Which EV Charger

Choosing the right electric vehicle charger for your home can seem daunting, especially with so many models, power levels and features now available in the UK market. The right charger can make a huge difference to how convenient and efficient your electric car ownership experience is. It affects charging speed, safety, running costs and even how your home’s electricity supply is managed. Whether you are installing your first charger or upgrading to a faster model, understanding which EV charger is best for your needs will help you make a confident, informed choice.

Understanding the Different Types of EV Chargers

There are three main types of EV chargers used in the UK: slow, fast and rapid. Each type operates at different power levels and serves different purposes.

Slow chargers, typically rated at 3kW to 3.6kW, are the most basic type. They are usually plugged into a standard three-pin socket or a dedicated low-power home charging unit. These chargers are fine for overnight charging if your car has a small battery or you only drive short distances. However, they can take more than twelve hours to fully charge most modern electric vehicles, which makes them less practical for daily use.

Fast chargers are the most common choice for home installations. They range from 7kW to 22kW and are hardwired into your property’s electrical system. Most UK homes with single-phase power supply can support up to 7.4kW, while three-phase properties can support up to 22kW. A 7.4kW charger can add around 25 to 30 miles of range per hour, which is sufficient for most drivers who charge overnight.

Rapid chargers, on the other hand, are found mainly at public charging points and service stations. They use direct current (DC) rather than alternating current (AC), delivering between 50kW and 350kW of power. These can recharge most EVs to 80 percent in under half an hour. However, they are expensive to install and require specialist infrastructure, so they are not typically used in domestic settings.

Which Charger Type Suits You Best?

For most UK homeowners, a 7.4kW fast charger offers the best balance between cost, charging speed and compatibility. It can fully charge an average electric car overnight and fits comfortably within the limits of most household electrical supplies.

If you live in a larger property with a three-phase supply, a 22kW charger might be worth considering. This can recharge compatible vehicles in about half the time, though many cars cannot take full advantage of 22kW speeds because their onboard chargers are limited to 11kW or less.

If you drive infrequently or own a plug-in hybrid vehicle with a small battery, a lower-powered charger may be sufficient. Plug-in hybrids typically have much smaller battery capacities than full electric vehicles and can often be recharged in just a few hours, even at lower power levels.

Tethered vs Untethered Chargers

Once you’ve decided on the power level, the next consideration is whether to choose a tethered or untethered charger. A tethered charger comes with a fixed cable attached to the unit, which you simply plug into your car whenever you need to charge. This setup is convenient and quick since the cable is always ready to use. However, it can look less tidy, especially if you prefer a minimalist exterior.

An untethered charger, by contrast, has a socket instead of a fixed cable. You use your own removable charging lead, which you plug into both the charger and the car when needed. This type is neater when not in use and offers greater flexibility if you change vehicles in the future. It’s also easier to replace a damaged cable without replacing the entire charger.

Tethered chargers are popular for convenience, while untethered chargers appeal to those who value aesthetics and flexibility. The choice largely depends on your personal preference and how you plan to use the charger.

Smart Chargers and Why They Matter

Modern EV chargers are increasingly “smart,” meaning they connect to your home Wi-Fi and can communicate with apps, energy tariffs and even the grid. A smart charger allows you to schedule charging sessions during off-peak hours when electricity is cheaper. Some models can automatically adjust charging times based on your energy supplier’s time-of-use tariffs, helping you save money.

Smart chargers also provide detailed insights into your energy usage, letting you track how much electricity your car consumes. Some can integrate with solar panels, allowing you to charge your car using surplus renewable energy generated from your home.

Since 2022, all new home chargers sold in the UK must include smart functionality as part of government regulations designed to manage grid demand and promote energy efficiency. This means any charger you install today will likely come with smart features as standard.

Safety and Installation Requirements

EV charger installation in the UK must comply with Part P of the Building Regulations and the IET Wiring Regulations (BS 7671). Only qualified electricians registered with a competent person scheme such as NICEIC, NAPIT or ELECSA should carry out the installation.

Your installer will assess your home’s electrical capacity, ensure the circuit is appropriately rated, and install safety features such as an isolator switch, circuit breaker and residual current device (RCD). Outdoor chargers should be weatherproof and, where necessary, use armoured cable to protect against damage.

It’s also vital that the charger has proper earthing arrangements. In some cases, especially where the property has a PME (Protective Multiple Earthing) supply, a separate earth rod may be required to ensure safety.

After installation, your electrician will test the system and provide a certificate of compliance, confirming that it meets UK standards. This certificate should be kept for insurance, warranty and resale purposes.

Costs and Incentives

The cost of installing a home EV charger varies depending on the model, features and complexity of the installation. A standard 7.4kW charger typically costs between £800 and £1,200 including installation. Smart chargers with advanced features such as solar integration or load balancing may cost slightly more.

The UK government previously offered grants through the Electric Vehicle Homecharge Scheme (EVHS), but these have largely been replaced by targeted grants for landlords, flat owners and rental tenants. Business owners can also apply for support under the Workplace Charging Scheme (WCS) for commercial installations.

Even without grants, installing a home charger remains one of the most cost-effective ways to charge your electric car. Charging overnight on a low-rate electricity tariff can cost as little as a few pounds for a full battery, far cheaper than using public rapid chargers or petrol.

Popular Home Charger Brands in the UK

Several well-established manufacturers dominate the UK market, offering reliable and feature-rich home chargers. Brands such as Myenergi (Zappi), Wallbox, Ohme, Pod Point, and Hypervolt are among the most popular.

The Myenergi Zappi is well known for its ability to work with solar panels, making it a top choice for eco-conscious homeowners. The Wallbox Pulsar Max and Ohme Home Pro both feature compact designs, app integration and scheduling tools. The Pod Point Solo 3, one of the best-selling chargers in the UK, is backed by a strong reputation for reliability and customer support. Hypervolt’s models are also gaining attention for their sleek appearance and built-in Wi-Fi connectivity.

When comparing brands, look for chargers certified to the latest safety and smart standards, and ensure the product has an adequate warranty, ideally three years or more.

Future-Proofing Your EV Charger

With electric vehicle technology evolving rapidly, future-proofing your installation is a wise decision. Even if you currently drive a small EV with modest charging requirements, choosing a 7.4kW charger instead of a 3.6kW unit ensures you’ll be ready for larger battery capacities in the future. If your property can support three-phase power, installing a 22kW-capable charger provides even greater flexibility.

Another future-proofing measure is selecting a charger compatible with both tethered and untethered operation. Some units offer interchangeable cables, giving you the best of both worlds as your needs change.

Smart functionality is also essential for long-term value. As energy companies expand their use of dynamic tariffs and vehicle-to-grid technology, having a smart-enabled charger will allow you to take advantage of these cost-saving innovations.

Conclusion

Choosing which EV charger to install depends on your driving habits, home setup and budget. For most UK homeowners, a 7.4kW smart charger offers the ideal balance between speed, cost and practicality. It provides overnight charging convenience, compatibility with all modern electric vehicles, and smart features to help manage energy use efficiently.

Tethered chargers suit those who prefer plug-and-go simplicity, while untethered chargers appeal to those who value flexibility and aesthetics. Investing in a reputable brand and ensuring professional installation will give you peace of mind, safety and performance.

Ultimately, the best EV charger is the one that fits seamlessly into your lifestyle, saves you time and money, and keeps your car ready to go whenever you are. With the right setup, charging your electric car at home becomes one of the simplest and most rewarding aspects of driving electric in the UK.