The electric vehicle (EV) market is experiencing rapid growth, transforming how we travel — and as the number of electric vehicles on the road increases, the need for easily accessible charging points becomes ever more important.
However, for many EV drivers, exclusively using public chargers to power their vehicles is not an optimal solution. Wait times can add unwanted time to journeys, especially when queues form at busy charging points. And the cost of using only public chargers can even outstrip that of fuelling a petrol car, with a recent report finding that “exclusively fast-charging an EV in the UK costs drivers an average of £766 more than petrol”.
Dedicated home EV chargers have emerged as a solution, allowing drivers to take advantage of cheap overnight electricity prices to charge their EV literally as they sleep, ensuring it’s ready for the morning commute with no needto stop at a public charging station. Installing a home EV charger not only saves time and money but also provides convenience and peace of mind, making it an essential addition for EV owners looking to streamline their charging routine and maximize the benefits of their electric vehicle.
Understanding your EV’s charging capabilities
EV batteries require direct current (DC) to charge. Most rapid and ultra-rapid public chargers, such as the Tesla Supercharger network supply DC directly to the EV, resulting in extremely fast charge times. However, these types of chargers only make up around 20% of the public chargers in the UK as of 2024, according to government research.
When charging at home, or at the majority of public chargers, the EV’s charging circuit converts alternating current (AC) to DC in order to charge the battery — and broadly speaking, a higher kilowatt onboard charger allows for faster charging. To determine your car’s charging capacity, consult your owner’s manual or the manufacturer’s website to find the maximum charging rate (in kilowatts) that your vehicle can accept.
For home charging, there are two options. Level 1 charging uses a standard 3-pin plug to connect your vehicle to a normal household outlet. It provides a slow “trickle” charge, suitable for topping up or for drivers with minimal daily mileage.
However, to be confident you can fully charge your EV overnight, you’ll need a Level 2 charger, such as the Humax EV Home Charger. These specialised chargers operate on a dedicated circuit and provide more current for a faster charge. The exact speed depends on the charging conditions, vehicle and battery capacity, but as a rule Level 2 chargers can completely charge an empty battery in 4-8 hours.
Key considerations when choosing a charger
There are several factors to consider when choosing the most suitable home EV charger for your needs. The available power output directly impacts charging speed — look for a high kilowatt charger (e.g. 7kW) in order to replenish your battery faster. Cable length is another practical consideration to take into account — you need to ensure the cable comfortably reaches your parking spot from the charger’s installation point.
Safety is crucial, so you should opt for a charger that includes a weatherproof enclosure if you’re planning to install it outdoors. Overload protection is another vital feature, protecting you against electrical faults which could damage your vehicle or introduce the risk of fire.
Smart features such as an integrated app to remotely monitor and schedule charging offer added flexibility and cost control. You should also look for RFID technology which protects against unauthorised use of your charger while allowing you to share your charging point with family members or guests.
Finally, consider your budget and any available grants or incentives. Consult with a specialist such as Humax for up to date information on government schemes or utility company rebates that you may qualify for in order to offset the initial purchase and installation costs.
Installation: what to expect
Installing a home EV charger involves connecting the unit to a dedicated electrical circuit, and may require new cabling rated for exterior use — so it’s crucial to engage a qualified electrician to ensure a safe and compliant installation.
Your electrician will assess your existing electrical system and advise on any necessary upgrades, such as a new consumer unit or additional wiring to support the dedicated EV charger. It’s important to factor potential additional costs for these upgrades into your budget.
Optimising your home charging experience
You can make significant savings on the cost of powering your EV by scheduling charging during off-peak hours when electricity tariffs are typically lower. Many energy providers now offer specialised EV plans with attractive overnight rates.
Take advantage of comfort-enhancing features such as pre-heating or pre-cooling functionality while your EV is plugged in, allowing you to pre-condition your vehicle without depleting the battery while driving.
You should also regularly inspect the charger and cable for damage to ensure that any maintenance or safety issues are identified early. Reputable suppliers will offer an extended warranty on the charger and cables, giving you peace of mind in the rare case that you have a problem.
Making the smart choice for your electric vehicle
Installing a home EV charger offers unparalleled convenience, cost savings, and environmental benefits — and by carefully considering your EV’s charging needs, the types of chargers available, and key installation and usage factors, you can make a smart investment that supports your transition to electric mobility. If you’re looking to get started with home EV charging, speak to Humax today to discover the best option for your specific vehicle, home and usage patterns.