What is a home electric vehicle charger?
A home electric vehicle (EV) charger is a charging point that's usually fitted on a driveway or in a garage. It charges your electric car much faster than a standard three-pin plug, making it easier to keep your battery topped up and ready to go.
If you've bought an electric car – or you're thinking about making the switch – installing a home EV charger is one of the first things to consider.
Charging at home is one of the biggest benefits of owning an EV. In fact, according to the Zapmap EV Charging Survey, there were around 1.4 million home chargers installed at UK properties with driveways by the end of 2025.
Many chargers also offer smart features, letting you schedule charging overnight to take advantage of cheaper electricity tariffs.
Charging at home can be more convenient and, with the right energy tariff, could help lower your overall running costs.
How to choose an electric car charger
Choosing the right home charger for your circumstances can be complicated, you should compare as many options are possible to find the best fit for your needs.
Speed of charging: This will be dependent on your home power supply and the maximum power your EV can draw. This can range from ‘slow’ charging at 3kW up to ‘Fast’ charging at high as 22kW. The speed you require will also affect charging costs.
Type 1 or Type 2? Chargers come in two types, generally older models use type 1 and newer models now use type 2.
Tethered versus untethered. A tethered charger means using just one cable already attached to the charger, but you can only use that for either Type 1 or Type 2 EVs. An untethered charger means using separate cables, but gives you the flexibility of having cables for both Type 1 and Type 2. If you’re buying a type 1 EV its generally recommended that you purchase an untethered charger so that you don’t need to replace your charger if you upgrade to a newer vehicle.
How much do EV chargers cost?
Generally speaking a standard 7kW charger and installation costs vary but are typically in the region of £500-£1200 but this can vary widely depending on your individual circumstances and home charging requirements e.g. sockets, connectors, charging cables, and additional factors.
What can affect the cost of installing a charger?
How your home is built: If you live in an older house with thick exterior walls, the extra time and effort needed during your installation may add to the installation cost.
The difficulty of the install: Some chargers are themselves more challenging to install, which may also add to installation costs.
The state of your electrics: An EV charger will place high demands on your home electrical system, so homes that haven’t been updated in a long time may need additional work compared to a standard installation.
Our expert says…
Choosing the right EV charger is about matching a range of items to your needs, such as speed, type, and flexibility to connect to your vehicle. Charging speeds range from slow 3kW to fast 22kW, which affects costs, while Type 1 and Type 2 compatibility is crucial, especially for used EVs. Tethered chargers are simple but limited to one type, whereas untethered models offer cables for both, helping to futureproof your setup.
“If you get an EV charger at home, pairing it with a dedicated EV energy tariff can save you cash on running costs, as you’ll get a cheaper electricity rate when you charge your car during specific periods.
Ashton Berkhauer Home & Utilities Expert
More expert guidance on electric vehicles
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Reviewed on 14 Jul 2026
