Explore the feasibility, technology, and costs for multi-EV homeowners.
What is a dual EV charger, and how does it work?
As more and more households switch to electric vehicles (EVs) the number of two car EV homes goes up too. And for homes such as these, a dual EV charger could be a real bonus.
As the name suggests, a dual EV charger lets you charge two electric vehicles at the same time.
But what is clever about dual EV chargers is that they “split” the electricity between the cars when two are charging (This is called “load balancing”). That way, your home’s electrical system does not get overloaded, your fuses are not blown, and so on.
Yes, it takes a bit longer to charge two cars this way, but it is safer. And once you unplug one of your cars, a dual charger cleverly sends more electricity to the car that’s still plugged in.
What are the differences between single and dual EV chargers?
From one point of view, the answer is obvious. You charge one car at a time with a single EV charger and two cars simultaneously with a dual charger.
However, there are important differences “behind the scenes”, in terms of equipment, installation and other requirements.
Your home’s electrical circuit.
As we said, many dual EV chargers have two sockets going into one system that splits the electricity between the two cars being charged. Dual systems like these make different demands on your home’s electricity supply, and you may need work done on your circuit breakers to protect your home against any electrical surges.
There are dual chargers that are in truth two single chargers in one (they are often aimed at businesses but there are domestic versions out there). These have the advantage of charging your cars faster when they’re both plugged in. However, they tend to be more expensive and again they have to be wired into your home’s electrical system differently (and usually at a greater cost).
Is a dual charger the best choice for you?
So you may also want to ask yourself if you really need a dual charger in the first place. They are certainly more convenient, but do you need to charge both your cars at the same time every day? Could you manage with charging your first EV on one day and your second EV on the next? Or would you rather have the ease - and peace of mind - knowing that you can charge both your cars simultaneously whenever you want?
Take more advantage of special EV tariffs.
And don’t forget, there are some EV tariffs, such as our own Next Drive, that cost less if you charge at a particular time of day. Maybe you’d like a dual charger so you can take advantage of that lower price for both your EVs at the same time. Ultimately your choice will depend on your situation and preferences.
What are the typical costs for a dual EV charging system?
The two costs you need to think about when you install a dual EV charger are those for installing it and those for maintaining it.
First, let’s clear something up though. You will not pay more for the electricity you use if you have a dual charger - all other things being equal. The cost of electricity per kilowatt hour (kWh) will be the same for both single and dual chargers.
In other words, you use the same amount of kilowatts (kW) to charge up multiple cars for the same amount of hours (h), whether you charge them simultaneously or one at a time.
So you don’t have to worry about a bigger electricity bill if you get a dual charger and charge your EVs as you did before.
But back to the costs that are different.
Installation costs.
Unsurprisingly, dual charging units tend to cost more than single ones. (Do shop around and see if you can find any offers though - you might get lucky.)
And as we have already mentioned, you may well have to make alterations to your home’s wiring to ensure it stays safe.
Of course, the more time-consuming the installation is (as is often the case with dual chargers) the more you will pay for labour.
Maintenance costs.
You should always have your charger regularly checked, and fortunately things like cleaning and software updates for a dual charger do not usually cost extra.
However, they are more complex than single EV chargers and as a consequence may require more specialised (and therefore more costly) maintenance and repair.
A step-by-step guide to installing a dual EV charger.
Here’s a general idea of what’s involved if you decide to get a dual EV charger installed. There is a lot in common with choosing a single EV charger, but it’s worth having all these steps in one handy place.
Choosing the right charger.
How powerful a charger do you want? 7 kW is a common choice for homes. You may want a 22 kW one for faster charging. However, check that your home wiring and your vehicles can support it.
OZEV approved?
Make sure your charger is OZEV approved. These chargers meet rigorous safety standards, often have smart features that allow you to take advantage of various helpful features such as off peak charging, and are designed to be compatible with a wide range of EVs - useful if you have two cars with different charging ports.
Location and groundwork.
Choose a location for your charge point with enough space for two vehicles to park and charge simultaneously. And think about how close your point will be to your fuse board. You may also need groundwork for cable trenches and charger mounting.
Professional vs DIY installation.
We don’t recommend DIY installation. It’s not illegal, however professional Installation is highly recommended for safety and compliance. A qualified electrician will assess your electrical system, install the necessary upgrades, and ensure the charger is correctly and safely connected.
If you do decide to install your dual charger yourself, ask yourself the following questions:
Do you have extensive experience or the qualifications to do the job?
Do you know all the regulations you have to comply with and how to comply with them?
Do you know an electrician who is qualified to sign off on your work? (This is a legal requirement.)
If you can answer “yes” to all these questions then you may be able to successfully install your charging point, but as we said, it’s worth talking to a qualified electrician who is an expert installer and can offer you advice and the benefit of their experience.
Is a dual EV charger right for me?
Hopefully, we have addressed most of your questions here. However, each case is different and we would always recommend talking to a qualified installer who can assess your unique needs and situation. We also have answers to some frequently asked questions below.
But if you feel ready to move forward, congratulations! EVs are a great way to reduce your carbon footprint and your energy bills. As more and more households switch to electric vehicles, dual EV chargers are becoming an essential part of the modern two car home. So welcome to the movement heading towards a more sustainable future, and enjoy the many advantages of dual charging.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need any special electrical work done to my home before installing a dual EV charger?
That depends, but it is likely that your home’s wiring will need some adjustments, primarily to help with the load balancing.
Are there any government incentives or rebates available for installing a dual EV charger?
Unfortunately many grants are no longer available. However, there is the electric vehicle chargepoint grant for renters and landlords. You should always check with your local authority to see if they have any grants available.
How long does it take to charge two cars with a dual EV charger?
While charging two cars may take longer than charging one, charging times are still relatively efficient, thanks to load balancing, especially with higher powered chargers.
Can a dual EV charger be used with a solar panel system to charge my EVs with renewable energy?
Certainly. You can use your solar panel system to charge your EVs with renewable energy. This is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint and potentially save money on your energy bills.
However, do make sure that your solar panels are compatible with your charger (most are, but please check) and remember that the size of your solar panel system will determine how much electricity you can generate and therefore how quickly you can charge your EVs.
Can a dual EV charger be upgraded or expanded in the future if I need to charge more vehicles?
In theory, yes. But there are limitations. First, dual chargers are self-contained units. If you wanted to expand it to handle a third - or even fourth - EV you may be better off adding another charge point than replacing your existing one.
And do remember that there are limits to how much electricity your home can provide before the circuit board starts tripping on a regular basis. Best to talk to your installer about such future proofing before you choose your charger. They’ll be best placed to advise you.
Can a dual charger be monitored remotely?
Many modern chargers come with mobile apps or smart features that allow you to schedule charging times, monitor charging status, and even see the estimated cost from your phone.
Are there any specific considerations for installing a dual EV charger in an apartment complex or shared parking space?
There are specific points that need to be addressed if you want to install a dual charger in these places.
Firstly, you will need permission from the leaseholder if that’s not you. Even if you are, there may be conditions for such installations in your lease, so do check.
You may also need planning permission. It’s not common but you don’t want to install your charge point only to find that you’ve fallen foul of regulations.
You need to establish access and parking rights. This may involve designated bays, a booking system or something similar. You’ll also have to make sure that the charger doesn’t obstruct access for other residents or emergency vehicles.
And don’t forget all the other points about making sure that your electrical supply can handle the output needed, and so on.