Just bought an electric car and wondering how to charge it at home? You’re not alone – over 80% of EV charging happens at home. This guide walks you through everything from choosing a charger to slashing your running costs with the right electricity tariff.
Step 1: Understand Your Charging Options
| Method | Speed | Cost per Full Charge* | Recommended? |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3-pin plug (granny charger) | 2.3kW – 12–24 hours | £15–£18 | Emergency only |
| Home wallbox (7.4kW) | 7.4kW – 4–8 hours | £15 (standard) / £4 (smart tariff) | ✅ Best option |
| Public slow/fast (7–22kW) | 2–6 hours | £20–£30 | When away from home |
| Public rapid (50–150kW) | 20–45 mins | £30–£45 | Long journeys only |
*Based on a 60kWh battery (e.g. Tesla Model 3, Hyundai Ioniq 5)
Step 2: Choose a Home Charger
All home chargers sold in the UK since June 2022 must be “smart” by law – meaning they can schedule charging, respond to grid signals, and connect to an app. Here’s what to consider:
- Power: Almost all home chargers are 7.4kW (single-phase). Some homes have three-phase supply allowing 22kW, but this is rare in the UK
- Tethered vs untethered: Tethered has a cable attached (more convenient). Untethered uses your own Type 2 cable (more flexible if you have multiple EVs)
- Solar compatibility: If you have solar panels, choose a charger with solar diversion (Zappi or Ohme)
- Smart tariff support: The Ohme Home Pro automatically charges at the cheapest times on variable tariffs
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Step 3: Installation – What to Expect
| Stage | What Happens | Timeframe |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Survey | Installer checks your electrics, consumer unit, and preferred location | 30 mins (often remote) |
| 2. Quote | You receive an itemised quote including charger, installation, and any extras | 1–3 days |
| 3. Installation | Charger mounted, wired to consumer unit, tested | 2–4 hours |
| 4. DNO notification | Installer notifies your electricity distributor (required by law) | Included |
| 5. App setup | Connect charger to Wi-Fi, create account, set schedule | 10 mins |
Step 4: Get the Right Electricity Tariff
This is where the real savings are. A smart EV tariff can cut your charging cost by 70–80% compared to a standard rate.
| Tariff | Off-Peak Rate | Off-Peak Hours | Cost per Full Charge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Octopus Go | 7.5p/kWh | 00:30–04:30 | £4.50 |
| Intelligent Octopus Go | 7.5p/kWh | 23:30–05:30 (flexible) | £4.50 |
| OVO Charge Anytime | 7p/kWh | 00:00–05:00 | £4.20 |
| EDF GoElectric | 11p/kWh | 00:00–07:00 | £6.60 |
| Standard variable rate | 28p/kWh | All day | £16.80 |
Step 5: Set Up Smart Charging
Once your charger and tariff are sorted, set up scheduled charging so your car charges automatically during the cheapest hours. Most charger apps let you set a schedule (e.g., charge between midnight and 5am). Some, like the Ohme, read your tariff automatically and optimise without you doing anything.
Costs Breakdown: First Year of EV Home Charging
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Home charger (installed) | £800 – £1,200 |
| Annual electricity (10,000 miles, smart tariff) | £190 – £350 |
| Annual electricity (10,000 miles, standard tariff) | £700 – £850 |
| First year total (smart tariff) | £990 – £1,550 |
Compare this to petrol: 10,000 miles at 40mpg and £1.40/litre costs about £1,600/year in fuel alone.
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Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using the granny charger long-term – it’s slow, inefficient, and can overload old wiring
- Not switching to an EV tariff – you’re paying 3–4x more than you need to
- Charging to 100% every night – most manufacturers recommend keeping between 20–80% for battery longevity
- Ignoring solar – if you have panels, a solar-diverting charger gives you free miles
- Not checking your consumer unit first – an old fuse board can add £300–£600 to installation
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I charge an EV if I don’t have a driveway?
It’s harder but not impossible. Options include pavement charging cables with protective covers, on-street chargepoints (increasingly common through council schemes), and workplace charging. Some councils are trialling lamppost chargers and pop-up kerb chargers for terraced streets.
Will charging an EV increase my electricity bill a lot?
On a standard tariff, charging adds about £50–£70/month for average mileage. On a smart EV tariff, it’s more like £15–£30/month. Either way, it’s significantly cheaper than petrol or diesel.
Can I install a charger myself?
No. EV charger installation must be done by a qualified electrician and notified to your DNO (Distribution Network Operator). DIY installation is illegal and dangerous, and would void your charger warranty and home insurance.
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