Charging at home is one of the biggest reasons people switch to an EV in the first place — no queuing at a public charger, and typically a cheaper cost per mile. Here’s what to actually think about before getting a home charger installed.
Why a Home Charger Beats Public Charging
A dedicated home charger lets you plug in overnight and wake up to a full battery, without relying on public charge points being available, working, or reasonably priced. For most drivers, home charging ends up being both the most convenient and the most cost-effective way to keep an EV topped up day to day.
Choosing the Right Charger for Your Car
Most UK homes are wired for a single-phase 7kW charger, which is the standard for domestic installations and suits the vast majority of electric cars on the road. Properties with a three-phase supply can sometimes support faster charging, but for most households a 7kW unit charges a typical EV battery from empty to full overnight comfortably.
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Installation: What to Expect
A home charger installation typically involves running a dedicated circuit from your consumer unit to the charging point, mounting the unit on an external wall or post, and testing the full setup. Most straightforward installations are completed in a single visit, though the exact time depends on cable runs and your existing electrical setup.
Smart Charging and Off-Peak Tariffs
Many home chargers are “smart” — meaning they can be scheduled to charge during off-peak hours when electricity is cheaper, and some can be paired with EV-specific energy tariffs to bring the cost per mile down further. If you’re also considering solar panels, pairing a home charger with solar generation is worth planning together rather than as two separate decisions.
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