EVs are rapidly becoming a mainstream choice — representing a record-breaking 19.6% of new cars sold in the UK in 2024, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders. However, the convenience and cost-effectiveness of EV use relies on robust and accessible charging infrastructure. With the UK’s public charger network still limited in many areas, home charging capability provides a vital lifeline for EV owners.
If you’re an EV owner, or are planning to purchase one in the near future, installing a home EV charger brings with it a range of benefits that can extend and improve the capabilities of your electric vehicle — and alleviate any concerns about making the transition from petrol or diesel models.
1. Convenience — charge your EV while you sleep
The main reason that EV owners opt for a dedicated home charger is convenience. While rapid or ultra-rapid public chargers are able to offer faster charges than you can achieve at home — with charging times measured in minutes rather than hours — they’re not the most convenient option in many cases.
You have to factor in travel time to the charger, queuing if all charging points are in use, plus wait time as your car recharges. With a dedicated home charger, you’re able to eliminate these demands on your time, charging your vehicle overnight or during the weekends when it wouldn’t otherwise be in use, and ensuring that when you’re ready to use it, the battery is at full strength.
2. Cost — avoid expensive public charger tariffs
One of the other key drivers for adoption of home charging is the potential for significant cost savings — with domestic electricity tariffs often considerably lower than the per-kilowatt-hour rates charged by public charging stations.
If you’re a frequent driver, these savings can have a significant impact over time. Home charging allows you to take advantage of the lower off-peak costs charged by electricity suppliers, with an increasing number of providers offering specialised plans for EV charging.
Of course, installing a home charger does come with an initial setup cost — but this can be offset significantly through schemes such as the UK government’s electric vehicle chargepoint grants which offer up to a £350 contribution towards the cost of chargepoint socket installation.
3. Speed — enjoy faster charging at your home
Installing a dedicated home charger gives you access to Level 2 charging — which is significantly faster than the speeds achievable with a standard three-pin plug connection to a household socket.
Rather than offering a trickle charge which can top up your battery by a few percentage points, a 7kW dedicated charger, such as the Humax EV Home Charger allows you to charge most types of EV from zero to full charge in four to eight hours, making overnight charges a realistic proposition and maximising the range available as you start your next journey.
4. Safety and security — protect your investment
When you invest in an EV, you want to know it’s in safe hands, especially when it’s charging — a key advantage of installing a home charging solution.
For outdoor installations, robust weatherproof enclosures protect the unit from the elements, so you don’t have to worry about rain, snow, or even the occasional hailstorm. Built-in overload protection prevents electrical problems, ensuring a safe and reliable charge every time, protecting both your car and your home.
Beyond the charger itself, charging at home offers greater security than using public charging stations — significantly reducing the risk of vandalism or theft, and giving you valuable peace of mind knowing your EV is safe and sound on your own property.
5. Sustainability — reduce your carbon footprint even further
As an EV owner, you’re already contributing towards cleaner air, a healthier environment, and a greener future by adopting the most sustainable type of vehicle. Home charging allows you to go one step further, by ensuring that the energy you use to power your vehicle comes from equally sustainable sources.
A common criticism of electric vehicles is that the energy used to power them is often generated in fossil-fuel burning plants, such as coal or gas power stations. While this is true, it ignores the significant efficiency gains of centralised power generation compared to ICE engines, to say nothing of the issues with localised pollution that traditional vehicles create. However, there’s a kernel of truth — the more renewable energy used to power EVs, the better for the environment.
With home charging, you can take responsibility for your own energy generation by integrating your dedicated charger with your own solar PV systems to charge your vehicle from fully renewable sources — a solution which is becoming ever-more realistic with the introduction of new thin-film and transparent solar arrays which can be seamlessly integrated into existing building designs.
Getting started with home charging
As we’ve outlined, investing in a home EV charger offers a compelling array of benefits, encompassing convenience, cost savings, faster charging speeds, enhanced safety and security, and environmental responsibility.
By installing a dedicated home charger, you can both streamline your EV ownership experience and contribute to a greener future. The key is to work with an experienced and accredited supplier to ensure that you invest in a setup that works for you. Contact one of our EV charging consultants to explore your options.