Home charging is the most convenient and cheapest way to run an electric car, with around 80% of all EV charging taking place at home, according to the Energy Saving Trust. Yet for many drivers, the practical questions of how to charge, what equipment to install and what it costs remain unanswered. A new guide from Autocar sets out the key considerations for UK motorists considering a home charger.
The most common and effective solution is a wallbox charger, a standalone unit wired directly into a home's electricity supply and mounted on an external wall. Wallboxes deliver charging speeds more than three times faster than a standard three-pin domestic socket. Most units provide 7kW fast charging, which halves the charging time compared with 3kW alternatives and is sufficient for almost all electric cars when charging overnight.
Charging from a three-pin socket, by contrast, is limited by many manufacturers to just 2.3kW. A car with a 73kWh battery, such as the Peugeot E-3008, can take more than 24 hours to fully charge this way, while larger packs in models like the BMW iX3 or Range Rover Electric can take days. This slow method is known as trickle charging.
Wallboxes are available in tethered and untethered versions. A tethered unit has a permanently attached cable with a Type 1 or Type 2 connector, making it ideal for households with a single EV. Untethered units require the cable supplied with the car, which adds a step but allows drivers to swap between different connector types, such as Chademo and CCS, if they run two different EV models.
Smart chargers offer additional benefits. These units can be programmed remotely via a smartphone app to charge only when electricity tariffs are cheapest, and some can condition the battery to extend its lifespan. Others can be linked to solar panels, reducing both bills and carbon footprint. Faster 11kW and 22kW chargers are available but require a three-phase power supply, which is rare in domestic settings. Upgrading a home supply is unlikely to justify the extra cost unless multiple EVs need charging.
Costs vary by charging speed and smart features. Basic 3kW slow chargers start at around £100, while a faster 7kW unit costs about £300. Smart units with wireless control typically range from £450 to £1000. Fitting is usually included, though significant changes to household wiring may incur extra charges. Some car manufacturers offer a free wallbox and installation with the purchase of a new EV.
Government support is available through the Office of Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV). Buyers of new electric vehicles can qualify for a grant covering 75% of the price and installation cost of a wallbox, up to a maximum of £350. This incentive is designed to encourage the switch to electric driving.
However, home charging is not accessible to everyone. Only around 60% of UK drivers have access to a driveway, falling to 40% in urban areas. Those in rented accommodation, flats or apartments face particular barriers. Charging cables must not be stretched across roads or footpaths, and while recessed cable gullies can sometimes be installed in pavements, this requires local council approval and does not guarantee a parking space next to the charger.
For those with off-street parking, the appeal of home charging is clear: cheaper running costs, the convenience of waking up to a full battery and less reliance on public charging networks. As the UK continues its transition to electric vehicles, understanding the options for home charging will remain a central part of the ownership experience.