FAQ

If you have questions about our EV charging point installations, be sure to check out our FAQs for quick and helpful answers. If you don’t find what you’re looking for, feel free to get in touch with us directly—our team is always happy to assist!

  • Most home installations take just a few hours. We will provide you with an estimated timeframe during the consultation phase and installation only takes around 2-3 hours.

  • The time it takes to charge an electric car can be as little as 30 minutes or more than 12 hours. This depends on the size of the battery and the speed of the charging point.

    • A typical electric car (60kWh battery) takes just under 8 hours to charge from empty-to-full with a 7kW charging point.

    • Most drivers top up charge rather than waiting for their battery to recharge from empty-to-full.

    • For many electric cars, you can add up to 100 miles of range in ~35 minutes with a 50kW rapid charger.

    • The bigger your car’s battery and the slower the charging point, the longer it takes to charge from empty to full.

       

    Charging speeds: Home charger vs 3-pin plug

    Charging times will vary between all electric vehicles, however a 7kW home electric car charger will charge an electric vehicle up to 3 times faster than a conventional 3-pin plug. 

    Charging can differ based on the ambient temperature, the state of the battery (e.g. empty or half full) and variation in charging rate.

  • The cost to charge an electric car in the UK varies between home, work and public charging.

    For a typical electric car with a 60kWh battery and ~200 mile range:

    • Charging at home: Costs about £13 for a full charge.*

    • Charging at work: Many employers will install workplace charging points and typically offer free access throughout the day.

    • Charging at public locations: The cost of public charging at supermarkets or car parks varies based on the chain, location, and speed of the chargers. The average cost is around £26 for a full charge.**

    • Rapid charging: Rapid charging points are normally found at motorway service stations and typically cost ~£19 for a 30 min, ~90 mile charge.

    ***Costs calculated at 24.5p/kWh based on usable battery of ~54kWh (90%).

    * Costs calculated at an average rate of 48p/kWh as of May 2023, based on usable battery of ~54kWh (90%).

    *** Charging at 50kW, receiving 3.5 miles per kWh. Assumes tariff of 74p/kWh applicable to most network rapid chargers as of May 2023.

  • The APEX features multiple connection options including WIFI, Bluetooth and 4G connectivity. Providing seamless & wireless communication access for your EV charger.

    The FREE Project EV App allows you to choose and customise charging rates, prioritise off-peak charging to maximise savings (including via a solar charging mode) and create charging records; so you can see and control all your data.

  • In addition to convenience and cost savings, home EV charger installation also adds value to your property. It’s an attractive feature for potential buyers and can boost your home’s resale value. Plus, it showcases your commitment to sustainability, which is increasingly important in today’s environmentally conscious world.

  • This depends on your current setup. We’ll assess your home during the survey and let you know if any upgrades are necessary to support your charger.

  • If your EV charger is experiencing issues or is not functioning properly, we recommend the following steps:

    1. Check the circuit breaker (RCD): As mentioned, the EV charger is wired into the fuse board and typically has a circuit breaker, known as a residual current device (RCD). Ensure that the RCD associated with the charger is in the correct position and hasn’t tripped. If it has tripped, try resetting it and see if the charger resumes normal operation.

    2. Contact our support team: If the circuit breaker appears to be functioning correctly but the charger remains faulty, please contact our support team at info@orca-ev.co.uk. Our technicians will guide you through troubleshooting steps and provide appropriate advice based on the issue you are facing.

    3. Professional inspection and repair: In some cases, a faulty EV charger may require professional inspection and repair. Our team can schedule an appointment to assess the charger and perform necessary repairs to restore its functionality. Please reach out to us, and we will promptly assist you in scheduling an inspection.