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 post, we’ll break down the numbers to show how much your clients can save by installing an EV charger at home. We’ll also explore how these savings compare with traditional fuel costs, government incentives, and the long-term benefits of switching to EVs. This will help you present a compelling case to clients interested in making the switch!
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 an EV 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 EV, 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 fast charging—can be more expensive, the overall savings compared to traditional fuel costs remain substantial.
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:
1. Fewer Moving Parts
EVs don’t have engines with complex mechanical systems like pistons and belts. 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.
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 installation costs 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 grid. Pairing solar energy with an EV charger 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.
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 traditional 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.
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. 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.
Overview
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!
