EV charging

How Do I Choose the Right EV Charger for My Home?

06 October 2026 | Energy prices, tariffs and regulations change, so figures here are a guide and not a quote.

Home chargers look similar, but a few features make a big difference to everyday use. Here are the ten that matter most.

1. Power rating

For most homes, 7 kW is ideal. Choose a three-phase 11 kW or 22 kW unit only if your property has a three-phase supply and your car can use it. Many cars cannot accept 22 kW on AC.

2. Smart features

A smart charger lets you schedule charging for cheap tariff windows, control it from a phone app and track usage. Home chargers installed in Great Britain are generally required to have smart capability, so it is worth having anyway.

3. Solar compatibility

If you have or plan to install solar panels, choose a charger with a solar surplus mode.

4. Tethered or untethered

A tethered charger has a fixed cable, which is convenient. An untethered one has a socket, so you use your own cable. That looks tidier and lets you swap cars more easily.

5. Connector type

Most UK cars use a Type 2 connector for AC home charging, so check your vehicle.

6. Location and cable length

Think about where you park, where the fuse board is and whether the run to the charger is short and neat. Long cable runs add cost.

7. Safety and protection

Look for built-in safety protection suited to your home's earthing arrangement, weather resistance for outdoor use, and a lockable or app-controlled start if the charger can be reached from the street.

8. Future-proofing

Consider whether you might get a second car, add solar or a battery, or move to a time-of-use tariff. A flexible charger with load management can grow with you.

9. Warranty and support

A solid warranty and a local installer who will respond quickly matter more than a small saving on price.

10. Installation

Have it fitted by a qualified installer who checks your supply, completes the testing and handles notifications.

Bottom line: for most homes a smart, solar-aware 7 kW charger from a qualified local installer is the right choice. If in doubt, a short assessment of your supply will save you buying the wrong unit.

Last reviewed: 06 October 2026 | Energy prices, tariffs and regulations change, so figures here are a guide and not a quote.