Setting up an EV charger in a Bungalow/ Independent House

In this blog, we train our focus on home charging in a specific residential setup – a bungalow or an independent house. Not only can users enjoy greater control over design and functional considerations, more flexibility with regards to charging times and other benefits, but they can pocket more savings with lower power tariffs and incentives too. Ultimately, it can spur EV adoption beyond metropolitan centers, making India’s EV revolution more equitable.

Let’s dive in!

Blog summary:

• Introduction
• Benefits of Setting up an EV Charger in a Standalone House
• Electrical requirements for Setting up a Home Charger
• Which (charger) Power Rating do you need?
• Step-by-step Guide to Installing an EV Charger in a Bungalow/ Independent House
• Cost of Setting up a Home Charger
• Conclusion

Benefits of Setting up an EV Charger in a Standalone House

From lower power tariffs to greater reliability and charging flexibility, setting up a charger in a standalone house offers several benefits.

1. What’s better than more savings?

A home charger can help you save more money in the following ways:

1. Lower Electricity Charges: Home charging typically attracts residential electricity tariffs are lower than commercial electricity rates. Additionally, many states have announced EV specific tariffs that can help users save more.

• Time-of-use (ToU) Tariffs: At home, you have greater flexibility regarding when you wish to charge your vehicle. Multiple states have implemented ToU tariff schemes which help users pocket additional savings if you charge your EV during non-peak hours.
• Rebates and Incentives: Some regions offer incentives for installing home chargers. For instance, in Delhi, one can avail a 100% subsidy up to about Rs. 6,000 per EV charger for installing chargers at homes, apartments or shops.

2. Enhanced Convenience: Installing a charger in your standalone house can provide relief from the below problems:

1. Avoid Hassles with RWAs: The topic of arbitrary denial of permissions to set up home chargers has been covered extensively in recent years. In a bungalow/ independent house, you don’t have to face this problem.
2. Overcome Emergencies: With high downtime rampant among public chargers, having a reliable charging option at home will help you tackle emergencies.
3. Seamless Integration: In a parking space that’s exclusively yours, you can place the charger and cables in such a way that doesn’t disturb your functional or aesthetic priorities.

The above benefits make home chargers a sweet deal for bungalow/ independent house owners. But what about the electrical requirements for setting them up?

Powering Your Convenience : The Basics of Power Load and Meter Upgrades for Home Charging

The single biggest fear about EVs revolves around them overloading the grid while charging. Unfortunately, if you don’t take the right precautions, this fear could materialize into reality.

Step 1:  Check the Sanctioned Load

To make sure your domestic power connection can safely accommodate a charger, start by checking the sanctioned load i.e. the total sanctioned limit for domestic power supply. It will likely be indicated towards the top right of your electricity bill, as shown in the image below.

The above image is a screenshot of an example bill of a resident Patel Nagar, Delhi. As the image shows, simply picking up a copy of your electricity bill and looking closely will reveal your maximum power ceiling.

Step 2: Do You Need a Load Enhancement?

To determine if you need a load increase, calculate your connected load by summing the power consumption of all appliances (ACs, geysers, etc.). If adding your EV charger – for example, a 7.4 kW unit – pushes your total consumption above your home’s sanctioned limit, you should apply for a load enhancement.

Step 3: Applying for a Load Increase

You can either submit an online application or head down to your local DISCOM’s office. A simple google search will reveal if your DISCOM has an online portal to submit a load enhancement request – for instance, if you draw power from MSEDC in Maharashtra, fill this form to apply for a load increase.

Once you complete these steps, you have fulfilled a key requirement for charging your EV safely at home.

Choosing the Right EV Charger

With the right charger, you can secure the long-term health of your vehicle. In this section, we look at three different power ratings that are suited for domestic use.

1.  The Baseline Home Charger: The 3.3 kW charger offers a basic slow AC charging option for electric vehicles. It is typically a single-phase AC charger that’s best suited to charge Plug-in Hybrids (PHEVs), or EVs with small battery packs (like e-2-wheelers or entry-level cars).
   • Speed of Charge: The charger adds roughly 15-20 kilometres of range per hour.
   • Electrical Requirements: Can often run on a standard 16A heavy-duty socket, making it the easiest and cheapest to install at home.

2. The Standard Home Charger:  The 7.4 kW charger is the most common “wallbox” charger for residential use.
   • Best for: Most modern passenger EVs (e.g. SUVs and Sedans) for overnight charging.
   • Speed: Adds roughly 40-45 kilometres of range per hour. It can usually charge a 60-kWh battery from 0% to 100% in 8-9 hours.
   • Electrical Requirements: Requires a dedicated circuit and thicker wiring than a standard 3.3W setup.

3. The Fast Charger: The 11-kW charger is a relatively fast charger that can be accommodated within your domestic power connection. It is a three-phase AC charger that offers the following:
   • Best For: Vehicles with large batteries and high-spec on-board chargers
   • Speed: Adds roughly 60-70 kilometres of range per hour.
   • Electrical Requirements: To use the full 11 kW, your home/ building must have a three-phase connection, and your car’s internal charger must be capable of accepting 11 kW.

Kazam’s Zip Mini : The Ideal Smart Socket for Home Charging

To build the ideal compact, aesthetically pleasing, secure and customizable charging option for domestic use, Kazam has designed the Zip Mini charger.

• Its 3.3 kW power rating makes it ideal for overnight charging.
• Its customisable LED notifications can prompt you when the battery’s fully charged, when the unit needs repair, or for other vital needs.
• With precise over/under-voltage protection for every vehicle, it ensures a safe experience for users.
• Its compact and aesthetic build helps it blend into and enhance your home’s visual appeal.

Interested in trying out the Zip Mini? Reach out to us and begin your journey towards superior EV charging.

Step-by-step Guide to Installing an EV Charger in a Bungalow/ Independent House

To set up a home charger in a standalone house, undertake the following steps:

Step 1 – Survey the Location: Start by conducting a thorough inspection of your house. It will include:

• Checking the electrical panel and sanctioned load
• Figuring out where to place the charger
• Assessing earthing quality
• Determining the mounting location and gauging the cable routing needed

You can undertake this task with the help of an electrician with the necessary certifications. Make sure they assess your electrical setup thoroughly – it is a vital step that will create a safe charging experience.

Step 2 – DISCOM Approval

While surveying your house, make sure to check if the sanctioned load is sufficient or not. As described above, add the EV charger’s load to your current consumption – if it exceeds the sanctioned limit, apply for an increase online or head to your local DISCOM’s office to file a request in-person.

Step 3 – Electrical Work

Next comes laying down the electrical setup. It includes:

• Installing the Dedicated Miniature Circuit Breaker (MCB) and Surge Protection Device (SPD) (in the distribution board)
• Routing the power cable from the Distribution Board to the charger location
• Upgrading the earthing as per IS 3043 standards if needed
• Mounting the charger and finally…
• Doing a test run!

Step 4 – Charger Configuration

This step applies only to smart/ networked chargers:

• Connect the Charger to WiFi or insert a 4G sim card into the unit
• Configure the settings (For e.g. Charging only during Time-of-Use hours, max power supply, tariff for public use (if applicable)
• Once you have completed these steps, run a test charging session.

Congratulations – your charger is ready to run!⚡

Cost of Setting up an EV Charger in a Bungalow/ Independent House

Setting up a home charger can prove expensive. However, with thorough information about each component, you can plan in advance for the investment you need to make.

1. Enhancing Sanctioned Load: The cost of increasing the sanctioned load includes:
   • Application and processing charges
   • Installation testing fees
   • Other charges that may be necessary depending on your DISCOM’s requiremements: meter relocation charges, calibration of testing equipment, and cable testing and fault detection.

In sum, enhancing the electrical load limit may cost you anywhere anywhere between Rs. 500 – Rs. 5,000, depending on the extent of increase you’re applying for.

2. Charger Cost: Many EV companies provide a level 1 EV charger along with a cable to connect it to your domestic power connection. However, you might want to buy a charger separately depending on your exact requirements. For the purpose of this calculation, we have included the cost of a 7.4 kW AC charger which is the standard choice of most EV users. It varies between Rs. 20,000 to Rs. 45,000 depending on the brand you opt for.

3. Electrical work and materials: This component includes the site survey assessment and charger installation cost. It varies between Rs. 3,000 – Rs. 5,000 for each EV user.

4. Earthing: If you need to upgrade the earthing in your house, it will cost you between Rs. 3,000 to Rs. 8,000 for the same.

Name of Component	Cost (in Rs.)
Enhancing Sanctioned Load	500 – 5000
Charger Cost	20000 – 45000
Electrical Work and Materials	3000 – 5000
Earthing	3000 – 8000
Total	31000 – 63000

Including all the above components, the cost of setting up a charger in a standalone house lies between Rs. 31,000 to Rs. 63,000.

Conclusion

In India’s EV story thus far, there has been a disproportionate focus on the urban elite. The spread of EV chargers remains extremely poor anywhere outside the metropolitan hubs of the country. Considering the same, spreading awareness about EV use and charging convenience for standalone homeowners is necessary. It can boost the popularity of electric vehicles and spur adoption across the entire country.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Do I need permission from any authority to install a charger in my independent house?

Unlike apartments, you do not need an NOC from a Resident Welfare Association (RWA). However, you must ensure your sanctioned load (the power limit approved by your electricity provider/DISCOM) is sufficient for the charger. If the charger exceeds your limit, you must apply for a load enhancement via your DISCOM.

• How do I know if I need to upgrade my electricity meter?

Check your latest electricity bill for the “Sanctioned Load.” Calculate your “connected load” (the total power used by ACs, geysers, etc.) and add the rating of your new charger (e.g., 7.4 kW). If the total is higher than your sanctioned load, you should apply for an upgrade to avoid tripping the mains or facing penalties.

• What is the difference between a 3.3 kW and a 7.4 kW charger?
• 3.3 kW: A basic charger suitable for 2-wheelers or plug-in hybrids. It adds about 15–20 km of range per hour.
• 7.4 kW: The standard for most electric cars (SUVs/Sedans). It is significantly faster, adding 40–45 km of range per hour, and can fully charge a standard 60-kWh battery overnight.

• Can I save money by charging at specific times?

Yes. Many DISCOMs offer Time-of-Use (ToU) rates, which provide lower electricity tariffs during off-peak hours (usually 10 PM to 6 AM). Smart chargers allow you to schedule your charging during these windows to maximize savings.

• Are there any government incentives for installing a home charger?

Yes, though they vary by state. For example:

• Delhi:
• Tamil Nadu: Offers significant reductions (up to 75%) on electricity demand charges and energy tariffs for EV charging.

• What is the total estimated cost of installation?

If you are installing a standard 7.4 kW AC charger, the total cost (including the charger, load enhancement, electrical labor, and earthing) typically ranges between Rs. 31,000 and Rs. 63,000.