TL;DR: Installing an electric vehicle (EV) charger at home in the UK offers convenience, faster charging, and lower costs compared to public chargers. Chargers range from slow 3-pin plugs to faster home wall boxes, with government grants available to cover up to 75% of installation costs.
As electric vehicles continue to grow in popularity, more people are switching to eco-friendly transport. As a result, they are exploring home EV charging as a convenient and cost-effective option.
We will cover everything you need to know about installing a home EV charger. We will also explore charging speeds, government grants, and charging costs. Whether you’re a new electric vehicle owner or just curious about the charging process, we’ve covered you with all the essential information.
What is An Electric Vehicle Charger?
When charging electric vehicles at home, you use an electric vehicle charger, which supplies electric energy to charge the batteries. These chargers come in various types and charging speeds and are designed to safely and efficiently recharge an electric vehicle’s battery.
How To Install Your Electric Vehicle Charger?
Installing a home EV charger is a convenient way to charge your electric car. Here are the general steps for installing an electric vehicle charger at your home:
- Choose a location: Select a location for the charger that is easily accessible and allows for the safe and convenient charging of your electric vehicle.
- Hire a qualified electrician: We must hire a skilled technician, whom we will provide, to ensure the EV charger installation is done safely and up to code.
- Assess electrical capacity: The technician will need to assess your home’s electrical capacity to determine if any upgrades are necessary to support the charger.
- Install the charger: Once the electrical capacity is determined, the electrician will install the charger according to the manufacturer’s specifications.
- Test the charger: After the installation, the electrician will test the charger to ensure it functions correctly and safely.
By following these steps with our qualified technicians, your EV charger can be installed safely at home.
How Fast Can You Charge Your Car?
When charging electric vehicles at home in the UK, the speed you can charge your car depends on your installed charger. A standard 3-pin plug can provide a slow charge, typically adding around 2-3 miles of range per hour of charging. A dedicated home charging unit, also known as a wall box, can provide much faster charging speeds, typically adding around 20-30 miles of range per hour of charging. However, this can vary depending on the charger and the charged vehicle.
It’s important to note that the actual charging speed also depends on the vehicle’s onboard charger capability. Some electric cars have faster onboard chargers and can accept power at a higher rate, resulting in quicker charging times.
Government grants for home charging units have encouraged more households to invest in faster charging infrastructure. As a result, EV adoption in the UK continues to grow
Government Grant To Help Get Your EV Charger
The government’s electric vehicle charge point grant can provide financial assistance for installing an electric vehicle charge point socket at your property. This grant offers a 75% discount on purchasing and installing a socket, up to a maximum of £350.
Additionally, an EV infrastructure grant is available to offer financial support for broader building and installation work required for installing multiple Chargepoint sockets. This could include funding for wiring, posts, and other necessary infrastructure. The grant is available for individuals who own and live in a flat and for small and medium-sized businesses and covers 75% of the cost of the work, up to a maximum of £15,000.
For each chargepoint socket installed, you can receive up to £350; for each parking space enabled with supporting infrastructure, you can receive up to £500. However, remember that this is only valid until 31 March 2026.
The Cost Of Electric Vehicle Charging
The cost of charging an electric vehicle in the UK varies depending on where you charge. Home charging is usually the cheapest, with the average electricity rate at 24.86p per kWh as of April 2025. Off-peak EV tariffs can be far lower, at 7p–15p per kWh. At the standard rate, a full charge for a 60 kWh battery costs about £14.92, dropping to £6 on a 10p off-peak tariff.
Public charging is more expensive, with slow and fast chargers ranging from 49p to 63p per kWh, and rapid chargers typically between 51p and 89p per kWh. While public chargers offer convenience and faster speeds, home charging remains the most cost-effective option.
FAQs about Electric Vehicle Charging
Here, you’ll find answers to common questions about EV charging, including charging times, charger types, costs, and home installation options. Whether you’re a new electric vehicle owner or just curious about the charging process, we’ve covered you with all the essential information.
How long does it take to charge an electric vehicle?
The time it takes to charge an electric vehicle depends on the type of charger and the vehicle’s battery size. Charging times can range from 30 minutes with a DC fast charger to several hours with a Level 2 charger.
What kind of charging stations are available for electric vehicles?
There is a range of charging stations which are available for electric chargers; these include:
- 3kW: home electric socket.
- 7kW: home EV charger.
- 22kW: fast public charger.
- 50kW: rapid public charger.
- 350kW: ultra-rapid public charger.
How much does it cost to charge an electric vehicle?
The cost of charging an electric vehicle in the UK depends on local electricity rates and the type of charger used. On average, home charging costs between 3p and 7p per mile, depending on your tariff and vehicle efficiency
Can I install a charging station at home?
Yes, you can install a charging station at home. You can use a standard 120-volt outlet for Level 1 charging or install a dedicated 240-volt outlet for faster Level 2 charging.
Are there public charging stations available for electric vehicles?
Yes, there are public charging stations available for electric vehicles. These can be found at various locations such as shopping centres, car parks, and along motorways to support long-distance travel.
Want to find out more? Let’s Chat!
If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to get in touch and call us on 0333 344 5570. We would be more than happy to discuss and let you know about charging electric vehicles at home.
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