Electric Car
Products and appliances

Electric vehicles

Electric vehicles

Electric vehicles (EVs) are great for the environment and save money when compared to conventional fossil fuels. But there are safety concerns to be aware of when charging the batteries involved. 

There are two types of electric vehicles or cars – electric battery only (often referred to as “pure EVs”) and those with both a combustion engine and battery (hybrid models).  

Pure EVs use a large capacity battery and electric motors for propulsion. The battery is charged from the electricity network, and some energy may be recovered during braking. 

Hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) use both an internal combustion engine and a smaller battery. They select the most fuel-efficient source of power or use them both simultaneously. The engine and vehicle braking and recovery systems help charge the battery. 

PHEVs (plug-in hybrid electric vehicles) have a larger, externally rechargeable battery to provide a significant electric-only driving range. There are also range-extended electric vehicles (REEVs) or extended-range electric vehicles (E-REVs) which drive using an electric motor and have an internal combustion engine just to recharge the battery.

Asterisk

Key points

  • Charge your EV at home with a dedicated EVCP. 
  • Second-hand EV chargers may be a serious fire risk. 
  • Use cable protectors where required to reduce the risk of tripping. 
  • Only buy plug-in EV chargers from reputable retailers. 

Buying an electric vehicle charger point (EVCP)

  • It’s vitally important your EVCP conforms to UK safety standards. A reputable retailer or manufacturer will ensure that such products have been tested to ensure they meet UK safety standards. 
  • Your EVCP will provide additional protections relating to the earthing conditions and connections of your property. These will be confirmed by your installer, to ensure that safety and compliance is maintained.
  • Register your EVCP so you can be readily contacted if there is a safety recall. It’s also much easier to return a faulty product or order a repair if it’s registered. Additional features, such as monitoring and charging schedules may also require you to register to use these functions.
  • Notify your Distribution Network Operator (DNO) as, by law, they must be informed when an EVCP is connected to the network. Your installer should be able to do this on your behalf. 

Charging an electric vehicle safely

  • The safest way to charge at home is with a dedicated EVCP. Alternatively, you can use public charging stations which may be equipped with a charging cable or require you to use your own. 
  • Always use the charging cable supplied by the vehicle manufacturer or purchased from a reputable retailer to ensure it meets the required standards.
  • A home charging point must be installed by a registered and competent electrician, trained and qualified to install electric vehicle charge points – our Find an Electrician page can help.
  • Check your charging cable regularly for damage. If there is any, stop using it and contact a registered and competent electrician to arrange for a replacement to be installed. 

ALWAYS

  • Use a dedicated Electric Vehicle Charge Point from a reputable manufacturer. 
  • Register your EV charge points with the manufacturer. 
  • Have a registered electrician qualified to install electric vehicle charge points install a home charge point. 

AVOID

  • Buying second-hand batteries and chargers or from third-party sellers online. 
  • Charging the battery close to combustible materials or in direct sunlight. 
  • Overcharging, over-discharging, or charging the battery too quickly 
  • Charging the battery continuously or overnight. 
  • Using or charging the battery if you spot any signs of damage. 

Stay safe with electrical products

Check the cable

Check your charging cable regularly for damage. If there is any, stop using it and contact a registered and competent electrician to arrange for a replacement to be installed. 

Avoid using standard sockets

Avoid using standard electrical socket-outlets to charge your vehicle. The extended load and duration are likely to exceed what the socket-outlet and the wiring is designed for. 

If you find yourself in a situation where you must use a standard socket-outlet and a plug-in (mode 2) charger to charge your electric vehicle, do not use an extension lead.

Use cable protectors

Cable protectors reduce the risk of tripping. Anything used to cover a cable or crossing the pavement should be anti-slip and brightly coloured. 

Selected FAQs

If you’re unsure about an appliance or product, you’re not alone. These FAQs bring together expert advice and answers to the questions people ask us most, so you can feel more confident at home.

View all consumer faqs

It is recommended that periodic inspection and testing is carried out at the following times:

  • for tenanted properties, every 5 years or at each change of occupancy, whichever is sooner
  • at least every 10 years for an owner-occupied home
  • at least every 5 years for a business

The Landlords and Tenant Act 1985 requires landlords of properties with short leases to keep the electrical wiring in repair and in proper working order. We recommend landlords arrange for periodic inspection and testing to be carried out by a registered electrician at the relevant intervals shown above.

Periodic inspection and testing of the electrics should be carried out more frequently on the places and premises listed here:

  • 3 years for a caravan
  • 1 year for a swimming pool

Periodic inspection and testing should be carried out only by electrically competent persons, such as registered electricians.

First, you need to find out whether the electrician you used is actually registered. To do this, contact the operator of the scheme they have claimed to be part of, and they will tell you whether this is the case. If they are registered, the scheme operator can guide you through their complaints procedure.

If you find out the electrician misled you and is not registered, you should report this to your local Trading Standards Department as they are breaking the law. We would also recommend that you get an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) carried out on your home; this will assess any work that has been undertaken and will act as sufficient documentation to certify that work. This needs to be carried out by a registered electrician and unfortunately will be an added cost for you.

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