What is the charger installation process?

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Here at Smart Home Charge we try to keep things simple when it comes to electric cars, but we're also honest and upfront. We're upfront about the costs for installation (before you purchase your charger) and we're also upfront about each step of the installation process. Below you'll find details of the steps leading up to installation and what happens at each stage.

Once you've chosen a charger the installation process is pretty straightforward, but there are a few stages involved particularly if you are claiming the OLEV Grant. Our in-house team of advisors, engineers and OLEV personnel are here to help you every step of the way and guide you through the process - but we do need your help and assistance in order to submit your OLEV application as fast as possible and get on to the more exciting stuff, such as installing your charger!

 

The Smart Home Charge installation process

1. Choose a charger

Use our electric car charger comparison page to find the ideal device for you, your vehicle and your budget. Or you can find a compatible charger for your vehicle by browsing our car guides. Simply find your vehicle and the page will display compatible chargers for your EV or plug-in hybrid.

2. Request a quote

Once you've chosen a charger you like, simply press the "Request a Quote" button. This will start the rest of the process.

Don't worry if you're not 100% sure of the charger you want - that's easy to change later. The important bit is about to start...

3. Complete your installation Survey

The next step is to complete your Online Site Survey so we can give you an honest and accurate quote for your charger installation. We do this so you get the full picture (and costs) of what is required before you make a purchase. This way, you can make an informed decision.

There are two ways to complete the installation survey. You can complete the Online Site Survey - here, we send you a link to our online portal where you can upload some photos. This is by far the quickest and easiest method and our online site survey provides you with example images to guide you along the way.

If you prefer, we can also carry out a video call with you via FaceTime or WhatsApp Video. 

Please select whether you'd prefer an Online Site Survey or Live Video Survey when you complete the Request a Quote form.

Tip: What is a site survey and why do I need one?

4. Accept your quote and pay

Our in-house engineers will assess the requirements for your charger installation. Next our support team will send you the quote for the charger and the installation work. If you are eligible for the £500 OLEV Grant, this will be included on the quote.

Tip: Am I eligible for the OLEV Grant?

5. Notify the DNO

Before any installation, we must gain approval from your DNO (Distribution Network Operator). This is a requirement and is in place to ensure chargers are installed safely, appropriately and will not unduly affect the Grid.

6. OLEV application

Before we can book a date for your installation, we need to gather some details from you for the OLEV Grant application. Our OLEV team will be in touch to start this process, after which you will be sent a link to our online portal to confirm and upload some evidence of your eligibility for the OLEV Grant.

Note: While we process and submit your application on your behalf, we are unable to approve applications. This resides with the Government OLEV department and can take up to four months for approval to be confirmed. Although, the Grant is applied to your quote at the payment stage, you could be liable for the £500 if the claim is rejected – so it’s really important to check you are eligible and help us help you with the claim and evidence required.

7. Installation

Once we have approval from the DNO and your OLEV Grant application has been submitted, we will get to the exciting stuff and book an installation date for you. Typically, this is three weeks from the date your OLEV Grant application has been submitted – although it can be quicker than this.

Basically, the quicker your OLEV Grant is submitted the sooner your charger can be installed. So please help our OLEV team as much as possible.

8. OLEV Grant approval

Once we have confirmation your OLEV Grant has been approved, we will let you know as a courtesy. You don’t need to do anything else at this stage.

If your claim has been rejected, our OLEV team will be in touch to discuss the next steps.

If you are not claiming the OLEV Grant, you can discount steps 4 and 6.