Making the switch to an electric vehicle (EV) is no longer just an environmental decision—it’s a practical, economical, and increasingly essential one.
How to Prepare for an EV Car
Whether you're planning to take delivery of your first fully electric car or upgrading from a hybrid to a pure EV, preparation is key to ensuring a seamless transition. At Duravault, we’ve helped hundreds of Leeds residents get EV ready by not only installing chargers but guiding them step by step through the entire process.
This guide covers everything from understanding your power supply and choosing the right charger, to timing your installation and managing energy costs. If you're based in Leeds or the surrounding areas—from Roundhay to Rothwell—this localised guide is tailored to you.
Why Planning Ahead Matters...
Buying an EV is exciting, but it also introduces new responsibilities. You’ll be charging at home, potentially drawing high loads from your electricity supply, and working with smart charging schedules to maximise savings. Many new EV owners leave this planning until their delivery date, only to find themselves battling lead times for charger installation or realising their existing consumer unit is outdated.
At Duravault, we always advise homeowners to start preparing at least four weeks before vehicle handover. That gives us time to assess your home’s electrical setup, recommend the most suitable EV charger, and install it professionally—without stress or delay.
Step 1: Evaluate your current electrical system
The first thing to consider is whether your home’s current electrical infrastructure is ready for an EV charger. Charging an electric vehicle requires significantly more power than most domestic appliances, and you’ll likely be adding a dedicated circuit to your distribution board.
Start by asking these key questions:
- Is your consumer unit (fuse board) modern and equipped with RCD protection?
- Do you know your main supply fuse rating (e.g., 60A, 80A, or 100A)?
- Do you already have high demand appliances like electric showers or heat pumps?
Duravault provides a site survey to assess these factors and confirm that your property can safely support a 7.4 kW or 22 kW EV charger. If minor upgrades are needed—such as installing a Type A RCBO or upgrading your main fuse—we’ll quote for this transparently.
Step 2: Choose the right charger for your home
Your charger should match both your EV’s charging capabilities and your home’s electrical limits. Most UK homes are single phase, which supports up to 7.4 kW charging (adding around 25–30 miles of range per hour). Some larger properties in Alwoodley or Moortown may have three phase supply, which enables faster 11 kW or 22 kW charging.
Duravault recommends Rolec chargers for a number of reasons:
- Designed and built in the UK
- Compatible with all EV and PHEV models
- OCPP smart features and app control
- Tethered and untethered options
- Dynamic load balancing and solar integration
Popular models like the Rolec ZURA or WallPod offer smart scheduling, live monitoring, and stylish aesthetics, making them ideal for modern homes across Leeds. We’ll help you choose the charger that balances function, style and future proofing.
Step 3: Think about charger placement
Location matters when planning an EV charger installation. Ideally, you want the charger mounted on a solid external wall or garage, within 4–7 metres of where your vehicle will park. We’ll discuss:
- Visibility from your driveway
- Safe cable routing
- Wall construction and fixing
- Wi Fi signal strength if you choose a smart charger
If you park on a driveway in Headingley, for instance, the charger might go on the front wall. If you park in a detached garage in Horsforth, we’ll assess whether your existing wiring can safely reach that location or if we need to run armored cabling. Our experience across a variety of Leeds housing types ensures the best result.
Step 4: Understand grants and funding
While many government grants have now ended for owner occupied houses, you may still qualify for financial help if:
- You live in a flat or rented property
- You’re a landlord installing a charger for tenants
- Your property is part of a managed development
Duravault helps eligible customers apply for the OZEV EV chargepoint grant, which can save up to £350 per installation. We’ll confirm eligibility during our free site survey and handle the paperwork so you don’t have to navigate the red tape.
Step 5: Plan for energy tariffs and smart scheduling
One of the biggest advantages of home charging is cost. But to unlock the best savings, you’ll want to switch to an EV friendly electricity tariff. Many energy suppliers—such as Octopus Go, EDF GoElectric, and OVO Drive—offer off peak rates from midnight to 5 a.m.
Rolec smart chargers allow you to schedule charging sessions to coincide with these cheaper windows, potentially reducing your fuel costs by more than 70% compared to petrol. At Duravault, we’ll show you how to use the app during handover and offer guidance on the best tariff options available in Leeds right now.
Step 6: Explore solar and battery integration
If you already have solar panels installed—or plan to in the near future—consider a charger with solar integration features. Rolec’s smart range, including the ZURA, can prioritise solar surplus energy to top up your EV using sunshine rather than grid electricity.
Some customers in suburbs like Chapel Allerton and Garforth have paired their EV charger with home battery storage, allowing them to store solar or off peak energy during the day and charge their car overnight. This setup creates a low carbon, low cost energy ecosystem, and Duravault can help you prepare your electrical system for future upgrades like solar PV or battery storage.
Step 7: Schedule your installation with a local expert
As the EV market booms, national installation companies are struggling with long wait times, impersonal service, and delayed follow ups. That’s why more Leeds residents choose Duravault—a locally based, NICEIC approved electrician with specialist EV knowledge and Rolec certification.
We operate across all Leeds postcodes, including:
- LS6–LS9: Headingley, Hyde Park, Burley, Harehills
- LS14–LS17: Moortown, Alwoodley, Seacroft, Roundhay
- LS18–LS20: Horsforth, Rawdon, Yeadon
- LS25–LS26: Kippax, Garforth, Rothwell, Woodlesford
Because we’re local, we can complete most installations within 7–10 working days, and we’re just a phone call away if you ever need help, maintenance or system expansion.
Step 8: Get the paperwork in place
Once the charger is installed, Duravault will provide you with:
- Electrical Installation Certificate (EIC)
- Part P Building Regulations compliance notification
- Electric vehicle charging equipment certificate (EVDW)
- Post installation DNO notification
- Manufacturer registration and warranty
- Setup instructions for the app and online portal
These documents are essential for future property sales and insurance compliance. We also retain digital copies, so if you ever misplace them, we’ve got you covered.
Step 9: Prepare mentally for the change
EV ownership is different in a few subtle ways. Instead of going to the petrol station, you’ll top up at home, just like your phone. Instead of range anxiety, you’ll learn to manage your weekly routine with a quick overnight charge.
Duravault customers often tell us that, once they get used to it, they never want to go back. The key is preparation:
- Get your charger installed before the car arrives
- Learn your charger’s app features early
- Know your energy costs and charging habits
- Get support from a local electrician you trust
We’re happy to answer any questions—whether it’s about charging in the rain (yes, it’s safe), how long a typical charge takes, or whether your new car will work with solar (most do).
Customer stories: Learning from real EV owners
“Great service and communication. Adam always did what he said, when he said it. The quality of work is great and exceptionally neat, tidy and courteous. Would use again.” Johnathan, Leeds
“Duravault was great to work with—easy to schedule, clear communication, and top notch workmanship. Electrician Adam arrived on time, explained what he was doing, and fixed extra issues before they became problems. The job was finished safely, neatly, and on budget. Highly recommend Duravault and Adam for any electrical work.” Elisangela, Leeds
Your next step: Get EV ready with confidence
Preparing for your first EV doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With expert guidance from Duravault, you’ll enjoy a safe, future proof charging setup that works for your home, your vehicle and your lifestyle.
Contact us today via our contact form or call us on 0113 436 9988. We’ll help you:
- Assess your electrical capacity
- Choose the perfect Rolec charger
- Plan your installation timeline
- Maximise available grants and savings
Final thoughts...
The EV revolution is here, and Leeds is leading the charge. Whether you live in a flat in Cross Gates or a detached home in Adel, preparing your home for an electric vehicle is one of the smartest upgrades you can make. Rolec chargers installed by Duravault don’t just plug in—they power a better, greener way of life.
We’re here to help every step of the way. Let’s make your switch to electric simple, safe and stress free.
