It’s now a convenience I couldn’t go without

auto, electric vehicle, gadgets, hive ev charging review: installing an electric vehicle charger at home changed my life, here's how
(Image credit: Hive)

I’ve reviewed dozens of electric cars as Travel Editor at T3, everything from the affordable Renault Twizzy to the sensible Volkswagen ID.3 and the luxurious Mercedes EQS to the neck-breakingly quick Audi e-Tron GT.

Up until recently, I’ve been relying on public charging points to charge the vehicles, which is inconvenient at best, and unreliable at worst. So when Hive approached me to review its new Hive EV Charging box, I jumped at the chance and got it installed at home.

    Hive EV Charging is a smart home charger for your electric vehicle. It includes installation from a British Gas electrical engineer and adds smart charging features via the Hive app.

    It’s not an understatement to say that it’s completely changed how I view electric vehicles, as it’s now so easy to recharge them and even more convenient than going to get petrol in an ICE car.

      Here’s how I got on with the Hive EV Charger.

      Hive EV Charging review: Installation

      I’ve reviewed this entire Hive EV Charger process, from ordering it online to charging an Audi e-Tron GT on my driveway, so I feel like I’ve got a pretty good understanding of the entire process. 

      It starts with an online questionnaire that determines whether you’re eligible for a Hive EV Charger. You’ll be asked simple questions such as ‘Do you own your home or have permission from the homeowner to have an EV charger installed?’ and ‘Do you have a driveway or off-street parking next to your property?’

      During this process, you’ll be asked to send Hive a few images of where you want the charging box installed and of your fuse box.

      If you’re eligible, then Hive will arrange a video call with you. Mine was around two weeks after completing the initial online purchase. During this call you’ll walk someone from Hive around your house, they’ll ask to see things like your oven, your boiler, and to check your water supply is earthed. Basically, they just want to check whether any extra work needs to be completed before the EV charging box is installed. The person I spoke to was very polite and patient, despite my phone constantly disconnecting during the call. 

      The wall box installation was then booked for around two weeks later.

      The installation is being handled by British Gas, which claims to have one of the largest networks of EV charger installers in the country, with thousands of trained EV installers across the UK.

      auto, electric vehicle, gadgets, hive ev charging review: installing an electric vehicle charger at home changed my life, here's how

      (Image credit: Hive)

      It’s worth noting that even though British Gas install the EV charger, you don’t need to be a British Gas energy customer. For example, I’m with OVO, and that didn’t cause any problems with the installation.

      On the morning of the installation, the British Gas engineer will let you know what time they expect to arrive. Once they do, installation takes around 2.5 hours, and, at some point during that time the electricity may have to be switched off. As I has the charger installed inside my garage, in the same room as the fuse box, the installation time was actually much quicker than 2.5 hours.

      Once the installation, which involves mounting the wall box and routing cables from the fuse box, is complete, the engineer will walk you through setting up the EV charger in the Hive app. They will also make sure it’s working correctly.

      Hive states it usually takes between 2-4 weeks for your EV charger to be installed.

      Several weeks after the EV Charging Box was installed my Distribution Network Operator (DNO) came to upgrade my home’s main fuse, as the old 60 amp fuse wasn’t enough to handle the extra draw from the electric charger. Luckily this is all handled and organised by Hive.

      Hive EV Charging review: Hardware

      With Hive EV Charging, you’ll get a 7.4kW Alfen Eve Single S-line charger. It’s a fairly standard looking white box with a single LED indicator light on the front. It’s not the most attractive electric charger I’ve seen, but it’s not the ugliest one I’ve seen either.

      It measures 370 x 240 x 130mm.

      When buying the charger you can choose to have it untethered, which means you’d use the cable that comes with your car, or tethered, which has a 5-metre cable permanently attached. 

      The tethered option has a Type 2 connector, which is suitable for almost all of the latest electric vehicles and costs an extra £85. I’d say it’s an option well worth having, as I find getting the charging cable in and out of a car boot really annoying and clumsy.

      You have to option to increase the tethered cable to 8-metres once you’ve spoken to one of Hive’s engineers. This costs an extra £59.

      auto, electric vehicle, gadgets, hive ev charging review: installing an electric vehicle charger at home changed my life, here's how

      (Image credit: Hive)

      Its 7kW charging capacity will fully charge an average battery from empty in around eight hours – depending on the size of your car’s battery.

      The simple LED on the front shows white when it’s ready to use, green when the cable is connected, light blue when the charger is communicating with the vehicle or when charging is complete, dark blue when it’s charging, and red when there’s an error. It’s all fairly straightforward, and you can also check what the charger is doing in the Hive app, which we’ll get onto in a bit.

      The Alfen unit has a weather rating of IP55 and comes with a 3-year warranty.

      If I had to criticise one thing about the physical wall box, it’s that I’d have liked to have a few different colour options, or at least a black option alongside the white.

      Hive EV Charging review: How does it work?

      If you have a tethered charging cable, as I do, then using the Hive EV Charger is incredibly simple.

      Start by unravelling the charging cable from the charger and then plugging it into your vehicle. The light on the charger will turn green, then light blue. The app will then show the charging session has begun and the light on the charger will turn dark blue. It’s that easy.

      When you’ve finished charging, simply unplug the charging cable and wrap it back around the charger.

      Hive EV Charging review: App

      Where things get really interesting is with the Hive app, which allows you to do all manner of smart things with the EV Charging box.

      For a start, you can sync Hive EV Charging with your energy tariff, allowing you to simply plug your car in and it’ll automatically charge up when your electricity’s at its cheapest. Now, obviously, this could be done manually in the car settings, but I found it’s much easier when it’s all handled in the app.

      Hive EV Charging works with most UK energy tariffs, including specialist EV ones, and it’s easy to update if you switch providers. You do have to manually input when the peak and off-peak times are, but that’s an easy, one-time process.

      If you tell the app how much you pay for electricity as well then it will show you exactly how much you’re spending in pounds and pence, as well as give you a weekly and monthly breakdown of your charging history.

      auto, electric vehicle, gadgets, hive ev charging review: installing an electric vehicle charger at home changed my life, here's how

      (Image credit: Future)

      According to Hive, charging during off-peak periods isn’t just cheaper, it’s greener too, as there’s more chance you’re using electricity from renewable sources.

      If you do want to charge in peak times, however, Hive will let you know how much it’ll cost – so there’ll be no nasty surprises on your energy bill.

      The Hive app also lets you check when your car is plugged in and charging up, and you can get real-time updates on your charging speed.

      The thing I find most useful about the app is the notifications, particularly the notification that my car has finished charging.

      My charger is located inside so it’s not an issue for me, but a popular function that the Hive app is missing is the ability to ‘lock’ the charger, to stop people from ‘stealing’ your power.

      Now on to the price… You’ll get free use of the Hive app for three years after installation, and after that, it’s just 99p per month to continue using the advanced features. Of course, you can choose not to pay and still access the basics for free.

      Hive EV Charging review: Ecosystem

      Of course, the benefit to this charger being part of the Hive ecosystem is that you can control your whole home in an easy-to-use app.

      As part of the review Hive also set me up with cameras, bulbs and sensors, so from the same app, I can turn my hallway lights on, check the security camera, and see whether my car is charging.

      You can also set up ‘actions’, so, for example, when I open my garage door to plug my car in, the garage light will automatically turn on.

      The app is very easy to use and has so far worked flawlessly. It’s not the fastest or most advanced smart home platform out there, but it works reliably.

      Hive EV Charging review: Price

      Okay, so what about the price? The Hive EV Charger starts at £949 and is available to order from the Hive website. That price includes the charger, installation and complete control from the Hive app for three years.

      At the time of writing, you can apply for the OZEV grant, which is a government scheme that contributes £350 to the cost of your EV charger and installation, bringing the cost down to £599.

      However, on 1st April 2022, a new scheme comes into place which will help apartment owners and tenants with the cost of their EV charger, but homeowners with off-street parking will no longer qualify.

      After the initial three years, it’s 99p per month to continue using the advanced features in the app.

      Liked this?

        Keyword: Hive EV Charging review: installing an electric vehicle charger at home changed my life, here's how

        CAR'S NEWS RELATED

        Switzerland pulls the plug on tax breaks for electric vehicles

        Photo by Mehmet Turgut Kirkgoz on Pexels.com In a controversial move, Switzerland has decided to tax electric cars in the same way it does for gas guzzlers, saying that special tax exemptions are no longer necessary. The Swiss Federal Council announced the news yesterday, stating that it is pulling ...

        View more: Switzerland pulls the plug on tax breaks for electric vehicles

        GM Targets 'Clean Earth Magnets' For Future Electric Vehicles

        GM says it’s far from done in the EV race with a new partnership with Niron Magnetics.

        View more: GM Targets 'Clean Earth Magnets' For Future Electric Vehicles

        SsangYong Signs Agreement with BYD to Develop Future Hybrid & Electric Vehicles

        SsangYong Australia’s global parent company, KG Mobility, has announced news of a recent agreement with Chinese automotive giant, BYD, to co-develop a new range of hybrid and electric vehicles. SsangYong’s evolving product lineup involves a new battery-electric SUV package, known as the Torres EVX, as well as a battery-electric ute ...

        View more: SsangYong Signs Agreement with BYD to Develop Future Hybrid & Electric Vehicles

        Ferrari says its first electric vehicle is ahead of schedule after a big step forward in Q3

        As one of the most recognized supercar brands globally, many wonder when we will see a fully electric Ferrari hit the streets. According to CEO Benedetto Vigna, development on the first Ferrari EV is ahead of schedule. The first Ferrari EV is coming… in 2025 The first Ferrari EV ...

        View more: Ferrari says its first electric vehicle is ahead of schedule after a big step forward in Q3

        Volvo Cars' sales of fully electric vehicles jump in October

        Companies Volvo Personvagnar AB Ford Motor Co Geely Automobile Holdings Ltd STOCKHOLM, Nov 3 (Reuters) – Volvo Cars' (VOLCARb.ST) sales in October grew 10% from a year earlier to 59,861 cars as fully electric car sales jumped but hybrid models fell, the Sweden-based group said on Friday. Volvo Cars ...

        View more: Volvo Cars' sales of fully electric vehicles jump in October

        Ferrari deploys electronic device testing technique to speed EV car development

        MILAN, Nov 2 (Reuters) – Ferrari (RACE.MI) is relying on a technique normally used for tests of electronic devices to accelerate the development of its first fully electric car, which is expected in late 2025, Chief executive Benedetto Vigna said on Thursday. Vigna, a former executive at chipmaker STMicroelectronics ...

        View more: Ferrari deploys electronic device testing technique to speed EV car development

        Stellantis Turns to China to Offer Affordable Electric Vehicles

        •    Stellantis is forming a partnership with Leapmotor, a Chinese manufacturer of affordable electric vehicles. We’ve known this for a while, namely because its executives have been saying it for quite a while: Stellantis wants to find a way to offer its customers more affordable electric vehicles. As a step ...

        View more: Stellantis Turns to China to Offer Affordable Electric Vehicles

        Teslas, Chevrolets Among Most Popular Electric Vehicles For Fleet Use

        The Ford F-150 Lightning is the most popular electric truck for fleet operators.

        View more: Teslas, Chevrolets Among Most Popular Electric Vehicles For Fleet Use

        Marelli plant closure forewarns painful electric vehicle transition

        Next Nissan GT-R will be a hyper electric vehicle with 1,000 kilowatts and extreme performance

        More alarm bells sound on slowing demand for electric vehicles

        Hyundai Building New Plant In Saudi Arabia For Combustion, Electric Vehicles

        Used Electric Vehicle Prices Plummet, Sales Overtake Most New Models

        The Electric Vehicle Class of 2019 Shows How Far We’ve Come

        What you can expect from the 11th Philippine Electric Vehicle Summit

        Bill Ford Compares Electric Vehicle Adoption To The Covid Vaccine

        Micromobility America returns to San Francisco with the latest light electric vehicles

        High Court Knocks Back Victoria’s Controversial Electric Vehicle & PHEV Tax

        Kia presents its future electric vehicles at its first ‘EV Day’

        Watch Mercedes-Benz crash two electric vehicles together to prove their EVs are safe

        OTHER CAR NEWS

        ; Top List in the World https://www.pinterest.com/newstopcar/pins/
        Top Best Sushi Restaurants in SeoulTop Best Caribbean HoneymoonsTop Most Beautiful Islands in PeruTop Best Outdoor Grill BrandsTop Best Global Seafood RestaurantsTop Foods to Boost Your Immune SystemTop Best Foods to Fight HemorrhoidsTop Foods That Pack More Potassium Than a BananaTop Best Healthy Foods to Gain Weight FastTop Best Cosmetic Brands in the U.STop Best Destinations for Food Lovers in EuropeTop Best Foods High in Vitamin ATop Best Foods to Lower Your Blood SugarTop Best Things to Do in LouisianaTop Best Cities to Visit in New YorkTop Best Makeup Addresses In PennsylvaniaTop Reasons to Visit NorwayTop Most Beautiful Islands In The WorldTop Best Law Universities in the WorldTop Richest Sportsmen In The WorldTop Biggest Aquariums In The WorldTop Best Peruvian Restaurants In MiamiTop Best Road Trips From MiamiTop Best Places to Visit in MarylandTop Best Places to Visit in North CarolinaTop Best Electric Cars For KidsTop Best Swedish Brands in The USTop Best Skincare Brands in AmericaTop Best American Lipstick BrandsTop Michelin-starred Restaurants in MiamiTop Best Secluded Getaways From MiamiTop Best Things To Do On A Rainy Day In MiamiTop Most Instagrammable Places In MiamiTop Interesting Facts about FlorenceTop Facts About The First Roman Emperor - AugustusTop Best Japanese FoodsTop Most Beautiful Historical Sites in IsraelTop Best Places To Visit In Holy SeeTop Best Hawaiian IslandsTop Reasons to Visit PortugalTop Best Hotels In L.A. With Free Wi-FiTop Best Scenic Drives in MiamiTop Best Vegan Restaurants in BerlinTop Most Interesting Attractions In WalesTop Health Benefits of a Vegan DietTop Best Thai Restaurant in Las VegasTop Most Beautiful Forests in SwitzerlandTop Best Global Universities in GermanyTop Most Beautiful Lakes in GuyanaTop Best Things To Do in IdahoTop Things to Know Before Traveling to North MacedoniaTop Best German Sunglasses BrandsTop Highest Mountains In FranceTop Biggest Hydroelectric Plants in AmericaTop Best Spa Hotels in NYCTop The World's Scariest BridgeTop Largest Hotels In AmericaTop Most Famous Festivals in JordanTop Best European Restaurants in MunichTop Best Japanese Hiking Boot BrandsTop Best Universities in PolandTop Best Tips for Surfing the Web Safely and AnonymouslyTop Most Valuable Football Clubs in EuropeTop Highest Mountains In ColombiaTop Real-Life Characters of Texas RisingTop Best Beaches in GuatelamaTop Things About DR Congo You Should KnowTop Best Korean Reality & Variety ShowsTop Best RockstarsTop Most Beautiful Waterfalls in GermanyTop Best Fountain Pen Ink BrandsTop Best European Restaurants in ChicagoTop Best Fighter Jets in the WorldTop Best Three-Wheel MotorcyclesTop Most Beautiful Lakes in ManitobaTop Best Dive Sites in VenezuelaTop Best Websites For Art StudentsTop Best Japanese Instant Noodle BrandsTop Best Comedy Manhwa (Webtoons)Top Best Japanese Sunglasses BrandsTop Most Expensive Air Jordan SneakersTop Health Benefits of CucumberTop Famous Universities in SwedenTop Most Popular Films Starring Jo Jung-sukTop Interesting Facts about CougarsTop Best Hospitals for Hip Replacement in the USATop Most Expensive DefendersTop Health Benefits of GooseberriesTop Health Benefits of ParsnipsTop Best Foods and Drinks in LondonTop Health Benefits of Rosehip TeaTop Best Air Fryers for Low-fat CookingTop Most Asked Teacher Interview Questions with AnswersTop Best Shopping Malls in ZurichTop The Most Beautiful Botanical Gardens In L.A.Top Best Mexican Restaurants in Miami for Carb-loading rightTop Best Energy Companies in GermanyTop Best Garage HeatersTop Largest Banks in IrelandTop Leading Provider - Audit and Assurance In The USTop Best Jewelry Brands in IndiaTop Prettiest Streets in the UKTop Best Lakes to Visit in TunisiaTop Highest Mountains in Israel