There are approximately 931,323 EV charge points in the UK helping over 1.1 million electric vehicles get from A to B in 2024. A total of 809,181 of those chargers are installed at homes across the nation, allowing for hassle-free electric car charging.

If like so many others in the UK, you’re thinking about installing an EV charger at home, what do you need to know beforehand and do you need any permission to do so? In this guide, we’ll cover everything you’ll need to know in order to get your home charger installed.

Do I need permission to install an EV charger at home?

For homeowners with private parking, typically you can install an EV charger without needing permission from the local government. There are, however, a few exceptions to this general rule.

**Renters & flat owners** - If you are renting or are a flat owner, you must obtain approval from your landlord or property manager before proceeding with the installation.
**Listed buildings** - If you reside in a home that has been identified as having special architectural or historic interest and is included on a statutory list, and is therefore protected from alterations, you may need to apply for planning permission before proceeding with the installation.
**Conservation areas** - If your home is located in a conservation area, which, similar to listed buildings, are designated areas that are preserved due to their special architectural or historical significance, you may also need to apply for planning permission before proceeding with the installation.

Regardless of your situation, it is always advisable to check with your local council or planning authority in any case to confirm the specific requirements and permissions that apply to your home just to be safe.

Benefits of installing an EV charger at home

If you are still wondering whether installing an EV charger at home is right for you, here are just some of the main benefits of having an EV charger hooked up at home.

Convenience

Imagine the scenario, you’ve had a long day at work and the last thing you want to do is charge your vehicle on the way home. With an EV charger installed at home, simply plug in your charger and your way into the house and when you wake the next day, your electric car is fully charged and ready to go as soon as you are.

Speed

Having a dedicated EV charger at home on a 7kw chargepoint can charge your vehicle up to 3x faster than simply using a 3-pin plug socket. This is particularly beneficial when owning or leasing an EV with a large battery, as simply charging from a 3-pin plug socket may not fully charge your vehicle, even when left on overnight.Cost-effectiveness

Not only can you charge your car from the convenience of your own home, but it’ll also cost you less to charge your EV at home compared to charging at a public charge point. You can read more about the difference in savings in our guide, here.

Property value

Installing an EV at home can also boost the value of your home. As more and more people switch to electric driving, more and more potential buyers will be looking for homes that are equipped to charge their vehicles.

Peace of mind

“Range anxiety” was once a common phrase associated with electric cars. However, many EVs today come with much larger batteries and can travel a lot further on one charge compared to a few years ago. Couple this with being able to charge your EV at home overnight and that “range anxiety” almost becomes irrelevant as every day you can wake up to a fully charged car and will know exactly how far you can go before needing to recharge your vehicle.

What you need to consider before installing an EV charger at home

Before installing an EV charger at home, there are a few things worthwhile considering to make the installation process go smoothly.

Where to install an EV charger at home

Before installing your EV charger at home, it’s important to consider where your EV charger will be installed. You need to make sure that the charger is located near enough for the cable to reach where you will be parking your vehicle. Before installing your EV charger, check which model you’d like to install and then check the length of the cable provided to make sure it’ll be able to reach your vehicle. It’s also worth making sure that the location you install your EV charger is near enough to your home’s power supply too.

Best EV charger to install at home

When choosing an EV charger, consider your car's charging speed and your home's power supply. Most homes in the UK have single-phase electricity, which limits charging to 7kW. If your car can charge faster, you might need to upgrade your home's power, which may require approval from your Distribution Network Operator (DON). For most drivers, a 7kW charger is enough for daily charging. However, if you need to charge quickly, a faster charger might be better (however you can only go faster than 7kW if you have three phase power).

Also make sure that your charger has PEN fault protection built in - this will detect any earth leakages and immediately cut the power.

If you have or are thinking of getting solar power, choose a charger that measures the actual amount of power generated by the solar panels (and doesn’t estimate based on the weather). This is so you can be sure that your car is charging from (free) solar power and not the grid.

You will also want to consider appearance and a lot of our recommended chargers are thin and discreet, making it difficult to spot them from the road. THis is particularly important if you live on a terraced street and don’t want to upset the neighbours with a large brightly lit charger!

Best chargepoint provider for a home EV charger

When choosing a provider for your home EV charger, consider factors such as the charging speed, smart features (a wifi connection may be needed), safety, compatibility with different EVs, adherence to UK regulations and installation costs. By carefully evaluating these aspects, you can find a provider that best suits your needs and ensures a seamless electric vehicle charging experience at home.

Cost to install an EV charger at home

As of September 2024, according to Checkatrade’s cost guides, the average cost to install an EV charger in the UK is around £1,000, which drops to £650 if you are eligible for a government grant. Landlords and flat residents can also get a government grant of up to £350 to help with the cost. There will also be an additional charge if you need to pay to upgrade your home's electrical system.

Can I install an EV charger at home?

Yes, you can install an EV charger at home, however, you cannot install one yourself. Only a certified electrician with a 2921 qualification who is registered with the Competent Person Scheme can safely install a home EV charger. Thankfully, many EV charger suppliers provide installation as part of their service.

Safe, secure on-street EV charging with Kerbo Charge

Kerbo Charge offers a convenient solution for charging your electric vehicle while parked on the street. Our professionally installed EV charging cable gully allows you to safely extend your charging cable from your home to your EV without obstructing pedestrians.

We handle all necessary permissions with your local council, ensuring compliance with local regulations and our installation process is typically completed within an hour, enabling you to start charging your EV immediately. Simply connect your charging cable, charge your vehicle, and safely remove the cable when finished.

If you’re looking to charge your EV at home safely and securely, enter your postcode to see if Kerbo Charge is available in your area.

Do I Need Permission to Install an EV Charger?