Charging at home · 5 min read
Choosing & Installing a Home Charger
What to look for, what it typically costs, and how the installation process works.
Why home charging matters
For most EV owners, home charging covers 80–90% of their needs — you plug in overnight and wake up to a full "tank" every day. Getting the setup right matters, both for convenience and safety.
Step 1 — Check if you can have one installed
- ✓Off-street parking near your consumer unit (fuse box)
- ✓Most homes support a 7kW charger — installer will survey
- ✓Renting or in a flat? You'll need landlord permission
Step 2 — Choose the specification
- ✓7kW is the standard for most UK homes
- ✓22kW rarely makes sense at home (needs three-phase supply)
- ✓Tethered = built-in cable; untethered = bring your own
- ✓Smart chargers are effectively standard and unlock EV tariffs
Step 3 — Get quotes and check credentials
Look for installers certified under a government-approved scheme (OZEV-approved for grant eligibility). Get 2–3 quotes — prices vary based on cable run length, whether your consumer unit needs upgrading, and any groundworks.
Step 4 — Grants and support
Grant schemes change over time, and eligibility (flat owners, renters, those without off-street parking) varies. Always check current government guidance — the previous EVHS has been replaced by more targeted schemes.
Step 5 — What happens on installation day
- ✓Electrician confirms mounting location
- ✓Cabling run from consumer unit to charger
- ✓Charger mounted, wired in, dedicated circuit breaker fitted
- ✓Unit tested and smart app walkthrough
- ✓Installation certificate issued — keep it safe
A few practical tips
- ✓Make sure the cable comfortably reaches your charge port
- ✓Add a cable holster to keep it off the ground
- ✓Ask about load management if you have solar or a home battery
Heads up: Carautonomy is for general guidance only. Always check your car's handbook, your energy supplier and current UK government guidance for the specifics that apply to your setup.