Can multiple EVs be charged simultaneously at home?

Yes, multiple electric vehicles (EVs) can be charged simultaneously at home, but doing so requires some planning around your home's electrical capacity, charger types, and your charging needs.

How can multiple EVs be charged at home?

Single charger with time-sharing

Many UK households with two or more EVs use just one home charger because most EVs have sufficient range to cover daily driving needs (average UK commute is about 40 miles per day). This means charging both vehicles overnight by plugging them in sequentially or as needed is usually enough.

Multiple chargers installed

You can install two or more dedicated home EV chargers at your property to charge multiple vehicles simultaneously. Each charger typically delivers around 7 kW of power from a standard home electricity supply.

• Some advanced chargers, like the Easee One, allow "daisy chaining," where multiple chargers share a single electrical circuit, splitting the available power between vehicles efficiently.
• There are also dual-charger units, such as the PowerPair, which offer a single device outputting up to 7.4 kW split between two vehicles, dedicating full power when only one car is plugged in.

Electrical capacity considerations

Charging multiple EVs simultaneously can put significant demand on your home's electrical system. Before installation:

• Check your home's electrical supply capacity (most UK homes have 60-100 amp main fuses).
• You might need an upgrade by your energy supplier or electrician to handle the load safely.
• Smart chargers can balance power dynamically between cars to prevent overloading circuits.

Real-world UK applications and policies

• The UK government offers grants (such as the Electric Vehicle Homecharge Scheme) to support EV charger installation at home, covering some installation costs.
• Multi-EV households in the UK are becoming more common, especially in small business owners with fleet vehicles and families with more than one EV.
• Technological solutions like Ohme's MultiCar system enable easy switching between multiple EVs on a single charger and help monitor energy use, which is growing in popularity in 2025.

Practical advice for UK homeowners and small business owners

• Assess your needs: If your daily driving distances are modest, a single charger might suffice; use public chargers for occasional top-ups.
• Evaluate your home's electrical system: Consult a qualified electrician to assess if your system can handle multiple chargers simultaneously or if upgrades are needed.
• Consider smart charging solutions: Chargers with load management or daisy chaining capabilities can optimize power use and avoid costly electrical upgrades.
• Budget accordingly: Each additional charger and its installation can cost around £1,000 or more, so weigh the benefits against costs.
• Think about space and convenience: Installing multiple chargers can require space and planning for cable management, especially for small UK homes with limited parking.

Pros and cons of charging multiple EVs at home simultaneously

Pros

• Convenience of charging multiple cars overnight without scheduling conflicts.
• Faster readiness for journeys when multiple vehicles are needed.
• Advanced smart chargers can optimize energy distribution and reduce demand charges.

Cons

• Higher upfront installation and equipment costs.
• Possible need for expensive electrical upgrades.
• Increased electricity consumption—consider tariff optimization to save on running costs.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Installing multiple high-power chargers without checking home electrical capacity, risking circuit overload or safety hazards.
• Assuming two chargers will always halve charging time — actual power is limited by the home supply.
• Neglecting to plan cable routes and parking arrangements, leading to inconvenience or damage.
• Overlooking available grants or incentives from the UK government to offset installation costs.

In summary, UK homeowners and small business owners can charge multiple EVs simultaneously at home either by installing multiple dedicated chargers or using advanced multi-car charging units that smartly share power. However, it requires careful consideration of your home's electrical capacity, cost, and charging habits, with smart solutions now making it easier and more efficient to support multiple EVs on one property.