Installing a home EV charger is one of the best investments you can make as an electric car owner. Here's everything you need to know about getting one fitted in 2026.
Why Install a Home Charger?
Charging at home offers significant advantages:
- Convenience: Wake up to a full battery every day
- Cost savings: Home electricity costs 6-10p/kWh vs 40-80p/kWh at public chargers
- Time savings: No trips to charging stations
- Battery health: Slower charging is gentler on your battery
Types of Home Chargers
3-Pin Plug Charging (Not Recommended)
- Speed: ~5 miles of range per hour
- Cost: Free (uses existing sockets)
- Drawbacks: Very slow, potential fire risk with prolonged use
7kW Home Wallbox (Recommended)
- Speed: ~25-30 miles of range per hour
- Full charge: 6-8 hours for most EVs
- Cost: £800-1,200 installed
- Best for: Most homes with standard electrical supply
22kW Fast Charger
- Speed: ~75-90 miles of range per hour
- Requirements: Three-phase electrical supply
- Cost: £1,500-2,500 installed
- Best for: Larger batteries, three-phase homes
Best Home EV Chargers 2026
Budget Pick: Ohme Home Pro
- Price: ~£850 installed
- Features: Smart scheduling, app control, energy tariff integration
- Rating: 4.5/5
Best Overall: Wallbox Pulsar Plus
- Price: ~£950 installed
- Features: Compact design, power sharing, excellent app
- Rating: 4.7/5
Premium Choice: Easee One
- Price: ~£1,100 installed
- Features: Modular design, load balancing, sleek aesthetics
- Rating: 4.8/5
Best for Solar: Zappi
- Price: ~£1,000 installed
- Features: Solar integration, energy diversion, eco modes
- Rating: 4.6/5
Installation Requirements
Electrical
- Dedicated circuit from your consumer unit
- Minimum 100A main fuse (upgrades may be needed)
- RCD protection and DC fault detection
Physical
- Outdoor or garage mounting location
- Within reach of your car's charging port
- Weatherproof (IP65 rated)
Planning Permission
Usually not required for home chargers, but check if: - Listed building - Conservation area - Shared parking
Costs Breakdown
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Charger unit | £500-800 |
| Installation | £300-500 |
| Electrical upgrades (if needed) | £200-600 |
| Total typical cost | £800-1,500 |
Available Grants (2026)
EV Chargepoint Grant (OZEV)
- Amount: Up to £350 off installation
- Eligibility: Flat/apartment owners or renters with landlord permission
- Note: No longer available for homeowners as of April 2022
Scotland: Home Charge Grant
- Amount: Up to £250
- Eligibility: Scottish residents
Local Authority Grants
Check your council — some offer additional incentives.
Running Costs
Electricity Costs
- Standard tariff: ~24p/kWh = £12-15 per "full tank"
- EV tariff: ~7-10p/kWh off-peak = £3.50-5 per charge
- Annual cost: ~£400-600 for average driver (12,000 miles)
Smart Tariffs for EV Owners
- Octopus Intelligent Go: 7.5p/kWh overnight
- EDF GoElectric: Cheap off-peak rates
- OVO Charge Anytime: Smart charging optimisation
Installation Process
- Get quotes: Compare at least 3 OZEV-approved installers
- Survey: Installer visits to assess your electrical setup
- Book installation: Usually takes 2-4 hours
- DNO notification: Installer notifies your electricity distributor
- Test and handover: Learn how to use your charger
Our Tips
- Choose a smart charger — scheduling and app control pay for themselves
- Switch to an EV tariff — can halve your charging costs
- Consider solar — if you have panels, get a charger that can use excess solar
- Future-proof — choose a charger that supports V2G if your next car might have it
Finding Public Chargers
Even with a home charger, you'll occasionally need public charging. Use our EV charger map to find charging points near you.