Installing an EV chargepoint at home

The most convenient way to charge up your Electric Vehicle (EV) is at home, it is also usually the most cost-effective supply of power for your EV. It is possible to charge an EV from a standard three-pin mains outlet, however the best option is likely to be installation of a wall charging unit (also called a wallbox), which can work off a higher power level and charge your car in a faster period.

Installation of a wall charging unit on an external wall usually requires an initial survey to assess suitability (although with the option that these can sometimes now be done remotely through photographs) and then a visit by an engineer to install it which may involve drilling a small hole into the wall to enable a power cable to be brought from your main fuse box to the charger.

Wall charging units are offered by several different retailers but are generally reasonably compact and unnoticeable as well as being simple to use with the only step being to plug in your cable to start charging.

There are a variety of sources to purchase a wall charging unit from and arrange installation including car manufacturers, electricity suppliers and specialist EV charger suppliers. It may be worth comparing different options for cost and suitability before going with your preferred supplier.

While there is an initial cost involved in purchasing and installing a home chargepoint, it is evident that savings can be made over the medium to long-term when compared to filling up a petrol or diesel car or relying on charging away from home which generally incurs additional tax and service fees. There are also financial incentives available from the Government which can cover up to 75% of the cost of a chargepoint for residences.

Various supports are also available for businesses to provide chargepoints for customers and employees.

Although the above guidance is intended to be a useful start, it is recommended that professional advice is sought before undertaking any works and to check whether they may be subject to planning permission. For further information on planning requirements, please refer to the below links:

Please note: Do not run a cable across a footway between your property and your car as we do not permit this given that, even with a cable protector, this can create an accessibility issue for footway users. Additionally, be aware that if someone were to trip or fall as a result of the cable, you will be liable, and cables laid this way are at risk of getting damaged.

Where you have off-street parking, installing a chargepoint within your driveway is generally exempt from requiring planning permission provided that the site is not a scheduled monument or listed building and, if it is a wall-mounted electrical outlet only, does not exceed 0.2 cubic metres in size while a separate electrical upstand cannot exceed 1.6 metres in height.