Moving house tends to be an exciting chapter in life, but it can come with a number of logistical challenges. If you’re an EV owner, a big consideration is deciding what to do with your EV charger when you move.
In this article we will provide you with a comprehensive guide on what to do with your EV charger during a house move, ensuring a nice easy transition to your new home while keeping your electric vehicle charged and ready for the road.
What to Do with Your EV Charger When You Move?
When you’re preparing to move, deciding what to do with your EV charger is crucial. You have three main options:
- Leave It
You can choose to leave the EV charger in place for the buyer. Make this clear in the inventory, and provide documentation of the installation and any warranties. - Take It With You
Alternatively, you can take the EV charger with you to your new residence. It’s your right to do so, but let your buyer know. - Negotiate
Discuss the possibility of adjusting the sale price to reflect the charger staying with the property.
Do I need to include my EV charger when I sell my house?
When selling your house, you need to agree and be specific about what you will leave behind to be included in the sale. Research has shown that homes with electric vehicle charge points can sell for up to 13% more than the local average, and while there’s no legal obligation to leave an EV charger behind, you will need to clarify with the purchaser during the sale process so everyone is clear.
During the legal conveyancing process of selling a home, an inventory of fixtures and fittings is typically created. This inventory needs to be agreed upon and signed off by solicitors or conveyancers before exchanging contracts. Specifying the status of the home charging point in the inventory removes any doubts for both you and the prospective buyer.
Are they getting the fully functional charger, just the cabling, or nothing at all? Be clear and specific in the inventory to avoid misunderstandings. And if you’re including the home charger in the sale, providing documents from the installation, such as the electric installation certificate, shows that it was installed correctly by an OZEV-accredited installer.
Moving your EV charger to a new house
Taking an EV charger with you when you move requires careful consideration and planning.
Can an EV charger be uninstalled?
Uninstalling an EV charger is an option, the best home EV charger installation companies will also provide uninstallation services. They can send a chargepoint installer to safely and professionally remove the charger, while also ensuring that any leftover cabling is secured and made safe.
In terms of costs, customers who choose to uninstall their charger and reinstall it at a new location will not need to buy a new unit, only paying the costs of uninstallation and reinstallation.
Make sure you do a site survey at your new residence being arranging an uninstallation. This survey assesses the set-up of your new home, whether it has 3-phase power for a fast charger or the required cabling route for the installation.
Regarding the wiring and materials left behind after the uninstallation, all wiring should remain in place but be made safe for future owners’ charger installation.
How much does it cost to move an EV charger?
The critical question when considering moving an EV charger is how much it will cost to move. Because it might be cheaper to have a new charger installed, or if your new property has easy access to a 3-pin socket, make do with a granny charger.
The expenses involved in removing and then reinstalling your electric vehicle charger at a new property can be quite substantial, potentially reaching a price point similar to purchasing a new unit, if not more. To work out how much it will cost to move, think about the following aspects:
Cabling Requirements
Your new property might need additional cabling between your fuse box and the chosen location for your EV charger. This requirement could differ significantly from your previous setup, and the cost of a non-standard EV charger installation must be considered.
Additional Work
Depending on your new property’s electrical infrastructure, you may encounter the need for additional work. This could encompass labour costs for wiring and component installation. Such supplementary tasks can swiftly escalate the overall cost.
OZEV Grant
If you originally had your EV charger installed under the Electric Vehicle Home Charge Scheme (sometimes known as the OZEV grant), you likely benefited from a £350 discount on the installation cost. You are not able to re-apply for this grant when you move house.
The benefits of moving your EV charger
There are a number of reasons why you might want to move your EV charger to your new home:
- Cost-Efficiency
Uninstalling and relocating your existing EV charger can be a cost-effective option compared to buying a new charging unit. - You know how the charger works
If you’re already accustomed to your current charger and its features, relocating it means you know how it works and do not have to get used to a new unit. - Environmental Impact
Reusing your existing charger is environmentally friendly as it reduces waste.
The negatives of moving your EV charger
There are also some potential negatives or challenges to consider when moving an EV charger:
- Cost of electrical work
The cost of uninstalling and relocating an EV charger can be significant if additional electrical work or cabling is needed. In some cases, if it’s a complicated job this cost may be more than the cost of installing a new charger. - It can be a hassle
Moving an EV charger can be time-consuming and involves coordinating with installers, scheduling site surveys, and managing the logistics of transporting the charger to the new location. - Warranty considerations
Some charger warranties will not cover uninstallation and relocation, potentially voiding the warranty. Review your warranty terms and conditions before deciding to move the charger.
The final word on what to do with an EV charger when you move
The choice to move or leave behind your EV charger is a decision that hinges on a number of factors:
- Cost Analysis
Start by conducting a thorough cost analysis. Calculate all expenses associated with relocating your EV charger, such as uninstallation, transportation, site surveys, potential electrical upgrades, and reinstallation. Compare this total cost to the price of purchasing a new charger. If the cost of relocation is more than the cost of installing a new unit, it may be more financially prudent to opt for a fresh installation. - Future-Proofing
Consider the long-term advantages of owning a newer charger with advanced features and faster charging capabilities. Technology evolves rapidly in the electric vehicle industry, and newer models often offer enhanced performance and greater compatibility with future electric vehicles. - Warranty Implications
Check the warranty terms and conditions for your existing charger. Find out if your charger’s warranty covers uninstallation and relocation. Moving the charger may potentially void its warranty. - Property Value
What’s the potential impact on your property’s market value? Leaving a fully functional EV charger in place can make your property more attractive to potential buyers if they own electric vehicles. - Time and Convenience
Moving your charger entails a series of steps, including scheduling site surveys and coordinating with installers.
What you do with your EV charger when you move comes down to how you feel about these factors. You will need to speak to professional installation companies to work out the costs and then balance those costs with the convenience of managing a charger move.
John is the Editor and Spokesperson for Electric Car Guide.
With over 20 years of writing experience, he has written for titles such as City AM, FE News and NerdWallet.com, covering various automotive and personal finance topics.
John’s market commentary has been covered by the likes of The Express, The Independent, Yahoo Finance and The Evening Standard.
