One of the biggest draws to driving an electric vehicle (EV) is how cheap and convenient it is to charge at home.
This guide will explain everything you need to know to confidently charge at home, including:
- The benefits of home charging
- The different types of home chargers and connectors
- How to pick a charger compatible with your home
- Government grants for home charging
Home charging at a glance
Safety & compliance tips
- Use an OZEV‑approved installer and smart charger.
- Avoid extension leads and trailing cables across public paths.
- Ensure any charger installations follow current health and safety protocols (specifically RCD protection and correct earthing).
- If using a 3‑pin plug occasionally, check socket condition and avoid continuous high‑load use on old wiring.
Why install a home charging point?
Home chargers smooth the transition from petrol or diesel to electric:
Types of home charging points
Wall boxes
- These are the most common and convenient form of home charger.
- They can be installed either in a garage or on your driveway.
- If you opt for a smart model (which most modern ones are), you can schedule when your car charges, so you benefit from cheaper tariffs – which are usually overnight and come with the added bonus of starting the day with a fully charged car.
There are three main types of wall box chargers:
- The most popular charger is 7Kw, which will allow you to charge an EV quickly.
- If your supply is limited, you can install a 3.6kW charger, which are easier to install and allow slower charging (including charging overnight when the tariffs are lowest).
- If your home has a three-phase power supply, you can install a 22kW charger, which can knock hours off your home charging time. If you are considering a 22kW charger, check that it is compatible with your model, as some hybrid and EVs are limited to 11kW or lower, making a 22kW unit overpowered for these models.
3-point plug
It is possible to charge some EV models via a standard household plug, but it is advised to use this method sparingly and not as your main source of charging.
For example, it’s advised to keep your EV charge at between 10%-80%. So, if you’ve ended the day on 60% charge, you may want to use a 3-point plug for a small top up.
It’s best to avoid extension leads and ensure the socket and circuit is suitable. Also, some local authorities do not allow charging cables to be left on public footpaths.
How to choose the right charger for your home
- Check your home’s electrical capacity – most homes are compatible with 7kW or 3.6kW chargers.
- Compatibility – check the charger supports your EV’s connector type (most modern EVs in the UK use Type 2).
- Smart features – most entry-level wall box chargers allow you to charge overnight but you may want to invest in a higher spec model if you have solar panels or want faster charging, an extended warranty, or additional app-based controls.
- Tethered vs untethered – tethered wall boxes have the charging cable permanently attached, whereas untethered have detachable cables that you plug in to use. When choosing which one you want, consider whether you want the convenience of the cable being ready to go or if you like the look of the more compact, streamlined box when it’s not in use.
- Cable length – Make sure to pick a charging cable that will comfortably reach your car’s charging port when it’s parked.
Installation process
Before starting the installation process, check that the property is eligible for a home charger by contacting an OZEV-approved installer. Most properties are eligible as long as:
- You have off-street parking,
- The building isn’t listed,
- The building isn’t in a conservation area.
Your installer will be able to confirm that your property is eligible.
Here’s a step-by-step guide of everything you need to do and be aware of when installing a home charger:
This is especially important if you have accessed a grant. They will check your home’s power supply, recommend any necessary upgrades, and if required, notify the Distribution Network Operator (DNO).
It’s worth scoping out the deals that your energy providers offer as well as the manufacturers themselves on price comparison websites. If eligible, apply for the Electric Vehicle Chargepoint Grant for up to £350 off the cost of installation*. Before ordering, make sure to speak to your installer to check it is suitable.
*Information correct as of January 2026. Check Gov.UK for latest updates. Confirm grant details and OZEV eligibility criteria as these change regularly.
The installer will mount the charger on to an exterior wall near your parking space and run the relevant safety and compliance checks.
The installer should provide you with an Electrical Installation Certificate and register the work under building regulations.
If applicable, download the charger’s app and schedule a test charge (if possible, do this during the cheaper overnight period).
EV Charger grants
The Electric Vehicle Chargepoint grant offers funding of up to 75% towards the cost of installing a home (domestic) off-street charge point, with a maximum contribution of £350. This grant is available to renters and flat owners with private off‑street parking, and to households (owners and renters) installing approved cross‑pavement solutions for on‑street parking.
You must install a smart charger that is programmable by a smartphone app so you can charge during the cheaper off-peak hours. As well as having a financial benefit to you, this helps the wider grid to manage electricity demand.
Applying for and claiming the grant
You are eligible if you:
- Own and live in a flat in the UK (excluding the Channel Islands or Isle of Man).
- Rent and live in a residential property in the UK (excluding the Channel Islands or Isle of Man).
- Have private off-street parking that you have access to at all times. Where you are installing a cross-pavement solution, you must only have access to on-street parking.
- Own or use a vehicle must be on the list of OZEV-approved EVs.
You can read more about the scheme and eligibility criteria on the Government website.
Home charging FAQs
All you need to do is connect your charging cable to your EV’s charging point.
Most modern models take between 6-8 hours to charge at home, so most people charge their EV overnight.
If you have a charging app, you can schedule and monitor your charging times to take advantage of lower tariffs.
Most properties do not need planning permission to install a home charger, as long as:
- The building is not listed or in a conservation area.
- The charger is wall-mounted and installed on off-street parking (such as in a garage or on a driveway).
- The charger is less than 0.2 cubic meters in size.
- The charger is at least 2 meters away from a public road and does not project onto the pavement.
Yes, home charging is the most cost-effective way to fuel an EV, especially when you schedule charging during the cheaper overnight tariffs.
Yes, you can charge an EV in Winter. It may take a little longer in particularly cold weather, but this shouldn’t be a problem when charging overnight. Many modern EVs also come with a battery preconditioning feature that warms the battery to help make charging faster and more efficient.
For most homes, a standard EV charger installation typically costs between £300 and £700. This price usually includes:
- Up to 10m of cabling from your consumer unit to the charger
- Fitting and mounting of the charger
- Connection to your existing electrical supply
- Basic drilling and containment work
- Standard safety checks and commissioning
Most professional installers will provide a fixed quote for standard installations, which is often the most straightforward option for homes with a driveway or garage close to the consumer unit.
The best place to install a home EV charging point is either in a garage or on a driveway, that way you can charge your car whilst it’s parked overnight.