EV Chargers: The Ultimate Guide

If you've switched to an electric vehicle, you might be considering whether installing an EV charger at home is the right choice. Even if you think it's not an option, new solutions like on-street parking are being tested across the UK, making EV chargers more accessible than ever.

Discover the many benefits of having an EV charger installed, from convenience and cost savings to enhanced safety. Learn everything you need to know about why getting an EV charger could be the perfect addition to your home.

Types of EV Chargers

When it comes to electric vehicle (EV) chargers, there are a few main types you’ll come across:

• Type 1 – Mostly found on older EVs. These usually include an adapter so they can still connect to modern Type 2 chargers.
• Type 2 – Now the standard in the UK. Almost all new electric cars use this connector for both slow and fast charging.
• CCS Combo Type 1 – Rare in the UK. More common in North America and parts of Asia.
• CCS Combo Type 2 – The most widely used rapid charging connector for modern EVs in the UK.

Rapid Charging

Rapid chargers, officially defined under the government’s Public Charge Point Regulations as units delivering between 50 kW and 149 kW, are commonly found at motorway service stations and other public charging points. At the lower end, a 50 kW charger can bring many EVs up to around 80% in about 45 minutes. The exact charging speed depends on the size of the car’s battery and the maximum power it can accept. While most EVs are able to handle 50 kW or more, a full charge may still take a couple of hours. Smaller batteries tend to benefit the most, as they can reach a high percentage much quicker.

Ultra-Rapid Charging

Ultra-rapid chargers are a more recent addition to the UK charging network. Ultra-rapid chargers usually start at 150kW+, you’ll find them at motorway service areas and dedicated charging hubs.

Some of the latest EVs can take advantage of these higher speeds. Take the new BMW ix3 at a 400kW charger, more than 200 miles of range can be added in just 10 minutes, while a 350kW unit can achieve a similar result in under 15 minutes.

As of August 2025, the UK has 17,132 rapid or ultra-rapid charging devices, spread across 6,554 charging locations. According to ZapMap, the network is growing steadily as demand for faster and more reliable charging continues to rise.

Convenience

First off, charging your electric vehicle at home is much more convenient than using a public charging station. Instead of driving to a station and waiting around while your car charges, you can simply plug it in at home and let it charge while you go about your day. With more people switching to electric vehicles, public chargers are getting busier, making home charging even more appealing. At home, you can charge your car whenever it’s convenient for you, without any hassle.

You can now schedule your vehicle's charging through an app, allowing you to charge during off-peak hours when electricity prices are lower or at any specific time that works best for you.

Cost Saving

Though there is a cost to install an EV charger, you won’t have to pay high charging costs like you would at public charging points. Charging at home is usually much cheaper than using public chargers. In fact, the UK government estimates that off-peak home charging can save drivers up to £1,000 a year.

Increased Property Value

Although installing an EV charger requires an upfront investment, it can add value to your property. Studies show that homes equipped with EV chargers are more attractive to buyers and often sell more quickly. According to a study by Riverleasing, 76% of UK homes with an EV charger saw an increase in value compared to the local average. With the future moving toward electric vehicles and the ban on combustion engines on the horizon, installing an EV charger is a smart way to prepare and add value to your home.

Make Money with Your EV Charger

You can also earn money from your EV charger by renting it out to drivers who need a place to charge. As the host, you set the price per unit of energy, and you’re paid for the electricity used. This arrangement benefits both sides: drivers save compared to public charging costs, while you generate income from your charger.

The cost of getting an EV charger installed at your home is not cheap, so this is one way in which it can pay for itself. There are variety of different EV charging apps on the market each will give a price recommendation on what to charge per kWh, but as the host you are able to set whatever price you feel is appropriate from the price per kWh and generate some profit. However, make sure that whatever you are charging per kWh is covering the cost of electricity being used, as we know that electricity tariff can vary.