New Study Reveals 27% of Drivers Wrongly Believe EV Home Charging Costs More Than Petrol
A recent survey by premium EV charger manufacturer Andersen has uncovered significant misconceptions about electric vehicle charging costs among UK drivers. The study found that over a quarter of car owners are hesitant to purchase an EV due to the mistaken belief that home charging would be more expensive than refueling a conventional petrol or diesel vehicle.
This comes despite evidence showing EV running costs are now approximately 50% lower than internal combustion engine vehicles. The survey highlights a critical information gap preventing wider EV adoption, even as the technology becomes increasingly accessible and cost-effective for homeowners, particularly those with solar PV systems that can further reduce charging costs.
36% of Non-EV Drivers Fear Expensive Repairs for Home Chargers
The Andersen survey revealed that over a third of respondents (36%) cited concerns about potentially expensive repairs as a significant barrier to EV adoption. This misconception persists despite manufacturers like Andersen offering comprehensive warranty coverage, including their market-leading seven-year warranty that covers both charge points and all ancillary items. This extended protection addresses one of the major psychological barriers preventing consumers from making the switch to electric vehicles.
For homeowners considering the transition to electric vehicles, the perceived maintenance costs need not be a concern. Professional installers like Atlantic Renewables provide comprehensive support and maintenance packages that ensure your charging system remains operational with minimal hassle. Our engineers specialise in integrating EV charging solutions with existing solar PV systems, creating a holistic energy solution that minimises both environmental impact and long-term costs.
The reality is that EV chargers are designed for durability and generally require minimal maintenance when professionally installed. Most quality units, such as the recently launched Andersen Quartz, are built with robust materials like cast-aluminum construction specifically engineered for longevity and weatherproofing, with over 70% of components manufactured in the UK.
Why Do Younger Drivers Have More Concerns About EV Charging Costs?
Interestingly, the Andersen study uncovered a significant generational divide in perceptions about EV charging costs. Among drivers aged 25 to 34, 38% expressed concerns about home charging expenses – double the proportion (19%) of those aged 45 to 54. This disparity suggests that younger drivers, who may be more financially stretched with housing costs and early career salaries, are particularly sensitive to perceived additional expenses.
This generational difference may also reflect varying levels of exposure to information about EV ownership. Older drivers may have had more opportunities to research the long-term economic benefits of electric vehicles or may know existing EV owners who can share real-world cost data. Meanwhile, younger drivers might be more influenced by initial purchase prices without factoring in the substantial operational savings.
By demonstrating how integrating solar PV systems with EV charging infrastructure can create energy independence and long-term savings, we're helping bridge this information gap for younger potential EV adopters.
How Much Can You Really Save by Charging at Home?
The financial comparison between traditional fuel vehicles and EVs is striking. According to Andersen's calculations, the average petrol car driver covering 10,000 miles annually spends approximately £1,209 on fuel. In contrast, an EV driver charging at home using a dedicated EV tariff would spend just £174 for the same distance – a saving of over £1,000 per year. These figures align with additional research from Compare The Market, which found the average annual cost of running an EV is £1,195 compared to £1,720 for a petrol vehicle, inclusive of insurance, MOT, fuel, and tax.
When charged at home, an electric vehicle can cost as little as 2p per mile to run, compared with around 15p per mile for a petrol car. This dramatic difference creates substantial savings that continue to accumulate throughout the vehicle's lifetime. For homeowners with solar panel installations, these savings can be even more significant, as self-generated electricity can charge your vehicle for effectively zero marginal cost during daylight hours.
The team at Atlantic Renewables specialises in designing integrated home energy systems that maximise these savings. By combining solar PV technology with home battery storage and EV charging points, our engineers create ecosystems that dramatically reduce household energy expenditure while increasing sustainability. These integrated systems allow you to store excess solar energy generated during the day and use it to charge your vehicle at night, further reducing reliance on grid electricity.
Are Home Chargers Safe for Your Electrical System?
The Andersen survey found that 20% of respondents were concerned that a home charge point might overload or damage their domestic electrical system. This is a common misconception that prevents many homeowners from exploring EV options. In reality, professionally installed home charging points include safeguards that protect your home's electrical infrastructure.
All reputable EV charger installations begin with a thorough assessment of your property's electrical capacity to ensure compatibility. Professional installers like Atlantic Renewables conduct comprehensive surveys before installation, identifying any necessary upgrades to ensure your electrical system can safely accommodate the additional load. Our qualified technicians are experienced in integrating charging systems with existing electrical infrastructure, including properties with solar PV systems.
Modern EV chargers like the Andersen Quartz feature sophisticated electronics that offer full compatibility with solar power and can intelligently manage charging to take advantage of low-cost electricity tariffs. These smart features not only optimise charging costs but also protect your home's electrical system by distributing demand appropriately and preventing overloads.
Solar PV Integration with EV Charging for Maximum Energy Savings
Combining solar photovoltaic systems with EV charging creates the ultimate sustainable energy solution for homeowners. This integrated approach allows you to generate your own clean electricity and use it to power both your home and vehicle, significantly reducing carbon emissions while maximising cost savings. For many homeowners, this combination represents the most effective path to energy independence.
Solar PV systems generate electricity during daylight hours, which can be used immediately to charge an EV if it's parked at home during the day. For most commuters who charge overnight, adding battery storage to your solar system allows you to capture excess daytime generation and use it when needed. The Andersen Quartz charger, for example, offers full compatibility with solar power systems and can be programmed through its app to optimise charging times based on solar generation.
Atlantic Renewables specialises in designing these integrated systems, taking a holistic approach to household energy that considers your specific usage patterns, EV requirements, and solar potential. Our team of experts will assess your property's unique characteristics to recommend the optimal combination of solar panels, battery storage, and EV charging infrastructure. By approaching these technologies as a unified system rather than separate components, we can maximise both environmental benefits and financial returns.
Finding the Right Home EV Charger Installation Company in the UK
Selecting the appropriate installer for your EV charging system is crucial for ensuring safety, reliability, and optimal performance. With numerous options available, homeowners should prioritize companies with demonstrated expertise in electrical systems and, ideally, experience integrating charging infrastructure with renewable energy sources. Installation costs typically range from around £1,000 for a standard 7.2kW charger to £1,105 for premium options like the Andersen Quartz.
When evaluating potential installers, verify their certifications and check reviews from previous customers. Reputable companies like Atlantic Renewables feature testimonials showcasing their installation quality and customer service. These reviews often highlight important aspects like the cleanliness of the installation process and the technician's willingness to explain the system's operation.
Atlantic Renewables brings specialised expertise in creating comprehensive energy solutions that combine solar PV, battery storage, and EV charging infrastructure. Our engineers are fully qualified in both renewable energy systems and EV charging technology, ensuring a seamless integration that maximises efficiency and savings. We pride ourselves on providing clear explanations of your system's capabilities and helping you optimise its performance for your specific needs.
What Charging Speed Do Most Homeowners Need?
Many prospective EV owners are confused about what charging speed is appropriate for their home. The Andersen study shows this uncertainty contributes to hesitation about adopting electric vehicles. For most homeowners, a 7.2kW charger represents the optimal balance between charging speed and installation requirements, capable of delivering a full charge to most EVs overnight without requiring expensive electrical upgrades.
While 3.6kW chargers are available at lower price points, they can take nearly 18 hours to fully charge a typical 64kWh battery—impractical for daily use. At the other extreme, 22kW chargers offer faster charging but require three-phase electricity supplies that most UK homes don't have and that cost thousands to install. The middle ground of 7.2kW provides sufficient overnight charging for most users' daily needs.
Atlantic Renewables' team of experts can assess your driving habits, vehicle specifications, and electrical infrastructure to recommend the most appropriate charging solution. Our engineers consider factors like your typical daily mileage, how long your vehicle is usually parked at home, and your existing electrical capacity to design a charging system that meets your needs without unnecessary expense.
Get in touch
If you are looking to get a solar PV system with integrated EV charging capabilities or have an issue with an existing system, please get in touch and we would be happy to help. Our team at Atlantic Renewables specialises in creating seamless energy solutions that combine solar generation, battery storage, and electric vehicle charging for maximum savings and convenience. Call us on 0161 207 4044 and start taking advantage of your new integrated energy system today!
