EV Charging 101

Published on 15/06/2026 by Tom-Cooke Category: Electrical

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.

⚡ Why Every Modern Landlord and Airbnb Host Should Consider EV Charging Points

Published on 18/05/202615/06/2026 by Tom-Cooke Category: Electrical

Electric vehicles (EVs) are no longer a niche trend — they’re rapidly becoming the norm on UK roads. For landlords and Airbnb owners, this shift presents a huge opportunity to attract high-quality tenants and guests, increase property value, and future-proof your investments.

At Thistle and Rose Concepts (TaRC) Electrical, we’re fully qualified, registered, and insured to install electric vehicle chargers at homes and rental properties throughout Nottingham and the East Midlands. Here’s why EV charging should be on your radar — and how it can benefit you.

🚗 1. EV Adoption Is Growing – Fast

Electric vehicles are becoming increasingly common across the UK, with millions already on the road and public charging infrastructure rapidly expanding. While public chargers are useful, they’re often slower and more expensive for drivers than charging at a private property — especially overnight.

This creates strong demand for private charging solutions — especially in homes and rental properties where convenient, reliable charging is a major perk.

🏘️ 2. Chargers Make Your Properties More Attractive

Today’s tenants and guests increasingly prioritise EV charging access when choosing where to live or stay. Properties with a dedicated EV charger:

Stand out in online searches and listings. Can achieve higher occupancy and guest satisfaction on Airbnb and other holiday-let platforms. Appeal to eco-conscious renters and travellers, who are a growing demographic.

For Airbnb hosts in particular, listings that provide EV charging can be shown more prominently in search filters, helping boost bookings.

3. Boost Property Value and Potential Income 💷

Installing an EV charger isn’t just an amenity — it can also boost the value of your property. Industry estimates suggest that a dedicated EV charging point could increase residential property value by several thousand pounds, and make your buy-to-let more competitive.

For Airbnb owners, a charging point may also allow you to justify higher nightly rates or add charging as an optional extra service — creating a potential new revenue stream.

4. Government Grants Can reduce Your Costs 💰

In England, landlords can take advantage of government funding support under the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV) schemes:

EV Chargepoint Grant

✔ Covers up to 75% of the purchase and installation cost of a charger, capped at £350 per socket.

✔ Landlords can claim up to 200 grants per year for residential properties (plus additional commercial allowances).

EV Infrastructure Grant

✔ Supports larger works, like wiring and infrastructure for multiple chargers.

✔ Offers up to 75% off costs up to £30,000 — ideal for larger properties with multiple parking spaces.

These grants help make installing EV chargers significantly more affordable — and they must be applied for before installation commences.

🔍 5. The Right Charger for Your Property

Not all EV chargers are the same — and choosing the right one matters:

Standard home chargers (around 7 kW): Ideal for landlords and Airbnb hosts. These are smart, fast enough to charge most EVs overnight, and widely compatible with modern vehicles. Higher-speed public chargers: These are rapid or ultra-rapid units (50 kW+) used at public hubs and are not practical or cost-effective for private homes.

Smart chargers can also connect to apps, allowing you to monitor usage, control access, or charge guests for electricity if desired — helping protect your investment.

🛠️ 6. Professional Installation Matters

Installing EV charging points isn’t just about plugging in a device — it requires:

A qualified electrician to assess your electrical system. Compliance with building regulations and safety standards. OZEV-approved equipment and certification to secure grants.

That’s where Thistle and Rose Concepts (TaRC) Electrical comes in. We’re fully qualified, insured, and experienced in EV charger installations — from initial survey to testing and certification — so you get a safe, compliant, and grant-eligible solution.

📈 Final Thoughts

As electric vehicles continue to grow in popularity, EV chargers will shift from a luxury extra to an expected property feature. Whether you’re a landlord looking to keep ahead of rental demand or an Airbnb host wanting to attract more bookings, installing EV charging infrastructure is a smart long-term investment.

Ready to future-proof your property?

Get in Touch

We would love to share our experience and knowledge on your project. So, if you’re ready, let’s start a conversation.

0115 847 1314

Hello@thistleandroseconcepts.co.uk

Serving Nottingham, Leicester, Derby and surrounding areas.

Case Study – Edinburgh Kitchen

Published on 07/04/202007/04/2020 by Tom-Cooke Category: Case Studies

Once again we were called to Edinburgh, Scotland. This customer couldn’t live with their small impractical kitchen any longer, so we were commissioned to redefine the concept of their kitchen.

We removed the back door and added a window. Relocating the plumbing and adding additional sockets allowed us to double the workspace in the kitchen whilst not loosing anything from the footprint.

Works carried out included;

Electrical first and second fix, including usb sockets
Plumbing first and second fix
Blocking up of doorway
New stud wall and plastering
Custom oak windowsill
Kitchen installation
Minerva worktop
Feature wall
Appliance installation including Range Cooker, cooker hood, integrated dishwasher & waste disposal unit
Feature and accent lighting
Bespoke joinery
Full decoration

Case Study – Edinburgh Roof

Published on 07/04/202007/04/2020 by Tom-Cooke Category: Case Studies

Thistle and Rose Concepts were called to Edinburgh, Scotland to replace this tired leaking flat roof. Upon initial inspection we discovered years of patches and repair jobs, some dating back as far as 20 years. There was layer upon layer of felt to repair old leaks, old cupboard doors replacing rotten joists and loose coping stones. It really was in need of a full renovation.

True to form the day we started, the roof was covered in ice from the cold Scottish weather and standing water. We started by stripping the roof back to the joists to allow us to replace and add new joists before overboarding the entire lot to give a smooth flat finish.

We laid an EPDM membrane, installed flashing, added new fascia boards and guttering to the run off to give this roof a clean finish.

As with all our EPDM jobs we provided the customer a 20 year guarantee giving them peace of mind on the quality and finish.

Case Study – West Bridgford, Decorating

Published on 07/04/202007/04/2020 by Tom-Cooke Category: Case Studies

Thistle and Rose Concepts were brought in to overhaul this tired living room in West Bridgford, Nottingham. We were posed with the concept of incorporating modern design elements that complemented the traditional existing features of the property.

Our client and the interior design team decided on a bold colour creating a statement ceiling with muted walls to showcase the clients own art. This studio space required some repair works prior to decoration. With LVT (luxury vinyl tiles) flooring throughout and new white switches and sockets we gave this room a new lease of life.

Case Study – East Bridgford Bathroom

Published on 07/04/202007/04/2020 by Tom-Cooke Category: Case Studies

Thistle and Rose Concepts were asked to redefine the concept of this couples bathroom in their newly purchased East Bridgford, Nottingham home.

This involved a complete strip out and rebuild including;

Removal of existing toilet, sink and bath
Removal of existing tiles
Repair the ceiling
Electrical first and second fix
Plumbing first and second fix
New light fitting and extractor fan
New sink, toilet and shower cubicle
New electric shower
Tiling of the whole room
Painting of walls, ceiling, skirting and radiator
New luxury vinyl tiles (LVT) flooring

Case Study – Radcliffe, Artificial Grass

Published on 16/07/201907/04/2020 by Tom-Cooke Category: Case Studies

This concrete jungle in Nottingham was starting to look a bit tired and was no longer practical for the homeowners. With the homeowners wanting to give their garden a new lease of life we were called in to transform this landscape to a beautiful and relaxing safe haven.

We are registered artificial grass installers and we transformed this garden in no time.

Works undertaken included;

Remove all paving and slabs
Install new 10 year guaranteed Artificial Grass
Remove rotten fence and dispose
Reset coping stones

Case Study – Radcliffe Living Room

Published on 15/04/201907/04/2020 by Tom-Cooke Category: Case Studies

Thistle and Rose Concepts completed this living room renovation for a customer in Radcliffe-on-Trent, Nottingham.

After years of use the room was tired, the ceiling was covered in cracks and there had been a leak from the en-suite above. Thistle and Rose were called in to redecorate the room and give the living room a much needed new lease of life.

Works Included:

Fill and repair the cracks in the ceiling.
Stain block where the leak had been.
Repair the walls ready for painting.
Paint the ceiling.
Paint the walls.
Sand back and paint the skirting board, architrave and window sills.
Renovate the light fittings, giving them a fresh new look.

Case Study – Bathroom in Radcliffe

Published on 15/04/201906/04/2020 by Tom-Cooke Category: Case Studies

Thistle and Rose Concepts were asked to renovate a bathroom in this lovely property. The bathroom had big cracks in the walls, damaged lights, a leaking toilet and a floor that was falling apart.

Works included:

Replacing the old tired floor with a new Quickstep Natural Oak laminate laid properly to stop it coming apart and to fully waterproof it adding a 10year guarantee.
Repair all cracks and chips in the ceilings and walls.
Replace the old damaged light fittings with new LED Downlighters with 5 year guarantee.
Repaint the walls and ceiling giving the room a fresh new feel.
Replace the old tired mirror with a new one.
Install and double mirror light with pull cord above.

Case Study – Radcliffe-On-Trent

Published on 15/04/201907/04/2020 by Tom-Cooke Category: Case Studies

Thistle and Rose Concepts recently completed this 2 bedroom bungalow renovation in Radcliffe-on-Trent, Nottingham. The bungalow, situated on the Canadian estate and built during WW2 was completely renovated inside and the entrance lobby.

Renovation features:

Electrical rewire
New bathroom and plumbing
New kitchen
Bespoke handmade Oak internal front door
Composite front door.
New gas fire with marble hearth.

Plastering throughout
New luxury vinyl tiles and laminate flooring
New UPVC windows
New stud walls
Internal layout changes
Exposing original brickwork