Everything you need to know about installing an EV charger at home, including costs, charger types, electrical requirements, and available grants.
Why Install a Home EV Charger?
Charging your electric vehicle at home is significantly cheaper and more convenient than relying on public charging networks. A typical home charge using off-peak electricity costs around £4-£7 for a full charge (compared to £15-£30 at a public rapid charger). You can plug in when you arrive home and wake up to a fully charged vehicle. Home charging also puts less strain on the battery compared to frequent rapid charging, extending the lifespan of your EV battery.
Types of Home EV Charger
Home EV chargers typically come in two speeds. A 7kW charger (the most common choice) can fully charge a typical 60kWh EV battery in around 8-9 hours — perfect for overnight charging. A 3.6kW charger is cheaper to install but takes roughly twice as long. For commercial premises, we also install 22kW three-phase chargers that can charge a compatible vehicle in around 3 hours. Popular brands include myenergi Zappi (which can divert solar power to your car), SolaX, and Ohme. Both tethered (cable permanently attached) and untethered (bring your own cable) options are available.
Electrical Requirements
A dedicated electrical circuit from your consumer unit is required for an EV charger. Our NICEIC-approved electricians will assess your existing electrical installation to ensure it can handle the additional load. In most cases, a 7kW charger can be added without any issues. If your consumer unit is older or at capacity, we may recommend an upgrade — this is straightforward and something we handle regularly. The charger must also comply with the latest IET Wiring Regulations (BS 7671) and be installed by a qualified electrician.
Installation Process and Costs
A typical domestic EV charger installation takes half a day to a full day, depending on the complexity. The process involves mounting the charger unit (usually on an external wall near your parking space), running a dedicated cable from your consumer unit, and configuring the smart features. Total costs including the charger unit and installation typically range from £1,000 to £1,500 for a standard 7kW installation. We provide a fixed-price quote after our initial assessment so there are no surprises.
Solar and EV Charging Combined
If you have or are considering solar panels, combining them with an EV charger is one of the smartest energy investments you can make. Smart chargers like the myenergi Zappi can automatically divert surplus solar energy to charge your car, meaning you could drive on free, clean energy. Even a modest 4kW solar system can generate enough surplus electricity during summer months to cover a significant portion of your annual driving miles.
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