Motorists with a driveway could be hit with costly bills before the end of the decade, according to experts. Mandy Simpson, co-founder of EV charging manufacturers Simpson and Partners, stressed consumers needed to “know the truth” about electric car charging plugs.
Motorists who have purchased at-home charging devices may be under the illusion that they will last forever. However, the expert stressed that hundreds of thousands of charging units will have to be axed and replaced before 2030 with lifespans shorter than many would believe. Brand new electric car plugs can cost a fortune, with some devices selling for over £1,000.
Mandy said, “It’s time consumers knew the truth about charger lifespans—and some won’t last as long as the electric cars they charge. Building the electric vehicle infrastructure is crucial to encourage greater electric vehicle uptake, but not if the chargers can’t be updated. A SandP charger will not end up in landfills; they are engineered and designed to last.
“The majority of chargers bought today are sealed units that can’t be updated – they have to be thrown out and replaced as new technology arrives.”
The group’s analysis has predicted that more than 100,000 charging units will have to be discarded by owners before 2030. Experts at Danlec Electrical Solutions have previously warned that EV charging stations will usually last over a decade.
They explained that level 1 and wall-mounted chargers will tend to last around 10-15 years. It means road users who took up electric vehicles between 2015 and 2020 could be caught out before the end of the decade.
The experts added: “The lifespan of an EV charger is affected by how often it’s used, weather conditions, installation quality, and maintenance routines. Proper care can significantly extend its usefulness. Regular cleaning and checks keep the charging station working well. This includes wiping down parts to remove dust and ensuring all connections are secure to avoid problems.”
However, Mandy claims new technology is helping to alleviate issues and make chargers that could last for many more years.
She said, “We refuse to design, engineer, and manufacture products that just end up in landfills. This really should not be happening in our journey to a more sustainable world.”