Investing in an electric car? Discover the government grant available to help install a smart charger in your home. 

PROMOTIONAL FEATURE

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Many home owners and self builders know that being ecologically minded doesn’t end at the front door. With electric vehicle ownership soaring, take a look at the chargers and government grants to help you go greener…

How to drive greener

The UK has seen a surge in electric vehicle ownership in recent years, and with the government committed to banning the manufacture of all petrol and diesel vehicles by 2030, that is only set to accelerate. As was the case with solar panels, there’s an incentive to be an early adopter. If you’re planning on purchasing an electric car, there has never been a better time.

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What do I need?

No more queuing up at the local petrol station – by installing a smart EV (electric vehicle) charger at home or at work, you’ll be able to charge up your vehicle. Even better, some of the latest innovations in electric charging mean that you’ll be able to use solar or wind energy to do so. Better still, create a myenergi account and utilise time of use tariffs which are shaking up the energy industry by allowing customers to set their zappi charger, so that it only charges when electricity prices are at their lowest, helping you to save even more money

Products such as myenergi’s zappi work as a standard EV charger, but with the unique option of using 100% green energy from your own wind generation set-up or solar panels. Paired with the myenergi app, it’s an elegant, intelligent approach to electric vehicle charging.

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Can I get a grant?

With ambitious carbon targets, it makes sense that the government is looking to incentivise the uptake of electric vehicles. One way of doing this is through the OZEV (Office for Zero Emission Vehicles) grant, formerly known as the OLEV (Office for Low Emission Vehicles) grant. Confusingly, it’s also known as the EVHS, or Electric Vehicle Homecharge Scheme, and the Government website details the criteria, including the eligible vehicles.

The government will pay an amount – currently £350 – towards the purchase and installation of your smart charger at home or work if you have an EV or will be purchasing one without four months of the application. You’ll need to have off-street parking and the charger must be fitted by an OZEV approved installer.

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Where do I install an electric charger?

Electric chargers have become increasingly smart and sophisticated, and the latest models are simple to install and don’t require an earth rod. You can find an approved installers list recommended via myenergi, a company committed to driving the charge to a greener future. They’ll need to be off-road, but can be installed on walls, garages and other areas of your property – your installer will discuss the best location with you.

Discover more about OZEV, the electric car grant, with myenergi’s helpful blog, which also highlights other grant schemes.