Electric Vehicle Charging Points on Sale and Purchase of your Home
Notify your conveyancer if the property includes an EV point so we can add a clause to the purchase contract.
The leads and plugs for connection to EVs have changed over the years and the maximum rate of charging has increased considerably. A current normal domestic charger is expected to supply power at a rate of 7kW but it may be that the electrical wiring of the house does not support this. You should check with both the seller and a qualified electrician.
EV points need to be installed by a qualified electrician and you will need to ask the seller if they can provide certificates and guarantees for the installation. All new EV points must be Smart Chargers allowing you to charge overnight at cheaper rates - check with your electrician if yours supports this functionality.
For most cases, you can only install an EV point on property that you own, not on other people’s land or on common areas. Restrictive covenants may prevent external installation or free-standing posts with chargers attached so consult our Title Report before purchase. If purchasing a leasehold, you may not be able to attach an external EV point without landlord’s consent. Check whether cabling or posts can be laid in any parking spaces enjoyed without permission too.
Government's 'permitted development rights' allow homeowners to install EV points without submitting a planning application provided certain criteria are met according to Schedule 2, Part 2, Class D & E of The Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) Order 2015 (as amended).
However, there are limitations which your conveyancer should check.
You should also check whether the property is in a Conservation Area or in the curtilage of a Listed Building as permitted development rights may be removed through an ‘Article 4 Directive’ - get advice from a planning consultant or local planning authority if you are unsure about planning.
Wires and cables leading to your car can create a trip hazard on your drive or paths so ensure that no such hazard is created by installing it properly; nor should lead wires cross pavements from your house into roads for same reason - highway authority could take action against you otherwise!
Additionally, don't forget that EV points can create fire risks in some situations so make sure insurer is willing to cover them before going ahead with purchase/installation/usage plans! The insurance industry body (RISCAuthority) has highlighted several issues when installing EV points including:
- No charging should be undertaken within 10 metres of any combustible materials — be they waste materials, stock, or combustible elements of the structure.
- No charging should be undertaken within 15 metres of hazardous substances such as flammable liquids or gases stored outside buildings or tank storage areas containing flammable liquids etc.
- Charging equipment should not normally exceed 32 amps per phase unless given prior approval by an inspector from your local distribution network operator who will visit site and inspect cable installation first —this takes time!.
- Validated products registered under UKCA compliance scheme must also have appropriate certification bearing their mark when installed after 1st January 2021 throughout Great Britain — otherwise non-compliant units cannot legally remain connected so don't leave yourself open risk by ignoring this requirement!
In conclusion, it is important that all regulations are adhered too when looking at purchasing properties that include EVs chargers installed already - ensuring correct certification is held as well investigating future insulation risks and potential hazards associated with connecting one up at location chosen must always be taken into consideration beforehand.
For a non-obligation quote for your conveyancing please call us on 01603877067
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