Charging your electric car is easier than ever when you install an EV charger at home. With many charging point companies bundling the cost of home installation and the cost of a charger, for around £500-£1000 you can benefit from convenient, cost-effective charging.

Simply plug in your electric car when you’re not using it and top up the battery, ready for when you need it next. Home EV charger installation means you don’t have to worry about finding a charging point when you’re on the go. It can reduce range anxiety and offer a cost-saving solution for EV drivers.

Whether you’re a homeowner or you live in a rented property, there are ways you can benefit from EV home charger installation. Below, we’ll explore these advantages, as well as your options for home charging, home electric car charger costs, and how to get a home EV charger.

There are a couple of options for charging your EV at home, including a EV home charging point and three-pin chargers. It’s important to know the difference between each when purchasing an electric car:

• EV home chargers: EV drivers typically choose to install a dedicated home charging point for convenient charging with built-in safety features. They can be installed on external walls or in garages. They are weather-proof and are used to charge electrical vehicles at home when they’re not being used.
• Three-pin chargers: Whilst it’s not advised, you can charge your electric car with a three-pin plug that is connected to your main electrical supply. Household plugs are not built to withstand extended use, but if the plug is dry and does not feel hot to the touch, this type of charging can be used if necessary.

Yes! Whether you’re a homeowner or you’re renting, there are options to suit you when it comes to EV home charger installation.

Charging for homeowners

Installing an EV home charger is straightforward if you have off-street parking or a garage. Once you’ve found your preferred provider, they’ll come to you and install your charger — connecting it to the mains electricity supply. Keep in mind that there are some places where charging points cannot be installed, including fences.

Charging at a rented property

Even if you live in rented accommodation, you can still drive and charge an electric car. You can install a charger on an external wall of your building if you have your landlord’s permission and agree to pay for this yourself.

There is also the OZEV EV charging point grant which is aimed at those living in rented accommodation to reduce the price of installation and increase the uptake of electric vehicles. But you will need to make sure you meet the criteria.

Another way of charging an electric vehicle for those who don’t have a charging point installed at home is with lamp post charging points. These charging points allow EV drivers to top up their battery close to home, with more lamppost and bollard charging points becoming available for a low-cost, convenient charging option.

To charge your electric car when you’re not using it, you’ll need to install an EV charging point at home. This process is made simple, with a range of providers now offering this service.

When choosing to install an EV charging point at home, there are a few factors to consider, including:

• Provider: Before installing a home EV charger, you should compare providers to find the best option for you. Consider your budget, the type of chargers offered by each provider, and your ideal charging speed. Get quotes from different providers to assess your options and help you decide.
• Location: You’ll need to think about where your home charger could be installed. Typically, engineers will fit the charger to an external wall or garage to ensure you have access and so it can be connected to the mains electricity supply safely.
• Charger type: Providers offer a range of chargers to suit your preferences. Options may include untethered chargers, chargers that are compatible with solar power, and chargers that can be controlled remotely from your phone. Costs may differ depending on the features of the charger.

Installing a home EV charger is becoming more straightforward as the use of electric cars increases. Choosing a provider and type of charger to suit your needs, and getting a quote to determine how much this will cost means you can have peace of mind that your charger is efficient, safe and secure.

If you still have questions about installing an EV charger at home, find answers to the most common queries below:

How much does a home charger cost?

EV home charger installation costs vary depending on a few factors. Most home chargers are classified as 7kW ‘slow chargers’, which will cost around £500 to £1000 to, install depending on installation fees and features of the charger, like WiFi connectivity and LED displays. Whilst it’s uncommon, homes in the UK can upgrade to 22kW chargers, but this would cost significantly more.

How long does installing an electric charger take?

Typically, it takes around 2-3 hours to install an EV charger. It can take longer depending on where you’re installing it, how many chargers you need, and how much time-consuming work needs to be done.

Can I install a home charger if I rent my property?

Yes, you can still benefit from an EV even if you rent your home. The law states, that in the UK, tenants can install a home charger if they agree to this with their landlord and agree to pay the costs. If you can’t convince your landlord, you could explore public charging networks and workplace chargers.

How fast will a home charger charge my car?

Home charging points charge your car at a rate of 3.6kW to 7kW, which translates to 15–30 miles of range per hour of charge. The maximum charging speed of your car also depends on your vehicle's onboard charger.

Can I install my home charger myself?

You should have your home charger installed by an electrician. Whilst this may seem more expensive in the short term, it means your charger will be installed correctly and that it complies with regulations. Some EV charging points lose their warranty if not installed professionally, which means if something goes wrong, you’ll have to take care of the bill.

Installing an electric car charger at home means you can conveniently charge your EV when you’re not using it. Whether you own your home or rent a property, there are a range of options available which allow you to benefit from driving an electric car, including BYD and Shell’s partnership to reduce public charging costs. Find out more about electric vehicle ownership with our comprehensive guides.