Electric Vehicle Charging

An EV home charger is a dedicated charging unit that’s installed at your property, designed to charge your electric vehicle safely and much faster than a standard 3-pin plug socket. Home chargers typically range from 7kW to 22kW, meaning they can charge your vehicle up to three times faster than a domestic plug, which only delivers 2.3kW.

Charging time depends on the size of your vehicle’s battery and the power rating of your home charger. A typical 7kW home charger will fully charge a mid-range electric car (with a 60kWh battery) in around 7-8 hours. Faster chargers (up to 22kW) can reduce this time significantly, although most EV owners charge overnight to take advantage of off-peak electricity rates.

No, EV charger installations should always be handled by a qualified, certified electrician. Professional installation ensures that the charger is connected safely to your home’s electrical system and complies with all local safety regulations. At Smart Energy Homes, all our installers are fully certified and experienced in EV charging installations.

The cost of installing an EV home charger depends on the type of charger you choose and your home’s existing electrical setup. On average, installation costs can cost between £1,500 – £2,000. However, in some cases, government grants or incentive schemes can reduce this cost.

Yes! If you have a solar panel system installed at home, you can use the energy generated to charge your electric vehicle, reducing or even eliminating your charging costs. Some EV chargers are designed to work specifically with solar energy systems, allowing you to prioritise renewable energy when charging.

The main difference between these two types of chargers is the charging speed. A 7kW charger is standard for home use and provides around 25-30 miles of range per hour of charge. A 22kW charger is faster but requires a three-phase power supply, which is not common in most homes. If you have a three-phase supply, a 22kW charger can charge your vehicle more quickly, but installation and equipment costs will be higher.

Yes, charging your EV at home will increase your electricity usage, but it is still much cheaper than paying for petrol or diesel. Charging during off-peak hours using a time-of-use tariff can further reduce costs, and you may also be able to take advantage of special EV-friendly energy tariffs.

Yes, it is possible to install more than one EV charger at home if you have multiple electric vehicles. However, the installation will need to take into account the capacity of your electrical system, and you may need to upgrade your home’s electrical supply to accommodate multiple charging points.

Yes, in most cases, you can have your EV charger removed and reinstalled at your new home. However, it’s worth considering the cost of removal and reinstallation, as it may be more cost-effective to leave the charger in place and install a new one at your new property. Having a charging point can also add value to the home you’re leaving.