The need for home EV chargers has never been higher in the UK. With more electric cars on the road and homeowners switching to the green mode of transportation, it’s sales home EV charger now or an important market purchase decision to choosing the best home ev charger uk. This guide will tell you all about the best home EV charger for your electric vehicle, what to keep an eye out for, and includes a list of the top models on the market so you can make an informed decision.
While the public charging network is expanding, there is nothing that public charger can offer that a home charger does not: convenience! Having a home EV charger benefits you in a number of major ways, including:
Convenience: Night time charging at home means your EV is full whenever you start your day.
Cost: Home charging may be less expensive, because it allows you to take advantage of a lower-cost electricity rate during off-peak hours.
Save time: You don’t have to wait in line anymore.
Increase your property value: A professionally installed EV charger also positively impacts your home value making you home more attractive to future green home buyers.
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.
