needs |
| You want the lowest running costs long-term | This is your first EV and you want to test the waters affordably |
Top Tips for Buying
- Always test drive — EVs feel different (quiet, instant acceleration)
- Check connector compatibility — Type 2 is standard; older cars may have different sockets
- Get a battery health certificate for any used EV — walk away if unclear
- Ask about home charging — if you’re local, we can advise on installation alongside your purchase
- Compare finance vs. lease — new EVs often have strong lease deals; used PCPs keep monthly payments low
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are there still grants for EV cars in the UK?
A: Purchase grants for cars have ended, but the OZEV Chargepoint Grant (£350 off home installation) is still available — see our separate guide. Savings come from low running costs, not upfront discounts.
Q: How long do EV batteries last?
A: Most manufacturers guarantee 70%+ capacity for 8 years / 100,000+ miles. Real-world data shows many last well beyond this.
Q: Is now a good time to buy?
A: Yes — prices have stabilised, more models are available, and used stock is plentiful. Charging networks are expanding rapidly across Devon.
Q: Can I claim grants if I buy used?
A: Vehicle grants don’t apply, but you can still claim the home charger grant regardless of whether your car is new or used.