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With so many UK drivers making the switch to fully electric vehicles, more people than ever are looking for the best way to charge at home.
Home charging is simple, safe, and the most cost-effective way to keep your EV topped up. So, in this guide, we'll walk you through your home charging options, the benefits of plugging in at home, and how to get started with charging your electric car.
Get a head start on your home charging setup with our wide range of EV charging cables and electric car accessories.
What’s Included In This Article?
Quick Summary
Charging your electric car at home is simple once you know the basics, so here's a quick overview:
You can charge an electric car at home using a dedicated home EV charger (known as a wallbox) – it's faster, safer and built specifically for the job.
Most wallboxes deliver 7kW, which is enough to fully charge a typical EV overnight. However, you can also get 3.6kW or 22kW chargers.
The majority of home chargers in the UK and Europe use a Type 2 (7-pin) connector, though some older car models use a Type 1 (5-pin).
Home charging is generally the cheapest way to power an EV, especially if you're on an off-peak electricity tariff. Plug in before bed and wake up to a full battery.
Types Of EV Home Charging
There are a few different elements to consider when it comes to EV home chargers, and it's worth understanding them all before you decide which setup is right for you.
Domestic 3-pin socket
Whilst you can plug your electric car into a domestic plug socket, this should only be used as a back-up or emergency charging option, as household sockets aren’t designed to keep up with EV charging demands.
EV home charging point (wallbox)
A wallbox is a purpose-built charging unit that mounts to a wall near your parking space. They typically deliver 7kW and come with built-in safety features designed specifically for EV charging, making them a safer and more reliable choice for regular use.
Tethered vs untethered
These are the two options that are available when choosing a home charging point or wallbox.
Tethered: The cable is built into the unit, so you simply unwind it and plug in. This makes charging quick and tidy, but it also means that the cable length and connector type are fixed.
Untethered: This is where you connect your own cable each time. It takes a bit more effort but gives you the flexibility to swap cables if you change cars or want a different length.
Connector types
Most home chargers use either a Type 1 (5-pin) or Type 2 (7-pin) connector. Type 1 is an older standard, mostly found on early EVs like the Nissan Leaf, and Type 2 is now the standard across the UK and Europe, fitted to nearly all new electric cars.
How To Charge Your Electric Car At Home
Getting set up with home charging is more straightforward than you might think. Once you’ve picked your charging method and had your home charger installed, you’re ready to plug in.
Step 1. Park close to your charger
Park close to your dedicated charging point, ideally in a driveway or garage, to avoid running a cable across a public pavement wherever possible.
Step 2. Plug in
Open your car's charging flap and connect the cable. Charging will usually start automatically, but to be sure, look out for a charging light on the unit or check your charger's app.
Step 3. Set a schedule
If you prefer to charge overnight, setting a schedule will help you save money. Many chargers let you use an app to schedule charging for cheaper, off-peak hours.
Step 4. Unplug once charged
Disconnect the cable, close the charging flap, and you're ready to go.
How Long Does It Take To Charge An Electric Car?
The charging time for your electric car depends on your charger's power output and your car's battery size. On a standard 7kW home charger, most EVs take roughly 7 to10 hours to fully charge, though this varies by model.
For example, according to the EV Database, both the Tesla Y and BYD Atto 3 models, two of the most popular electric car models in the UK, will take this long to fully charge:
With a 3.7kW wallbox - 19h15m
With a 7.4kW wallbox - 9h45m
To help you keep on top of your car’s electrical maintenance tasks, check out our additional guides, including advice on how to check your car’s battery health and the meanings of dashboard warning lights.
FAQs
Can you charge an electric car at home with a normal plug?
Yes, but it's not your best charging option. A standard 3-pin socket only delivers around 2.3kW, making charging very slow. Household sockets also aren't built for the continuous high loads of EV charging, which can increase the risk of overheating. Installing a proper home wall charger is much faster, safer and all-round more efficient for regular charging.
How much does it cost to charge an electric car at home?
The cost of home charging will depend on your specific electricity tariff and your car's battery size. Fully charging your car at home should cost anywhere from £4 to £20, making it considerably cheaper than public rapid and ultra-rapid chargers.
What do you need at home to charge an electric car?
To charge your electric car at home safely and efficiently, you will need a smart, weatherproof wallbox installed by a certified electrician, a compatible charging cable to link the wallbox to your car's specific port, and off-street parking like a driveway or garage. For emergencies, it is also worth keeping an extra cable that works with a domestic plug socket in your boot.