With 1.4 million units installed by the end of 2025¹, home EV charging is on the rise – and we’re not surprised why. Charging at home is much cheaper than using a public point, not to mention more convenient, requiring no upfront planning.
However, before you decide to splash out on this popular home upgrade, materials guide Laura Crombie Says there are a few things you should consider first, such as making sure your home’s power supply is compatible.
Below, we’ve put together a four-point checklist that covers everything you need to think about beforehand.
1. Future-proof location
Before installing your EV charger, Laura says to ask yourself two important questions: Do you Driveway Design In the future? And if so, would the Charger still be in the best position?
Installation is not a cheap task, so making sure your charging unit is future-proof – regardless of how you change things around – should be high on your priority list. The last thing you want is to pay the cost of moving it after a few years.
Laura Crombie
Laura Crombie is the content director for Homebuilding & Renovating and a home journalist for over 17 years. She has renovated three properties through DIY and has written about decorating and design for publications including The Guardian, The Times and The Metro.
2. Check your power supply
Next, you’ll need to check if your home power supply is compatible with your EV charger.
Most home EV chargers are rated at 7.4kW (32A), which typically requires a 230V single-phase supply and a 32A circuit. However, your best bet is to find a qualified installer who can assess whether any home upgrades need to be made.
When it came to installing Laura’s EV charger, an additional consumer unit had to be installed in her garage, proving that the job isn’t as straightforward as you might expect.
3. Consider aesthetics
Contrary to what you might think, your EV charger doesn’t have to be an eyesore Garage design – Some brands (like Andersen) come with an aesthetically pleasing cover box where you can customize its look. Alternatively, you can buy this cover separately from Amazon as below.
“Boxes don’t have to be boring,” says Laura. “We have a wood-paneled Anderson EV box that looks amazing.”
EV Charger Enclosure
This weatherproof enclosure will protect your EV charger from the elements while elegantly keeping it out of sight.
4. Change your electricity tariff immediately
Laura’s next tip is to double check you’re on the best electricity tariff for an EV charger and, if not, switch as soon as possible.
She opted for Octopus’s EV tariff, which costs less to charge overnight. However, many other energy providers also offer discounted rates during off-peak hours, so it’s worth comparing all your options. This tariff works in most people’s favor, as you can plug in your car while you sleep and wake up to a fully charged vehicle that’s ready to go.
By following this handy checklist, you won’t have to worry about expensive upgrades, such as moving the charging unit or getting stuck on the wrong energy tariff, later down the line.
For more expert advice, read our guide to what Electro-tech house is or How to meet your energy needs.
