Thinking about getting an electric vehicle or just picked one up? One of the first things you will want to sort is a home charger. Plugging into a standard three-pin socket works in a pinch, but it is painfully slow and not designed for regular use. A dedicated home EV charger is faster, safer, and cheaper per mile than any public charger. Here is everything you need to know before you get one installed.

Can I Have a Home EV Charger Installed?

In most cases, yes. You will need off-street parking — a driveway, garage, or dedicated parking space. The charger is typically wall-mounted on the side of your house or inside the garage, with a cable run back to your consumer unit.

If you live in a flat or only have on-street parking, home charging is more complicated but not always impossible. Get in touch and Mat can advise on your specific situation.

How Long Does It Take to Charge at Home?

A 7kW home charger, which is the most common type for residential installations, will fully charge a typical electric car in around 6 to 8 hours. That means you plug in when you get home from work, and by morning you have a full battery. Most EV drivers never visit a public charger at all.

For comparison, a standard three-pin plug delivers about 2.3kW, which means a full charge takes 16 to 24 hours. The difference is significant.

Do I Need to Upgrade My Fuseboard?

An EV charger draws a substantial amount of power, so it needs its own dedicated circuit from your consumer unit. If your current fuseboard is modern and has spare ways, the charger can usually be connected without any upgrades.

If your fuseboard is older and has no spare capacity, Mat may recommend upgrading it as part of the installation. This actually benefits your whole home, not just the charger, as a modern consumer unit provides much better protection across all your circuits.

What About the Regulations?

EV charger installations must comply with BS 7671 (the IET Wiring Regulations) and the specific requirements of the latest edition covering electric vehicle charging. The installation must be carried out by a qualified electrician registered with a competent person scheme like NAPIT.

This is not a DIY job. An incorrectly installed charger can overload your supply, create a fire risk, or simply not work properly. Every charger Mat installs comes with full certification and is registered with Building Control through NAPIT.

Which Charger Should I Get?

There are dozens of EV chargers on the market. The key things to look for are a 7kW output for home use, a Type 2 connector (which fits virtually all modern EVs), smart functionality so you can schedule charging for off-peak electricity rates, and a good warranty.

Mat can advise on which charger best suits your car, your electrical setup, and your budget. We are not tied to any particular brand, so the recommendation is always based on what is genuinely best for you.

How Much Does It Cost?

The cost varies depending on the charger you choose, the distance from your consumer unit to the charging point, and whether any upgrades are needed. Mat provides free, no-obligation quotes so you know exactly what you are paying before any work starts. No hidden extras.

EV Charger Installation Across South Yorkshire

MP Electrical installs home EV chargers across Rotherham, Sheffield, Barnsley, Doncaster, Wickersley, Maltby, and all surrounding areas. Every installation is NAPIT registered and fully certified.

Call 07817 171954 or get a free quote.