Why a Dedicated EV Charger Matters
A standard 3-pin socket delivers approximately 2.3kW of charging power — adequate for topping up overnight but slow for regular full-charge cycles. A dedicated home EV charger delivers 7kW (single-phase) or up to 22kW (three-phase), significantly reducing charging time.
For most London households with a single-phase supply (the standard domestic connection), a 7kW unit is the practical maximum without a supply upgrade.
Types of Home EV Charger
Tethered vs. Untethered
- Tethered: The cable is permanently attached to the unit. More convenient — no need to carry or store a cable. The cable specification must match your car.
- Untethered: The unit has a socket but no cable. You use your car's own cable. More flexible if you change vehicles.
Smart Chargers
Modern EV chargers are "smart" — connected to your home WiFi or a cellular network. Smart features include:
- Scheduling charging for off-peak electricity tariffs (typically midnight–5am for cheapest rates)
- Remote monitoring and control via smartphone app
- Solar panel integration (charge using generated solar energy rather than grid electricity)
- Load balancing to avoid overloading the household electrical supply
As of June 2022, new home EV charger installations in England are legally required to be smart-compatible.
Do You Need Planning Permission?
For most houses, installing an EV charger is permitted development and does not require planning permission. The unit is treated like a satellite dish or air conditioning unit.
Exceptions:
- Listed buildings: likely to require Listed Building Consent
- Properties in Conservation Areas: may require planning permission depending on the position of the unit
Check with your local planning authority if in any doubt.
The Installation Process
EV charger installation is electrical work that must be carried out by a qualified electrician who is registered under the Part P self-certification scheme (or whose work is inspected by Building Control).
Typical installation steps:
- Survey: Electrician assesses the consumer unit capacity, cable routing, and position of the charger
- Consumer unit assessment: If the existing consumer unit is at capacity or is old, it may need replacement or a second unit
- Cable installation: An SWA (Steel Wire Armoured) cable is typically run from the consumer unit to the charger position
- Charger installation: The unit is mounted (on the wall of the house or a garage/outbuilding) and connected
- Registration: The installation is registered with the local Building Control authority through the self-certification scheme
The whole process typically takes 3–6 hours for a straightforward installation.
Electricity Supply Capacity
Most London domestic properties have a 100A main fuse, giving a maximum demand of around 23kW at 230V. However, a 7kW EV charger operating alongside an electric oven, immersion heater, and other loads may approach the limit of the supply.
A smart charger with load management can detect when other high-demand appliances are running and reduce the charge rate accordingly, preventing nuisance tripping of the main fuse.
If you are considering upgrading to a three-phase supply to accommodate higher-powered charging, contact your network operator (UK Power Networks for most of London) — a new service connection is a significant project.
EV Charger Grants
The OZEV (Office for Zero Emission Vehicles) Electric Vehicle Chargepoint Grant provides:
- For renters and flat owners: A grant of up to 75% of installation cost (capped at £350) for eligible households
As of 2024, the grant for homeowners with off-street parking was discontinued. Check the current OZEV grant position before proceeding, as the scheme has been updated several times.
Tariffs and Overnight Charging
Economy tariffs for overnight EV charging can reduce the cost per mile of electric driving significantly. Popular tariffs (Octopus Go, OVO Drive Anytime, etc.) offer low per-kWh rates during overnight hours. A smart charger is required to take advantage of scheduled charging windows.
Costs
| Item | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| 7kW smart home charger (supply and install) | £700–£1,200 |
| Consumer unit upgrade (if required) | £400–£800 |
| Cable to outbuilding/garage | + £200–£600 |
| Three-phase supply upgrade | £2,000–£5,000+ |
RCB Design & Build
RCB includes EV charger installation within wider refurbishment and electrical upgrade packages. We coordinate with Part P-registered electricians to ensure the installation is correctly specified relative to the existing supply capacity and future EV charging needs.