If you have just bought an electric vehicle (EV), or at least are thinking of purchasing one, one of the first things you’ll want to get sorted is an electric car home charger.
An EV charger is designed to increase the speed at which you can charge your car. An EV home charge point will charge your vehicle three times faster than a standard three-pin plug. So, if you are looking for a convenient and efficient way to charge your electric car at home, a home EV charger may be exactly what you need.
This guide will explain everything you need to know about EV chargers.
The importance of a home EV charger
Installing an EV charger allows you to conveniently and quickly charge your EV at home while saving money on the charging costs of your car, reducing your energy bills.
But where do you start?
Researching the best charge points online can be confusing. We understand. That’s why we have created this ultimate guide for understanding EV chargers and charging your electric vehicle at home.
At Rightcharge, we have helped electric vehicle drivers save over £2,480,000 and reduced carbon emissions by 570 tonnes. So you can trust us to help you find the right EV charger and EV-friendly tariff.
Selecting the right home EV charger
Assessing your charging needs
Finding the right EV charger depends on individual needs, preferences and budget. For example, when will you usually charge your electric car? This may be overnight or during the day. Do you have solar panels, or could you have them in the next few years? If so, would you like a solar-compatible EV charger?
However, do not worry. Our charger comparison tool asks a few simple questions and helps you find the right home EV charger that suits your needs, preferences and budget.
Evaluating Home EV Chargers
When choosing a charge point, you will want to think about each of the following factors:
Charger Aesthetics:
Chargers come in a variety of sizes and designs. So keep this in mind when finding the right charge point for you.
Charging Speed:
There are a couple of areas to consider when thinking about electric car charging speeds:
- Household power supply: Most households have a single-phase electricity supply which can deliver 7kW to your home charger. This is known as ‘fast charging’.
- Onboard charger: The second factor to consider is that your electric car battery may be limited to a certain charging speed. You should check your car’s specifications before paying extra for a high-power charger you may not use fully; a 7kW home charger works well for most households.
Charging Cable:
Chargers come as either ‘tethered’ or ‘untethered’.
- A tethered charger has a permanently attached cable that gives you convenience because you simply need to plug one end into your car.
- An untethered charger has a socket in which you plug in your charging cable. This may take slightly more time to plug in both ends of the cable each time you charge.
Read our dedicated guide on tethered and untethered chargers to learn more and determine which type of charger is right for you.
Smart Charging:
Smart charge points allow you to schedule your car charging. This means you can plan your EV charging when it is best for you and take advantage of overnight charging, which is often cheaper and greener.
All our EV charge points on Rightcharge are ‘smart’ chargers.
Read our dedicated guide on smart charging to learn more and find out how you can save money and reduce your carbon footprint when charging your electric vehicle from home.
Fuse Protection:
You don’t want to blow your home’s energy fuse out, right?
A lot of chargers come with a ‘load balancing’ functionality. This means the chargers are capable of fast charging, but they will check how much power your home is using and lower the electricity supplied to your car if they notice that your home is getting close to using too much power.
This ‘load balancing’ functionality will protect your home’s energy fuse.
Solar Compatibility:
If you have got or are hoping to install solar PV panels at your home, you might want to charge your car with these. Therefore, you will need to get a solar-compatible charger.
To learn more about solar panels and EV solar home charging, read our dedicated guide.
Lock and Security:
Are you worried about your neighbours plugging into your charger? Although you rarely, if ever, hear of this happening, it is a concern for some drivers.
Many chargers come with a locking function. This can be as old-school as a lock and key or a bit more advanced, with locking possible from your mobile phone.
Earthing rod:
Your charger needs to be earthed. If it isn’t and something trips while you’re charging it could be painful. The risk of this happening is small, but it is worth protecting against. In fact, it is a regulated requirement in the UK.
There are two ways that your charger can be earthed. Some chargers have a metal spike, known as an ‘earth rod’ to be driven into the ground on your property. On the other hand, some chargers are built with technology that intends to replace the need for an earth rod.
Recommended home EV chargers
The best EV charger depends on your individual needs, preferences and budget. Our charger comparison tool allows you to find the best EV charge point which suits you. Simply answer a few questions, and the comparison tool will show you which charge points will work for you.
EV charger installation
At Rightcharge, we have a network of expert installers across the UK meaning we can find a local installer for you. We will even provide you with a free quote for your EV charger and the installation.
For a detailed guide to the purchasing and installation process of an EV charger, read our dedicated guide.
Frequently asked questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about home EV chargers.
What are the requirements to get an EV charger installed?
You are already halfway there if you already have a mains electricity supply and WI-FI connection. After that, you’ll need to pay for the charging point and installation and, ideally, find an EV-friendly energy tariff. Rightcharge can help you take care of all of this.
What are the costs of a home charge point?
A home charge-point and a standard installation typically cost upwards of £850. During the home survey process typically, this is a remote survey, you will be made aware of any additional costs if you need home modifications. Some examples of home modifications include a cable route longer than 10m, a higher power output charger or a charger that needs to be mounted somewhere else other than your home.
To understand more about the cost of purchasing and home installation of an electric car charger, read our dedicated guide here.
How do I know if I can get a home charge point installed?
It’s straightforward to work out if you can install a home electric car charging point. If you live or rent a property with off-street parking, it has its own driveway or garage, then you can install an EV charger at your home. If you rent your home, you must seek permission from your landlord before installing an electric car charge point.
There is more good news too! You do not have to apply for planning permission to install a charge point on your driveway or garage. However, there are some guidelines that you have to follow. For example, a wall-mounted charger must be at most 0.2 cubic metres. Or, if you opt for a stand-mounted charger, it must be at most 2.3 meters in height. And last but not least, chargers must not be located within 2 meters of a public highway.
One note of caution: If you are fortunate enough to live in a listed building or scheduled monument, you cannot install a charge point within its curtilage – this means no charge point on either the building or the land directly attached to it.
Summary
If you are looking for a convenient, fast and affordable way to charge your electric vehicle at home then an EV home charger is for you! Did you know when you combine the right charger and EV-friendly tariff, you can unlock hidden savings and save on average £360 a year on your home charging costs?
Why wait? Start your EV home charging journey today using our charger comparison tool!
Have you still got some questions about your EV home charging? Our helpful team of EV experts are only a click away. Email us at customercare@rightcharge.co.uk.