We've been assessing our routine driving habits and have realised that remaining with ICE with all our cars doesn't make much sense. Kicked around the idea last year but what with all the nonsense going on in the GoH at the moment it brings it further in to focus. Another first and reluctantly we'll go PCP. Surprisingly there's a decent selection under £40k (to avoid increased road tax) and the shortlist is Kia, Skoda and MG. However for those of you out there with an EV wall box, are there any hints, tips and potential pitfalls with fitting we need to be aware of

ICE - I had to think twice there

Get it done professionally Alan, you may be able to do a deal when you buy your EV,

In any case I believe it is illegal to fit one yourself if you don't have the necessary qualifications in England, don't know about Scottish rules though.

A furthur thought.

Your electricity supplier may have deals on charger and its installation if you go to an EV package contract, EDF centainly do so.

There's no health n safety and red tape BS up in Scotland Pete so I'm hoping I can get by using a 'how to' box installation from YTube. I mean what could possibly go wrong

Have you got a streetlight nearby Alan

Hello Alan.
1 PCPs are great, as long as you fully understand them. We've used them off and on for years.
2 EV. Our neighbours went all elec a few years ago and haven't looked back. They now run a pair of 'posh' minis.
They've done their homework and charge from a home callboy, with octopus night time supply.
3 they fully use apps on their phones to get the best usage.
4 They've trial used service stations and the like to learn the systems.
5 They've sre saving money over petrol and have bought cars that they wanted.

Best wishes

Paul

Thanks for the useful info peeps and you'll be pleased to know Pete that our usual electrician fits boxes so he's over in the next few days to check everything out.
Interesting comments Paul. We were actually thinking about a PHEV with decent range (most 'long range' are c 75 miles) but after reading a few EV forums, a common theme was after running a PHEV for 12 months, owners wished they'd gone straight to EV.
Checking some cars out next Monday so we'll be clearer what's what hopefully

Watch Harry's Garage on YouTube.

This week he's reviewed a Jaecoo 7 and is impressed by the car and it's drive train.

Re the home charger it is worth looking into what is supported by your energy provider or who you might move to. Access to the charger and car interfaces varies by manufacturer. I have an Eesee charger which isn't supported by Octopus and also a BMW, which was - until recently, when BMW changed access. I can still schedule the charging at home, it's just a little more complicated. I chose the Eesee charger based on the ability to turn off the status lights - I didn't like the bright charging LEDs on some. I also have an untethered cable, so I could purchase a cheaper, longer cable, which can be replaced without any wiring required in the future if needed. It can be remotely locked into the charger.

Depending on the age and style of your property, you may also be limited on the current draw of the charger if your mains incoming supply is looped with a neighbour's. Mine was, but they decided it would work unrestricted. National Grid then scheduled in free work to remove the incoming loop.

Wow - sounds a bit technical. Didn't know anything about tethering etc
The electrician came over yesterday and thinks he can lead the cable through our ceiling joists in the hallway to the front of the house as our junction box is in the centre of the house under the stairs which is fairly typical. Including box and fitting has come in at £650 which is far less than we anticipated. If we end up going with Skoda then they offer £500 towards a new box or alternatively a £500 charging voucher which is tempting.