Best Home EV Chargers UK (2024)

The rise of electric vehicles (EVs) in the UK is transforming how we think about eco-friendly driving. As of 2023, over 1.5 million plug-in vehicles are on UK roads, with predictions pointing to EVs accounting for 60% of new car sales by 2030, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). With this massive growth comes the increasing need for best home EV chargers UK drivers should consider for fast and convenient home charging. After all, over 80% of EV owners charge their vehicles at home.

In this guide, we’ll explore the best home EV chargers UK residents should consider in 2024. We’ll focus on their features, installation costs, speed, and convenience. Whether you’re looking for a fast charger for your daily commute or one with advanced smart features, this guide will help you make an informed decision.

Why Invest in a Home EV Charger?

Investing in the best home EV chargers UK can offer several benefits, from convenience to cost savings. According to Zap-Map, the average UK driver can save up to £350 annually by charging their EV at home compared to using public charging points.

Interesting Fact: In 2018, around 70% of EV charging was done at home. By 2023, that number had risen to 80%, reflecting a strong trend towards home charging solutions.

Here are three main reasons to invest in the best home EV chargers UK:

• Cost Savings: Home charging allows you to take advantage of cheaper energy tariffs, especially if you charge overnight using off-peak electricity rates.
• Convenience: Wake up each morning with a fully charged vehicle, saving you time and avoiding the hassle of finding public charging stations.
• Future-Proofing: With government incentives like the OZEV grant, which can cover up to 75% of the installation costs (up to £350), installing a home charger increases the value of your property. Over 137,000 households have already benefited from this scheme.

Types of Home EV Chargers Explained

Tethered vs. Untethered Chargers: Which Is Right for You?

When choosing among the best home EV chargers UK, one of the first decisions you’ll make is selecting either a tethered or an untethered charger.

• Tethered Chargers: These come with a built-in cable, making it convenient to plug and charge without searching for the cable every time. However, they only support one type of connector (usually Type 1 or Type 2).
  • Pros: Simple, quick, and always ready to use.
  • Cons: Lacks flexibility if you upgrade to a car with a different connector.
• Untethered Chargers: These don’t come with a cable attached. You use the cable that comes with your car, making it more versatile if you have different types of EVs in your household.
  • Pros: Offers flexibility and is future-proof if you switch vehicles.
  • Cons: Slightly less convenient as you’ll need to retrieve the cable each time.

Interesting Fact: Between 2019 and 2023, the demand for untethered chargers increased as more UK homes invested in flexible, future-proof charging solutions.

Smart EV Chargers: Are They Worth It?

The best home EV chargers UK often come with smart features, which can be a valuable investment for energy-conscious users. Smart chargers allow you to:

• Remotely control charging schedules to take advantage of off-peak electricity tariffs.
• Track energy consumption in real time and integrate it with renewable energy sources, like solar panels.
• Receive alerts on charging status, energy usage, and more, all sent directly to your phone.

According to Pod Point, smart chargers can help users save up to 40% on energy costs by optimizing charging schedules.

How to Choose the Best Home EV Charger in the UK

Speed and Power Output (7kW vs. 22kW)

When selecting the best home EV chargers UK, speed is a critical factor. Most UK homes are equipped with a 7kW charger, which provides a full charge overnight for most vehicles. However, homes with a three-phase electricity supply can opt for 22kW chargers, which provide faster charging.

Interesting Fact: In 2015, the average home charger output was around 3.7kW, and charging times took up to 12 hours. In 2023, with the rise of 7kW and 22kW chargers, charging times have been cut by nearly 50%, providing more convenience for EV owners.

• 7kW Chargers: Typically provide a full charge in 6-8 hours—perfect for overnight charging.
• 22kW Chargers: Provide faster charging, delivering a full charge in 2-4 hours. However, this requires a three-phase electricity supply, which is less common in UK homes.

Installation Process and Costs

The installation of the best home EV chargers UK typically ranges from £500 to £1,200, depending on the complexity of the electrical work and the type of charger. UK homeowners can apply for the OZEV grant to reduce installation costs, making this a more affordable option for many. Rolec EV, a leading UK manufacturer, notes that 93% of installations are eligible for this government grant.

Interesting Fact: Since the launch of the OZEV grant in 2016, more than 137,000 UK homes have installed home EV chargers with the support of government funding.

Interesting Facts: EV Growth and Home Charging Adoption

• In 2015, there were fewer than 50,000 plug-in vehicles on UK roads. By 2023, this figure had surged to 1.5 million.
• Public charging points have also grown from just 5,000 in 2015 to 45,000 by 2023, a nearly 9-fold increase.
• By 2030, 60% of new car sales in the UK are expected to be electric vehicles, increasing demand for the best home EV chargers UK.
• EV owners who charge at home save up to £350 per year compared to using public chargers.