Thinking about installing an EV charger at home? It’s a smart move, but it’s not quite as simple as picking whatever looks good online. We spoke with an experienced electrician Gloucester who’s fitted dozens of home charging points, and the advice was clear: the right charger depends on your daily driving habits, your car’s charging capability, and — just as importantly — what your home’s electrical setup can actually handle.
There’s a fair bit to weigh up. But getting it right the first time means your EV charges safely overnight, without putting any strain on your home’s wiring.
Why Charge Your EV at Home?
Skip the queues. As more drivers switch to electric, public charging points are getting busier. Charging at home means no standing around in the rain waiting your turn.
Skip the premium rapid-charging fees. Public rapid chargers cost more per kWh. A home charger pays for itself over time simply by cutting out those premium rates.
It’s just easier. Plug in overnight, wake up to a full battery. That’s the whole appeal.
Choosing the Best EV Charger for Your Home
Charging Speed
Most UK homes run on a single-phase electricity supply, which limits you to a 7kW charger. The good news is that’s plenty — a 7kW unit will comfortably top up a modern EV overnight.
You can go bigger with a 22kW three-phase charger, which charges in a fraction of the time, but it means upgrading your home to a three-phase supply first. That’s a high cost, and for most households, it isn’t necessary. A trusted electrician Gloucester can assess your existing setup and tell you honestly whether the upgrade is worth it for your situation.
Tethered vs. Untethered
EV chargers come in two styles:
- Tethered chargers have the cable built in. Pull up, plug in, done. Most homeowners we’ve worked with prefer this for the sheer convenience.
- Untethered chargers are socket-only, so you supply your own cable. They look a little neater on the wall and give you the flexibility to switch between Type 1 and Type 2 cables as needed.
Any qualified electrician in Gloucester offering professional electrical services will happily talk you through which option best suits your car and your habits.
Get It Installed by Someone You Trust
Before you buy that EV you’ve been eyeing, make sure your home is ready for it. That means having one of the best EV chargers on the market fitted by a certified professional — not a DIY job or an unverified installer.
Working with an established, reputable electrician in Gloucester, such as the team at CME Contractors Ltd, means the installation is carried out to current safety standards and tailored to your home’s actual electrical capacity. A qualified local electrician doesn’t just fit the charger — they assess your consumer unit, cabling, and load capacity first, so you’re not left with nasty surprises down the line.
Good electrical services are about more than just plugging something in. They’re about doing it right, the first time, by someone who knows exactly what your home can handle.
Ready to make the switch? Get in touch with CME Contractors Ltd today for a free home consultation and quote on your EV charger installation.