It is the convenience of a home electric car charging station, that eases your mind as you leave the house embarked on your day and come home from a long day’s drive. Whether it be for your Management Corporation Strata Title (MCST) - managed residential or private residential home we have you covered! We break down the process below.
A complete guide on getting an electric car charger installed in your home without hassle
Assess your property's EV charging infrastructure needs
The first step to getting an electrical vehicle charger installed in your home is to have your property assessed by mobility engineers. This includes assessing the distribution board (DB) of your home, cable routing and determining a suitable location for the electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE). Collating the information into customising the most suitable design concept to install your electric car charger comes along with the option of pairing up with solar panels and battery energy storage system (BESS) for a cleaner drive. What is important to note is your home’s charging capacity. Typically Singapore houses have varying phases of power: with a single-phase power and 32 amps, you may opt to select a 7.4kw charger, while a three-phase power at 32 amps will allow you to accommodate a higher 22kW AC charger.
Selecting a system integration proposal
The second step is where the brand, make and model of the most suitable electric car charger is recommended to you based on your preferences in functionality and design. Included in the proposal by your qualified mobility engineer, is the necessary engineering works, advised application methods and cable concealment based on your property layout.
Construction of an EV charging station
Third step: before beginning construction, properties with MCSTs require documentation and submission of construction permits, whereas private properties do not require these processes: Once the necessary paper work is completed, we may begin construction, tapping power from your sub DB to connect to an enclosure with the necessary components, per TR25 regulations, that connects to an emergency stop (e-stop) component then an isolator and finally leading to your EV charger. After the main construction has completed, we proceed to testing and commissioning of the equipment and here are some other considerations to bear in mind when purchasing an EV charger.
Maintenance of an EV charging station
(Generally applicable to MCSTs, once your electric car charging station has been installed) We may begin asset management, that includes billing reconciliation processes and the operation and management of your electric vehicle charging system’s software. Finally, a periodic inspection of your charger’s hardware will be carried out along with your respective licensed electrical worker (LEW) after your installation works have been completed. Current regulations recommend a quarterly inspection of your installation.
Cost of installing an EV charging station
The cost of installing your own electric car charging station will vary depending on a couple factors:
· how much cable concealment works need to be laid out for your electric car charging station
· will the charging station be installed indoors or outdoors, how much trenching and cable bearing is required
· what is the power availability on your switchboard
· are there specific modifications you may require, and finally
· the choice of your electric car charger: DC chargers are faster therefore costs more than AC chargers that charge slower.
Typically in Singapore, the EVs onboard chargers accept around 7 to 11kW AC, with some of the higher tier models offering 22kW AC as an added option. What this means is that, if your EV's onboard charger supports only up to 11kW AC, you will not be able to optimise the full benefits of a 22kW AC wall charger. It is capped by the EV's specification, so make sure you check with your EV manufacturer.
Full Renewable Spectrum: is an option that anyone can have!
You may choose to have your home and your electrical charging station complemented with solar energy. How this works is, with solar power generated from the panels on your roof, you will offset your daily electricity usage. At the same time, excess solar energy can automatically be stored into your battery energy storage system (BESS). This can be supplied to your electric car charger, to be used whenever your car is ready to be charged.
When it comes to installing an electrical car charging station in your home, it is best to work with industry professionals you trust to aid a smooth process without hassle. Eigen Energy is a reviewed charger operator with smart functions and capabilities under the requirements of the licensed electrical vehicle common charger grant, contact our specialists for a turnkey service to getting your EV chargers.
