As OZEV Approved installers a growing part of our business involves helping homeowners gear up for the electric vehicle (EV) revolution. Whether you're driving your first EV or thinking about making the switch, one of the biggest questions you’ll face is how – and where – to charge.
Over the past few years, we’ve installed everything from Zappi and Hypervolt to Simpson & Partners, Andersen, Pod Points and many others on city terraced homes, on rural farmhouses and business premises so we thought we'll put together a practical guide based on what we’ve learned. No jargon, no sales pitch – just the real stuff you need to know.
Why Home EV Charging Is a Game-Changer
Charging your car at home is the most convenient and cost-effective way to keep your battery topped up. Relying on public charging points can work for some, but it’s not ideal if you have regular commutes, a family schedule, or just want peace of mind.
With a dedicated home charger, you can plug your car in overnight (like your phone) and wake up with a full battery every morning. It’s also easier to take advantage of cheaper night-time electricity tariffs, which can massively reduce your running costs.
What Kind of Charger Do You Need?
Most homes in the UK are wired with a single-phase supply, which means the maximum practical charger you can have is 7.4kW. That will give you roughly 30 miles of range per hour of charging, depending on your vehicle.
Here are the common options:
3-pin plug (2.3kW): Technically, you can charge using a standard socket, but it’s slow and not recommended long-term due to the heat and load on the wiring.
7kW wallbox (most popular): The sweet spot for UK homes. Charges most EVs fully in 6–8 hours.
22kW chargers: Only suitable for properties with a three-phase supply, which is rare in domestic settings and expensive to install if you don’t already have it.
The Installation Process
Here’s a basic run-down of what happens when I come to install a charger:
Site Survey (in person or Virtual): I assess your fuse board (consumer unit), available space, Wi-Fi coverage, and electrical load.
Load Calculations: I check whether your main supply can handle the additional draw from the charger. If not, we’ll need to inform your DNO (Distribution Network Operator).
Earthing Requirements: For safety, chargers need an effective earthing system. We often use devices like PEN fault detection units instead of driving a literal earth rod.
Cable Routing: I’ll discuss the neatest route from the fuse board to your charger location – whether that’s on the front drive or down the side of the house.
Testing & Commissioning: Once installed, I fully test the unit and issue certification under Part P of the Building Regs.
App Setup & Handover: I’ll help you get the app running, pair the charger, and walk you through the settings.
Total install time: typically 3–5 hours, but it can vary depending on the complexity.
Are There Still Government Grants?
Yes – but only for certain people.
The main home EV charger grant (OZEV’s EVHS) ended for homeowners in 2022. However, you can still get up to £350 off the cost of a charger if you are:
Living in a flat
Renting a property
A landlord installing chargers for tenants
This is called the EV Chargepoint Grant, and I help clients apply for it regularly. You need to use an OZEV-approved installer (like me) and an eligible charger model.
Common Questions I Get From Customers
Q: Can I charge my EV using solar panels?
Absolutely. If you’ve got solar, I recommend looking at something like the Zappi, which intelligently uses excess solar to charge your car.
Q: Do I need planning permission to install a charger?
Not usually, as long as it’s installed on a driveway or private land. If you're in a listed building or conservation area, check with your council first.
Q: Will my home's electrics need upgrading?
Not always, after the initial site survey on your existing setup we will be able to tell you if you need a consumer unit upgrade or we can jus install a designated consumer unit for the charger.
Q: Do I need my Wi-Fi / internet for my EV charger to work?
Yes, the smart chargers need an internet conection in order to communicate with your app, schedule charging, get firmware updates etc. If Wi-Fi is not feasible even with Wi-Fi boosters, we can run a cat 6 cable or install a sim card based EV Charger like Ohme.
Final Thoughts From the Toolbelt
If you’re looking into getting a charger installed at home – don’t just go for the cheapest quote online. Find a qualified, experienced local electrician who understands the regs, knows the gear, and will be there if anything goes wrong down the line.
If you’ve got questions or want a no-obligation quote, feel free to give us a ring or drop us a message. We're always happy to chat about cars, cables, and charging points.
For any more questions leave us a comment below or email us at info@mkwired.co.uk.
MK Wired Team.
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