With 1.4 million units installed by the end of 2025¹, home EV charging is on the rise – and we're not surprised why. Charging at home is considerably cheaper than using public points, not to mention more convenient, with no forward planning required.
However, before you decide to splash out on this popular home upgrade, Content Director Laura Crombie says there are a few things you'll need to consider first, such as ensuring your home's power supply is compatible.
Below, we've put together a four-point checklist covering everything you need to think about beforehand.
1. Future-proof the location
Before installing your EV charger, Laura says to ask yourself two important questions: Will you change the layout of your driveway design in the future? And if so, will the charger still be in the best place?
Installation isn’t a cheap task, so ensuring that your charging unit is future-proofed – regardless of how you may change things around – should be high on your priority list. The last thing you want is to pay the cost of relocating it a few years later.
Laura Crombie is Content Director for Homebuilding & Renovating and has been a homes journalist for more than 17 years. She’s DIY-renovated three properties and written about decorating and design for publications including The Guardian, The Times and The Metro.
2. Check your power supply
Next up, you'll need to check whether your home's power supply is compatible with your EV charger.
Most home EV chargers are rated at 7.4kW (32A), which typically requires a 230V single-phase supply and a 32A circuit. However, your best bet is to find a qualified installer who can assess whether any home upgrades need to be made.
When it came to installing Laura's EV charger, an additional consumer unit had to be installed in her garage, proving the job may not be as straightforward as you might expect.
3. Consider the aesthetics
Contrary to what you might think, your EV charger doesn't have to be an eyesore in your garage design – some brands (such as Andersen) come with an aesthetically pleasing cover box where you can customise its appearance. Alternatively, you can buy these covers separately, like the one below from Amazon.
"Boxes don't have to be boring," says Laura. "We have a wood-clad Andersen EV box that looks attractive."
This weatherproof enclosure will protect your EV charger from the elements while keeping it neatly out of sight.
4. Change your electricity tariff straight away
Laura's next tip is to double-check you're on the best electricity tarriff for EV chargers, and, if not, change it as soon as possible.
She opted for Octopus' EV tariff, which costs less to charge overnight. However, many other energy providers also offer discounted rates during off-peak hours, so it's worth comparing all of your options. These tariffs work in most people's favour, as you can plug your car in while you sleep and wake up to a fully charged vehicle that's ready to go.
By following this handy checklist, you won't need to worry about expensive fixes, such as moving the charging unit or getting stuck on the wrong energy tariff, later down the line.
For more expert advice, read our guide on what an electro-tech home is or how to work out your energy needs.
