Home EV charging: Your essential guide
Are you thinking about installing an electric vehicle charging point at home? With the rise of EV ownership, more homeowners are looking for practical, cost-effective ways to power their cars conveniently.
When you're looking to get an EV wallbox fitted, it can quickly become information overload. From choosing the right charger to understanding electricity tariffs and installation costs, there’s a lot to consider.
That’s why the home heating experts at WarmZilla have put together this essential guide to home EV charging.
Whether you're curious about smart charging technology, wondering about future-proofing your setup, or keen to cut down on public charging costs, WarmZilla’s top tips will steer you in the right direction. Read on to discover how you can charge smarter, save money and keep your EV running efficiently.
First things first...
Check your electricity supply. Make sure your home’s electrical system can handle an EV charger. A 7kW charger typically needs a dedicated circuit.
Think about future-proofing. Even if you have a smaller EV now, installing a higher-capacity charger (like 7kW or even 22kW if you have three-phase power) could save you money in the long run.
Consider government grants. Some incentives and grants may be available to reduce installation costs.
Choose a smart charger. A smart charger lets you schedule charging times to take advantage of cheaper electricity rates.
Where should the charging point be situated?
Ideally on a driveway or garage wall close to where you park.
The shorter the cable run, the cheaper the installation. Consider weather protection – outdoor units should be IP-rated for rain.
If you might change cars in the future, positioning it centrally rather than tucked in a corner can give you more flexibility.
What type of charger should you choose?
7kW chargers are the most common for home use, as they balance speed and cost.
22kW chargers require three-phase power, which most UK homes don’t have.
Trusted brands: Zappi, Ohme, Wallbox and Tesla Wall Connector (for Tesla owners).
Smart features. Chargers with app control, solar integration and scheduled charging can save money.
When should you charge your EV?
Charge overnight. Many electricity tariffs offer off-peak rates between midnight and 5 am.
Don’t always charge to 100%. For battery longevity, keeping it between 20%-80% is best unless you’re going on a long journey.
Think like your phone. Top-up charges rather than full cycles can extend battery life.
Use public fast chargers for emergencies rather than daily charging, as frequent rapid charging can degrade the battery over time.
Is EV charging like smartphone charging?
Yes, in some ways. Both work best with partial charges rather than full drains and recharges while overnight charging makes sense for both to start the day with full power.
Fast charging is convenient but can wear the battery down faster over time. Battery management software in EVs is more advanced, though – it prevents overheating and optimises charging cycles automatically.
How much does an EV charger cost?
Installation is around £800 to £1500 depending on charger model and wiring needs.
Home charging cost is around 8p to 30p per kWh (depending on energy tariff).
A full charge cost for a 60kWh battery EV (like a Tesla Model 3 or VW ID.3) costs about £5 to £18 for a full charge at home.
The cost per mile is around 26p per mile, far cheaper than petrol/diesel.
Public chargers can range from 30p to 80p per kWh, meaning a full charge can be £18 to £48 at motorway service stations.
Is it better to charge at home?
Yes, for several key reasons.
Convenience. Charge at home overnight rather than waiting at a public charger.
Cost savings. Public rapid charging can be 3 to 4 times more expensive than home charging.
Battery health. Home charging is gentler on the battery than frequent rapid charging.
Availability. No need to wait in line at a busy charging station...
Why choose WarmZilla?
Hassle-free service. Online ordering and fixed pricing make the process easy.
Expert engineers. Fully trained, qualified electricians install all chargers.
Fast installation. Quick turnaround time to get your charger up and running.
Trusted brands. We only install quality, reliable chargers.
Transparent pricing. No hidden costs, and we help homeowners claim any available grants.
