Why Install a Home EV Charger?
With electric vehicle sales soaring and the UK government's commitment to phasing out new petrol and diesel cars by 2030, installing a home EV charger has never been more relevant. While you can charge your electric vehicle using a standard three-pin plug, this method is painfully slow – taking up to 24 hours for a full charge.
A dedicated home EV charger can reduce charging time to just 3-8 hours, depending on your vehicle's battery size and the charger's power output. This means you can plug in overnight and wake up to a fully charged vehicle every morning, ready for your daily commute or weekend adventures.
Types of Home EV Chargers
Understanding the different types of EV chargers available will help you make an informed decision about which is right for your needs:
Slow Chargers (3kW)
These are essentially upgraded versions of a standard plug socket. They're the most affordable option but take the longest to charge – typically 8-12 hours for a full charge. Best suited for plug-in hybrids or if you have plenty of time to charge overnight.
Charging time: 8-12 hours | Cost: £300-£500
Fast Chargers (7kW)
The most popular choice for home installations. A 7kW charger can fully charge most electric vehicles in 3-5 hours, making it perfect for overnight charging. These chargers are compatible with all electric vehicles and offer the best balance of speed and cost.
Charging time: 3-5 hours | Cost: £800-£1,200
Fast Chargers (22kW)
The fastest home charging option, capable of fully charging most EVs in 1-2 hours. However, these require a three-phase electricity supply, which most UK homes don't have. Installation costs are significantly higher due to the electrical upgrades required.
Charging time: 1-2 hours | Cost: £1,500-£2,500+
Smart vs Standard Chargers
Since June 2022, all new home EV chargers installed in the UK must be "smart" chargers. But what does this mean, and why is it beneficial?
Smart chargers connect to your home WiFi and can be controlled via a smartphone app. This allows you to schedule charging during off-peak hours when electricity is cheaper, monitor your energy usage, and even integrate with solar panels to charge using renewable energy. Many smart chargers also offer load balancing, which prevents your home's electrical system from being overloaded.
Money-Saving Tip
Switch to an EV-specific energy tariff to maximise your savings. Tariffs like Octopus Go offer electricity at just 7.5p per kWh during off-peak hours (typically 00:30-04:30). This means charging a typical 60kWh battery costs just £4.50 – compared to £15-20 on a standard tariff.
With a smart charger, you can automatically schedule charging during these cheap hours, potentially saving hundreds of pounds per year.
Installation Requirements
Before installing an EV charger, there are several factors to consider:
Off-Street Parking: You'll need dedicated off-street parking such as a driveway or garage. Trailing cables across pavements is not permitted due to safety concerns.
Electrical Supply: Your home's electrical system must be capable of supporting the additional load. Most modern homes can accommodate a 7kW charger, but older properties may require upgrades to the consumer unit or main fuse.
WiFi Coverage: For smart chargers, you'll need reliable WiFi coverage in the installation area. If your garage or driveway has poor signal, you may need a WiFi extender.
Planning Permission: In most cases, installing an EV charger is considered "permitted development" and doesn't require planning permission. However, if you live in a listed building or conservation area, you should check with your local authority.
The Installation Process
A professional EV charger installation typically takes 3-4 hours and involves the following steps:
- 1.Site Survey: We'll assess your property's electrical system, check the consumer unit, and determine the best location for the charger.
- 2.Cable Installation: We'll run a dedicated cable from your consumer unit to the charger location. This may involve drilling through walls or running cables through conduit.
- 3.Charger Mounting: The charger unit is securely mounted to your wall at the optimal height for easy cable access.
- 4.Testing & Commissioning: We'll thoroughly test the installation, configure the smart features, and show you how to use your new charger.
- 5.Certification: You'll receive all necessary certification, including an EV charger installation certificate and updated electrical installation certificate.
Costs and Grants
The total cost of installing a home EV charger typically ranges from £800 to £1,500, including the unit and installation. While the government's Electric Vehicle Homecharge Scheme (EVHS) grant ended in March 2022 for most homeowners, grants are still available for:
- •Flat owners and residents in rental properties (up to £350 per installation)
- •Social housing residents
- •Properties in Scotland (up to £300 through the Scottish government scheme)
Even without grants, the investment pays for itself through fuel savings. The average UK driver spends around £1,500 per year on petrol, while charging an EV at home costs approximately £400-£600 annually – a saving of £900-£1,100 per year.
Choosing the Right Installer
It's crucial to use an OZEV-approved installer for your EV charger installation. OZEV (Office for Zero Emission Vehicles) approval ensures the installer meets strict safety and quality standards. Using an approved installer also makes you eligible for any available grants and ensures your installation is properly certified.
At MPL Electrical & Son, we're fully OZEV-approved and have extensive experience installing all major brands of EV chargers. We'll guide you through the entire process, from choosing the right charger for your needs to completing the installation and showing you how to get the most from your new charging point.
Ready to Install Your EV Charger?
Get a free, no-obligation quote for your home EV charger installation. We'll assess your property and recommend the best solution for your needs.