Buying guide: Helping you to choose your EV charger
The rise in electric vehicles has seen an increase in motorists looking to buy an EV charger for their home.
This guide will give you everything you need to know to confidently choose the best EV charger for your property, including cost information and the most popular brands.
Why buy an EV charger for your home
If you drive an electric vehicle, there are several reasons why you should buy an EV charger for your property.
Cost-effective
Charging your electric vehicle at home is cheaper than using a public charging point – especially if you can take advantage of a cheaper off-peak tariff overnight.
Convenient
No more waiting in line – you can charge your vehicle at home whenever it suits you.
Speed and safety
An EV charger is safer than using a standard 3-pin plug at home. It’s also quicker – reducing the time it takes to charge your vehicle.
Property value
An EV charger might not directly add a huge amount of value to your property. However, having an EV charger will increase its appeal to potential buyers who already have or are looking to buy an electric vehicle.
How to choose the best electric car charger for your home
With a growing number of EV chargers for sale, it can be tricky to figure out the best one for your needs. Here are the key things to consider to help guide your decision.
Charging speed
Your charging rate is measured in kilowatts (kW) – this measures how fast your EV will charge. However, it is limited by your electric vehicle and the charging point itself.
Not all electric vehicles can use fast (22kW) or rapid (50kW+) charging – every EV has a maximum charge rate.
For example, an EV that charges at 11kW will only charge at a maximum of 7kW on a 7kW charger. Plug that same car into a 22kW charger and it’ll be limited to no faster than 11kW.
It’s important to do your homework before you buy an EV charger for your home.
Charging rates:
- The slowest charging method is via the plug that your EV comes with – this is for occasional or emergency use and allows you to charge from a standard home electrical socket at 3kW
- The fastest charger you can get if your home has a single phase power supply (common in most residential properties) is 7kW
- It is possible to upgrade your home to a three phase power supply (more commonly seen in commercial premises) for faster 22kW charging
A 3kW charger will charge an EV battery from empty in 12 hours. A 7kW fast charger will take six to eight hours, with a 22kW connection taking three hours.
Upgrading your power supply to three phase electricity (for faster charging) isn’t cheap; it can cost over £10,000. You’ll also need permission from your Distribution Network Operator (DNO).
Compatibility
Another aspect to check is the compatibility between your EV connector and the charger. The most common types in the UK are Type 1 and Type 2.
- Type 1 connectors are capable of charging up to 7kW and are typically found on older EVs
- Type 2 connectors are capable of charging up to 43kW and are found on the majority of modern EVs sold in the UK
Tethered or untethered
Before you buy an EV charger for your home, you’ll need to choose between a tethered or untethered setup.
A tethered charger has a cable permanently attached; an untethered charger does not.
- A tethered cable is more convenient, being able to plug straight in, but it won’t work with every EV
- An untethered cable can connect to most EVs, comes in various lengths, and provides a neater look, but you’ll need to store your cable in your car
Features and functionality
Some electric car chargers for sale have smart features enabling real-time communication between the charger, the vehicle, the driver, and even the service provider. They allow you to manage and control charging sessions remotely, monitor usage, and even integrate with solar panels.
So as well as looking at the aesthetics of the EV charger itself, look for the features that are important to you.
Cost
To purchase an EV charging station for your home, you’ll need to factor in the cost of the unit itself plus installation. There may also be additional costs involved, which are worth accounting for – we’ll cover these below.
On average, to buy an electric car charger (supply only) costs:
- £250 - £500 for a 3kW electric car charger
- £450 - £800 for a 7kW electric car charger
EV chargers vary in cost, typically in line with their charging rate – the more powerful chargers are more expensive.
As a guide, the cost of supplying and installing an electric car charger at home costs:
- £1,000 (or £650 if eligible for a government grant)
When hiring an electrician, it’s handy to know that the average cost to install a home electric car charger is around £45 - £60 per hour or in the region of £400 per day.
A certified electrician is required to connect the wall connector to your home electrical supply.
Additional costs
There can be some unexpected costs when installing an EV charger – a certified installer will be able to let you know what’s needed when they provide their quote. Here are a few costs to bear in mind:
- Replacing or upgrading your fuse box to take into account the additional electricity usage – £350+
- Installing a new isolator switch, which is often required – £100 – £200
- Rapid charging cables, such as a CHAdeMO or a European CSS cable – £150 – £500 (depending on the type and length of cable)
- Building a new driveway if you don’t have off-road parking (so you can park your car near the charging point) – approx. £40per m²
- Outside lighting so that your electric charger is well-lit for extra security – £150 – £200
What about government grants to help buy an EV charger?
As of March 2022, only landlords or people who live in flats are eligible to apply for a government grant toward the cost of an EV charger.
The requirements to get 75% off your electric car charger home installation cost (up to a maximum of £350) are:
- You either own and live in a flat or you rent out a residential property (of any kind)
- You must own an eligible electric vehicle
- Your property must have its own off-street parking space
You must also use an OZEV-approved installer and certain chargepoint models to be eligible for an EV chargepoint grant.
What are the best EV charger brands on the market?
The numerous electric car charging stations for sale in the UK have different features and capabilities, which means there isn’t a ‘one size fits all’ approach when buying EV chargers.
Energy efficiency, ease of use, warranty & service, and access to charging insights are some of the key comparisons homeowners make when buying an EV charger.
To help kickstart your research, here’s a list of some of the most popular EV chargers for sale in the UK:
Before you buy your EV charger, research the features, costs, and benefits against your needs and contact a local EV charger installer for expert advice.
EV home charger comparison: what to look for
We’ve already looked at the various factors to consider to help buy the best home EV charger for your needs. These include:
- Charging speed
- Compatibility
- Tethered/untethered cable
- Features and functionality
- Cost
Aside from this, what else should you look at before you buy an electric car charger for your home?
Planning permission and building regulations
The first thing is to find out about the necessary planning permission and building regulations.
Planning permission is not normally needed to install a wall-mounted EV chargepoint within the parameters of a property that you own. However, certain criteria must be met.
If you live in a listed building or conservation area, please check with your local planning authority before you start looking at electric car charging stations for sale.
Building regulations will need to be adhered to, specifically Part P, ensuring the installation is safe and compliant.
Your installer will also need to inform your Distribution Network Operator (DNO) to ensure the main fuse and supply are adequate.
For more detailed information, please take a look at our EV home charger planning guide.
Certified installers
A qualified electrician with the necessary training can install a home EV charger.
Find and compare OZEV-approved installers using our professional directory. Simply enter your postcode below to get started.
Key takeaways
- An EV home charger is convenient, cost-effective, safe, and efficient
- Before you buy an EV charger, weigh up the features and functionality you need against your available budget
- Installation by a certified electrician is recommended, and mandatory if you’re applying for a government grant toward the cost of installing an EV charger
- As a guide, the cost of supplying and installing an electric car charger at home is around £1,000 (or £650 if eligible for a government grant)
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