Question 1

What is the difference between a tethered cable and socketed Homecharge unit?

Accepted Answer

A tethered Homecharge unit has a built-in charging cable with a connector dedicated to your vehicle type. A socketed unit offers a more future-proof solution – with its universal port, any vehicle can charge using a public charging cable.

Question 2

Do I need my own charging cable?

Accepted Answer

Unless you’re using one of our rapid chargers, you will need to bring your own charging cable. We always want our customers to know they’re in safe hands, so all of our chargers have locking mechanisms to protect your cable while you’re away.

Question 3

Can I charge my electric car on any public charging point?

Accepted Answer

Our Polar schemes will provide access to all of our 7,000+ Polar public charging points. You can see where the charging points are on the map provided on www.polar-network.com

Question 4

What is a standard installation?

Accepted Answer

A standard installation includes the cost of a 7kW charger with a cable run under 15 meters to be fixed flush to the wall (cable not trenched or hidden behind walls, through joists, under tiles/carpets/floorboards, aerial or subterranean runs),  in compliance with current wiring regulations and the IET Code of Practice for Electric Vehicle Charging Equipment Installation. It also assumes that correct electrical connections and protections are available on the property, and that no civil works or electrical remedial works are required.

Question 5

Why is my BP Chargemaster unit not communicating?

Accepted Answer

Our smart Homecharge unit complies with all the relevant smart charging regulations, and it relies on receiving a strong enough mobile data network signal. Mobile signal can move, so if you do not have a strong enough signal upon installation, it does not necessarily mean that the smart Homecharge unit will not work, but optimal performance may be impeded. If there is no mobile signal on site, the unit will still perform as a Homecharge unit, but without the smart functionality.

Question 6

If there is a problem with the charger who do I have to contact?

Accepted Answer

Our units come with a 3-year on-site warranty and are extremely reliable. However, if you do have a problem give our Customer Services Team a call on 03300 165 126 during office hours and they’ll be happy to help.

Question 7

Do I pay BP Chargemaster for the electricity I’ve used?

Accepted Answer

No, it comes through your normal electricity supply and you pay for the electricity used on your normal electricity bill. The cost of your charging sessions depends with each energy provider and battery size, but the average price across the industry is 10.3p/kWh (about £1 for a PHEV to £3 for most BEV’s)

Question 8

What is my MPAN number?

Accepted Answer

A Meter Point Administration Number, also known as MPAN, Supply Number or S-Number, is a 21-digit reference used in Great Britain to uniquely identify electricity supply points such as individual domestic residences. It is normally shown on your electricity bill. You will be asked for your MPAN number as part of the OLEV grant process.

Question 9

I’m moving house and want to take my Homecharge unit with me.

Accepted Answer

We are able to remove and re-install your charger. Prices start from: Removal of charger and connections £75.00
Survey new property £75

Reinstallation depending upon survey outcome labor cost

Half day £175.00

Full day £300

Plus required materials as per the survey

Please contact us for a full quotation.

Telephone	01582 399412
Email	homechargeteam@bpchargemaster.com

Question 10

How can I monitor the data/electricity consumption?

Accepted Answer

If you have a unit with data communications you can access your Homecharge data usage at http://home.bpulse.co.uk/.

Question 11

Can I have a longer tethered cable?

Accepted Answer

No, the tethered cables are built to an industry standard of 4.7m and extenders are not available.

Question 12

I gather there is a £350 grant available from the government for home charging units. How do I go about getting this?

Accepted Answer

BP Chargemaster is an approved supplier under the government’s EVHS (Electric Vehicle Homecharge Scheme). We handle the application for you and collect the subsidy from the government on your behalf.

Question 13

How much will the electricity cost me to charge at home?

Accepted Answer

This can vary with each energy provider, but the average price across the industry is 10.3p per kWh (about £2 to £3 for a full charge on a car such as a Nissan Leaf)

Question 14

I have a plug-in hybrid so why do I need to bother with a Homecharge unit?

Accepted Answer

The only way to achieve the impressive MPG figures quoted by the car manufacturers is to keep your battery charged whenever and wherever possible. A Homecharge unit is the fastest, safest and easiest way of doing this every time you park up at home in the same way you charge your mobile phone.

Question 15

How long does it take to charge at home using a Homecharge unit?

Accepted Answer

It depends on the speed of the charger you have installed, the battery capacity of the car and your vehicle’s on-board charging rate. For a fully electric vehicle such as a Nissan Leaf, we estimate a charging time of 3-4 hours if you have a 7kW and around double that if you have a 3kW charger installed.

Question 16

Can my unit be installed quickly as my car arrives imminently?

Accepted Answer

Our installation and customer service advisers will work with you to ensure your unit is installed as quickly as possible and at a time that is convenient for you. It is worth noting that we can install your charge point up to 4 months prior to receiving your car.

Question 17

Why choose a BP Chargemaster unit?

Accepted Answer

BP Chargemaster have installed over 40,000 Homecharge units in the UK and across Europe. Our products are reliable and value for money and are approved by EV car manufacturers.

Question 18

Why do I need a Homecharge unit; can’t I just use a 13A plug?

Accepted Answer

Using a 13A socket is not recommended by the government and car manufacturers and is a very slow way to charge your vehicle. Drawing this amount of current on a continual basis can put too much strain on some wiring systems and can be dangerous and create a fire hazard. The use of an extension leads from a 13A plug is definitely not recommended as this can overheat under the continual load.

Our Homecharge units are wired directly into your consumer board (fuse box) and therefore do not overload your home’s ring main. Our qualified electricians assess each installation on a case by case basis, ensuring that the correct cabling is always used. This means they are completely safe to charge for long periods of time.

Question 19

When will BP Chargemaster take payment for my Homecharge unit?

Accepted Answer

Payment of your Homecharge unit will be requested upon verification of vehicle make and model to ensure eligibility of the OLEV grant. One of our advisors will be in contact to discuss your application with you and process the payment* based on the information provided at time of application.

*total balance subject to document verification and technical requirements for installation

Question 20

Are there currently any government grants available for installation of electric vehicle charging facilities at business premises?

Accepted Answer

The Government’s Office for Low Emission Vehicles (OLEV) currently provides a grant to organisations looking to install electric vehicle charging facilities – The Workplace Charging Scheme (WCS). The scheme offers financial support of £500 towards the up-front cost of each electric vehicle charge point purchased and installed – limited to 20 across all sites.

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Need more advice?

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