Electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming increasingly popular in the UK, with more drivers making the switch from petrol and diesel cars. A key piece of the EV ownership experience is having the best home EV charger installed so you can conveniently charge your EV overnight.
But with so many EV chargers on the market, how do you determine which is the best home EV charger UK for 2023? This ultimate guide examines the top ones available in the UK right now. We’ll explore the different types of EV chargers, key factors to consider when buying one, installation options, benefits of home charging, FAQs from UK EV owners, and our top recommendations for the best home EV chargers this year.
Whether you already own an EV and want to upgrade your home charger or you’re considering investing in an EV and need a charging solution, this guide will help you find the best one for your needs. Let’s dive in!
Types of Home EV Chargers
There are three main levels of EV charging that can be used in home installations:
Level 1 Charging:
This is the simplest and most basic form of charging and uses a standard household electrical outlet (typically 120V). Level 1 charging is the slowest method and can take several hours to fully charge an electric vehicle (EV). It is commonly used for overnight charging or when a slower speed is acceptable.
Level 2 Charging:
The most common type of EV charger for homes is Level 2 charging. These operate on 240-volt outlets just like large appliances such as dryers. Level 2 chargers require installation by a qualified electrician but provide much faster charging than Level 1, typically from 3.6kW to 19.2kW. This allows a full EV battery to be recharged overnight in most cases.
Level 3 Charging (DC Fast Charging):
Level 3 charging (also referred to as DC fast charging or rapid charging) utilizes high-power charging stations that supply direct current (DC) electricity to the vehicle’s battery. These fast chargers can charge an EV to 80% of its capacity in as little as 20-30 minutes, significantly reducing charging time compared to Level 1 or Level 2 charging. While very fast, DC fast chargers require special high-powered electrical connections that make them currently impractical and too expensive for most residential settings.
Top Picks for the Best Home EV Charger UK 2023
Based on our extensive analysis, here are our top recommendations on the best EV chargers for home charging this year:
Easee One
- Charging capacity: Up to 22kW, adjustable from 1.4kW to 22kW
- Connectors: Type 2 charging cable, untethered design with 5m cable
- Smart features: Dynamic load balancing, automatic power optimization, Wi-Fi and 4G connectivity, scheduling through the app, 4G eSIM for software updates
- Dimensions: 30 x 11 x 11 cm
- Weight: 1.5kg
- Warranty: 5 years
The Easee One stands out for its lightweight and slim design with adaptable charging power. Reviewers praise the easy installation and use, reliable Wi-Fi connectivity, and automatic firmware updates via 4G as major benefits. The only downside is slightly weaker build quality due to its light plastic casing.
Ohme Home Pro
- Charging capacity: 7.4kW
- Connectors: 5m tethered cable with Type 2 connector
- Smart features: Automatic power balancing, voice control via Alexa/Google Assistant, smart home integration
- Dimensions: 17.8 x 16.5 x 8 cm
- Weight: 1.7kg
- Warranty: 3 years
Ohme’s Home Pro scores points for seamless smart home integration and voice-controlled charging. Reviewers love the responsive voice commands and automated power optimisation based on home energy usage. The main complaints are an occasionally glitchy app and wifi connectivity could be more reliable.
Tesla Wall Connector
https://shop.tesla.com/product/wall-connector
- Charging capacity: Up to 22kW, adjustable from 8A to 48A
- Connectors: Tesla proprietary connector, 7.3m tethered cable
- Smart features: Dynamic load sharing, WiFi connectivity, customizable charging current
- Dimensions: 25 x 10 x 7cm
- Weight: 2kg
- Warranty: 4 years
Purpose-built for Tesla EVs, the Wall Connector delivers exceptionally fast charging. The sturdy, compact design gets praise along with easy installation and smartphone app control. The downsides are relatively few smart features beyond charging customization and the high price.
Myenergi Zappi
https://www.myenergi.com/zappi-ev-charger/
- Charging capacity: 3.6kW or 7kW, auto-adjusting
- Connectors: Type 2 connector, untethered cable
- Smart features: Dynamic load balancing, solar PV integration, scheduling via the app
- Dimensions: 25 x 25 x 13cm
- Weight: 3.2kg
- Warranty: 5 years
Myenergi’s Zappi is a top choice for solar homes with its ability to utilize surplus solar energy for charging. Reviewers love the auto-adjusting charging rate and solar integration. However, the bulky design and lack of voice control are seen as disadvantages.
Wallbox Pulsar Max
- Charging capacity: 7kW
- Connectors: Type 2 connector, 5m tethered cable
- Smart features: WiFi/Bluetooth connectivity, power sharing, scheduling through app
- Dimensions: 18 x 28 x 13cm
- Weight: 4kg
- Warranty: 2 years
Wallbox’s Pulsar Max offers a versatile 7kW home charger in a stylish, compact unit. Users praise the well-designed app and responsive controls. Drawbacks are average build quality and lack of advanced smart home integration features.
Xing Energy Wallbox
- Charging capacity: 7.4kW
- Connectors: Type 2 connector, 5m tethered cable
- Smart features: Dynamic load balancing, scheduling through the app, real-time charging status
- Dimensions: 32.5 x 22 x 10cm
- Weight: 3.5kg
- Warranty: 1-5 years
The Xing Energy Wallbox offers a reliable 7.4kW home charger with great smart features for the price. It can automatically adjust the charging rate based on available power, avoiding tripping your mains. Users praise the compact, durable design and easy installation. The app allows remote monitoring and scheduling. Safety features include temperature monitoring and auto shut-off. Overall an excellent mid-range charging option.
Other Home EV Chargers to Consider
Here are a few other excellent EV chargers to look at for your shortlist:
Rolec QUBEV Smart
- Charging capacity: 22kW
- Connectors: Type 2 connector, 5m tethered cable
- Smart features: Bluetooth connectivity, charging schedule customization, 2 charging modes
- Dimensions: 25 x 12 x 8cm
- Weight: 4kg
- Warranty: 3 years
Rolec’s QUBEV Smart stands out for its high 22kW maximum charging capacity. The sturdy design and helpful app features earn praise, though some users report Wi-Fi connectivity issues. Overall a great high-powered option.
Andersen A2
- Charging capacity: 7.2kW
- Connectors: Type 2 connector, untethered cable
- Smart features: Automatic power balancing, integrated cable locking
- Dimensions: 27 x 16 x 9cm
- Weight: 3kg
- Warranty: 2 years
The A2 from Norwegian company Andersen offers robust design and safety features like the built-in cable lock. Users love the competitive price but note performance lags behind some premium models. Still an excellent budget choice.
Hypervolt Home 3.0
- Charging capacity: 100kW
- Connectors: CCS2 connector, 5m tethered cable
- Smart features: Customizable charging current, real-time charge monitoring
- Dimensions: 40 x 15 x 10cm
- Weight: 18kg
- Warranty: 5 years
The Home 3.0 from Hypervolt stands out for its incredible 100kW charging capacity – one of the fastest available for home use. The heavy unit earns praise for ultra-fast charging but has a premium price tag.
EO Mini Pro
- Charging capacity: Adjustable from 3-22kW
- Connectors: Type 2 connector, untethered 7m cable
- Smart features: Smart home integration, load balancing
- Dimensions: 25 x 15 x 10 cm
- Weight: 4kg
- Warranty: 3 years
EO’s portable Mini Pro 2 scores points for its wide 3-22kW charging range and the flexibility of the untethered cable. Convenient features compensate for the slightly plasticky feel. It’s a great portable and budget-friendly option.
All of the chargers featured here represent the best currently available for the UK market in 2023. Each brings its own compelling benefits. Take time to weigh up which model offers the right mix of speed, smart features, charging connections and price to perfectly match your EV charging needs.
Factors to Consider When Choosing The Best Home EV Charger UK
With many models and brands to evaluate, it helps to know the key factors to consider so you can determine the best option for your needs:
Price Range
Price ranges from £200 on the lower end up to £1000+ for ultra-fast models. Consider how much you’re willing to spend. Faster charging and extra features will cost more.
Warranty
Look for a warranty of at least two years for peace of mind. Many EV chargers now come with 5-year or even 7-year warranties for added protection on your investment.
Tethered or Untethered
This refers to whether the charger’s cable is permanently attached or detachable. Untethered gives you more flexibility for charging in different locations. Tethered makes for easier installation and operation.
Compatibility
Ensure any charger you choose is compatible with the make and model of your electric car. Look for chargers that support multiple standards like Type 1, Type 2 and CCS.
Energy Management
Smart chargers allow you to manage speed, schedules, and power balancing. This helps you maximise cost savings and avoid overload tripping. Energy management capability is highly recommended.
Installation Options
You’ll need to have your new EV charger installed by a qualified electrician. Here are the main types of installation to consider:
Level 1 Charging
This uses a regular 3-pin plug socket to recharge your EV. It typically provides charging speeds of 2-3kW, so takes longer but requires no installation cost. This is the slowest charging option but is good for plug-in hybrids.
Level 2 Charging
For faster home charging, a level 2 charger is recommended. This will require installation by an electrician to safely connect the EV charger to your home’s 240-volt electrical supply. Level 2 chargers typically offer charging speeds between 3.6kW to 22kW. Installation costs are around £300 on average.
Solar-Powered Charging
If you have solar panels, you can use solar energy to charge your EV with a compatible charger like the Myenergi Zappi. This uses any surplus energy your panels generate during the daytime to charge your car. An eco-friendly charging option.
Benefits of a Dedicated Home Electric Vehicle Charger
Installing a dedicated one offers important benefits:
Convenience and Accessibility
Being able to plug in and charge your EV overnight at home is far more convenient than relying solely on public chargers. With a home charger, you’ll start each day with a fully charged EV.
Faster Charging Times
Most public chargers only offer slow to moderate charging speeds. A home EV charging station will charge your EV battery up to 3-4 times faster so you can power up quicker.
Cost Savings
Charging at home is generally cheaper than public EV charging. Many smart chargers allow you to schedule charging during off-peak hours to maximise savings. And they can help balance home energy loads efficiently.
Frequently Asked Questions About EV Home Charger in the UK
If you’re considering an electric car charger, here are answers to some common questions UK EV owners have:
How do I find reputable EV charger installers near me?
The best source is recommendations from other EV owners. You can also search for EV charger installation services on Checkatrade, TrustATrader or Trustpilot. Be sure to verify qualifications, insurance and guarantees.
What chargers are compatible with my electric car?
Consult your EV’s manual or the manufacturer’s website to confirm which charging connectors and power outputs your model is compatible with. Not all chargers support every EV.
Are there any EV charger grants or incentives available?
Yes, the UK government currently offers an Electric Vehicle Homecharge Scheme (EVHS) grant which provides a 75% contribution towards the cost of installing an EV charger at your home, up to £350 max. This can make installing a home charger much more affordable.
Is it cost-effective to install an EV charger for your home?
Generally yes – a home EV charger will save you money in the long run compared to relying solely on public charging. Faster charging also allows you to better utilise cheap overnight electricity rates. Smart chargers add further efficiency.
How We Research and Review of The Best Home EV Charger UK
In reviewing and making our top recommendations for the best home EV charger UK, we take several steps:
– Compare specifications and features of both new and existing EV charger models
– Analyse expert reviews from leading EV and electronics publications
– Examine thousands of owner reviews and feedback
– Assess key factors like price, charging speed, energy management, ease of use and reliability
– Consider ease of installation and costs
– Evaluate choice and flexibility – tethered vs. untethered, connector types etc
– Determine which models provide the best performance, features and value for money
– Test shortlisted EV charger models hands-on when possible
This rigorous process ensures we can provide EV owners with thoroughly researched, unbiased recommendations showcasing the very best ones available.
Conclusion
Investing in the best home EV charger UK is one of the smartest purchases you can make as an EV owner. Convenient home charging helps maximise savings and makes living with an electric car incredibly easy.
Hopefully, this guide has given you all the key information you need to find your best home EV charger UK. We’ve distilled the top models, brands, features and buying considerations so you can make an informed decision. Just remember to get quotes from certified electricians before installing your new charger.
With useful incentives like the EVHS grant in place, there’s never been a better time to install an EV charger at your home. Finding the best home EV charger tailored to your needs will keep you charged up for all your journeys in your emissions-free electric car. Happy EV motoring!
