Charge Up at Home: A Homeowner's Guide to Installing an EV Charger

If you are thinking of investing in the ever growing selection of electric vehicles (EV), there may be some questions about charging at home - these are the main points you will need to consider:

1. The Pre-Installation Check

• Installation Process: Ensure to hire an OZEV-certified or qualified electrician, the importance of checking your home's electrical capacity (e.g., single-phase vs. three-phase), and the necessary registration with your Distribution Network Operator (DNO). Hiring an OZEV-certified installer is critical as it guarantees the work meets stringent government safety and compliance standards.

• Parking Requirements: You must have a dedicated private parking space (garage, driveway, or allocated space) where the charger can be installed without trailing a cable across a public footpath. Trailing cables across pavements is a safety hazard and is generally a breach of the Highways Act 1980.

• Electrical Capacity: Your home's main fuse/supply needs to handle the charger's demand (typically 7kW for a Level 2 home charger). Your installer will check this and notify your Distribution Network Operator (DNO). They may need to install a load management device to automatically reduce the charger's power if your home's usage peaks (e.g., when the oven and shower are on).

• Permitted Development: Most wall-mounted chargers are covered under Permitted Development Rights in the UK, meaning you typically do not need planning permission, provided the unit meets certain size and siting limits (e.g. not exceeding 0.2 cubic metres and not being within two metres of a public highway).

2. Choosing Your EV Charger

• 7kW is Standard: A 7kW charger is the typical choice, offering a full charge overnight (approx. 6–8 hours for most EVs). Faster AC options (like 22kW) are usually only available if your home has a three-phase electricity supply, which is rare in standard UK homes.

• Smart Charger Requirement: Any new residential charger installed must be a "Smart" charger. This is a legal requirement in Great Britain and ensures the charger can:

  • Be controlled via an app.

  • Schedule charging to off-peak times.

  • Integrate with the grid (via a small delay if the grid is under stress).

    
    

• Tethered vs. Untethered:

  • Tethered: The charging cable is permanently attached to the wallbox. This is convenient but means you are fixed to one connector type (Type 2 is standard).

  • Untethered: The wallbox has a socket, and you use your car's portable cable. This is tidier but requires you to plug in and unplug both ends every time.

3. Cost & Optimization

• Installation Cost: Expect the cost to vary based on the distance from your fuse box to the wallbox and the complexity of the cable run.

• EV Energy Tariffs: This is the single biggest money-saver. Switch to a dedicated EV Time-of-Use (ToU) tariff (like Octopus Go or British Gas PeakSave). These offer extremely low rates (e.g., 7-9p/kWh) for an extended period overnight, allowing you to charge your EV for as little as £5–£10 for a full tank.

• Smart Scheduling: Use your smart charger's app to automatically schedule charging to fall exclusively within these off-peak tariff windows

With a professional installation like this, achieving the safest, cheapest, and most convenient way to fuel your vehicle becomes a simple reality.

The convenience of home charging, delivered safely. Installing your EV wallbox on a dedicated wooden post ensures the unit is protected, easy to access, and the cable is kept securely off the ground.