EV Charging at Home: Everything You Need to Know
Car Owl
Published in English •
Summary
- A home wallbox costs £600–£1,200 installed: Government grants can cover up to £350 of the cost.
- Home charging costs £5–£15 for a full charge: Much cheaper than public chargers or petrol. See our best EV charging tariffs guide.
- A 7kW charger fills most EVs overnight: Plug in at 10pm, full by 6am. No trips to the petrol station.
Over 80% of EV charging happens at home. It's cheaper, more convenient, and means you start every morning with a full battery.
Here's how to set up home charging.
Home Charging Options
Three-Pin Plug (Granny Charger)
- Uses a standard 13A household socket
- Charges at about 2.3kW, very slow
- A full charge takes 24–30 hours
- Fine for emergencies, but not for daily use
Dedicated Wallbox (Recommended)
- Charges at 7kW (or 22kW on three-phase supplies)
- A full charge takes 6–10 hours
- Smart features: scheduling, energy monitoring, app control
- Much safer than a three-pin plug for regular use
How Much Does a Wallbox Cost?
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Wallbox charger unit | £300–£800 |
| Installation (electrician) | £200–£500 |
| Total typical cost | £600–£1,200 |
| Government OZEV grant (if eligible) | Up to -£350 |
Popular Home Chargers
- Ohme Home Pro: Smart scheduling, cheapest off-peak charging. £500–£700 installed.
- Pod Point Solo 3: Simple and reliable. £800–£1,000 installed.
- Wallbox Pulsar Plus: Compact, stylish, good app. £600–£900 installed.
- Andersen A2: Premium design with wooden front panel. £1,000–£1,500 installed.
How Much Does Home Charging Cost?
Home charging is far cheaper than petrol or public charging:
| Charging Method | Cost per Full Charge (60kWh) | Cost per Mile |
|---|---|---|
| Home (standard tariff, ~28p/kWh) | ~£17 | ~7p |
| Home (off-peak tariff, ~8p/kWh) | ~£5 | ~2p |
| Public fast charger (~50p/kWh) | ~£30 | ~12p |
| Petrol car (50mpg) | Equivalent ~£40 | ~16p |
Switch to an off-peak EV tariff and you could charge your car for as little as £5. That's less than £1 per day for most commuters.
Government Grants for Home Chargers
The OZEV (Office for Zero Emission Vehicles) grant offers up to £350 towards a home charger. To qualify:
- You must own or lease an eligible electric vehicle
- You must live in a flat, apartment, or rented property (homeowners without off-street parking may also qualify)
- The charger must be installed by an OZEV-approved installer
Check gov.uk for current eligibility.
Tips for Setting Up Home Charging
- Get quotes from at least 3 OZEV-approved installers.
- Choose a smart charger so you can schedule off-peak charging.
- Make sure your electrical supply can handle the extra load, your installer will check this.
- Position the charger close to where you park for easy cable reach.