Charge Your EV at Home: Essential Questions for UK Drivers

Ready to park up and plug in at home? You’re not alone! With the rise of electric vehicles (EVs), more and more drivers are leaving behind those midnight runs to public chargers. But if you’re new to this whole “charge at home” idea, you probably have a few questions.

No worries, we’ve rounded up the most frequently asked questions about home EV charging. So, grab a seat, pour yourself a coffee (or tea!), and let’s dive right in.

---

At a Glance

Charging at home is the most convenient way to power up your EV. Just park, plug in, and enjoy the comfort of your own couch. Curious? Great! Let’s get into the FAQs.

---

Q. What type of home charger do I need?

The charger you pick depends on your EV’s battery capacity and how often (and fast!) you want to charge. Currently, you’ll see three main types:

Slow EV Chargers

• Plugs into a standard 230V outlet (sometimes called a three-pin or 3kW charger).
• These can be socket-only units, meaning you’ll use your car’s own cable.
• Think of them like your phone’s slow charger: it’ll get the job done, but you might be tapping your foot waiting.

Example: A 3 kW slow charger can take 10–14 hours for a full battery; bring a book if you’re starting from zero!

Pro Tip: If you’re charging regularly, slow chargers are… well, slow. Consider getting a dedicated EV charger if you need frequent top-ups. That’s where faster home chargers (like 7kW) really shine.

---

Home EV Chargers (Level 2)

For those who want a faster home charge in the UK, a 7kW charger on a single-phase supply is the norm. A 22kW charger needs three-phase power, which most homes don’t have. If you do have three-phase, you can slash charging time significantly, but that’s uncommon for standard residential properties.

Some chargers are socket-only, others come tethered with a cable attached. Just make sure the cable (if it’s tethered) matches your EV’s connector type. It’s like picking the right phone charger, just a bit bigger!

---

Rapid/Ultra-Rapid EV Chargers

These are the Ferraris of charging stations, charging speeds up to 50–350 kW.

• Ideal for public stations on motorways, not so much for home setups (unless you want the neighbors to suspect you’re building a spaceship).
• Can turbocharge a battery to 80% in as little as 20 minutes (though 40–60 minutes is more common).
• Ultra-rapid stations can push power up to 100 kW or more, perfect for newer EVs with bigger batteries.

In short, rapid chargers are a quick pit stop on a long trip, while home chargers are your day-to-day, stress-free solution.

---

Q. What is the difference between a tethered (cable-attached) and an untethered (socket-only) charger?

Pro Tip: If minimalism is your style, or you plan to upgrade cables down the line, untethered might be better. But if convenience is king, tethered is a no-brainer.

Q. Is it cheaper to charge an electric car at home or a public charging station?

Short answer: Home is usually cheaper.

In the UK, rapid and ultra-rapid chargers can cost anywhere from 32p per kWh (or more). Charging from 0% to 80% on a 64 kWh battery might run you around £16 at a public rapid station. Meanwhile, home charging rates can be way lower, especially if you grab an off-peak tariff.

• Some providers offer overnight rates around 9p per kWh (or even less!) on specific off-peak EV tariffs, but it varies by supplier.
• Compare that to public chargers, and you’ll see the savings add up fast.

---

Q. What are the benefits of charging your EV at home?

1. Convenience: No more detours or lines at public chargers. Just park, plug, and chill.
2. Cost-Effective: Exploit those off-peak rates for a serious discount.
3. Eco-Friendly: Fewer trips means less driving and more time using clean energy right at home.

Bottom line: It’s your wallet, your schedule, and your carbon footprint, all improved with home charging.

---

Q. What is the best time for EV charging at home?

For many people, the answer is overnight. That’s when electricity costs are typically the lowest. Some energy suppliers even have special EV tariffs that knock prices down when the rest of the city’s asleep.

Sure, you can charge anytime, but if you love saving pennies (and who doesn’t?), nighttime charging is your friend.

---

Q. What are the different features of a home EV charging station?

• Connectivity: Some chargers let you connect via Wi-Fi, 4G, or even Ethernet.
• Cable-Attached or Socket-Only: Choose what works for you, tethered for convenience, socket-only for minimalism.
• Warranty: A good charger should come with at least a 3-year warranty. Peace of mind is priceless.
• Durability: It’s the UK, including rain, storms, dust, and more. Make sure your charger can handle the weather.
• Boost Feature: Need a quick top-up? Override your schedule and charge right away.
• Smart App: Track your charging history, set schedules, or integrate with solar panels if you’re extra eco-savvy.

Note: New installations in the UK require “smart” chargers by law (introduced in 2022). That means scheduling and remote monitoring features are typically built-in by default.

---

Q. What is the installation process for a home EV charger?

At JME (or any reputable installer), it’s usually straightforward:

1. Order Your Charger: Pick the model that suits your budget, speed needs, and aesthetic preferences.
2. Schedule Installation: A certified pro shows up, checks your property, and installs your charger.
3. Safety Check: They’ll test everything to ensure it’s good to go.
4. Payment: You only settle up once you’re happy.

And there you go, you’re ready to charge at home, hassle-free.

---

Q. What are the home requirements for a home charging station?

• Off-Street Parking: A garage, driveway, or privately owned spot is a must.
• No Obstructions: You can’t run a cable across public footpaths.
• Power Supply: A standard domestic supply usually suffices, but older fuse boxes might need an upgrade.

---

Q. How do I choose a home EV charger?

Look for quality: reliable brands, good customer reviews, and solid customer service. At JME, we’ve tested a bunch of chargers on the market (EO, BG Sync, Autel, Pod Point, Zappi, Wallbox, Ohme, etc.) to find the ones that work best. Speed, price, app features, whatever your priority is, there’s a charger to match.

---

Q. Are there any EV charging best practices I should follow at home?

• Battery Cycling: Allow it to discharge now and then.
• 80% Rule: Charge to about 80% to extend battery life (most cars let you override if needed).
• Smart Scheduling: Use the app to start charging when costs are lowest.

Basically, treat your EV battery like you’d treat a smartphone battery, just with bigger stakes (and a bigger price tag!).

---