Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Solutions

Thistle and Rose Concepts

Although electric vehicles (EVs) may have a higher upfront purchase cost than petrol or diesel alternatives, they are generally more economical to run over the long term. This is primarily due to the lower cost of electricity compared with traditional fuels. Charging at home, particularly overnight on off-peak tariffs, can offer significant savings.

EV charge points can be installed in a wide range of locations, including:

Residential properties with driveways or garages
Apartment and residential developments
Workplaces and commercial premises
Public car parks
Town and city centres
Shopping centres
Motorway service stations and transport hubs

At Thistle and Rose Concepts, we provide professional EV charging solutions throughout Nottingham and the surrounding areas, helping homeowners and businesses transition to cleaner, more cost-effective transport.

Types of EV Charging Points

Slow Charge Points (Up to 3kW)

Slow chargers, often referred to as trickle chargers or granny chargers, are ideal for vehicles that remain parked for extended periods. They are commonly used where charging speed is not a priority and are suitable for overnight charging.

Best suited for:

Long-duration parking
Occasional EV use
Low-mileage drivers

Fast Charge Points (7kW–22kW)

Fast chargers are the most popular choice for both residential and workplace installations, offering an excellent balance between charging speed and installation costs.

7kW Chargers

Suitable for properties with a standard single-phase electrical supply, which is found in most UK homes.

22kW Chargers

Require a three-phase electrical supply and are commonly installed in commercial premises, workplaces, and public locations where faster charging is required.

If you are unsure what type of electrical supply your property has, Thistle and Rose Concepts will assess this as part of our quotation and design process.

Rapid Charge Points (50kW+)

Rapid chargers provide the fastest charging option currently available, typically charging an EV battery to approximately 80% capacity in around 30 minutes, depending on the vehicle.

These chargers are usually installed at:

Motorway service stations
Transport hubs
Fleet depots
Public charging networks

Due to their significant power requirements and installation costs, rapid chargers are generally unsuitable for domestic installations and are primarily used within commercial and public infrastructure settings.

Benefits of Installing an EV Charger

Cost-Effective Charging

Charging an electric vehicle at home or work is significantly more cost-effective than relying on public rapid charging networks.

For example, fully charging a 30kWh battery at home may cost as little as £3–£4, depending on your tariff. Over time, these savings can substantially reduce overall motoring costs.

Convenience

Having your own EV charger removes the need to rely on public charging infrastructure.

You can charge your vehicle:

Overnight at home
During working hours
At times that suit your schedule

This eliminates unnecessary waiting, queuing, and planning around charger availability.

Faster and More Reliable Charging

Dedicated home and workplace charging solutions are typically faster, safer, and more reliable than using standard domestic sockets or public charging facilities.

Depending on the charger output and vehicle battery size, a full charge can often be achieved within a few hours, ensuring your vehicle is ready when you need it.

Increased Property Value

As EV ownership continues to rise, charging infrastructure is becoming an increasingly desirable feature for both residential and commercial properties.

Installing an EV charger can:

Increase property appeal
Improve future marketability
Demonstrate environmental responsibility
Future-proof your home or business

Should you move home, Thistle and Rose Concepts can also provide a professional EV charger relocation service, ensuring your charging equipment is safely transferred and reinstalled at your new property.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Does It Take to Charge an Electric Vehicle?

Charging time depends on two factors:

Battery capacity (kWh)
Charger power output (kW)

Plug-in Hybrid Vehicles (PHEVs)

Vehicles such as the Volkswagen Golf GTE or Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid typically charge at around 3.7kW and can often be fully charged within 2–3 hours.

Fully Electric Vehicles

Most fully electric vehicles charge at up to 7.4kW on a standard single-phase domestic supply.

For example:

A 75kWh battery charging at 7.4kW will take approximately 10 hours to charge from empty to full.

Charging Speed Guide

Charger Rating	Approximate Range Added
3.7kW	Up to 12 miles per hour
7.4kW	Up to 24 miles per hour

How Often Should I Charge My EV?

This depends on your driving habits and vehicle range.

Unlike petrol or diesel vehicles, many EV owners choose to charge little and often, typically overnight at home or during working hours. Regular charging helps ensure the vehicle is always ready for daily use without requiring lengthy charging sessions.

Can I Charge My EV Using Solar Panels?

In short, Yes. There are two common methods:

Direct Solar Charging

Smart chargers such as the Andersen Quartz or Hypervolt can divert surplus solar energy directly into your vehicle. Rather than exporting excess electricity back to the grid, the energy is used to charge your EV using clean, renewable power.

This works best when your vehicle is parked at home during daylight hours.

Battery Storage Integration

Excess solar energy can also be stored within a battery storage system and used later to charge your EV during the evening or overnight.

Thistle and Rose Concepts can advise on the most suitable solution based on your property, lifestyle, and energy usage.

How Long Does Installation Take?

In most cases, Thistle and Rose Concepts can complete an EV charger installation within a single day.

Installation times may increase if:

The consumer unit is located a significant distance from the charger location.
Additional cabling routes are required.
Groundworks or specialist mounting solutions are needed.

We will always provide a clear installation schedule as part of your quotation.

What Is the Difference Between Tethered and Untethered Chargers?

Tethered Chargers

A tethered charger has a permanently attached charging cable.

Benefits:

Quick and convenient
No need to retrieve a separate cable
Ideal for daily use

Untethered Chargers

An untethered charger requires the user to connect their own charging cable.

Benefits:

More discreet appearance
Greater flexibility
Suitable for multiple vehicle types

Thistle and Rose Concepts can help you select the option that best suits your practical requirements and aesthetic preferences.

Where Can EV Chargers Be Installed?

Modern EV chargers are weatherproof and can be installed in a variety of locations, including:

External property walls
Garages
Driveways
Dedicated parking bays

As most charging cables range from 5–10 metres in length, it is important to consider where your vehicle is typically parked to ensure convenient access.

Why Choose Thistle and Rose Concepts?

Proven EV Charging Expertise

At Thistle and Rose Concepts, we provide expert advice and professional installation services for homeowners, landlords, businesses, and commercial organisations throughout Nottingham and the surrounding areas.

We take the time to understand your charging requirements and recommend solutions that are suitable for both your current and future needs.

Qualified and Experienced Engineers

Our fully qualified engineers have extensive experience installing EV charging systems across domestic, commercial, and industrial environments.

Every installation is completed to the highest standards of safety, compliance, and workmanship.

Complete Turnkey Service

From your initial enquiry through to installation, commissioning, and handover, Thistle and Rose Concepts manages the entire process.

You’ll benefit from:

A single point of contact
Clear communication throughout
Professional project management
Ongoing technical support

Customer Service You Can Trust

Exceptional customer service sits at the heart of everything we do.

We are proud to have earned numerous five-star reviews across Google and Facebook, reflecting our commitment to quality workmanship, reliability, and customer satisfaction.

Quality Assurance and Warranties

All EV charging equipment supplied and installed by Thistle and Rose Concepts is backed by comprehensive manufacturer warranties.

In addition, every installation includes our workmanship guarantee, providing complete peace of mind and confidence in the quality of our work.

Get in Touch

Thistle and Rose Concepts LTD provides professional EV charger installation across Nottingham and surrounding areas.

We are fully qualified, registered, and insured, offering honest advice, transparent pricing, and high-quality workmanship.

0115 847 1314

Hello@thistleandroseconcepts.co.uk

Serving Nottingham, Leicester, Derby and surrounding areas.