Domestic installations cover the fitting of chargepoints for use at homes. They are used exclusively by homeowners and their visitors. Installations are carried out by Pod Point Experts who are highly trained and experienced electricians. Most homechargers are installed on the exterior of the property, or inside the garage.

By comparison, commercial and workplace charging installations will either be used by:

• The company’s employees

• Fleet vehicles

• Customers

As such, they tend to be more complex than home installations as commercial chargers are required to have additional technologies to install and operate.

To overcome this added complexity, commercial installations are overseen by a Pod Point Project Manager who liaises with all the stakeholders/parties involved to ensure the installation is completed correctly.

Externally, there is very little difference between a domestic and a commercial Solo charger. But internally, commercial chargepoints are made up slightly differently to satisfy regulatory requirements, which is why a business can’t simply get a domestic charger installed, or vice versa.

On the other hand, Twin Chargers can only be used for commercial installations. Homes wanting more than one chargepoint will need to purchase multiple Solo chargers.

But there are other factors involved that require domestic and commercial installations to have different processes.

A normal home installation typically takes around 2 hours to complete. This is because domestic installations tend to follow a similar procedure. This is why Pod Point is able to offer a single standard installation package for homes, and why home installs are cheaper than commercial installs.

For starters, most properties in the UK with off-street parking only have a single space, which is why the majority of domestic installations are for a standard single-socket charger. The charge point is usually installed to the exterior of the property.

Image

Whether using a mount or fixing to a wall, the chargepoint is connected directly to the property’s power supply. In most homes, this is within 15m of the chargepoint’s location, which negates the need for any groundworks. This means home installations only require a single engineer to complete the work.
 

Also, domestic installations can come straight off the home’s electric meter, which is often easy to route from. By comparison, commercial installations need to come from the fuse board, which is typically located in the middle of the property.

Additionally, most standard home consumer units run on single-phase power, whereas commercial distribution boards typically have three-phase power. As a result, home power supplies are typically smaller and easier to work with.

Whilst most home installations are fairly identical, business installations can vary significantly, especially in terms of scale.

Business premises usually have multiple bays, sometimes spread out across different storeys of a car park. This in turn means they need to provide charging for many users at the same time.

Image

As a result, business installations will rarely involve just one or two chargepoints. Naturally, a higher number of chargepoints being installed makes for a more complicated and expensive installation process.

Also, unlike home installations, the parking bays are rarely located close to the premises’s power supply or a permanent wall. To overcome this, groundworks are often needed to trench the cables underground so they don’t get damaged by the elements or vehicles.

This adds an extra layer of complexity, but also time, with groundworks typically spanning multiple days depending on the size of the car park.

EV drivers typically plug their vehicles in to charge overnight so they have a full battery at the start of the day. Because of this, a 7kw charger is usually more than sufficient to cover any charging taking place at home.

But businesses have different requirements depending on who the chargepoints are being used by. This in turn impacts what power rating(s) they choose to install. In some instances, sites may find a mixture of power ratings more appropriate, which results in a more complex installation process:

Workplace charging

Workplaces may also need a variety of power ratings depending on business hours and shift patterns.

For businesses where employees are at work for a full 8 hour day - whether during the day or overnight - a 7kW power rating is more than sufficient as their EVs will be plugged in for extended periods of time.

However, not all employees will be parked for the entire time, which is where a mixture of 7kW and 22kW (or even higher) power ratings would be beneficial. This way, employees who frequently need to drive to and from the office can get a quick top-up charge.
 

Fleet charging

Businesses with a fleet of vehicles may find a mixture of power ratings more appropriate. 7kW chargers will still be useful to allow for overnight charging, but faster chargers with power ratings of 22kW+ may also be desired to give a faster top-up charge in between deliveries.

Unlike homes, most businesses run on three-phase power, which can handle the higher load demands from faster chargepoints. However, the power supply may need to be upgraded to accommodate multiple chargers, depending on the size of the business and its on-site power availability.

A business providing charging for its customers will choose its power rating based on average dwell times. For example, 7kW chargers would be suitable for premises where customers are expected to be for long periods of time such as airports, hotels, or venues like football stadiums or zoos.

But some public destinations like supermarkets and shopping centres have a broader range of dwell times. In these instances, a mixture of fast and rapid chargepoints would be more beneficial to cater to both long-stay customers - where 7kW may be sufficient - and those visiting for a short period who may need a faster charge.

Image

Regulatory differences

Domestic and commercial chargepoints have to satisfy different regulations set by OZEV. Commercial chargers in particular have a broader range of regulations they need to adhere to.

1. Businesses must be able to restrict usage to different usage groups, e.g employees, customers etc. Domestic chargepoints don’t need this, as they’re only used by one user.

2. Commercial chargepoints must have the ability to charge the end user a fee for usage to cover business electricity costs. Some public chargepoints are free to use, but they must have the functionality to set a custom tariff if desired. This is done through Pod Point’s back-end Site Management Service .

3. Home chargepoints need to have smart functions, but these can all be accessed by the user with the Pod Point App. This gives full visibility on their energy usage, as well as the ability to set repeating schedules with Charge Scheduling.

4. If a business installs a domestic chargepoint, the warranty will be invalid.

5. Contractors need to sit additional qualifications to work on business premises, which is monitored by OZEV through their WCS-approved installer scheme.

OZEV offers different grants for home and business chargers. The main grants available are:
 

• The Workplace Charging Scheme (WCS), which is also available for any business, charity, or public authority.

• The EV infrastructure grant for staff and fleets.

• The EV chargepoint grant for residential and commercial landlords, social housing providers, and property factors.

• The EV chargepoint grant for flat owner-occupiers and people living in rented properties.

• The EV chargepoint grant for state-funded schools.

As a result, businesses wanting to install chargepoints will have to opt for chargers on OZEV’s commercial-approved list in order to claim the relevant grant.

Switching from a combustion engine to an electric car comes with a lifestyle shift. You no longer need to make trips to the petrol station, and instead, you use electricity to charge the battery in your car. Many EV drivers will invest in a charger to power their car conveniently from home. A dedicated charger tops up your battery faster than a standard 3-pin plug and is cheaper than public charging.

Buying a home charger is a large purchase decision and the cost of a device can vary, depending on specifications like power rating, tethered vs untethered cable, storage box, and so on. That’s why choosing an EV charger with a warranty is a good idea.

Before taking the plunge and purchasing your home charger, familiarise yourself with the terms of any warranty agreement like the one for our Solo 3S.

EV chargers are often exposed to the elements, with most placed outside on a wall or in a partially covered area. This means charge points like the Solo 3S are built to be durable and withstand a wide range of weather conditions throughout their lifetime.

While common issues with EV chargers can be fixed over the air, meaning over Wi-Fi using software updates and troubleshooting, there can sometimes be other problems that require someone to fix your charger in person.

Luckily, charging devices are typically covered by an EV charger warranty to guarantee repairs and replacements when things go wrong. You would usually expect to receive a product warranty for higher-value purchases like washing machines or cars, so it makes sense for EV chargers to come with a policy to protect your investment.

Take note of the length of your warranty when you buy and install a home charger, because they’re typically limited to a few years

EV charger repairs can be costly depending on the damage that has occurred. The exact cost can be difficult to predict, that’s why it’s even more important to choose a home charger that offers a warranty. You’ll be covered for certain types of faults within the policy timeframe.

In the best-case scenario, you’ll never have to claim on the policy. It gives you peace of mind that if something goes wrong and you do need it, you’ll be covered.

We’ve got you covered at Pod Point. Our home and workplace chargers are protected by a comprehensive and industry-leading 5-year warranty from the day of installation when bought from our site directly.

Generally, our warranty will repair or replace your home charger when parts break prematurely or the device doesn’t function as expected. You should check our Terms of Service before using your Solo 3S for the very first time. Accidental damage, wear-and-tear, tampering with the installed charging device or using it in a way it’s not intended can void your warranty.

If you treat your Solo 3 well, it’s unlikely you’ll need to make use of the warranty. Having a policy to fall back on is reassuring nonetheless, making the investment into a charger easier. 

EV technology has come a long way, and with it, the way electric cars are “refuelled”. Fast charging has become a popular option, offering the convenience of charging EVs significantly faster and safer than a standard 3-pin socket.

But this convenience brings up an important question: Does fast charging reduce EV battery life? We’ll look into the effects of fast charging and other types of charging, and whether it poses any risks to the longevity of EV batteries.

Fast charging refers to chargepoints rated between 7kW and 22kW. This is typically found in homes, which provide the electricity via alternating current (AC). However, EV batteries only store direct current (DC) energy, so fast (i.e. AC) charging has to be converted via a converter in the car. It’s this extra step that makes AC fast charging slower than DC (i.e. rapid) charging.

Rapid chargers are growing in popularity, with more appearing in the public charging network every year, because they charge much faster. For example, a 22kw charger will recharge a 60kWh battery in around three hours while a 150kW rapid charger can do the same in just under 30 minutes.

However, the lightning-fast speed of rapid chargers comes at a premium, and they tend to cost more than other public or home charging options. Because of this, it’s recommended to use fast charging for your everyday needs and tap into rapid charging whenever you need to quickly recharge to continue a journey and time is of the essence.

Want to learn more about different charging types? View our guide on EV chargers, connectors and speeds.

Fast charging of up to 22kW has no detrimental effect on EV batteries, given other good charging habits are followed. To maintain a healthy battery, keep your electric car between 20 and 80% and out of extremely cold or hot temperatures.

However, frequent use of faster rapid charging has been shown to slightly increase the rate of battery degradation. A study testing two Nissan Leafs showed that exclusive DC rapid charging increased the rate of degradation by 16% when compared to AC fast charging.

The high voltage and current in rapid charging subject EV batteries to increased strain. Over time, this can wear them down quicker than fast charging would. Degradation reduces the battery’s capacity to hold charge, meaning you will run out of power faster than you used to when the battery was new.

For EV owners looking to maximize the lifespan of their batteries while using rapid charging occasionally, here are some top tips to follow:

• Monitor battery temperature – A high battery temperature strains the lithium-ion cells. The high voltage and current during rapid charging generate heat, which is normally controlled by the car’s battery management system. If this is faulty, you could see temperatures rise to detrimental levels, so it’s worth keeping an eye on it from time to time.

• Priorities fast charging – Try to use fast charging as much as possible, like when parked at home overnight or at work. Reducing the frequency of rapid charging will help you maintain good battery health.

• Don’t overcharge – Charge up to 80% and then unplug your EV. Once your battery hits this number, charging slows down significantly, which removes the key benefit of rapid charging – its speed. Constant charging above 80% can harm the health of the lithium-ion battery.

Many EV owners wonder if electric cars lose charge when parked and not in use, with concerns that the battery in an electric car will run out of charge even when it’s turned off, but is it justified?

To give you a short answer, no. If your battery is charged enough, this won’t be a problem. If it’s sat idle for a month, you’ll likely lose only a small percentage of the battery’s total.

We’ll explore the topic in more detail here, so you know what to expect from an EV that has been stationary for some time.

Battery drain in EVs refers to the gradual loss of charge when the vehicle is not in use. Batteries in electric cars are typically made of lithium-ion which can store a high amount of energy for its weight, making it popular with EVs.

Lithium-ion batteries do naturally discharge a small amount of energy. Factors like battery age and state of health can increase the self-discharge rate, but it shouldn’t be a cause for concern. The energy lost is minimal and won’t lead to a dead battery unless you left your EV on a very low charge. In addition to the gradual drain, monitoring systems running in the background also contribute to the slow drain.

EV battery drain can have a number of causes. Here are a few factors affecting electric cars when parked:

• Battery Management System (BMS) – In some EVs, the BMS continuously monitors and maintains battery health. This can include heating the battery in very low temperatures or cooling it in extremely hot weather, which requires power even when parked.

• Connectivity features – Modern EVs have services for updates and remote monitoring, which connect via Wi-Fi and use battery power even when the car is off.

• Cabin conditioning – Some EVs maintain cabin temperature for comfort, which can drain the battery if set to activate while parked.

• External temperature – Batteries are sensitive to temperature extremes. Very cold or hot weather can compromise battery health over time, reducing the capacity to hold charge effectively.

Wondering what you can do to prevent unwanted battery drain? Minimize loss of charge in your parked EV with these practical tips:

• Proper storage – Park your EV in a garage or another temperature-controlled environment to protect it from weather extremes. Consistent, moderate temperatures help reduce the battery's need to regulate its temperature and protect battery health.

• Battery health monitoring – Regularly check the battery's state of health. Most EVs have built-in diagnostics that provide insights into battery performance and health. Addressing any issues early can prevent excessive drain.

• Adjust settings – If your EV has features like scheduled charging or energy saving modes, use these tools to minimize battery drain. Disable unnecessary features such as cabin preconditioning when the vehicle is parked for extended periods.

• Right level of charge – Keeping your EV between 20% to 80% of charge helps to maintain good battery health, which reduces the rate of drain when parked. We recommend charging to or close to 80% if you’re planning to leave your car stationary for some time (e.g. when going on holiday) to avoid dropping too low.

Want to know more about electric car batteries? Check our guide on how EV batteries work.

Yes, electric vehicles (EVs) have gears, but there is more to it than a simple yes, so let’s explore this further.

Internal combustion engine (ICE) cars have transmission systems with several gears to allow the engine to reach a variety of speeds at optimum power bands, which improves efficiency and responsiveness.

This happens via a manual transmission with up to 7 gears, in which the driver uses the clutch pedal and gear stick to shift between gears. Or via an automatic transmission with up to nine gears, in which case the gearbox will change gears for you. Up until the early 2000s, most manual ICE cars only had five gears, meaning they had poorer fuel economy than today’s cars.

Electric cars also have a type of transmission, but they’ll usually only have one gear, meaning no gear shifts are needed. The key difference between ICE and electric cars is that the electric motor in an EV provides instant power and torque to go the top speed without gear shifts. An ICE car needs to shift gears to reach certain speeds.

There are a few electric cars on the market with more than one gear, like the Porsche Taycan, but they’re the expectation.

Image

While electric cars do not have a traditional gearbox as you’d find in manual transmission vehicles, they do incorporate a simplified version of an automatic transmission system. While it may take some convincing for drivers who enjoy driving manual transmission cars, this setup offers you as the driver a number of benefits:

• Comfortable driving experience – An automatic transmission in electric cars creates a smoother driving experience without the occasional jolting you may experience when manually shifting gears. Plus, the lack of gear shifting reduces noises from moving parts.

• Increased efficiency – Automatic transmissions in EVs optimise energy usage and efficiency, reducing energy losses associated with manual gear shifting performed by the driver.

• Simplified mechanics – No complex gearbox and fewer moving parts reduce the likelihood of repairs, making it easier to maintain the transmission of an EV.

Yes, electric cars using battery power have a simplified version of an automatic transmission to facilitate the single-speed motor.

 Plug-in and full hybrid cars are also available with automatic transmission only. The one type of electric vehicle that uses a manual transmission is a mild hybrid. They’re the least reliant on battery power out of all hybrid car types.

Having a simplified, single-speed gearbox or transmission is great, because it improves efficiency, provides smoother acceleration and reduces the risk of mechanical issues.

To drive an EV, you either need a manual or automatic driving licence. A manual licence gives you greater flexibility, while an automatic licence means you’re limited to automatic transmission cars only. This can, for example, make it more difficult and expensive to rent a car on holiday or prevent you from driving a family member’s manual car in an emergency. Before taking your test, you should consider the limitations of an automatic-only licence.

Both, EVs and internal combustion engine (ICE) cars, have a small battery that helps the vehicle start its motor or engine and provides some energy when the engine or motor isn’t turned on but is using its lights, locks and other parts. When this smaller battery is dead, the vehicle won’t be able to turn on and will need a jump start to get back on the road.

Jump starting involves using another car’s battery and jumper cables to give the dead battery temporarily enough power to start the engine. Depending on the reason for why the battery has run out of energy, it can be recharged with the power generated from driving or will have to be replaced if faulty.

Luckily, most EVs carry the same type of 12V battery you’ll find in ICE cars, meaning you can technically jump start it the same way. This battery is different to the larger, main battery pack used to power the motor of an EV, which is typically made from lithium-ion. There are exceptions, with some luxury EVs using a small lithium-ion battery instead of the 12V sulfuric acid-based battery found in the majority of cars.

Although an EV’s smaller battery rarely runs out of charge completely, it can happen. The most common cause is the main battery pack being left on zero percent charge over an extended period of time, which will eventually lead to the 12V battery dying. In this case, you can either jump start your EV with another car or use a trickle charger to resupply enough energy to the 12V battery to start the motor and fully recharge it that way.

Before you attempt to jump start an electric car on your own, check if you have an existing maintenance package or roadside cover that will provide professional assistance. Performing a jump start on an electric car could void your warranty or cause your insurance to be cancelled. Always check your policy before you attempt to do this.

If you have to, here are the steps for how to jump start an electric car:

1. Park your EV on a flat surface. Avoid hills or sloped areas.

2. Connect the jump cable to the positive terminal on the 12V battery on the EV side.

3. Then connect the other end of the jump cable to the positive terminal on the 12V battery on the ICE car side.

4. Now, connect the other jump cable to the negative pole on the ICE car battery.

5. On the other side, connect the opposite end of the jump cable to the bodywork of the EV.

6. Finally, start the ICE car engine to jump start your EV.

If your electric car doesn’t come on straight away, switch it off and wait around 15 seconds before repeating the process. Leave your EV on for a minimum of 20 minutes to allow the 12V battery to recharge enough.

While it’s possible to jump start another car using an EV, most manufacturers strongly advise against it and will void your warranty if you do so. There are several reasons why it isn’t a good idea to jump start using an EV.

ICE car batteries are made to provide a burst of energy to ignite the fuel that runs an engine. An EV’s 12V battery, on the other hand, isn’t meant for this purpose and simply doesn’t provide enough energy to jump start another EV or petrol or diesel car. Attempting to jump start another car can cause significant damage to the smaller battery in an electric car.

Jump starting another car with your EV can also cause issues with the battery management system and DC to DC converter in your electric car. This converter is crucial to many smaller functions in an EV. If it breaks or becomes faulty, you may not be able to perform basic tasks, such as using your lights, heating and cooling/heating, etc.

We believe that charging shouldn’t cost the earth – in both the monetary and environmental sense. Using renewable energy to charge your EV at home is the best way to maximise the environmental benefits of battery-powered driving while saving money.

You’re likely already aware of green energy tariffs, meaning providers who use renewable sources to generate energy. But there are a few more ways to keep your EV running on green energy while saving you a pretty penny.

You can make your EV charging greener by using sustainably sourced, renewable energy and avoiding times that strain the electricity grid. We’ll explain three ways to do this:

• Solar charging

• Smart charging and scheduling

• Vehicle-to-grid (V2G)

   

Solar charging

You could bypass the grid and directly tap into one of the most well-known sources for renewable energy – the sun. Whether you already have a domestic home solar system or you’re considering investing in one, there are plenty of home chargers that can be integrated and can save you money while charging.

The Solo 3S home charger is compatible with most home solar systems. For more advice, read our guide on how to use solar panels to charge your electric car.

Most EV home chargers are smart chargers, meaning they come with plenty of features that help you manage and control your charging to your benefit.

Using smart charging, you’re able to charge at times of low demand on the electricity grid, when prices are low (if you’re on a tariff with dynamic pricing), and you’re scheduled to need a charged battery.

Smart charging helps you make your driving even more sustainable overall and save you money. Learn more about the benefits and tips on how to use a smart EV charger in our guide.

The core principle of V2G charging is to use your EV’s battery like an energy storage unit. It’ll feed electricity back into the grid when you have more energy than you need and demand is high. It’s a promising concept that could reduce the reliance on fossil fuels to prop up supply during times of peak demand on the grid.

But why would you do it? Well, you’d be able to sell surplus electricity for more than you bought it for, meaning you can earn some extra money.

However, adoption of V2G is currently limited. There are a few electric cars like the Nissan Leaf and home chargers that can operate the two-way flow of electricity that is needed to make V2G work, but compatibility is still generally low.

Learn more about how V2G works and what the benefits are in our vehicle-to-grid guide.

No, not every EV charger uses renewable energy only. Most EV chargers will use electricity from the National Grid, which is often referred to as the grid or electricity grid. It’s the system supplying energy to homes, public buildings, factories and other places across the UK.

The grid supplies a mix of renewable and fossil fuel energy. In 2022, 51% of electricity in the grid (more than ever) came from renewable sources such as:

• Solar

• Wind

• Hydro

• Biomass

So whether you choose a renewable energy tariff or a conventional tariff at home, you’ll receive the same grid mix.

The key difference is that for a renewable tariff, your provider will match the electricity you consume with the same amount of green energy it produces, making it the far better option for the environment and home charging.
 

Generating your own renewable energy

You could power your EV home charger with 100% of renewable energy if it was connected to a domestic solar system. The Solo home charger and a number of other available chargers on the market allow you to do this.

Check out our guide on how to use solar panels to charge your electric car for more information.

What about workplace chargers?

The type of energy workplace chargers use depends on the energy tariff the business has chosen. If it’s a green tariff, workplace chargers will use renewable energy supplied by the grid. This means they use a general mix from the grid, which contains electricity from renewable and fossil fuel sources. However, the energy provider balances this by supplying the exact amount of energy sold into the grid from renewables like solar, wind, hydro or biomass.

If done right, home charging has no environmental impact. It can be the most eco-friendly way to charge your EV.

Home charging gives you the most control over where your energy is sourced from. Just as you want to know where your food comes from, knowing if your energy is generated from green or fossil fuel sources is essential.

Charging at home also means you don’t have to make any trips to a charging station to top up your battery. It saves you time and energy. Simply keep your EV plugged in overnight and let the smart features control the charging process and schedule, so it’s done when demand on the grid is low and before you get in the car to drive. This way the environmental impact of home charging is virtually none.

The environmental impact of workplace charging is tricky to assess. There is currently no public data on the environmental sustainability of every company registered in the UK. However, with a push toward a greener future, we’re confident that many businesses have or are moving to eco-friendly tariffs to power their operations and workplace charging with 100% renewable energy.

If your workplace offers EV charging and it’s not clear where the energy is sourced from, you can contact your employer to find out.

Getting a solar PV system installed can allow you to generate renewable energy during the day to power your home:

• The photovoltaic cells of the solar panels absorb sunlight as direct current (DC) energy
• A solar inverter converts this into alternating current (AC) energy so it can be used by your home
• This energy comes into your consumer unit, where it is then used to power your appliances

If you have a battery storage system, any excess energy that isn’t used by your home can be stored for later. Or, it can be sold back to the energy grid to make use of it.

The short answer is yes: you can charge any electric car, whether it’s fully battery electric (BEV) or a plug-in hybrid (PHEV). However, to do this, you’ll first need to get a compatible home electric car charging system.

Some EV home chargers can take the excess energy generated by your solar panels and divert it into your car. This is of course provided your panels are generating more energy than your home needs, and enough to charge the car. - usually a minimum of 1.4 kW.

There are already many benefits to driving an electric car instead of a petrol or diesel car. For example, their maintenance costs are typically lower as their drivetrains are simpler, and new technologies are making batteries last longer than ever. Being able to use renewable solar energy to charge them makes them even better: 

Clean energy 

Electric vehicles are already inherently very green and better for the environment than cars with an internal combustion engine (ICE). By powering it with solar energy, you can go even further to make it greener and lower your personal carbon footprint. 

Savings 

Apart from the costs of buying and installing solar panels and a compatible charger, energy generated by solar panels is effectively free. After all, you don’t have to pay the sun (or anyone else) to use its sunlight! This means that EVs, which already have lower charging costs versus traditional fuels like petrol or diesel, can be even cheaper to run. In fact, if you were able to charge exclusively using solar energy, you could in theory charge completely for zero cost and zero carbon. Better still, some energy tariffs allow homeowners to sell back their surplus energy to the National Grid. So even if your EV is full, you could still financially benefit by getting solar panels installed.

The majority of EV charging at home takes place overnight. During this time, energy demand is lowest, and so is the unit cost of electricity. By charging overnight, EV drivers can wake up to a fully charged battery every morning, with the car stopping charging once the battery is full.

Having solar panels to charge during the day adds an extra layer of convenience for EV charging. This means you can either charge overnight and take advantage of cheaper energy, or charge during the day time with clean and renewable energy.

The UK Government has promoted renewable energy source for many years. Although there are no grants that currently directly reduce the costs of installing solar panel systems, there are a couple of other grants that EV drivers can take advantage of:

Energy Compliance Obligation (ECO4)

This scheme runs until 31st March 2026, with the government allocating £4bn to improve the energy ratings of UK homes.

It’s open to any low-income, fuel-poor or vulnerable household receiving benefits with a home energy rating of D to G, which accounts for around 450,000 homes. Using the scheme, households can replace older heating systems with more efficient and eco-friendly versions, which includes solar panels, capped at £5,000.

Those that qualify could reduce their average household energy bills by as much as £1,600 per year

Smart Exports Guarantee (SEG)

This scheme focuses on households with solar panels, enabling them to sell any surplus energy their panels generate back to the energy grid. In order to receive the grant, your home must have a solar panel battery and a smart metre, as it works by creating an export tariff.

The grant currently has no end date, and energy suppliers with over 150,000 customers must offer the tariff. The export price isn't a significant amount, but it could still help reduce monthly energy bills.

0% VAT

From April 2022, the then-government introduced zero VAT on the materials and installation of any measures to improve the energy efficiency of a home.

This applies not only to solar panels, but also heat pumps, insulation, and other energy-saving systems, with some relatively simple requirements for households to be eligible.

The VAT removal was slated to run for 5 years, so by 2027 the VAT rate is expected to return to its standard 5% rate. 
 

Things to consider with solar panels

Although there are many upsides to having solar panels, there are some things you will likely want to take into consideration before committing:

Initial costs

Installing both a solar array system and a compatible home EV charger can be expensive, although there are some grants available to reduce the installation costs of the charger.

Whilst solar panels and smart EV charging can reduce energy bills, it can take a number of years to break even on the investment, even after accounting for any reductions in costs.  

Practicality

Solar panels have certainly become more efficient as new technologies have enabled better energy collection and more efficient storage solutions.

Battery storage solutions in particular can make solar panels an even better investment, as you can directly store the excess energy at your home and use it when you need it – or sell it back to the grid for a profit.

However, there’s still a significant limiting factor to how efficient and practical solar panels can be: sunlight. Simply put, the less sunlight there is, the less energy solar panels generate. This impacts the savings their produce and their ability (or lack thereof) to charge an EV.

This is a not-insignificant problem in the UK. That said, your solar panels will still generate some energy even on a cloudy day. This means you can still use them during the winter, just like any other time of the year. The only thing you’ll need to bear in mind is there are fewer hours of daylight during the winter, so they will still be overall less efficient as solar panels don’t work at night.

However, governments and businesses across the globe have recognised this as an obstacle to an otherwise excellent energy source, with some developing innovative solutions to tackle the problem.

Yes, our Solo 3S chargers can integrate with solar panels. Our most advanced charger yet allows you to redirect excess solar energy, so you can charge your car with both zero cost and zero carbon. 

How does it work I hear you ask:

Using Solar charging mode in the app

1. For solar charging mode, head to the ‘At Home’ tab. Click the 3 dots in the top right corner of the tab.

2. Select ‘Manage solar settings’.
Note: Smart mode must be selected to use Solar charging.

3. If you have solar panels or have had them recently installed, head to the ‘Manage Solar settings’ and check that the “I have solar panels” setting has been toggled on.

4. Once ‘I have solar panels’ has been toggled on, you should now have the option to turn on ‘Solar charging mode’.
Note: EVs can only begin charging when receiving a minimum of 1.4kW of power. Please keep this in mind when configuring your solar settings.

5. Once Solar charging mode is toggled on, you will see two possible solar settings to choose from: Solar or Solar & Grid.
 

Important notes

To use Solar charging mode you must be in Smart mode, which will charge your EV outside of any schedules when your solar preferences are met.

Off

When Solar charging mode is off, your charger will not charge using excess solar outside of your normal charging periods. During your normal charging periods, any excess solar is still consumed, with charging topped up to full speed from the grid.
 

Solar mode

This mode allows you to charge your car purely on excess solar energy alone if you have at least 1.4kW available. If excess solar energy dips below 1.4kW, charging will pause. In Solar, grid energy use is minimised. Your vehicle will begin charging when there is 1.4kW or more of excess solar energy. Some grid energy may still be used so that charging isn’t paused too often, which helps protect your vehicle’s battery.

Solar & Grid mode

In Solar & Grid mode, you can top-up using the National Grid when available excess solar energy drops below 1.4kW. When in Solar & Grid mode you’ll notice a slider appears at the bottom of the screen. Here you can select how much energy you’re happy to import from the grid. This allows you to harness your excess solar energy when it’s below 1.4kW using the least amount of grid possible*. You can set the maximum amount of grid energy you are comfortable using.
* Energy from the National Grid is only used to top-up your charger to the minimum threshold of 1.4kW. As more excess solar energy is produced, less energy is imported from the grid. If there is more than 1.4kW of excess solar energy available, no energy will be imported from the grid.

How many solar panels does it take to charge an EV car battery, and can you charge it using just one panel?

Technically speaking, you can charge an electric car battery using a single solar panel. However, that would take an incredibly long time. 

For example, a typical car battery has a capacity of 60kW, so it would take about 60 hours to charge from empty to full if the solar panel was supplying a steady 100W. This assumes perfect weather conditions, so it's likely it will take longer as the charging rate will fluctuate as the weather change (which is very common in the UK). 

So whilst you could in theory use just one solar panel, it’s not very practical. Fortunately, a typical 4kW solar panel system will be made up of around 14 to 16 panels, which is enough to power a 3.6kW home charger. But again, this depends on the weather conditions.

Electric vehicle batteries operate via a complex chemical process. In extreme temperatures, whether it’s close to freezing or heat waves, an EV’s battery won’t necessarily be 100% efficient, and you can expect to see a decrease in range by around 10 to 30%.

Although this effect is temporary and the range will return to normal levels once it gets warmer, it’s important to understand why a drop in temperatures affects an EV’s range. Electric car drivers are familiar with it, but there are a few things you can do to maximise your car’s range when the weather outside gets frightful.

Range is the term to describe the number of miles an electric car can drive on a single charge when the battery is full. You’ll typically see this number on the dashboard in the car.

Calculating range can be done by multiplying the car’s battery capacity by the kilometers per kWh it can travel. However, this can fluctuate depending on how efficiently the vehicle is using energy, which itself depends on a number of factors.

This includes your driving style, the conditions on the road, how much stuff is in your EV, its battery capacity, and of course the temperature.  

Battery performance

As mentioned above, EV batteries are less efficient in colder or hotter weathers. This is because an electric car battery has an optimal operating temperature range. In the case of cold weather, freezing conditions can slow down the chemical reactions occurring in the battery when it's charging or releasing energy. This makes EV batteries in cold weather less efficient, leading to a lower range.

Increased use of heating system

When it’s cold, you’re likely to use your car’s heating more. For EVs, this means using more energy to warm up the cabin for you or your passengers – energy which would otherwise go to providing range.

Similarly, some electric car batteries have an internal thermal management system which brings it to its optimal operating temperature. If the temperature is colder, it requires more energy to get the battery up to this optimal range.

Different driving conditions

Unsurprisingly, road conditions are significantly different to when it’s warmer, and this can have a big difference to your EV’s range.

Ice, snow, and wind all increase resistance acting against the vehicle, so more energy is needed to drive the vehicle. That said, electric car motors do have better traction control than internal combustion engine drivetrains, so they should be easier to drive than a petrol or diesel car! EVs that have regenerative braking will also see a reduced output in this system as less energy gets repurposed.

You’re also more likely to have your headlights on full when you’re driving in winter as the days are shorter and there’s less light. This uses energy which again would otherwise contribute to your car’s range.

Petrol and diesel cars are also less efficient in winter for similar reasons. Internal combustion engines perform worse in colder temperatures and unfavourable driving conditions. This in turn means petrol or diesel drivers will see higher fuel consumption in the winter months.

Image

1. Maintain your battery

Good and consistent battery maintenance is an important foundation for maximising your electric car’s range, especially in the winter. These are our top tips for maintaining your battery:

• Use slower chargers where possible. Regularly using rapid chargers can degrade the battery faster, so if possible charge overnight on a slower (~7kW) charger.
• The sweet spot for your battery’s state of charge is between 20% and 80%. You should only charge to 100% when you absolutely need to, such as for a longer journey.
• Get your EV battery serviced regularly.
• If possible, avoid extreme temperatures such as by parking indoors.

2. Pre-heat your car whilst it’s plugged in

A huge benefit to driving an electric car in general is the ability to heat up the cabin and bring the battery to its optimal temperature whilst it’s plugged in. With your EV plugged in, you can get the car warmed up before you set off. We call this pre-conditioning.

Doing this brings the battery to its optimal temperature and heats the cabin without losing any range.

Tip: even though there is less daylight, solar panels do still produce some energy during the winter. And with the Pod Point Solo 3S home charging system, you can use the excess energy produced by your solar panels to charge your EV whilst you pre-condition the battery and cabin!

3. Plan your journey in advance

As a general point, if you want to absolutely squeeze every last mile out of your battery, you should plan your journey before you set off. That way, when you are ready to go, you just turn on the engine and drive, rather than sitting in it and losing range whilst you plan.

The other benefit to taking some time to plan your journey in advance is that you may be able to fit multiple trips in one go, reducing the amount of time you have to stop. This is best because you avoid the cabin and battery cooling down, which of course requires energy to reheat. And if you do have to stop, then you should make sure to have planned your charging stops in advance as well, with back-up options, so you don’t spend your precious range looking for a charger.

The ban on new petrol and diesel cars was originally introduced in 2017 under former Prime Minister Theresa May’s government, with an initial target date of 2040. This was brought forwards to 2030 during Boris Johnson’s tenure in November 2020, then delayed to 2035 due to cost-of-living concerns by Rishi Sunak.

However, this has since been rescinded, with the original 2030 target restored by Keir Starmer’s Labour government in 2024 for the sale of new petrol and diesel cars, whilst new hybrid sales are still expected to be phased out by 2035.

The intention behind the ban is to drive the UK’s transition from ICE cars to electric vehicles and reduce the effects of fossil fuel-powered driving on climate change, with the ultimate aim of moving transport to a more sustainable future.

This includes plug-in and full hybrid cars which, despite using some electric power for driving, still rely heavily on petrol or diesel to power an internal combustion engine.

However, existing diesel, petrol, or hybrid car drivers will still be allowed to drive their vehicles on the roads, and second-hand ICE and hybrid cars can still be purchased and sold – at least for the foreseeable future.

What will happen to petrol and diesel cars after 2030?

At the time of writing, nothing is expected to fundamentally change for drivers of ICE vehicles, and hybrid drivers will still have until 2035 to buy a new hybrid before their sales are banned. However, the UK Government also currently offers no incentives or grants for buying an EV.

Workplaces may offer EV leasing options through a salary sacrifice scheme if you’re lucky. This means your employer would lease the electric car for you and take the cost off your gross pay (so pre-tax), making it cheaper to lease than if you leased privately.

That said, there are some grants available to help lower the costs of buying and installing dedicated home EV chargers. Find more information on the all the EV chargepoint schemes currently available in our guide.

Alternatively, if you’re thinking of going electric due to the upcoming ban, but a brand-new EV is not in your budget and you have no EV salary sacrifice scheme at work, consider buying a second-hand electric car.

Can I still drive my diesel car after 2030?

You’ll still be able to drive your petrol or diesel car after 2030 if you wish. The ban won’t stop people already owning ICE cars from using them.

But that might not be the case everywhere. If current Clean Air Zones expand or become stricter, we may see the total ban of ICE cars entering certain areas at specific or all times. This could make diesel, as well as petrol cars, less future-proof than EVs.

There are currently no plans to stop the sale of petrol or diesel fuel in the UK. It’s not impossible for petrol and diesel to eventually be phased out, becoming either less available or more expensive in the future.

The ban of new ICE cars will mean that you’ll see fewer of them, as old models come to the end of their lives and are scrapped. This means the demand for petrol and diesel will eventually reduce, meaning supply will likely drop, too. But for now, an outright halt to the sale of petrol or diesel doesn’t seem to be in the pipeline.

What will happen to classic cars when petrol is banned?

Classic cars using petrol or diesel will not be banned when legislative changes happen in 2030, but it’s likely that the rising uptake of EVs will present a challenge to classic car drivers in the future.

You may see an increase in electric charging stations in public as demand grows, whilst simultaneously the reduction in demand for petrol and diesel cars may reduce the availability of petrol and diesel stations. This would make it more difficult, or certainly more expensive, to drive classic cars reliably. But even then, it’s not a change that will happen immediately, so for now it shouldn’t be of immediate concern for classic car owners.

When will all cars be electric in the UK?

As much as we’d love to see it, there are currently no plans for all - existing or new, petrol and diesel vehicles, LPG-fueled or hybrid cars - to be replaced by electric vehicles on a mandatory basis in the UK. It’s expected that ICE cars will gradually disappear off the roads as the ban on their sales comes into effect from 2030, with hybrids following suit after 2035.

However, drivers will still be able to buy a used ICE car, making them likely to remain a sight on UK roads for some time.

Unsurprisingly, we were very happy to see the date brought forwards back to 2030. It was always our belief that demand for EVs from drivers will help achieve this objective much sooner than the previous 2035 target. Indeed, it was our view that drivers will only want to buy electric cars anyway by 2030, making the 2035 delay somewhat meaningless. This was based on global trends that indicate the rise in electric cars is inevitable.

We equally hope there are no further delays or that it doesn’t get pushed back again, as if there’s any one thing the car industry dislikes, it’s uncertainty!

Manufacturers across the board have taken EVs as a concept seriously, with plenty of fully battery-electric models entering the market over the last few years. This gives drivers lots of choice to choose the right car for their needs and experience the superior performance of electric motoring, such as instant acceleration, assured handling, and effortless driving.

And that’s to say nothing of the unbeatable convenience of top-up charging at home, work, or their destination. Whilst charging is regularly seen as a concern for those not used to living with it, the reality is it’s a huge convenience win for drivers. No longer do we have to detour to refuel, spending fuel in the process; instead, electric cars fuel themselves whilst we work, sleep, and play. There’s nothing quite like waking up every morning to a fully charged car, or getting a top-up whilst you work or do the weekly food shop.

Even for the occasional longer journeys when you need to charge en-route, the UK has a network of high-powered public chargers that can put over 150 miles into your car in the time it takes to have a coffee and a refresh!

Think of it like the evolution of portable music. We had tapes, then CDs, and then the digital age when we first had MP3 players, before eventually uploading music directly to our phones. Then came along the likes of Spotify and Apple Music, and we never had to do our own uploading and instead could simply stream music. And people adopted it in droves, because the new technology was both cheaper and better for consumers.

But there’s also a significant cost factor. Electric cars are already cheaper to run than ICE equivalents, and with battery prices continuing to fall, they’ll soon be cheaper to buy as well. In fact, we’re already starting to see some solidly affordable mass-market models with decent ranges arriving.

Of course, there’s still a lot of work that needs to be done to build the charging infrastructure we need to support the mass uptake of electric cars over the next decade. But rest assured, that work is well underway, encouraged by the demand for EVs and our collective need to safeguard the environment and halt climate change.

So it’s already easy to see why you might buy an EV in 2030, and hard to imagine why you’d bother with an ICE car, even a second-hand one. This means falling residual values will make them unviable, pushing the UK closer to 100% electric sales.