Great customer service from the first interaction to the final installation.
With more electric vehicles appearing on driveways throughout Newton Abbot, Ogwell and Kingsteignton, many homeowners are taking advantage of EV charger packages offered when purchasing a new vehicle.
However, as one customer recently discovered, a "free EV charger installation" is not always quite as straightforward as it first appears.
We were recently contacted by a homeowner in Newton Abbot who had purchased a new electric vehicle. As part of the deal, the dealership had included what was advertised as a free EV charger installation through one of their approved contractors.
Initially, the customer thought everything was sorted.
A site survey was arranged, and the installation company attended the property expecting a standard charger installation.
Unfortunately, once they assessed the property, it became clear that this was not a straightforward installation.
The distance between the consumer unit and the preferred charger location was significantly greater than a typical installation and additional work would be required to achieve a safe and compliant installation.
The customer was subsequently informed that the installation would no longer be free and additional charges would apply.
Rather than simply accepting the first quotation or choosing the cheapest alternative available, the customer wanted the installation completed properly and decided to contact A.M Electrics Devon Ltd for advice.
EV Charger Site Survey and Advice in Newton Abbot, Ogwell and Kingsteignton
Following our visit, we spent time discussing exactly what the customer wanted from their EV charger installation.
One thing became clear very quickly.
The customer wasn't looking for the cheapest installation available.
They wanted the job completed properly.
They wanted quality workmanship, quality materials and the reassurance that the charger had been installed by an experienced electrician who would still be available if they needed support in the future.
We discussed different charger options, cable routes and installation methods before providing a detailed quotation that clearly explained exactly what was included.
No hidden extras.
No surprises after the survey.
Just honest advice and a clear proposal.
Why Not All EV Charger Installations Are the Same
One of the biggest misconceptions we come across is that every EV charger installation is identical.
The reality is very different.
Every property has different requirements.
Factors such as the distance between the charger and consumer unit, earthing arrangements, available electrical capacity and cable routes all influence the installation.
A charger installed directly next to a consumer unit may require very little cabling, whereas another property may require significantly longer cable runs and additional installation work.
This is why a proper site survey is so important.
As electricians carrying out EV charger installations throughout Newton Abbot, Ogwell and Kingsteignton, we assess every property individually rather than assuming every installation will be the same.
Installing a Hypervolt EV Charger in Newton Abbot, Ogwell and Kingsteignton
After discussing the available options, the customer chose a Hypervolt Home 3 Pro EV charger.
We regularly recommend Hypervolt chargers because they combine excellent functionality with a modern design that looks great on the side of a property.
The customer wanted a charger that was reliable, easy to use and would continue to meet their needs for many years to come.
The Hypervolt charger offers smart charging functionality, load management, solar compatibility and a user-friendly app, allowing customers to monitor and control charging from their phone.
The charger was installed in a practical location allowing easy access to the vehicle while keeping the charging cable neat and tidy.
Once installed, we configured the charger, connected it to the customer's Wi-Fi network and demonstrated the key features before leaving site.
Like many homeowners throughout Newton Abbot, Ogwell and Kingsteignton, the customer wanted a charging solution that simply worked without complication, and Hypervolt continues to be one of our preferred choices.
Why the Customer Chose Quality Over the Cheapest Quote
During our discussions, the customer explained that they wanted the installation done properly the first time.
They weren't interested in cutting corners to save a small amount of money.
For this installation, we used quality materials throughout, including correctly sized EV cabling, appropriate circuit protection and robust external accessories suitable for long-term outdoor use.
As electricians carrying out EV charger installations throughout Newton Abbot, Ogwell and Kingsteignton, we regularly see installations where cost has clearly been prioritised over quality.
The reality is that much of the important work is hidden behind the scenes.
A customer may not see the cable sizing, circuit protection or attention to detail inside the consumer unit, but these are often the things that determine the long-term reliability of the installation.
Why Quality Materials Matter on an EV Charger Installation
One of the things the customer appreciated was understanding exactly what materials would be used during the installation.
When carrying out EV charger installations throughout Newton Abbot, Ogwell and Kingsteignton, we don't simply choose the cheapest materials available.
For this installation, we used Doncaster EV Ultra cable, which is widely regarded as one of the best EV charging cables currently available. It combines both power and communication requirements into a single cable, creating a neater, more professional installation while maintaining excellent reliability.
We also use fire-rated metal cable clips wherever possible.
This might sound like a small detail, but it is often one of the differences between a professional installation and a budget installation.
Unfortunately, we still see installations using basic plastic clips that become brittle, break or deteriorate after prolonged exposure to the weather.
We also avoid using cheap fixings and screws that start rusting after a short period of time.
An EV charger installation is designed to remain outside for many years, often exposed to rain, frost, sunshine and coastal weather conditions. Using quality fixings and materials helps ensure the installation continues to look professional and perform reliably long after the installation has been completed.
Many of the best parts of an EV charger installation are the parts most customers never see.
The quality of the cabling, fixings, protection devices and workmanship behind the scenes often determines how reliable the installation will be over the next 10 to 15 years.
That is why we focus on doing the job properly rather than simply doing it as cheaply as possible.
Consumer Unit Checks and Electrical Safety Requirements
Before installing any EV charger, we always carry out a thorough assessment of the existing electrical installation.
This includes checking the earthing arrangement, consumer unit configuration, available electrical capacity, protective devices and overall condition of the installation.
In some cases, upgrades may be required to ensure the installation complies with current regulations.
The aim is always to provide a safe and future-proof solution rather than simply getting the charger installed as quickly as possible.
Testing, Certification and Notification
Once the installation was complete, full electrical testing was carried out.
This included verification of circuit continuity, insulation resistance, polarity, earth fault loop impedance and protective device operation.
Certification was provided and all relevant notifications were completed.
This gives the customer complete peace of mind that their EV charger installation has been carried out safely and professionally.
Treating Every Home in Newton Abbot, Ogwell and Kingsteignton with Respect
As with every project we undertake, we treated the customer's home with the same level of care we would expect in our own property.
Shoe covers were worn where required, dust was kept to a minimum and all work areas were cleaned and vacuumed upon completion.
Any small holes created during the installation were filled where possible and the customer was shown exactly how to use the charger before we left.
We believe customer service is every bit as important as the electrical installation itself.
The Result – A Safe, Reliable and Future-Proof EV Charging Solution
The customer now has a professionally installed Hypervolt Home 3 Pro EV charger that provides faster charging, smart charging functionality and complete peace of mind.
More importantly, they know the installation has been completed correctly using quality materials and in accordance with current regulations.
What initially appeared to be a free installation became an opportunity to invest in a charging solution designed to provide years of reliable service.
Looking for EV Charger Installation in Newton Abbot, Ogwell or Kingsteignton?
At A.M Electrics Devon Ltd, we install Hypervolt EV chargers, EV charging points, consumer unit upgrades, surge protection devices and carry out electrical work throughout Newton Abbot, Ogwell and Kingsteignton.
Whether you are buying your first electric vehicle, comparing charger options or have discovered that your "free installation" is not quite as free as expected, we would be happy to help.
If you are looking for a trusted electrician in Newton Abbot, a reliable electrician in Ogwell or an experienced electrician in Kingsteignton for EV charger installation, contact A.M Electrics Devon Ltd on 01626 299105 today.