Which EV charger for your home?

Choosing the right electric vehicle (EV) charger for your home can seem daunting, but understanding the options and requirements will help you make an informed decision. Home EV charging is crucial for convenience and cost savings for electric vehicle owners in the UK. This guide cuts through the complexity, offering clear, fact-backed advice to help you select and install the best solution for your needs.

Understanding home EV charger types

Home EV chargers come in various forms, each with distinct features that impact convenience and functionality. Knowing the differences between them is the first step in finding the right fit for your home and vehicle.

Tethered vs untethered chargers

A tethered charger has a cable permanently attached, meaning it is always ready to plug into your EV. This offers convenience as you do not need to retrieve and store a separate cable each time you charge. However, the cable type (Type 1 or Type 2) must match your vehicle's port, and if you change your EV to one with a different port, the charger might become incompatible.

An untethered charger, on the other hand, comes without a permanently attached cable. You use your own charging cable, which typically comes with your EV. This provides flexibility, as you can use different cables for different vehicles, making it a more future-proof option if you anticipate changing your car or sharing the charger with others.

Smart vs non-smart chargers

The distinction between smart and non-smart chargers is increasingly important for UK EV owners. Non-smart chargers simply deliver power to your vehicle without any advanced features or connectivity.

Smart chargers, however, offer a range of intelligent functionalities. They can connect to your home Wi-Fi, allowing you to control and monitor charging via a smartphone app. This includes scheduling charging sessions to take advantage of off-peak electricity tariffs, tracking energy consumption, and sometimes even integrating with solar panels or home energy management systems. These features are essential for optimising energy use and reducing running costs. New EV charger installations are increasingly required to include smart charging features to support grid stability and enable demand-side response.

Power ratings and charging speed explained

The power rating of an EV charger directly correlates with how quickly it can replenish your vehicle's battery. Understanding these ratings is key to managing your expectations and ensuring your home's electrical capacity can support your chosen charger.

Why 7.4kW is ideal for most UK homes

For the vast majority of UK homes, a 7.4kW EV charger is the practical and most efficient choice. Most UK homes use a single-phase electricity supply, which typically limits charging speeds to 7.4kW without costly upgrades. Installing a 7.4kW charger usually requires a single-phase connection, which is standard in UK residential properties.

The realities of 22kW charging in the UK

While 22kW chargers offer significantly faster charging speeds, their practicality for most UK homes is limited. These units require a three-phase electricity supply, which is typically found in commercial properties or larger, newer homes. Upgrading a standard single-phase home to a three-phase connection can be a complex and costly undertaking, involving significant infrastructure changes and potential disruption, with costs ranging from £3,000 to £15,000.

The benefits of 22kW charging are often outweighed by the installation complexities and substantial additional costs. For most EV owners, the incremental speed gain over a 7.4kW charger does not justify the investment in a three-phase upgrade, especially when overnight charging can fully replenish their vehicle's battery.

How fast can you charge your EV?

The charging speed of your EV depends on several factors, including the charger's power rating, your vehicle's maximum charging acceptance rate, and its battery size. A 7.4kW home EV charger typically adds approximately 25 to 30 miles of range per hour of charging.

To put this into perspective, if your EV has a 60kWh battery - a common capacity for many electric vehicles - a 7.4kW charger could fully charge it from empty in about 8 hours (60 kWh / 7.4 kW = 8.1 hours). This makes overnight charging a convenient and effective solution for most EV drivers.

Navigating OZEV chargepoint grants

The Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV) offers grants to help reduce the cost of installing EV chargepoints. However, eligibility criteria are specific and have changed over time. It is crucial to understand which grants are currently available and who qualifies.

Who is eligible for domestic grants?

The OZEV chargepoint grants have specific eligibility criteria, and the previous Electric Vehicle Homecharge Scheme (EVHS) for owner-occupiers in houses with off-street parking has been discontinued. This means that a typical homeowner who owns and lives in a house with private off-street parking no longer qualifies for a domestic chargepoint grant.

Currently, there are several active schemes, each with distinct eligibility:

• EV chargepoint grant for renters and flat owners: This grant provides up to £500 towards installing a chargepoint at the property. To be eligible, you must own and live in a flat, or rent and live in any residential property, and have private off-street parking.
• EV chargepoint grant for households with on-street parking: This grant also offers up to £500 towards installation. You must own or rent the property, be installing a cross-pavement solution (like a charging gully), and only have on-street parking.
• There are also grants for landlords, workplaces, and state-funded education institutions, but these are not for individual domestic installations.

The application process for OZEV grants

For all current domestic OZEV chargepoint grants, the customer applies for the grant themselves via the GOV.UK eligibility and application page. The role of an OZEV-authorised installer begins only after your application is approved. Installers do not apply for the grant on your behalf, handle the paperwork, or deduct the grant from your installation invoice. This process ensures transparency and direct engagement with the grant scheme.

Discontinued schemes: what you need to know

It is important to be aware that the EVHS, which previously offered grants to owner-occupiers in houses with off-street parking, is no longer active. If you are an owner-occupier in a house with a driveway or other off-street parking, you will not be eligible for a domestic OZEV grant for your home chargepoint installation. Always check the latest information on the government's website to confirm your eligibility for any current schemes.

Smart charging and energy integration

Smart charging goes beyond simply plugging in your car; it is about making your EV an integral part of your home's energy ecosystem. This integration can lead to significant cost savings and a more efficient use of energy.

Optimising charging with smart tariffs

Smart charging features allow you to optimise when and how your EV charges. By integrating with smart energy tariffs, you can schedule your charging sessions to occur during off-peak hours when electricity is cheaper. This can drastically reduce the cost of running your EV. For example, if your tariff offers significantly lower rates overnight, a smart charger can automatically begin charging your car during those hours, ensuring it is ready when you need it without incurring peak-rate costs. Understanding EV tariffs explained can help you make the most of these savings.

Chargers compatible with smart providers

Many modern smart chargers are designed to be compatible with various smart energy tariffs and providers. This compatibility is crucial for unlocking the full potential of smart charging. When choosing an EV charger, look for models that explicitly state their ability to integrate with popular smart energy suppliers. This ensures you can take advantage of time-of-use tariffs and other energy-saving programmes.

The benefits of an integrated home energy system

An integrated home energy system, where your EV charger communicates with your smart meter installation, solar panels (if you have them), and energy tariff, offers numerous benefits. It allows for intelligent energy management, prioritising cheaper, greener electricity when available. This not only saves you money but also contributes to grid stability by shifting demand away from peak times. By optimising charging with smart tariffs and the Fuse app, customers can make the most of abundant, cheaper energy without fear of high bills.

Home EV charger installation: what to expect

Installing a home EV charger involves more than just mounting the unit to a wall. It requires professional expertise to ensure safety, compliance, and optimal performance.

Standard installation vs additional costs

A standard EV charger installation typically covers the basic setup, including mounting the charger, running cabling up to a certain distance (e.g., 15 metres), and connecting it to your home's electricity supply. However, additional costs can arise if your installation deviates from these standard parameters. This might include:

• Longer cable runs: If the distance from your fuse box to the charger location exceeds the standard allowance.
• Groundworks: If cables need to be run underground.
• Electrical upgrades: If your consumer unit (fuse box) needs upgrading, or if you require a meter tail upgrade to handle the increased load. A meter tail upgrade costs £100, or £170 if an isolator switch is also required.
• Three-phase supply: Upgrading to a three-phase supply for a 22kW charger is a significant additional cost.

It is essential to obtain a detailed quote from an approved installer that clarifies all potential costs upfront, based on a survey of your property.

Choosing an approved installer

Installation of EV chargers must comply with current electrical safety regulations (e.g., BS 7671) and be carried out by qualified, approved electricians. Always choose an OZEV-approved installer to ensure the work meets safety standards and is eligible for any applicable grants (if you qualify). An approved installer will have the necessary certifications and experience to carry out the work safely and efficiently.

Fuse's Easee one charger and installation package

Fuse is an OZEV-approved installer, ensuring professional and compliant installation. Fuse offers the Easee One EV charger, including full installation, for £899. This package covers:

• The Easee One charger unit.
• Full installation up to 15 metres of cabling.
• Surge protection.
• A 3-year warranty.

The Easee One is a 7.4kW charger, ideal for most UK homes, and features a 32A current rating, a universal socket, and compact dimensions (H256 × W193 × D106 mm). The Fuse app integrates with the Easee One charger, allowing customers to monitor and control charging for optimal cost and energy use. To verify feasibility for an install, photos of your meter, fuse board, and a video of the proposed installation location are needed.

Choosing the best EV charger for your home

Making the final decision on an EV charger involves weighing your vehicle's needs, your lifestyle, and future considerations.

Matching a charger to your vehicle and lifestyle

Consider your EV's maximum charging rate. While a 7.4kW charger is standard, some older EVs might only accept 3.7kW, and some newer ones might be capable of faster AC charging (though rarely 22kW at home). Match the charger's output to your car's input for optimal efficiency.

Think about your daily driving habits. If you typically drive short distances, a 7.4kW charger will easily top up your battery overnight. If you have a long commute or frequently need to charge quickly, assess if a 7.4kW unit still meets your needs, or if public rapid chargers might be a better supplementary solution for occasional fast charging.

Key features to look for

When comparing chargers, prioritise these features:

• Smart functionality: Essential for cost savings through scheduled charging and integration with smart tariffs.
• Tethered or untethered: Choose based on convenience and future flexibility.
• Durability and weather resistance: Important for outdoor installations.
• Safety features: Overcurrent protection, residual current device (RCD) protection, and surge protection are crucial.
• App control: A user-friendly app for monitoring and managing your charging.
• Warranty: A good warranty provides peace of mind.

Future-proofing your home charging solution

While 7.4kW is currently optimal for most UK homes, consider the long-term. An untethered charger offers flexibility for future EVs with different cable types. A smart charger with robust app integration will allow you to adapt to evolving energy tariffs and grid services. By choosing a solution that balances current needs with future adaptability, you ensure your home charging setup remains efficient and cost-effective for years to come.