Frequently Asked Questions

A typical home EV charger installation takes 2-4 hours. The full process from enquiry to installation usually takes 1-3 weeks, depending on installer availability and any additional electrical work required.

In most cases, no. EV chargers are considered 'permitted development' for houses. However, you may need permission if your property is listed, in a conservation area, or if the charger faces a highway. Flats and apartments always need freeholder permission.

No. EV charger installation must be carried out by a qualified electrician, ideally one who is OZEV-approved. DIY installation is unsafe, illegal, and will void your warranty and insurance.

Most installations require a dedicated circuit from your consumer unit. Some properties may need consumer unit upgrades, earthing improvements, or longer cable runs. Your installer will assess this during the site survey.

EV chargers range from around £400 for basic models to £1,500+ for premium units. Installation typically adds £300-800. Total costs are usually £800-2,000 depending on charger choice and installation complexity.

Yes, but eligibility has changed. The grant (up to £350) is now only available to flat owners/tenants, renters with landlord permission, and landlords installing chargers for tenants. Homeowners in houses are no longer eligible.

At average UK electricity rates (28p/kWh), charging a 60kWh battery costs about £17. With an EV-specific tariff (7-8p/kWh off-peak), the same charge costs around £4-5. Most owners spend £30-80/month on home charging.

Tethered chargers have a permanently attached cable, making them more convenient - just grab and plug in. Untethered chargers have a socket, requiring you to use your own Type 2 cable. Untethered is more flexible if you have multiple EVs with different connector types.

A 7kW charger is sufficient for most homes, adding about 30 miles of range per hour. This can fully charge most EVs overnight. 22kW chargers are only beneficial if you have three-phase power supply and need very fast charging.

Yes, in the UK. All home chargers use the Type 2 connector standard, which is compatible with every EV sold in the UK. Tesla vehicles also use Type 2 in Europe, so they work with any charger.

Smart chargers connect to WiFi/4G and offer features like: scheduling charging for off-peak rates, energy monitoring, integration with solar panels, remote control via app, and load balancing with other electrical loads.

Your electricity bill will increase, but much less than you'd spend on petrol. A typical EV driver doing 10,000 miles/year uses about 2,500kWh - roughly £200-700/year depending on your tariff, compared to £1,500+ for petrol.

Yes! Many chargers like the myenergi Zappi, Ohme Home Pro, and Easee One can integrate with solar panels to use excess solar generation for charging. This can make your driving essentially free on sunny days.

Load balancing dynamically adjusts charging power based on other electrical usage in your home, preventing overloading your supply. It's useful if you have a lower-rated electrical supply or use high-power appliances frequently.

Yes. All approved EV chargers are weatherproof (typically rated IP54-IP65) and designed for outdoor use. The charging connector is also designed to be safe when wet. However, the connector should be stored properly when not in use.

No. Home chargers (7kW) are actually gentler on your battery than rapid public chargers. Your car's battery management system controls the charging process, protecting the battery from damage.

Yes. Studies suggest EV chargers can add £3,000-5,000 to property value, and they make homes more attractive to the growing number of EV owners. They're increasingly seen as a standard home feature.

Technically yes, but it's often not practical. Removal and reinstallation costs can exceed the charger value. Many owners leave chargers as they add property value. Check your warranty terms before removal.

Yes, but you'll need written permission from the freeholder/management company. The OZEV grant is still available for flat residents. Your installer can help navigate the approval process and handle any technical challenges.

Options include: communal chargers shared with other residents, on-street residential charging schemes (check with your council), lamp post chargers (where available), or public chargers nearby. The situation is improving as councils add more infrastructure.