Installing an EV charger at home means fitting a dedicated wall-mounted unit, known as a smart charger or EVSE, that delivers 7kW of AC power through a 32A circuit. A professional electrician handles the installation, which typically takes 2 to 4 hours. Government grants are available to reduce the cost for eligible UK households.
Charging your electric vehicle at home is more convenient and cheaper than relying on public networks. Most EV owners do the majority of their charging overnight at home, taking advantage of off-peak electricity tariffs. This guide covers everything you need to choose, buy and install the right home EV charger.
Types of Home EV Charger
3-pin plug (Mode 2)
You can charge any EV from a standard 3-pin socket using the cable that comes with the car. It is slow (around 8 to 10 hours for a full charge on a typical EV) and not recommended as a permanent solution. It is only suitable for occasional top-ups or as a temporary backup.
Dedicated home charger (Mode 3)
A dedicated wall-mounted unit, also called a home charge point or EVSE (Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment), connects directly to your consumer unit via a dedicated circuit. Most home chargers deliver 7kW (32A, single phase), which charges a typical 60kWh EV battery from near empty in around 8 to 9 hours. This is the standard choice for UK homes.
Three-phase charging
Some properties have a three-phase electricity supply. If yours does, a three-phase charger can deliver up to 22kW, cutting charge times to around 3 hours. Most UK homes are single-phase, so this applies to a minority of domestic installations.
Key Features to Look For
Smart functionality
Smart chargers connect to your home Wi-Fi and allow you to schedule charging via an app. This is particularly useful for taking advantage of cheaper overnight electricity tariffs such as Octopus Go or British Gas Electric Driver. Some smart chargers also support solar integration, so excess generation charges your car first before exporting to the grid.
Cable tethered vs untethered
Tethered units have a fixed cable attached to the charger. They are convenient because the cable is always ready. Untethered units have a socket that you plug your own cable into, which is neater and more flexible if you have multiple vehicles with different connector types. For most UK households with a single car, tethered is the simpler choice.
Connector type
Most modern EVs and PHEVs use a Type 2 connector for AC home charging. Check your vehicle's charging port before buying. All new home chargers sold in the UK must comply with PAS 1899 standards and include a Type 2 socket or cable.
Load management
Some chargers include dynamic load management, which monitors your home's overall electricity draw and reduces the charge rate if you are simultaneously running high-draw appliances. This prevents nuisance tripping of the main fuse and can be particularly useful in properties with a limited supply capacity.
Installation Requirements
What the electrician does
A qualified electrician will assess your consumer unit, run a dedicated circuit (typically 6mm twin-and-earth cable on a 32A MCB), install the charge point at the desired location and commission the unit. The work must be notified to your local authority under Part P of the Building Regulations, which a registered installer handles automatically.
Choosing an installer
Use an OZEV-approved installer. This is required if you want to claim any available grants. Approved installers are listed on the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles website. Always get two or three quotes and check reviews before booking.
Cable run length
The further the charge point is from the consumer unit, the thicker the cable needs to be to avoid volt drop. Runs over 10 metres may require 10mm cable. Your electrician will calculate the correct size.
Government Grants
The EV Chargepoint Grant (EVCG) provides up to 75% off the cost of purchasing and installing a home charge point, capped at £350. As of 2025, it is available to flat and rented property owners, and to landlords with tenanted properties. Owner-occupiers of houses are not currently eligible for the residential grant but may qualify through their employer or other schemes.
Check the current eligibility criteria on the gov.uk website before buying, as grant conditions are updated periodically.
Running Costs
Charging at home overnight on a cheap electricity tariff typically costs between 7p and 15p per kWh. For a 60kWh battery, a full charge costs roughly £4.20 to £9.00. Compare this to the equivalent petrol cost for the same range and the savings are substantial over time.
Installing solar panels alongside a home battery system creates further savings. Excess solar generation during the day can be stored in a battery and used to charge your EV in the evening, reducing your reliance on grid electricity entirely.
Installation Time and Disruption
A straightforward installation typically takes 2 to 4 hours. There is minimal disruption. The electrician will switch off power briefly while connecting to the consumer unit, but otherwise the work is clean and non-intrusive. Most units are installed on an external wall near where the car parks.
Which Charger is Right for You?
For most UK households, a 7kW smart tethered charger with app control and a Type 2 cable covers all use cases. If you have solar panels or a home battery, look for a charger with solar integration or vehicle-to-grid (V2G) capability for maximum efficiency. If you regularly need a faster top-up, and have three-phase supply, a 22kW unit makes sense.
