We are delighted to announce that the SGS team is now an OZEV approved installer for Electric Vehicle charging points.
Our certification for the OZEV approved installer scheme came through in August 2021 and assures that we are not only fully qualified to install electric vehicle charging units domestically and commercially but also that our customers can benefit from money-saving grants and schemes towards their EV charging points.
Dan, our Electrical Manager, led the certification process for our Electrical division. Here’s what he had to say about it:
“More and more people are switching to electric vehicles, so it’s really great to have the certification needed to support a cost effective installation of EV charging units. Many of our customers in and around the Salisbury area are already calling us and booking in installations as the demand for electric vehicles grows.”
We are exceptionally proud of our team for going the extra mile to provide new, qualified, services to our customers, and this new certification is a great example of their hard work and dedication.
Read more about our new EV Charging Unit Installation service and the benefits of having the OZEV certification below!
What is OZEV?
OZEV is the Office of Zero Emissions Vehicles, introduced by the government to help decarbonise our transport systems and improve air quality in the UK. OZEV is essentially a grant-scheme that allows approved installers to apply for grants towards the costs of electric vehicle charging points on behalf of their customers. By becoming OZEV certified, SGS can now offer a complete end-to-end EV charging point installation service, which includes:
- Requirement survey and grant eligibility check
- Consultation on market leading manufacturers
- Full EV charge point installation
Most importantly, as an OZEV approved installer SGS customers can apply through us for OZEV grant-based benefits, including the Electric Vehicle Homecharge Scheme (EVHS).
What is the EVHS?
The EVHS is a government grant provided by OZEV, which can provide up to a 75% contribution (capped at £350 incl. VAT) towards the installation of a domestic EV charging point. This grant aims to promote pollution and carbon reduction by making it easier and more affordable to own an EV and charge your vehicle at home.
To qualify for the grant, individuals need to own, lease, or have ordered a qualifying electric vehicle. There are also certain property requirements in place to qualify for the grant, including being resident in a retrofit (existing) property and having a designated off-road parking space where your charge point can be installed.
To apply for the grant, you must go through an OZEV authorised installer, who will offer advice, check your eligibility, and apply for the grant on your behalf. This is where the SGS team can help!
Read more about the EVHS here.
Our EV Charge Point Installation Service
Our EV charging point service aims to provide you with a single-solution, end-to-end service that takes you from initial consultation, to OZEV grant application, to manufacturer advice, and charging unit installation.
At SGS we can also provide consultation, advice and installation of EV charge points for commercial properties including businesses, charities and public sector organisations using the WCS (Workplace Charging Scheme). Through SGS, businesses can also claim OZEV grants for up to 40 EV charging points and again we can assess your eligibility and apply for this grant as an approved installer.
Call us to discuss your EV charge point requirements, and we will take you through the full process of consultation and survey, grant application (if eligible), selection of EV charging products, and the full installation of your charging point.
But first… What are the Benefits of Electric Vehicles?
Currently toying with the idea of changing from a petrol or diesel vehicle to an electric vehicle? There are plenty of benefits to making this change, and innovative charging products like Rolec’s WallPod:EV , Zappi, ICS plus many other ranges can make owning an EV easier than ever before. Most car companies now offer an electric vehicle option such as Volvo, Volkswagen, Landrover, Polestar, Toyota and KIA with Tesla leading the way with electric only vehicles. This is more than a trend now as more and more electric models are becoming available every year.
Let’s have a look at some of the benefits of owning an Electric Vehicle in 2021:
- The obvious benefit of EVs is the lessened environmental impact. Since 2018, SGS have been taking an interest in backing sustainable alternative low-carbon energy solutions, and using an EV is a great way to achieve this. Unlike petrol and diesel cars, EVs produce no carbon dioxide, considerably improving air quality and pollution.
- EV’s can also be highly cost-effective. Zero-Carbon EVs are exempt from any emissions or road tax, which could save you hundreds of pounds a year. The cost of ownership of EVs is also cheaper than petrol or diesel vehicles, as electricity is much cheaper than fuel and EVs generally require less maintenance.
- As EVs run on electricity rather than traditional fuels, you can future-proof yourself against any potential shortages, or supply and demand problems, in the fuel industry.
- Other benefits to owning an EV include less noise pollution, an exemption to most congestion-charge zones and the potential for convenient at-home or at-work charging.
FAQs about EV Charging Units
Uncertainty around EV charging equipment is one thing that prevents many people from using electric vehicles. To help, we have put together a short FAQ section focusing on EV charging, the equipment and process.
- How long does it take to charge an EV?
Depending on the size of the vehicle battery and the charger being used, it can take between 30 minutes and 12 hours to charge an EV. A popular option for EV owners is to use a 7kW charging point (such as a WallPod:EV 7.2kW charge speed model), which can charge an average 60kW car in around 8 hours. By using an at-home charging unit, you can charge your EV overnight and be ready for the next day. - How long does the charge in an EV last for?
Most modern EVs can do 250-350 miles in a single charge, which is about the same as the average petrol or diesel car can do in one tank of fuel. - What if I can’t find a charging port before my EV runs out of charge?
This has always been one of the biggest worries for people who are considering changing to an EV. However, as EVs have grown in innovation and popularity, you can now find EV charging points at most petrol stations and the majority of service stations. Many large car parks now also have EV charging bays, and the possibility to have a charging unit at your home means that running out of charge is no more likely to happen than running out of fuel in a petrol or diesel car. - Is it easy to get an EV charging unit at home?
Getting an EV charger in your home is easier than ever before. With the WallPod:EV HomeSmart you can get a full charging unit that connects to your smart phone, allowing for easy and convenient charging. Ordering these units is very easy, and you can get them from a range of suppliers including Amazon. Once the unit arrives at your home, all you need to do is get it installed. - Can I install my own EV charging unit?
Unfortunately not. The installation of any EV charging unit can only be done by a qualified professional. However, our team of expert electricians will install your charging unit quickly and efficiently, and will get you and your EV up and running in no time!
We aim to make the process of getting your EV charging point installed as cost-effective and stress-free as possible. Get in touch with the SGS electrical team for a consultation today!