If you’ve been thinking about offering electric vehicle (EV) charging solutions but are unsure of the financial benefits, you’re not alone. Many installers wonder whether the initial costs of installing EV chargers are justified by the savings on energy bills and maintenance for their clients.
In this article, we’ll break down the numbers to show how much your clients can save by installing an electric vehicle home charger. We’ll also explore how these savings compare with traditional energy prices, government incentives, and the long-term benefits of switching to an electric vehicle. This will help you present a compelling case to clients interested in making the switch to becoming EV drivers!
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Charging vs. Traditional Fuel Costs
To understand the savings, let’s first compare the cost of charging an EV with the cost of fuelling a petrol or diesel vehicle. Here’s what you can explain to your clients:
1. Cost Per Mile
On average, charging electric car batteries at home costs significantly less than fuelling a traditional petrol or diesel car. Recent data shows that charging an EV costs about 4-5 pence per mile, while fuel costs for traditional cars average around 12-14 pence per mile.
Example: If your client drives 10,000 miles per year:
- EV Charging Cost: 10,000 miles x 4 pence = £400
- Traditional Fuel Cost: 10,000 miles x 13 pence = £1,300
By switching to an electric vehicle, your client could save approximately £900 annually just on fuel! That’s a significant financial incentive that can help you make the case for installing home EV chargers.
2. Home vs. Public Charging
Charging at home is typically the most cost-effective option, but clients may also need to use public charging stations occasionally. Although public charging—especially rapid charging—can be more expensive, the overall savings compared to traditional fuel costs remain substantial. Off street parking is the best way to utilize an at-home charging point.
Public charging points such as those at Shell recharge stations, service stations, motorway service stations, and public car parks may seem cost-effective, but the payment method can be confusing (such as bespoke apps), and the cost to charge may be higher than a home charging point.
Lower Maintenance Costs
One major advantage of EVs is their reduced maintenance needs, and this can be a selling point for installers offering EV charging systems. Electric vehicles have fewer moving parts compared to internal combustion engine vehicles, which means lower maintenance costs.
Here’s why an electric vehicle costs less to maintain than petrol cars:
1. Fewer Moving Parts
EVs don’t have engines with complex mechanical systems like pistons and belts, or a typical car battery. Instead, they rely on electric motors, which require less maintenance and experience fewer breakdowns.
2. No Oil Changes
EVs eliminate the need for oil changes, a routine task for petrol and diesel cars. Oil changes can cost between £30 and £70 each time. By switching to an EV, clients could save this recurring expense and reduce maintenance visits.
3. Longer-Lasting Brakes
EVs use regenerative braking, which recovers energy and reduces wear on brake components. This means clients won’t need to replace brake pads and rotors as frequently, offering additional long-term savings.
Government Incentives for Installers and Clients
In addition to the savings on fuel and maintenance, there are various government incentives that can make installing an EV charger even more attractive to your clients looking at installing a home charging point to charge their electric car at home.
1. Grants and Subsidies
In the UK, for example, the Electric Vehicle Homecharge Scheme (EVHS) provides grants to help cover the cost of installing home charging points. This can reduce the typical cost of installation by up to 75%, making the initial outlay more manageable for clients and making your services even more appealing.
2. Smart Export Guarantee (SEG)
For clients who have solar panels installed, the Smart Export Guarantee allows them to earn money by exporting excess solar energy back to the national grid. Pairing solar energy with electric car charging can further reduce charging costs and even generate income, offering an attractive financial incentive to invest in renewable energy systems.
The Long-Term Financial Picture
When discussing EV charging with clients, be sure to highlight the long-term financial benefits that extend beyond immediate savings for a dedicated home EV charger and vehicle.
1. Resale Value
As demand for eco-friendly transportation grows, the resale value of electric vehicles is expected to increase. This adds another layer of financial benefit, as clients can expect their EVs to retain more value over time compared to petrol cars.
2. Insulating Against Rising Fuel Prices
Fuel prices are notoriously volatile and tend to rise due to market fluctuations and global events. By switching to EVs, clients can protect themselves from these price hikes, as the cost of electricity is generally more stable and predictable. Electric cars are zero emission vehicles, meaning compared to a petrol or diesel car, they are much better for the environment.
How Amco Renewables Supports Installers
At Amco Renewables, we understand that offering EV charging solutions is a growing opportunity for installers. Here’s how we can help you deliver the best possible service to your clients:
1. Expert Consultation
We work with installers to recommend the best EV charging systems based on specific needs of EV owners. Whether it’s understanding a client’s energy usage or assessing home infrastructure, we’ll help you identify the most efficient and cost-effective charger for each project.
2. Reliable Installation Partners
Although Amco does not offer installation services, we work with trusted installation companies to ensure seamless setup. With our support, you can connect your clients with the right professionals, ensuring proper and safe installation.
3. Guidance on Incentives
Government grants and subsidies can be complex to navigate. We’re here to guide installers and clients through the various financial support schemes available, ensuring that your clients take full advantage of these benefits.
4. Ongoing Support
We don’t just provide the equipment—Amco Renewables offers ongoing support to ensure the EV chargers you install perform at their best. We provide advice on regular check-ups and maintenance to keep everything running smoothly.
Amco Renewables: Your EV Charging Suppliers
Switching to EVs and installing home chargers is more than just an eco-friendly option—it’s a smart financial choice for your clients. With significant savings on fuel and maintenance, combined with government incentives and long-term benefits, the numbers clearly show that EV charging is a worthwhile investment.
Are your clients ready to start saving and make the switch to electric vehicles? Partner with us at Amco Renewables to explore the best EV charging solutions for their needs. We’ll help you deliver high-quality, efficient installations that drive long-term energy savings and client satisfaction.
Visit our EV Charging page or contact us to learn more about how we can support your projects!
Electric Car Charging FAQs
How much does it cost to charge an electric car in the UK?
An at home charging point can cost as little as 34p-35p per kWh, going up to 43p to 63p per kWh at public charging points, and 56p to 80p per kWh at a rapid charging station. Tesla Superchargers prices typically range from 54p to 67p per kWh.
How much will it cost to charge electric car to drive 100 miles?
On average, it costs around £12 to drive 100 miles, compared to around £18 in a petrol or diesel car, making an electric car cheaper to use for long journeys.
Do electric cars increase your electricity costs in the UK?
During off peak hours and taking into account off peak prices, you may find the increase is not that high. However, However, it’s typically still cheaper to run an electric car than a petrol or diesel car, even with the increased electricity bill.
Is it worth having an electric vehicle charging point at home?
Absolutely, having a home charger is much better than relying on rapid chargers or a public charging point. Public chargers are often pricier, and do not properly charge a car’s battery to its maximum power rating.
