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What kind of EV charger should I get for my home and car?

How do I choose the right EV charger for my home and vehicle?

Start by assessing your car’s compatibility, home electricity setup, and charging needs. Most UK homes use single-phase 7kW chargers, while three-phase 22kW units (common in commercial properties) require costly upgrades. Prioritize smart chargers with energy-cost optimisation, solar compatibility, and slimline designs for urban homes.

Key factors to consider

1. Charging speed and electrical supply

  • 7kW chargers (standard for UK homes): Add ~25-30 miles/hour
  • 22kW chargers: Require three-phase power (rare in homes; costs £1,000-£5,000 to install)
  • 3.6kW portable chargers: Suitable for emergencies but impractical for daily use

Example: A Nissan Leaf (40kWh battery) charges fully in 5-7 hours on a 7kW charger versus 12+ hours with a 3.6kW unit.

2. Tethered vs untethered

  • Tethered: Cable permanently attached (e.g., Easee One) – ideal for single-vehicle households
  • Untethered: Requires separate cable (e.g., Andersen Quartz) – better for multi-EV homes

3. Smart features

  • Off-peak charging (e.g., Ohme Home Pro): Slash costs using agile tariffs like Octopus Go
  • Solar integration (e.g., Myenergi Zappi): Use excess solar power for charging
  • Load balancing: Prevents circuit overloads

4. Design and installation

  • Wall-mounted: Wallbox Pulsar Max (compact, IP54-rated)
  • Premium finishes: Andersen Quartz offers 247 colour options
  • Weatherproofing: Essential for outdoor installations

UK-specific considerations

Government grants

  • OZEV grant: £350 subsidy ended in 2022, but some installers offer discounts for flats/rentals
  • Scotland: Energy Saving Trust grants up to £300 still available

Costs

  • Entry-level: £450-£700 (Rolec WallPod)
  • Premium: £1,000-£2,000 (Andersen Quartz with installation)
  • Smart tariffs: Save £200+/year if charging overnight

Common mistakes to avoid

  1. Ignoring phase requirements: Installing 22kW chargers without three-phase supply
  2. Overlooking future needs: Choosing chargers incompatible with larger EVs planned for 2025+
  3. Neglecting app quality: Poorly designed apps (some older Pod Point models) complicate scheduling

Top 2024-2025 models (UK market)

Model Key Feature Price Range
Easee One Solar-ready, dual tethered/untethered £500-£900
Hypervolt Home 3 Alexa integration, real-time data £800-£1,200
Myenergi Zappi Solar/wind/grid blending £900-£1,400
Andersen Quartz Bespoke finishes, modular design £1,100-£2,000
Ohme Home Pro Automatic tariff optimisation £600-£950

Practical tips

  • Check compatibility: Ensure your EV supports the charger’s plug type (Type 1/2)
  • Verify installer credentials: OZEV-approved installers required for warranty compliance
  • Future-proof: Look for OCPP compliance for software updates and new features
  • Insurance: Notify your provider – some require charger specifications.
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