The Future of Home Charging: EV Chargers Explained

As more drivers make the switch to electric vehicles, the question of how to charge them efficiently at home becomes increasingly important. While it is possible to plug an EV into a standard household socket, this is slow and not always practical. Dedicated home charging points are safer, faster, and more convenient, giving EV owners the ability to power up their vehicles overnight or during off-peak hours. For many households, installing an EV charger is now as essential as choosing the right energy tariff. Understanding how home chargers work, the options available, and the rules around installation helps ensure you make the right choice for your property.

Why home charging matters

Charging at public stations has its place, but for most EV owners, the majority of charging happens at home. Having a dedicated charger means you can start each day with a full battery, avoid queues at public chargers, and take advantage of cheaper overnight electricity rates. It also allows you to integrate charging into your lifestyle without inconvenience, making electric vehicles far more practical. For landlords, installing EV chargers can increase the appeal of rental properties, while homeowners may see added value when selling.

How EV chargers work

A home EV charger is a specialised unit connected directly to your property’s electrical system. Unlike a standard three-pin plug, which typically delivers 2.3kW of power, dedicated chargers usually offer 7kW in domestic settings, significantly reducing charging times. Faster options are available, but they often require three-phase power, which is not standard in most UK homes. The charger communicates with the vehicle to regulate the flow of electricity, ensuring safe charging while protecting both the car and the property’s wiring.

Different types of chargers

Home EV chargers are broadly divided into tethered and untethered units. A tethered charger has a fixed cable permanently attached, making it quick and easy to plug in. An untethered charger has a socket, giving more flexibility and allowing you to use different cables depending on the vehicle. Chargers also vary in power output. A 7kW charger is the most common and provides a good balance of speed and compatibility with single-phase supplies. More powerful 22kW chargers require a three-phase supply and are generally better suited to commercial properties or large residential developments.

Smart chargers and future integration

The latest generation of home chargers are classed as smart chargers. These can connect to Wi-Fi or mobile networks, allowing you to control charging remotely via an app. They also enable load balancing, ensuring the charger does not exceed your property’s electrical capacity, and allow charging to be scheduled during off-peak times to save money. Some smart chargers can integrate with renewable energy systems, such as solar panels, ensuring your EV is charged using green energy. Looking ahead, vehicle-to-grid technology could allow cars to return power to the grid or home, turning EVs into part of the energy ecosystem.

Installation requirements

Installing a home EV charger requires professional expertise. An electrician will assess your property’s wiring, consumer unit, and overall capacity to determine the best solution. In some cases, upgrades may be needed to the consumer unit or supply, especially if the property has an older electrical system. The charger must be installed in a location that is both practical and compliant with safety regulations, usually on an external wall close to where the car is parked. Cables should be properly protected to avoid damage, and waterproof units are essential for outdoor use.

Regulations and compliance

In the UK, EV charger installations must comply with the Wiring Regulations (BS 7671) and Building Regulations Part P. Since 2022, new chargers are also required to include smart functionality to manage demand on the national grid. Installations must be carried out by qualified electricians registered with a competent person scheme, such as NICEIC or NAPIT. After installation, you should receive certification confirming compliance, which is important for insurance and when selling your property. Government grants, such as the EV chargepoint grant for flats and rental properties, may also be available to reduce costs.

Costs of home charging

The cost of installing a home EV charger varies depending on the type of unit, the complexity of the installation, and whether upgrades to your electrical system are required. On average, a 7kW charger installation costs between £800 and £1,200, although grants can reduce this. Running costs depend on your electricity tariff. Many EV owners choose tariffs with cheaper overnight rates, allowing them to charge a vehicle for a fraction of the cost of petrol or diesel. Over time, the savings from home charging can be significant compared with relying solely on public chargers.

Benefits for households and businesses

For households, the convenience of home charging is one of the biggest advantages of owning an EV. It eliminates the stress of finding public chargers and ensures your vehicle is always ready to use. For businesses, providing EV chargers for staff or customers can demonstrate sustainability credentials and improve facilities. Landlords who install chargers also make their properties more attractive to tenants, particularly as demand for EV-friendly rentals grows. With the UK moving towards a ban on new petrol and diesel cars by 2035, EV chargers are becoming a valuable asset for all property types.

The future of home charging

The future of home charging looks increasingly smart and integrated. As more homes adopt renewable energy systems, chargers will be able to coordinate with solar panels, home batteries, and even the wider grid. Vehicle-to-grid technology could allow EVs to act as mobile energy storage, supplying power back to the home during peak demand and recharging when energy is cheaper. Smart tariffs will make charging more affordable, while improvements in battery and charging technology will continue to reduce charging times. With electricians at the forefront of this transformation, the future of home charging promises greater efficiency, flexibility, and sustainability.

Conclusion

Home EV chargers are rapidly becoming an essential feature for UK households. They provide faster, safer, and more convenient charging than standard sockets, while also offering integration with smart technology and renewable energy. Installing a charger requires professional input to ensure safety and compliance, but the benefits are immediate and long-lasting. For homeowners, landlords, and businesses, investing in a home charger adds both practicality and value. As the shift towards electric vehicles continues, the future of home charging will only become more central to modern living.