Moving home comes with a long to do list, and if you have an EV charger installed, you might be wondering what happens to it when you sell or leave your current property. Can you take it with you? Do you need to leave it for the new owners? What should you do about paperwork, grants, warranties, and reinstallations in your new home?
In this guide we break down the options and practical steps to take when relocating with an EV charger in Ireland.
1. You Can Usually Take Your EV Charger With You
If your charger was installed for your personal use, you are normally free to remove it and take it with you when you move house. This is especially true for chargers that are not permanently fixed with structural alterations.
Before removing the unit it is important to:
- Switch off the power supply safely
- Disconnect it through a qualified electrician
- Follow safety guidelines to avoid damage to the charger or your property
Because home EV chargers have electrical connections and safety requirements, it is wise to have a qualified installer handle the removal. This ensures compliance with Irish electrical safety standards and prevents any issues when you reinstall it later.
2. Consider the SEAI Home Charger Grant Conditions
If you received a SEAI electric vehicle home charger grant for your charger installation, you can bring your charger to the new property as the home charger grant is linked to the properties MPRN, not the individual who applied for the home charger grant.
WattCharger handles SEAI grant paperwork and compliance on behalf of customers, including grant claims and certification. If you are unsure what applies to your installation now that you are moving, contact your installer to review the terms.
For general information on SEAI support with EV chargers, see Can You Claim Tax Relief for Installing an EV Charger at Home?
3. What to Do If You Leave the Charger Installed
If you decide to leave the charger in the property for the new owners:
- Make sure the charger and installation records go with the property.
- A buyer may value a ready EV charging setup, especially if it is compatible with solar or smart charging.
- Provide manuals and any service history to the new owner.
This can be a selling point for EV drivers and may enhance appeal. Including a charger in your property sale can be particularly effective if you combine it with rising interest in home EV infrastructure.
4. Reinstalling at Your New Home
When you take your charger with you, you will need a fresh installation at your new property.
Here are some considerations:
- Site Inspection
A qualified electrician will assess the new property for suitability, ideal location for the charger and compliance with Irish safety standards. - Load Capacity and Location
Your fuse board location and off street parking arrangement at the new home will determine the exact placement and cabling requirements. See How to Pick the Best Spot for Your EV Charger for tips on charger location planning. - Grant Eligibility at New Address
In most cases, if you have already claimed the SEAI grant at your old home, you can claim the grant again for the same charger. However, you need to make sure the new home has not already received the SEAI home charger grant. Consult SEAI guidelines or your installer for clarity. - Reinstallation Cost
Professional re-installations are the safest and most compliant option. You can expect reasonable rates, similar to a fresh installation, with certified electricians ensuring correct connection and safety testing.
5. Replacing Your Charger
Sometimes it makes sense to replace the charger rather than reinstall it. Possible reasons include:
- The charger is older and lacks the latest features
- You want a solar optimised or smart charging unit like the Zappi EV Charger from WattCharger, which integrates seamlessly with home solar systems and helps lower charging costs by using renewable energy.
- Your new home layout is better served by a different charger model like the Ohme ePod 7.4 kW which is discreet and supports smart scheduling and lower cost charging.
Upgrading can be a chance to increase efficiency, add smart functionality, or pair with future solar or battery storage.
6. What if You Had Solar and EV Charging Set Up Together?
Many homeowners combine their EV charger with home solar panels so that the car charges on free solar energy when available. If you are moving and have a combined system, you may also want to:
- Prioritise transporting solar monitoring or storage components like batteries
- Review system compatibility at the new property
- Plan a site survey so that solar plus charger alignment makes sense in the new location
If you did not already link solar with charging, consider how this integration benefits your system in your next home by reading Can You Use Solar to Power Your EV at Home.
7. Legal and Safety Considerations
Whether you remove or leave your EV charger, safety and compliance should remain paramount:
- Always use RECI certified electricians for removal and reinstallation.
- Ensure all electrical safety paperwork is updated.
- Provide the new homeowner with any manuals if you leave the charger behind.
Proper electrical installation and documentation helps protect your warranty and shields you from liability.
Final Thoughts
When you move house, an EV charger is a valuable asset you can take with you or leave behind depending on your plans. With the right preparation and qualified installers, moving or reinstalling the charger can be smooth and safe.
If you are moving and need expert help relocating or upgrading your EV charger at your new property, WattCharger can assess your new setup and guide you through the entire process.
Blog Author: Rowan Egan