Buying an electric car is an exciting step toward cleaner, greener driving — but it brings up new questions. Chief among them: how do I charge it at home?
In this guide, we explore the different types of home EV charging points, how fast they are, what they cost to install, and how to choose the right one for your setup.
Why Charge at Home?
Public chargers are useful, but home charging is where the magic happens. It’s cheaper, more convenient, and ensures you wake up every day with a full battery.
Key benefits:
- 🔌 Cost-efficient — charge at off-peak rates
- 🏡 Convenient — plug in overnight
- ⚡ Better battery care — consistent charging speeds
Types of UK Home EV Charging Stations
Home EV chargers fall into three main categories based on their speed and power:
1. Slow Chargers (3kW)
- Charge time: 8–12+ hours for a full charge
- Connection: Standard 3-pin plug
- Use case: Occasional or emergency charging
Pros:
- No installation needed
- Just plug into any wall socket
Cons:
- Very slow
- Not ideal for daily use
- Can overload domestic circuits if used long-term
Best for:
Plug-in hybrids or EVs with small batteries, people with very limited driving needs.
2. Fast Chargers (7kW – 22kW)
- Charge time: 3–8 hours depending on your car
- Connection: Tethered or untethered wall box
- Use case: Everyday home charging
Pros:
- Much faster than a 3-pin plug
- Installed professionally and safely
- Works with most EVs
Cons:
- Installation cost (£800–£1,200, though grants are available)
- 22kW requires 3-phase power (not common in UK homes)
Best for:
Most UK households with a dedicated driveway or garage. 7kW is the most common and suitable for most users.
3. Rapid Chargers (43kW+)
- Charge time: 30–60 minutes
- Connection: Not available for home use
- Use case: Public charging stations only
Note: Rapid chargers are not suitable for home installation due to their high power demands and cost. But it’s good to know the difference when comparing options.
Tethered vs Untethered UK Home EV Charging Stations
When installing a fast charger, you’ll choose between:
| Type | Description | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tethered | Has a cable permanently attached | Easy to plug in | Cable may not fit all EVs |
| Untethered | Uses a separate cable (like a public charger) | More flexible for future cars | Extra step to plug in both ends |
Smart Chargers
A smart charger connects to the internet and can:
- Schedule charging at off-peak times
- Balance grid demand
- Link with solar panels
- Monitor usage via an app
From 2022, most new home chargers in the UK must have smart functionality by law.
How to Get a Home Charger Installed
- Check eligibility
- Do you have off-street parking?
- Is your electricity supply sufficient (most homes are fine for 7kW)?
- Apply for a grant
- The EV chargepoint grant offers up to £350 off installation for eligible households (especially if you rent or own a flat).
- Choose an installer
- Use an OZEV-approved installer to qualify for grants
- Installation typically takes a few hours
- Choose a charger
Popular models include:- Ohme Home Pro
- Wallbox Pulsar Plus
- Pod Point
- Zappi (good if you have solar panels)
Charging Time Comparison
| Charger Type | Power | Time to Charge 0–100% (40kWh battery) |
|---|---|---|
| 3-pin plug | 2.3kW | ~17 hours |
| Fast (7kW) | 7kW | ~6 hours |
| Fast (22kW)* | 22kW | ~2 hours (if supported) |
*Requires 3-phase power — rare in homes
Tips to Maximise Home Charging Efficiency
- 📅 Charge overnight for the cheapest rates
- ⚡ Choose a dual-tariff energy plan for EVs
- 🧊 Avoid charging to 100% daily — better for battery health
- 🌞 Pair with solar panels for even cleaner driving
- 📱 Use smart features to automate charging
Final Thoughts
Switching to an electric vehicle is a big step — and so is choosing how to charge it.
For most drivers, a 7kW smart charger installed at home offers the best mix of speed, safety, and long-term value. Understanding your charging needs and setup will help you make the best choice — and keep your EV fully charged for every journey.