Unbeatable Convenience

A home charging point puts you in full control of when and how you charge your car, making the process seamless and stress-free. Imagine plugging in your EV overnight while you sleep, so it’s fully charged and ready to go when you are. Or charging during the day while you’re catching up on work, spending time with family, or relaxing. Unlike traditional refuelling stops that disrupt your schedule, EV charging happens effortlessly in the background as you go about your normal routine. No more early morning trips to the petrol station or carefully planning long journeys around charging stops. With a home charger, your EV integrates smoothly into your lifestyle, helping you save time and enjoy the unbeatable ease of electric driving. Switching to electric isn’t just about sustainability—it’s about making driving more convenient than ever before.

Dedicated EV chargers are significantly faster than using a standard three-pin plug. A typical 7kW charger can fully charge most EVs overnight.

Charging at home is often much cheaper than using public chargers, which tend to include additional costs to maintain infrastructure.

Home charging points are purpose-built for EVs, handling large energy transfers safely and reducing the risk of overheating or faults compared to standard plugs.

Sustainability Options

Many home chargers are compatible with renewable energy systems like solar panels, letting you charge with green energy for an even smaller environmental footprint.

Boosts Property Value

As more drivers switch to electric, having a private EV charger is increasingly seen as a valuable property feature, potentially increasing the resale value of your home.

1. Make Sure You Have Permission

Generally, installing an EV charging point on your property won’t require any planning permission from your local authority, but there are some cases where you may need to apply to get your charging point installed, such as: If the charging point outlet and casing exceed 0.2 cubic metres. If the charging point will face onto or be within 2m of a public highway. If your property is within an area designated as a scheduled monument. If the charging point will be installed on the curtilage (surrounding land) of a listed building. If you’re a tenant, you’ll need approval from your landlord before installing a charging point. Similarly, if you own a property within a block of flats, you may need consent from the freeholders. Since every property is different, it’s important to research your specific requirements and secure the necessary permissions before proceeding with the installation.

2. Choose Your Charging Point

There’s a wide variety of charging point options on the market, and it’s important to review your options thoroughly before you settle on the EV charger you’re going to install. Some of the key variables you should try to consider include: Charging Rate: Think about how quickly you’d like to charge your vehicle and look for charging points that meet your needs. Keep in mind that the charging rate also depends on your car’s capacity. For example, if your vehicle has an 11kW charging limit, installing a point with a higher output won’t provide any additional benefit. Power Supply: Your home’s power supply plays a big role in determining the maximum charging rate available. In most UK homes, the standard supply can support a charging rate of up to 7kW, which is ideal for overnight charging. Tethered or Untethered: Tethered charging points come with a built-in cable, offering added convenience as you don’t need to connect your own. However, they aren’t compatible with all EVs, so check that your vehicle is suitable. Untethered chargers give you the flexibility to use your own cable, making them a versatile choice. Cost: EV charging points come in a variety of price ranges, typically increasing with their charging capacity. If you’re a landlord or tenant, you might qualify for a government grant that can offset some of the cost, making the installation more affordable.

3. Deciding Where to Install Your Charging Point

The next step is deciding where to install your EV charging point. Typically, an installer from your chosen supplier will visit your home to assess safe and accessible locations for the installation. When choosing the ideal spot, here are a few important factors to keep in mind: The position and direction of your parked car. The location of your car’s charging port (e.g., front, side, or rear). The length of your charging cable or the tethered cable provided with your chosen charging point. The strength of your home’s WiFi signal at the potential installation points, as most charging points require internet connectivity for smart features. The visual impact of the installation, ensuring it complements the aesthetics of your home’s exterior. Taking these considerations into account will help you choose a practical and discreet location for your charger.

4. Prepare for the Installation

Once you’ve secured the necessary permissions, selected your charging point, and decided on the perfect installation spot, the final step is preparing for installation day. Here’s how to get everything ready: Clear Your Driveway: Ensure there are no obstacles between the installation area and your home’s electricity supply. Have Your WiFi Password Ready: Your installer will need this to connect your charging point to your home network and ensure it communicates with your smart meter. Set Aside Time: Installation typically takes around 4 hours. Being available during this time ensures the installer has access to your power supply and also gives you the chance to ask any questions.

Can you charge an electric car from a normal house socket?

Yes, but it’s not ideal. Standard 3-pin plugs are slow and may not handle prolonged charging safely. A dedicated home EV charger is recommended for regular use.

How much will it cost to charge an EV at home?

Costs depend on your tariff and battery size. On average, it costs 10–20p per kWh, with a full charge costing around £10–£20.

How long does it take to charge an EV with a 3-pin plug?

Charging with a 3-pin plug can take 20+ hours, depending on the battery size.

How long can you charge an electric car at home with a normal plug?

While there’s no strict limit on how long you can charge an electric car using a normal plug, extended use of a standard plug may cause wear on the socket over time. As always, it’s safer to install a dedicated EV charger.

Can I get a free EV home charger?

Government grants can reduce the cost of installation, but free home chargers are rare. Check your eligibility for discounts.

- Welcome To The EV Hub -

EV Hub Electric Vehicles Guides Charging Your Electric Car at Home: Everything You Need to Know

Charging Your Electric Car at Home: Everything You Need to Know

Charging Electric Vehicles

11 min read Last updated 16th Jul 2025

Charging Your Electric Car at Home: Everything You Need to Know

Summary

This guide covers everything you need to know about EV charging at home, from installation costs to optimising efficiency and choosing the best charger for your needs.

Home EV charging is as simple and intuitive as charging your phone. Just plug your car in when you get home, and by the time you’re ready to head out the next day, it’s fully charged and good to go. This effortless routine fits seamlessly into your lifestyle, eliminating the need for time-consuming trips to public charging points. With the convenience of overnight charging, your car is always ready when you are, making electric driving not only eco-friendly but also incredibly practical.

Unbeatable Convenience
Faster Charging
Cost Savings
Enhanced Safety
Sustainability Options
Boosts Property Value

Overnight Tariff (6.57p/kWh) Home Charging (27.03p/kWh) Public Charging (52p/kWh) Rapid Charging (77p/kWh)

MINI Cooper Electric

Battery

40.7kWh

20-80% Charge

0-100% Charge

View Used Electric MINIs View New Electric MINI

BMW i4

Battery

83.9kWh

20-80% Charge

0-100% Charge

View Used Electric BMWs View New Electric BMW

Porsche Macan Electric

Battery

95kWh

20-80% Charge

0-100% Charge

View Used Electric Porsches View New Electric Porsche

The Cost of Charging an Electric Car at Home

Wondering how much it will cost to charge your electric car at home? Our easy-to-use calculator tool gives you a clear estimate based on your vehicle’s battery size, electricity tariff, and charging habits. Whether you’re new to EV ownership or simply looking to optimise your costs, this tool will help you plan your charging routine with confidence and convenience.

The cost of charging your electric car, much like the charging speed, depends on several factors. These include the type of charging point you choose to install, your vehicle's specifications, and the EV charging tariff provided by your energy supplier.

To get a personalised estimate, use the calculator below. Simply enter a few details about your EV and home setup, and discover how much it could cost to charge your car at home.

Grid vs Green Energy

Grid Energy

“Grid energy” refers to the energy supplied through the UK national grid infrastructure. While an increasing proportion of this energy comes from renewable sources such as wind and hydroelectric power, some will still be rooted in non-renewable fossil fuels.

Pros: Quick and easy setup, reliable energy supply, and lower upfront costs.
Cons: Variable pricing and partial reliance on fossil fuels.

Green Energy

“Green energy” refers to electricity from sustainable energy systems set up on your property, such as wind turbines or solar panels, which can supply your vehicle with charge without you having to rely on the electrical grid.

Pros: Reduced environmental impact and long-term cost savings.
Cons: High upfront installation costs for solar panels or wind turbines, and potential supply limitations without battery storage.

How Fast Can You Charge an Electric Car at Home?

The speed of charging depends on two factors: the power output of your EV charger, and your EV’s battery size.

While an average electric car takes roughly 8 hours to charge an empty battery to full on a 7 kW charging point, this time may be higher or lower depending on the infrastructure you have for EV charging at home and the specific car you’re driving.

EV chargers come with a range of power outputs, but they can generally be grouped into three categories to help you understand their charging efficiency.

Charging Speeds for a Typical EV

Understanding charging speeds is key to managing your EV’s battery effectively. Let’s use a typical electric vehicle with a 40 kWh battery as an example:

Slow Chargers (2.3–3.7 kW): These chargers are less common for home use and are typically found with standard 3-pin sockets. Charging a 40 kWh battery can take between 11–17 hours for a full charge. While these chargers are an option in a pinch, they may not be ideal for regular use.
Fast Chargers (7–22 kW): A 7 kW charger, now the most commonly installed unit at home, can charge the same battery in 4–8 hours. With its overnight charging capability, it’s a convenient and efficient choice for home use. Faster 22 kW units, often found at public charging points, can significantly reduce charging times.

Slow Chargers

Slow chargers typically offer a power output of 2.3 kW to 3.7 kW, with an empty-to-full charging time of around 8 to 12+ hours. These are sometimes used for at-home charging, either with a dedicated slow charger or a standard 3-pin plug. When EV vehicles were first launched, 3.7 kW home chargers were commonly installed, but in recent years these have been superseded by 7 kW home chargers as the most common home charging installation.

Fast Chargers

Fast chargers offer a power output of around 7 kW to 22 kW, which is the typical range used for private at-home charging points. The empty-to-full charging time for this category can be as little as 4 hours or as long as 8. These chargers are typically more expensive to install at home than Slow Chargers but are considered a worthwhile investment for regular EV drivers due to their improved efficiency and convenience. They offer a good medium between Slow chargers and Rapid Chargers for optimising your EV battery health.

To help you navigate the different charging speeds, we’ve detailed the benefits of each in our comprehensive EV Charging Guides.

Example Charging Times

Here’s a handy comparison table to help you understand how different charging outputs and vehicle battery capacities can impact the time it takes to charge your electric car:

Electric Vehicle		Approximate Empty-to-Full Charging Time
Model	Battery	3.7 kW slow	7 kW fast	22 kW fast
MINI Cooper E	36.6 kWh	10 hours	6 hours	2 hours
BMW i4 eDrive35	67 kWh	19 hours	10 hours	4 hours
Porsche Macan	95 kWh	26 hours	14 hours	5 hours

1. Make Sure You Have Permission
Generally, installing an EV charging point on your property won’t require any planning permission from your local authority, but there are some cases where you may need to apply to get your charging point installed, such as:
- If the charging point outlet and casing exceed 0.2 cubic metres.
- If the charging point will face onto or be within 2m of a public highway.
- If your property is within an area designated as a scheduled monument.
- If the charging point will be installed on the curtilage (surrounding land) of a listed building.
If you’re a tenant, you’ll need approval from your landlord before installing a charging point. Similarly, if you own a property within a block of flats, you may need consent from the freeholders. Since every property is different, it’s important to research your specific requirements and secure the necessary permissions before proceeding with the installation.
2. Choose Your Charging Point
3. Deciding Where to Install Your Charging Point
The next step is deciding where to install your EV charging point. Typically, an installer from your chosen supplier will visit your home to assess safe and accessible locations for the installation.

When choosing the ideal spot, here are a few important factors to keep in mind:
- The position and direction of your parked car.
- The location of your car’s charging port (e.g., front, side, or rear).
- The length of your charging cable or the tethered cable provided with your chosen charging point.
- The strength of your home’s WiFi signal at the potential installation points, as most charging points require internet connectivity for smart features.
- The visual impact of the installation, ensuring it complements the aesthetics of your home’s exterior.
Taking these considerations into account will help you choose a practical and discreet location for your charger.
4. Prepare for the Installation
Once you’ve secured the necessary permissions, selected your charging point, and decided on the perfect installation spot, the final step is preparing for installation day.

Here’s how to get everything ready:
- Clear Your Driveway: Ensure there are no obstacles between the installation area and your home’s electricity supply.
- Have Your WiFi Password Ready: Your installer will need this to connect your charging point to your home network and ensure it communicates with your smart meter.
- Set Aside Time: Installation typically takes around 4 hours. Being available during this time ensures the installer has access to your power supply and also gives you the chance to ask any questions.

Can you charge an electric car from a normal house socket?
How much will it cost to charge an EV at home?
How long does it take to charge an EV with a 3-pin plug?
How long can you charge an electric car at home with a normal plug?
Can I get a free EV home charger?

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Introduction Why Charging Your EV at Home is a Smart Choice The Cost Of Installing a Dedicated Home Charger Cost of Charging Calculator Tool Optimising EV Charging at Home How Fast Can You Charge an Electric Car at Home? Example Charging Times Installing an EV Charger at Home Frequently Asked Questions Browse our Electric Cars For Sale

There’s no better time to make the switch to an all-electric or hybrid car.

At Dick Lovett, we’re committed to offering our customers a wide range of new and used electric vehicles. Each brand offers electrified or hybrid driving models, from BMW, MINI, and Porsche to Land Rover, Jaguar and Ferrari.

Whichever model you're looking for, we have an abundance of body styles to choose from, so you can get your hands on your dream electric car.

Charging Your Electric Car at Home: Everything You Need to Know

Why Charging Your EV at Home is a Smart Choice

Key Benefits of Home EV Charging

Unbeatable Convenience

Faster Charging

Cost Savings

Enhanced Safety

Sustainability Options

Boosts Property Value

The cost of Installing a Dedicated Home Charger

Average Costs

Factors Influencing Installation Costs

The Cost of Charging an Electric Car at Home

Optimising EV Charging at Home