Choosing the right EV charger for your electric vehicle isn’t as straightforward as you might think. The electric car you drive has specific charging requirements that must be matched to the charger you select. With different charging speeds, connector types, and compatibility requirements varying between car models, making the wrong choice could leave you with slower charging times or expensive compatibility issues.
Your car’s specific charging capabilities determine which charger will work best for your needs. Electric car chargers come in a range of designs, with options that vary in installation complexity, smart features, and price. From Tesla’s proprietary connectors to the various CCS and Type 2 standards used by other manufacturers, understanding your vehicle’s requirements is crucial before investing in home charging equipment.
The good news? Once you know what to look for, selecting the perfect charger becomes much simpler. As an EV owner—especially if you’re making your first purchase—you’ll need to consider factors like your car’s maximum charging speed, your home’s electrical setup, and your daily driving patterns to find the most cost-effective solution that keeps your EV charged and ready for the road.
If you’re choosing a charger for your first electric vehicle, understanding these basics will help you make an informed decision.
Understanding Your EV’s Charging Requirements
Understanding your EV’s charging requirements forms the foundation for selecting the right charger. Requirements can differ for plug-in hybrid vehicles compared to fully electric cars. Each electric vehicle has specific charging characteristics that determine compatibility and charging performance for electric cars.
Charging Port Types and Compatibility
Your EV’s charging port determines which connectors you can use for different charging scenarios. The charging point is the physical location or device where your vehicle connects to the power supply for recharging. Most modern electric vehicles in the UK feature one of three primary charging port configurations.
Type 2 (Mennekes) ports accommodate the majority of European EVs including Tesla Model 3, Volkswagen ID.4, and BMW i3. These ports support both AC charging at home and rapid DC charging at public stations through CCS (Combined Charging System) connectors. Some charging points feature tethered cables, which are permanently attached to the unit for added convenience and easy plug-in use.
CHAdeMO ports appear on older Japanese vehicles such as the Nissan Leaf (pre-2022) and Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV. CHAdeMO provides DC fast charging capabilities but limits your charging network options compared to CCS-equipped vehicles.
Tesla Supercharger ports exist exclusively on older Tesla models in the UK, though newer Tesla vehicles now use Type 2/CCS combinations. Tesla owners with older models require specific adapters for non-Tesla charging networks.
Your vehicle’s manual or charging port label displays the exact connector type. Mismatched connectors prevent charging entirely, making compatibility verification essential before purchasing any charging equipment.
Maximum Charging Speed Capabilities
Your EV’s maximum charging speed determines how quickly you can replenish the battery using different charger types. This specification appears in your vehicle documentation as kilowatts (kW) for both AC and DC charging. The time required to fully charge your EV depends on both the charger’s output and your vehicle’s battery size.
AC charging speeds typically range from 3.6kW to 22kW depending on your vehicle’s onboard charger. Popular models demonstrate varying capabilities, and ev charges at higher AC power levels can significantly reduce the time needed to fully charge compatible vehicles:
Vehicle Model | AC Charging Speed | DC Charging Speed |
|---|---|---|
Tesla Model 3 | 11kW | 170kW |
Volkswagen ID.4 | 11kW | 135kW |
Nissan Leaf | 6.6kW | 46kW |
BMW i3 | 11kW | 50kW |
DC fast charging speeds vary significantly between vehicle generations and battery technologies. Newer EVs often support charging rates above 100kW, whilst older models typically cap at 50kW or lower. Higher DC power levels allow for faster ev charges, reducing the time needed to fully charge your battery, especially during long trips.
Installing a charger exceeding your vehicle’s maximum capability wastes money without providing faster charging. A 22kW home charger delivers no speed advantage for vehicles limited to 7kW AC charging, making a 7kW unit the optimal choice for such cars.
Your charging speed also depends on battery temperature, state of charge, and ambient conditions. Charging speeds decrease as batteries reach 80% capacity, with most vehicles reducing power significantly beyond this threshold.
Types of EV Chargers Available
EV chargers fall into three distinct categories based on their power output and charging technology. A wallbox charger is a dedicated home charging station, typically installed in a garage or on an exterior wall, offering faster and smarter charging for electric vehicles compared to standard outlets. A home wallbox is a common installation for residential charging, providing safety, convenience, and compatibility with various car types and energy tariffs. Understanding these charger types helps you match the right charging solution to your vehicle’s capabilities and daily usage patterns.
Level 1 Chargers (3-Pin Plug)
Level 1 chargers use a standard household three pin plug (also known as a 3-pin plug), delivering 2.3kW of power through a 10-amp connection. These basic chargers add approximately 8-12 miles of range per hour of charging, making them suitable for plug-in hybrids or drivers covering fewer than 30 miles daily.
Most EVs include a portable Level 1 charging cable with the vehicle purchase. Renault Zoe owners typically gain 10 miles per hour whilst Tesla Model 3 drivers achieve 12 miles per hour using these chargers.
Level 1 Charger Specifications:
Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
Power Output | 2.3kW |
Charging Speed | 8-12 miles per hour |
Installation Cost | £0 (uses existing socket) |
Full Charge Time | 24-40 hours |
Level 1 charging works best for overnight charging when your car remains parked for extended periods. Installation costs remain minimal since these chargers utilise existing household electrical outlets without requiring additional electrical work.
Level 2 Chargers (7kW and 22kW)
Level 2 chargers operate at higher power levels delivering either 7kW or 22kW depending on your home’s electrical configuration and vehicle compatibility. These dedicated charging units, often referred to as an EV wallbox, reduce charging times significantly compared to Level 1 alternatives.
A Level 2 charger can be either a tethered EV charger, which has a fixed cable attached, or an untethered charger, where you use your own cable. Tethered chargers offer added convenience for single-vehicle households, as the cable is always ready for use, while untethered chargers provide more flexibility for charging different vehicles.
7kW chargers add 25-30 miles of range per hour and complete most EV batteries within 6-8 hours. Popular models include the Pod Point Solo 3S and Zappi v2, both featuring smart charging capabilities and app connectivity.
22kW chargers deliver three-phase power adding 60-80 miles per hour for compatible vehicles like the Renault Zoe or Tesla Model S. However, most UK homes lack three-phase electrical supply, limiting 22kW charger installation to commercial properties or homes with upgraded electrical systems.
Level 2 Charger Comparison:
Charger Type | Power Output | Range Added Per Hour | Installation Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
7kW Single Phase | 7kW | 25-30 miles | Standard household supply |
22kW Three Phase | 22kW | 60-80 miles | Three-phase electrical supply |
Level 2 chargers require professional installation by certified electricians, typically costing £800-£1,500 including the charging unit. Government grants through the EV Chargepoint Grant reduce installation costs by up to £350 for eligible households.
Rapid DC Chargers
Rapid DC chargers bypass your vehicle’s onboard AC-to-DC converter, delivering direct current power at 50kW-350kW for ultra-fast charging speeds. These public chargers are the primary location for rapid DC charging, adding 100-200 miles of range within 20-30 minutes depending on your car’s DC charging capability. At many public stations, you can access the fastest charger available, which significantly reduces charging times, especially for vehicles with larger battery sizes.
CCS (Combined Charging System) connectors serve most European EVs including BMW i3, Audi e-tron and Volkswagen ID.4 models. CHAdeMO ports appear on Nissan Leaf and Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV vehicles, whilst Tesla Superchargers exclusively charge Tesla models at speeds up to 250kW.
Rapid Charger Types and Speeds:
Connector Type | Power Range | Compatible Vehicles | Charging Speed |
|---|---|---|---|
CCS | 50kW-350kW | Most European EVs | 10-80% in 20-45 minutes |
CHAdeMO | 50kW-100kW | Nissan Leaf, Mitsubishi | 10-80% in 30-60 minutes |
Tesla Supercharger | 150kW-250kW | Tesla models only | 10-80% in 15-30 minutes |
Rapid charging costs vary between 30p-85p per kWh across different network providers. Ionity charges 69p per kWh whilst BP Pulse offers rates from 44p per kWh for members, making rapid charging 3-4 times more expensive than home charging rates.
Key Factors to Consider When Choosing
Several critical factors determine which EV charger suits your specific requirements. Reviews and comparisons of the best home EV chargers can help you identify top-rated, reliable, and feature-rich options for residential use. When evaluating home EV chargers, it’s important to consider reliability and compatibility with your vehicle and home setup. Additionally, choosing a charger that is future proof ensures it will accommodate upcoming technologies, such as larger batteries or solar integration, providing long-term value. Consider these elements carefully to make an informed decision that maximises efficiency whilst avoiding unnecessary expenses.
Your Vehicle’s Onboard Charger Capacity
Your EV’s onboard charger capacity directly affects charging speed regardless of the external charger’s power rating. Modern electric vehicles feature varying AC charging capabilities that range from 3.6kW to 22kW for single-phase and three-phase connections.
Popular EV models demonstrate different onboard charger specifications:
Vehicle Model | AC Charging Capacity | Connection Type |
|---|---|---|
Nissan Leaf | 6.6kW | Single-phase |
Tesla Model 3 | 11kW | Three-phase |
BMW i3 | 11kW | Three-phase |
Hyundai Kona Electric | 7.2kW | Single-phase |
Audi e-tron | 11kW/22kW | Three-phase |
Installing a 22kW charger proves ineffective if your vehicle accepts only 7kW AC charging. Your car’s onboard charger acts as the bottleneck that limits charging speed. Many home charging units are optimized for one EV, focusing on the specific requirements, capacity, and compatibility needed for a single vehicle. Check your owner’s manual or manufacturer specifications to identify your vehicle’s maximum AC charging rate before selecting a home charger.
Installation Location and Power Supply
Your property’s electrical infrastructure determines which charger types you can install safely and legally. Before installation, your home’s electrical system must be assessed to ensure it can handle the additional load and meet the requirements for new wiring or appliances. Home installations require adequate power supply capacity and proper electrical connections to support higher-powered charging units.
Electrical Supply Requirements:
- 7kW chargers require single-phase 32A supply
- 11kW chargers need three-phase 16A supply
- 22kW chargers demand three-phase 32A supply
Most UK homes feature single-phase electrical connections that limit installations to 7kW chargers maximum. Three-phase supplies enable faster charging but remain uncommon in residential properties. Contact your local Distribution Network Operator (DNO) to verify your property’s electrical capacity before purchasing higher-powered units.
Installation Considerations:
- Proximity to your consumer unit affects installation costs
- Outdoor installations require weatherproof enclosures
- Wall-mounted units need solid brick or concrete surfaces
- Ground-mounted posts suit driveways without suitable walls
Budget and Running Costs
EV charger costs encompass initial purchase price plus installation expenses and ongoing electricity charges. Charger prices vary significantly based on power output and smart features. Monitoring energy use is essential to optimize charging expenses and manage overall running costs.
Typical Charger Costs:
Charger Type | Unit Price Range | Installation Cost | Total Investment |
|---|---|---|---|
3.6kW Basic | £300-£500 | £400-£800 | £700-£1,300 |
7kW Standard | £400-£800 | £500-£1,200 | £900-£2,000 |
7kW Smart | £600-£1,200 | £500-£1,200 | £1,100-£2,400 |
22kW Three-phase | £800-£1,500 | £800-£2,000 | £1,600-£3,500 |
Smart chargers cost more initially but offer long-term savings through features like off-peak charging schedules and load balancing. These units automatically charge your vehicle during cheaper electricity periods if you’re on a time-of-use tariff.
Running Cost Factors:
- Electricity tariff rates affect charging expenses
- Off-peak rates (typically 00:30-07:30) offer significant savings
- Smart chargers optimise charging times automatically
- Government grants reduce initial installation costs by up to £350
Calculate your annual charging costs by multiplying your vehicle’s efficiency (miles per kWh) by your annual mileage and electricity rate. Drivers covering 10,000 miles annually in an efficient EV typically spend £250-£400 yearly on home charging with standard tariffs.
Popular EV Models and Recommended Chargers
Matching specific EV models with appropriate chargers ensures optimal charging performance and cost-effectiveness. Understanding each vehicle’s charging specifications helps you select the right home charging solution. It’s also important to consider the charger’s features, such as compatibility, cable length, and smart controls, to ensure the best fit for your EV model.
Tesla Model 3 and Model Y
Tesla Model 3 and Model Y vehicles accept AC charging at 11kW maximum through their Type 2 port connector. These models feature Tesla’s proprietary charging port design but include a Type 2 adapter for UK home charging installations. Wallbox chargers are a popular option for Tesla owners, offering easy installation, fast charging speeds, and compatibility with smart home energy systems.
Recommended charger specifications for Tesla vehicles:
Charger Type | Power Output | Charging Time (0-80%) | Installation Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
7kW untethered | 7kW | 8-10 hours | £800-£1,200 |
11kW untethered | 11kW | 6-7 hours | £1,200-£1,800 |
22kW three-phase | 11kW actual | 6-7 hours | £2,000-£3,000 |
Installing a 7kW charger provides adequate overnight charging for Tesla Model 3 and Y owners with average daily driving patterns. Upgrading to 11kW charging reduces charging time by approximately 30% but requires three-phase electrical supply availability at your property.
Tesla vehicles benefit from smart charging features when paired with compatible home chargers, allowing you to schedule charging during off-peak electricity rates and monitor energy consumption through dedicated mobile applications.
Nissan Leaf and Volkswagen ID.3
Nissan Leaf generations vary in AC charging capacity, with older models (2011-2017) limited to 3.3kW and newer versions accepting 6.6kW maximum charging rates. For both the Nissan Leaf and Volkswagen ID.3, a standard installation is usually sufficient to meet their charging needs, making the process quick and straightforward. Volkswagen ID.3 models support 11kW AC charging through their Type 2 connection port.
Charging specifications comparison:
Vehicle Model | AC Charging Capacity | DC Fast Charging | Battery Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|
Nissan Leaf (2018+) | 6.6kW | 50kW CHAdeMO | 40kWh/62kWh |
Nissan Leaf (2011-2017) | 3.3kW | 50kW CHAdeMO | 24kWh/30kWh |
VW ID.3 | 11kW | 125kW CCS | 45kWh/58kWh/77kWh |
Installing a 7kW charger for newer Nissan Leaf models provides faster charging than the vehicle’s maximum 6.6kW capability, creating minimal efficiency loss whilst future-proofing your installation. Older Leaf vehicles charge at their maximum 3.3kW rate regardless of charger power output.
Volkswagen ID.3 owners maximise charging efficiency with 11kW home chargers when three-phase electricity supply is available. Single-phase properties limit charging to 7kW output, extending full charge times to approximately 9-11 hours depending on battery capacity.
BMW i3 and Audi e-tron
BMW i3 electric vehicles accept 11kW AC charging through Type 2 connections, whilst Audi e-tron models support 11kW charging rates with larger battery capacities requiring longer charging durations. It’s worth noting that actual charging times can vary depending on battery size and the state of charge when plugging in. Both manufacturers specify Type 2 charging ports as standard across their electric vehicle ranges.
Premium EV charging requirements:
Vehicle Model | Battery Size | AC Charging Rate | Full Charge Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
BMW i3 (2018-2022) | 42.2kWh | 11kW | 4.5 hours |
BMW i3 (2013-2017) | 33kWh | 11kW | 3.5 hours |
Audi e-tron 55 | 95kWh | 11kW | 9.5 hours |
Audi e-tron 50 | 71kWh | 11kW | 7.5 hours |
BMW i3 owners benefit from compact battery sizes that charge completely within 4-5 hours using 11kW home chargers. Shorter charging durations make 7kW chargers viable alternatives for i3 models, extending full charge times to approximately 6-7 hours.
Audi e-tron vehicles require overnight charging periods due to substantial battery capacities exceeding 70kWh. Installing 11kW chargers ensures complete charging within 8-10 hours, accommodating daily driving ranges whilst maintaining battery longevity through slower AC charging rates compared to rapid DC alternatives.
Smart charging compatibility enhances premium EV ownership experiences, enabling load balancing features that prevent electrical circuit overloading when multiple high-power appliances operate simultaneously at your property.
Installation Considerations
Installing an EV charger involves specific safety requirements and regulatory compliance that extend beyond simply mounting the unit. The installation process is crucial, as it includes assessing your property’s electrical infrastructure, ensuring compliance with regulations, and addressing any potential challenges for a smooth and safe setup. Professional electricians must assess your property’s electrical infrastructure and ensure proper installation to maximise safety and performance. It is essential to use a qualified electrician to guarantee that the installation meets all safety standards and legal requirements. Many providers offer installation services, giving you a range of options in terms of cost, speed, and support. Before proceeding, check with local authorities to determine if any permissions or regulations apply to your installation, especially if cables need to cross public or shared spaces.
Professional Installation Requirements
Qualified electricians certified by schemes such as NICEIC or NAPIT must install all Level 2 EV chargers in your home. These professionals conduct electrical safety checks on your consumer unit, earthing arrangements, main supply capacity, and inspect the power cable for safety and compliance before beginning installation work.
Your electrical installation requires an 18th Edition certificate to comply with current wiring regulations. Electricians test your home’s RCD (Residual Current Device) protection and install a dedicated circuit with appropriate MCB (Miniature Circuit Breaker) protection for the charger.
Installation costs vary significantly based on your property’s configuration and distance from the consumer unit to the charging location. Standard installations range from £300-£600 whilst complex installations requiring cable runs exceeding 20 metres or consumer unit upgrades can cost £800-£1,500.
Most installations complete within 2-4 hours if your electrical system meets current standards. Properties with older consumer units or insufficient supply capacity may require additional electrical work before charger installation can proceed.
Government Grants and Incentives
The EV Chargepoint Grant provides £350 towards home charging installation costs for eligible homeowners and tenants. This grant reduces the total installation expense and applies automatically through approved installers registered with the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV).
Eligibility criteria include owning or having primary access to off-street parking and purchasing an OZEV-approved smart charger. Applicants may need to obtain a quote for a new charging point before applying. Renters require written permission from property owners before applying for grant funding through certified installation companies.
Workplace Charging Scheme offers businesses up to £350 per charging socket installation with a maximum of 40 sockets per site. Companies benefit from Corporation Tax relief on charging infrastructure investments whilst providing employee charging facilities.
Local councils across England Scotland and Wales offer additional incentives including reduced parking fees business rate relief and supplementary installation grants. Check your local authority’s environmental initiatives website for region-specific EV charging support programmes and application procedures.
Smart Features and Future-Proofing
Smart EV chargers offer advanced functionality that transforms your charging experience whilst protecting your investment for years ahead. Modern chargers feature smart functionality, allowing users to benefit from features like scheduling, energy monitoring, and integration with home automation systems. These intelligent devices integrate seamlessly with your home energy system and provide unprecedented control over your vehicle’s charging process. With wi fi connectivity, chargers can be controlled remotely, enabling you to start, stop, or monitor charging sessions from anywhere using a mobile app or phone app. This ensures maximum convenience and future-proofs your home charging setup.
App Control and Scheduling
App-controlled EV chargers connect to your smartphone through Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connectivity, delivering complete charging management from anywhere. Popular charging apps like Pod Point, Ohme, and Zappi allow you to start, stop, and monitor charging sessions remotely whilst tracking energy consumption in real-time. With these apps, you can easily start charging your vehicle remotely, giving you flexibility to initiate a charging session whenever you need.
Remote monitoring capabilities include:
- Live charging status updates
- Session history with energy usage data
- Cost tracking per charging session
- Fault notifications and diagnostic alerts
- Charging session scheduling up to 7 days in advance
Scheduling functions optimise your charging costs by automatically starting sessions during off-peak electricity periods. Economy 7 tariff users save up to 50% on charging costs by scheduling sessions between 11 PM and 7 AM when rates drop to approximately 7p per kWh compared to daytime rates of 14p per kWh.
Advanced scheduling features let you set departure times, ensuring your vehicle reaches the desired charge level precisely when needed. Tesla owners using compatible smart chargers can sync their charging schedule with the vehicle’s departure time through the Tesla app integration.
Load Balancing and Energy Management
Load balancing technology prevents electrical system overloads by monitoring your home’s total energy consumption and adjusting charging power accordingly. With this system, users can simply plug in their vehicle to begin charging, without worrying about overloading circuits. This intelligent feature becomes essential when multiple high-power appliances operate simultaneously with your EV charger.
Dynamic load balancing monitors:
- Total household electricity demand
- Available spare capacity on your electrical supply
- Peak usage periods throughout the day
- Integration with solar panel energy generation
- Battery storage system coordination
Smart chargers with load balancing automatically reduce charging power from 7kW to 3kW when your electric shower, oven, and washing machine operate simultaneously. This prevents circuit breaker trips whilst maintaining safe charging operation.
Solar integration maximises renewable energy usage by prioritising charging during peak solar generation periods. Zappi and MyEnergi chargers detect excess solar power and automatically increase charging rates, reducing grid electricity consumption by up to 80% during sunny conditions.
Load Balancing Feature | Benefit | Compatible Models |
|---|---|---|
Dynamic power adjustment | Prevents overloads | Pod Point Solo 3S, Wallbox Pulsar Plus |
Solar PV integration | Maximises renewable usage | Zappi v2, SolarEdge EV Charger |
Multi-charger management | Distributes power efficiently | Tesla Wall Connector, Easee One |
Battery storage coordination | Optimises energy storage | MyEnergi Zappi, Fronius Wattpilot |
Energy management systems integrate with home automation platforms like Amazon Alexa and Google Home, enabling voice control over charging functions. Advanced models connect with time-of-use tariffs, automatically switching between different electricity rates to minimise charging costs.
Future-proofing features include over-the-air software updates that add new functionality without hardware replacement. ISO 15118 Plug & Charge compatibility ensures compatibility with next-generation vehicle communication standards, whilst OCPP (Open Charge Point Protocol) support enables integration with future energy management systems.
Conclusion
Making the right EV charger choice doesn’t have to be overwhelming once you’ve got the basics sorted. By understanding your vehicle’s charging capacity and matching it with your daily driving needs you’ll ensure efficient charging without overspending on unnecessary power.
Remember that a 7kW Level 2 charger suits most UK drivers perfectly while smart chargers offer valuable long-term benefits through scheduling and energy management features. Take advantage of available grants to reduce installation costs and always use certified electricians for safe professional setup.
Your charging solution should work for your specific situation rather than following generic recommendations. With the right charger properly installed you’ll enjoy convenient reliable charging that keeps your EV ready for every journey ahead.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main types of EV charging ports?
The three primary EV charging ports are Type 2 (most common in Europe), CHAdeMO (mainly for Japanese vehicles like Nissan Leaf), and Tesla Supercharger (for Tesla vehicles). Type 2 ports are standard on most new EVs and offer compatibility with most public charging networks. Understanding your vehicle’s port type is crucial for selecting the right home charger and ensuring compatibility with public charging stations.
How do I know what charging speed my EV can handle?
Check your vehicle’s specifications for its onboard charger capacity, which determines maximum AC charging speed. For example, a Tesla Model 3 accepts up to 11kW AC charging, whilst a Nissan Leaf typically handles 6.6kW. Installing a charger that exceeds your car’s capacity won’t improve charging speed but will increase costs unnecessarily.
What’s the difference between Level 1, Level 2, and Rapid DC chargers?
Level 1 chargers use standard 3-pin plugs (2.3kW), suitable for plug-in hybrids or low-mileage drivers. Level 2 chargers (7kW-22kW) require professional installation but significantly reduce charging times. Rapid DC chargers offer ultra-fast charging (50kW+) but are typically found at public stations and aren’t suitable for most home installations due to power requirements and cost.
Can I install a 22kW charger at home?
Most UK homes have single-phase electrical connections, limiting home installations to 7kW chargers. Three-phase connections required for 22kW chargers are uncommon in residential properties. Additionally, many EVs can’t utilise 22kW AC charging, making 7kW chargers the most practical and cost-effective choice for most homeowners.
What’s the cost of installing an EV charger at home?
Home EV charger installation typically costs £300-£600 for standard setups, though complex installations may cost more. The government’s EV Chargepoint Grant can provide up to £350 towards installation costs. Smart chargers cost more initially but can offer long-term savings through features like off-peak charging and energy management.
Are smart EV chargers worth the extra cost?
Smart chargers offer remote control via smartphone apps, energy consumption tracking, and off-peak charging scheduling to reduce electricity costs. They include load balancing to prevent electrical overloads and can integrate with solar panels. Whilst more expensive initially, their energy management features and future-proofing capabilities often provide long-term value and savings.
How long does it take to charge an EV at home?
Charging times depend on your charger’s power output and your vehicle’s battery capacity. A 7kW charger typically adds 25-30 miles of range per hour. For example, charging a Tesla Model 3 from 20% to 80% takes approximately 6-8 hours with a 7kW charger, making overnight charging convenient for most users.
Do I need planning permission to install an EV charger?
Most home EV charger installations don’t require planning permission under permitted development rights. However, installations in conservation areas, listed buildings, or flats may need permission. Your installer should advise on any requirements and ensure compliance with building regulations and safety standards during installation.