EV home charging costs and installation

Charging an electric vehicle (EV) at home offers unparalleled convenience and can significantly reduce running costs compared to relying solely on public charging infrastructure. Setting up a Home EV charging solution involves understanding charger types, installation requirements, available grants, and how to optimise your charging for maximum efficiency and savings.

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Understanding EV home charging

Why charge Your EV at home?

Charging Your EV at home is generally more cost-effective and convenient than using public charging points. You can wake up to a fully charged car every morning, eliminating range anxiety and the need to seek out public chargers. This convenience translates into significant time savings and a more predictable daily routine. Home charging also offers greater control over your energy consumption and costs, especially when paired with smart charging technology.

How Home EV charging works

Home EV charging involves installing a dedicated chargepoint at your property, typically in your garage or on an exterior wall near your parking space. Your EV connects to this chargepoint via a cable, drawing electricity from your home's mains supply. Most home chargers use alternating current (AC) electricity, which is then converted to direct current (DC) within the car's onboard charger. Smart features allow you to schedule charging sessions, monitor energy usage, and take advantage of cheaper off-peak electricity tariffs.

Types of Home EV chargers

Choosing the right Home EV charger depends on your vehicle, daily driving needs, and home electrical supply.

Slow (3.6kW) vs fast (7kW) chargers

The primary difference between home chargers lies in their power output, measured in kilowatts (kW), which dictates charging speed.

• Slow (3.6kW) chargers: These are typically the slowest option, adding around 15 miles of range per hour. While they can fully charge most EVs overnight, they are less common for new installations due to the popularity of faster alternatives.
• Fast (7kW) chargers: Most Home EV chargers installed today are 7kW units, adding approximately 25-30 miles of range per hour. This speed is ideal for overnight charging, ensuring Your EV is ready for daily use by morning. A 7kW charger can typically fully charge an average EV battery in 6-10 hours.

Untethered vs tethered chargers

Home chargers come in two main designs:

• Tethered chargers: These have a charging cable permanently attached to the unit. This offers convenience as you do not need to retrieve your car's cable from the boot each time you charge.
• Untethered chargers: These units require you to use Your EV's own charging cable. This provides flexibility if you own multiple EVs with different connector types (though most modern EVs use the Type 2 connector in the UK).

Smart charging features

All new private chargepoints sold in Great Britain must have smart functionality and meet specific security standards to ensure grid stability and consumer benefits. Smart chargers offer a range of features that enhance convenience and cost savings:

• Scheduled charging: Set your charger to operate during specific times, typically overnight, to take advantage of cheaper off-peak electricity tariffs.
• Remote control: Start, stop, or pause charging sessions from your smartphone, even when you are not home.
• Energy monitoring: Track Your EV's energy consumption and charging costs through an app.
• Load balancing: Prevent overloading your home's electrical supply by dynamically adjusting charging power based on other household electricity usage.
• Integration: Some smart chargers can integrate with solar panels or home battery storage systems, allowing you to charge Your EV with self-generated renewable energy.

EV charger installation: process and requirements

Installing an EV charger at home is a significant upgrade that requires careful planning and professional execution.

Assessing your home's suitability

Before anything else, you need to ensure your home can support an EV charger. This involves:

• Electrical capacity: Your home's main fuse and consumer unit (fuse box) must be able to handle the additional load of an EV charger, especially a 7kW unit. An electrician will assess this during a site survey. Some homes may require an upgrade to their main fuse or consumer unit, which can add to the overall cost.
• Parking: You need a dedicated off-street parking space where Your EV can be safely parked and connected to the charger. The charger itself should be installed within a reasonable distance of your parking spot to avoid long cable runs.
• Wi-Fi connectivity: Smart chargers require a stable Wi-Fi connection to enable their smart features and receive updates.

The installation steps

The process of getting a Home EV charger installed typically follows these steps:

1. Research chargers: Choose a charger that meets your needs, considering power output, smart features, and design.
2. Check grant eligibility: Determine if you qualify for government grants that can reduce installation costs.
3. Obtain quotes: Contact multiple qualified and approved installers for detailed quotes. These should include the cost of the charger, installation, and any necessary electrical upgrades.
4. Professional installation: A certified electrician will install the chargepoint, connect it to your home's electrical supply, and ensure it complies with all safety regulations.
5. Setup smart features: Once installed, configure your smart charger's settings via its dedicated app to optimise your charging schedule.

Considerations for flats and rented properties

Installing an EV charger can be more complex if you live in a flat or a rented property, but it is not impossible.

• Flats: If you own a flat, you may be eligible for the EV Chargepoint Grant for renters and flat owners. However, you will need permission from your freeholder or management company to install a chargepoint in a communal parking area or on the building's exterior. This often involves discussions about shared electricity supply and maintenance.
• Rented properties: For tenants, written permission from your landlord is essential before any installation can proceed. Landlords can also apply for the EV Chargepoint Grant for landlords, which can help cover the cost of installing chargepoints for their tenants. Clear communication and agreement on installation, costs, and future maintenance are crucial.

Cost of Home EV charging and installation

Understanding the costs involved is key to making an informed decision about Home EV charging.

How much does an EV charger cost?

The cost of a Home EV charger unit itself typically ranges from £250 to £900, depending on the brand, power output, and smart features. Installation costs can vary significantly based on the complexity of the job, your home's existing electrical infrastructure, and the installer's rates. A standard installation (where your consumer unit is suitable and the cable run is straightforward) might cost between £800 and £1,200, including the unit and labour. More complex installations requiring electrical upgrades or extensive cabling can push the total cost higher.

Government grants: OZEV EV chargepoint grants

The UK government offers incentives to help reduce the upfront cost of installing a Home EV charger. The Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV) provides several grants. For example, the EV Chargepoint Grant for renters and flat owners can provide up to £500 towards the cost of installing a smart chargepoint at home. This grant is available to those who own and live in a flat, or rent any residential property, provided they have private off-street parking. Owner-occupiers in houses with private off-street parking are not eligible for current domestic chargepoint grants. To qualify, you must own an eligible EV, and the installation must be carried out by an OZEV-authorised installer.

Running costs: how much to charge an electric car at home?

The running cost of charging an EV at home depends heavily on your electricity tariff. The average UK home uses around 2,700 kWh of electricity per year. Charging an EV typically adds a significant amount to this, but smart charging allows you to minimise the impact.

Charging an EV at home during off-peak hours can be significantly cheaper than peak-time charging or using public rapid chargers. For example, if your electricity tariff charges 35p per kWh during peak hours but only 10p per kWh off-peak, charging a 60kWh EV battery would cost £21 at peak times but just £6 off-peak. This highlights the substantial savings possible through smart charging.

Optimising your Home EV charging

Maximising the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of your Home EV charging setup is a strategic move.

Leveraging off-peak tariffs

The most impactful way to reduce Your EV charging costs is to utilise off-peak electricity tariffs. Many energy suppliers offer specific EV tariffs or time-of-use tariffs that provide significantly cheaper electricity rates during certain hours, usually overnight. By programming your smart charger to operate exclusively during these off-peak windows, you can drastically cut your running costs. This approach transforms EV charging from a potential expense into a smart energy play.

Integrating with home energy systems

For ultimate control and savings, consider integrating Your EV charging with broader home energy management systems.

• Solar panels: If you have solar panels, a smart charger can be configured to prioritise Charging Your EV when your panels are generating surplus electricity. This allows you to power your car with free, renewable energy, further reducing your reliance on grid electricity.
• Home batteries: Pairing an EV charger with a home battery storage system allows you to store excess solar energy or cheap off-peak grid electricity, then use it to charge Your EV later. This creates a highly efficient and self-sufficient energy ecosystem for your home and vehicle.

Maximising charging speed

While 7kW chargers are standard for home use, ensuring you get the maximum possible charging speed involves a few checks:

• Cable compatibility: Always use a charging cable that is rated for the maximum output of your chargepoint (e.g., a 7kW cable for a 7kW charger).
• Vehicle's onboard charger: Your EV's onboard charger has a maximum AC charging rate. Even with a 7kW home charger, if your car's onboard charger only accepts 3.6kW AC, that will be your maximum charging speed.
• Home electrical system: As mentioned, your home's electrical capacity must be sufficient. Any limitations here will restrict charging speed.

Future-proofing Your EV home charging setup

Investing in an EV home charging setup is a long-term decision. Future-proofing ensures your system remains relevant and efficient as technology evolves.

What to look for in a smart charger

When selecting a smart charger, consider features that offer flexibility and future compatibility:

• Open standards: Choose a charger that supports open communication protocols, making it easier to integrate with future home energy management systems or new energy tariffs.
• Over-the-Air updates: Chargers that can receive software updates will benefit from new features and security enhancements without needing physical upgrades.
• Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) capability: While still emerging, V2G technology allows Your EV to send electricity back to the grid, potentially earning you money or supporting grid stability. If available, a V2G-ready charger could be a valuable long-term investment.
• Robust app functionality: A user-friendly and feature-rich app is crucial for managing schedules, monitoring usage, and accessing support.

The role of batteries and solar

The combination of home batteries and solar panels is increasingly becoming the ultimate future-proofing strategy for EV owners. This setup not only reduces your electricity bills but also provides energy independence and resilience against power outages. As battery technology advances and solar panel efficiency improves, integrating these elements with Your EV charger will offer even greater long-term savings and environmental benefits.

Long-term savings and benefits

A well-planned Home EV charging setup, especially one that leverages smart technology and integrates with home energy solutions, offers substantial long-term savings. Beyond the immediate financial benefits of cheaper charging, you gain greater control over your energy consumption, contribute to a greener environment, and enhance the value and modernity of your home. This strategic approach to home energy management positions you to make the most of the abundant energy future.

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