The demand for home EV chargers in the UK has never been greater. As electric vehicles become ever more popular, and more homeowners make the switch to eco-friendly transport, choosing the best home EV charger UK has become an important purchase decision. This guide tells you everything you need to know about a home EV charger, and the best models on the market – and what to look for to make your money go further.
While the public charging network is getting bigger, having your own home charger brings convenience and benefits no public charging point can match! A home EV charger has a number of big advantages for you, including:
Choosing your home EV charger involves thinking over a few factors. Let’s look at what you need to consider.
Home EV chargers generally come in 3.6 kW, 7 kW and 22 kW output rates. By far the most popular option for homeowners in the UK is the 7 kW charger, which offers a good combination of price and recharge speed. You’ll typically be able to recharge a mid-size electric car, like the Nissan Leaf, in around eight hours. If your EV has a larger battery, you might want to consider a 22 kW, provided your home is wired to accommodate the higher output.
Make sure the charger you are eyeing will work with your EV. The vast majority of chargers in the UK are Type 2, which is the standard connector used by most new electric cars. Just check before you order.
Newer home EV chargers are likely to have smart features built in, with Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connectivity, mobile app control, and energy monitoring. This gives you the ability to schedule charging, check your usage, and potentially integrate it with your solar power, if your home is solar powered!
Don’t forget the cost of installation when picking your EV charger. The UK government’s EV chargepoint grant scheme (formerly known as OLEV grant) can reclaim 75% of your install cost, so you can afford a good quality charger. Make sure you pick an OZEV-approved installer to be eligible for the grant.
As the majority of home EV chargers are installed outdoors, choose a model that is durable and resistant to UK weather. Always opt for a charger that has an IP65 or above rating if you want peace of mind.
Here is a selection of top home EV chargers for you to consider:
If you’re reading this, more than likely you own solar panels, and the myenergi Zappi EV Charger is the only charger in the UK that is favourably aligned with those panels – meaning you can utilise free energy from the sun. Comes with smart scheduling and monitoring features and app connectivity.
Backed by our R&D center in Shenzhen and a 40,000-square-meter production base, XYDF has grown in tandem with the development of China’s charging infrastructure over the past decade. Leveraging the advanced expertise, technologies and supply chain resources of China’s EV charging industry, the company delivers localized, customized EV charging solutions for partners worldwide.
If you have a Tesla, the Tesla Gen 3 Wall Connector is an easy choice as this charger comes with an up to 11 kW output and includes Wi-Fi that means you can receive software updates and share power between two vehicles in a home.
A fully smart charger, the Hypervolt Home 2.0 is a good looking device, and it’s compatible with smart voice control through Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. It has all-powerful monitoring and scheduling capabilities.
The Easee One is small, simple, UK-tailored charging point. It also features smart charging, works with all EVs, and is equipped with a unique load-balancing function.
When asking how to install an EV charger at home, the answer is simple: get a certified electrician or OZEV-approved installer to check if your electrical system is suitable for an EV charger and connect it to your mains supply. The complication with home EV charger installation can lie in how your home is wired and where you want the charger placed.
The price of a home EV charger in the UK ranges from around £500-£1,200 excluding installation. With the government grant available to offset some installation costs, this price is actually quite a bit less.
Yes. By using a standard three-pin plug rather than an EV charger, it is possible to charge your EV without having to install a home charger. Note this is a much slower method of charging which is not as efficient. Dedicated home EV chargers are recommended.
For prolonging the life of your charging station, it’s a good idea to regularly check it for wear and tear, take care of the cables, store them properly, and at times clean the charger itself.
Yes! These chargers allow you to monitor and control your energy usage and schedule charging for premium features, so they’re worth investing in.
Finding the best home EV charger UK is an essential part of enhancing your owning and driving experience of an electric vehicle. Take the time to research fully and weigh the pros and cons of different types; opt for a model such as myenergi Zappi if you’re looking for a solar-friendly solution, or Wallbox Pulsar Plus if you want something sleek and powerful – and enjoy the numerous benefits these products will bring.
Xinya Dongfang Electricity Technology Co., Ltd.
