A home charger can make electric vehicle ownership far more convenient, but the right unit is not simply the fastest model available. When considering how to choose an EV charger, the key questions are whether your property can support it safely, how you use your vehicle, and what will give you reliable charging for years to come.

For homes, rental properties and workplaces across London and Kent, a proper assessment should come before choosing a charger. The unit, cable route, consumer unit capacity, earthing arrangement and parking layout all affect the final solution.

Start with your vehicle and daily mileage

Most electric vehicles can charge from a standard three-pin socket in an emergency, but this is slow and is not designed for regular long-term charging. A dedicated charge point is safer, quicker and easier to manage.

Think about how many miles you normally drive between charges. If you use your car for commuting, school runs and local journeys, overnight charging from a 7kW unit will usually be more than sufficient. A typical 7kW charger can add roughly 25 to 30 miles of range per hour, although actual results depend on the vehicle, battery condition and weather.

Your vehicle also sets a limit. Some plug-in hybrids and older electric cars accept a lower AC charging rate, so fitting a higher-powered charger will not necessarily make them charge faster. Check the vehicle handbook or manufacturer information for its maximum AC charging capability before making a decision.

How to choose an EV charger by charging speed

For most UK houses with a single-phase electricity supply, a 7kW charger is the practical choice. It provides a useful overnight charge without requiring the more complex electrical arrangements associated with higher power units.

A 3.6kW charger may be appropriate where the existing supply has limited capacity, where charging demand is lower, or where several electrical loads need careful management. It will charge more slowly, but can still be a sensible, safe solution for a vehicle parked at home for long periods.

A 22kW charger is generally more relevant for commercial premises, developments and sites with a three-phase supply. Even then, it only delivers 22kW if both the vehicle and the electrical supply can support it. It is not automatically the best answer for every business car park.

Charging speed should be matched to the property rather than chosen in isolation. An experienced electrician will assess the incoming supply, the main fuse rating, current demand in the building and the capacity of the consumer unit. This helps avoid overloading the installation when the charger, electric shower, oven, heating and other high-load equipment operate at the same time.

Check your electrical installation before selecting a unit

The charger is only one part of the project. A safe installation depends on the condition and suitability of the wider electrical system.

Older consumer units may need upgrading, particularly if there is no suitable way to provide dedicated circuit protection for the charger. In other cases, a new circuit can be installed without major alteration. The answer depends on the existing equipment, available ways in the consumer unit and the results of electrical testing.

Earthing is another important consideration. EV charging introduces specific electrical safety requirements, and the installer must confirm that the selected charger and protective measures are suitable for the property’s earthing arrangement. This is not an area for guesswork or a quick visual check.

The route from the consumer unit to the parking space also matters. A short, accessible cable run is usually more straightforward than taking cables through finished rooms, beneath driveways or across shared areas. Where external work is required, cable containment and weather protection should be planned carefully to keep the finished installation secure and tidy.

Tethered or socketed: choose for everyday use

A tethered charger has a charging cable permanently attached to the unit. For many homeowners, this is the most convenient option. You park, plug in and charge, without needing to take the vehicle cable in and out of the boot each day.

A socketed charger has a universal outlet but no fixed cable. It can look neater when not in use and gives flexibility if you change vehicles or need a different cable length. It also works well where a charger may be used by different drivers.

Neither option is inherently better. A tethered unit is often ideal for a private driveway with one regular vehicle, while a socketed unit can suit shared parking, rental properties and workplaces. Consider where the cable will sit while charging too. It should not create a trip hazard or run across a public pavement.

Smart charging features can reduce running costs

A smart charger allows you to monitor and schedule charging through an app or online platform. This is particularly useful if you have an off-peak electricity tariff, as you can set the vehicle to charge when energy rates are lower.

Look for features that you will actually use. Useful functions include scheduled charging, charging history, remote start and stop, user access controls, and automatic load balancing. Load balancing is valuable in properties with limited electrical capacity because the charger can reduce its output temporarily when the rest of the building needs more power.

For businesses, management features can be more important than an app. A commercial installation may need access cards, usage reporting, billing capability or separate charging permissions for staff and visitors. It is worth planning this from the outset, particularly where more chargers may be added later.

Do not choose a unit based only on smart features, however. The charger still needs dependable hardware, a suitable warranty and reliable support. Wi-Fi signal at the parking area should also be checked, as some functions may be limited if connectivity is poor.

Consider where the charger will be installed

The best location is normally close enough to the vehicle for the cable to reach comfortably, while remaining protected from accidental impact and easy to access. On a driveway, this may be an external wall or a dedicated post. In a car park, a pedestal unit may be the better option.

For flats and leasehold properties, permission may be required from the freeholder or managing agent before work begins. Shared electrical supplies, communal parking and fire safety routes can add complexity. A clear proposal covering the cable route, electrical capacity and responsibility for electricity use will make approval easier.

Landlords should also consider who will own and operate the charge point. A charger installed for a particular tenant may have different requirements from a permanent shared amenity for the building. Metering and access arrangements should be agreed in writing before installation.

Plan for future vehicles and additional chargers

The cheapest installation is not always the most cost-effective over time. If you are renovating, extending a property or upgrading a consumer unit, it may be sensible to allow for future EV charging while other electrical work is underway.

For a household expecting a second electric vehicle, the electrical design should allow two chargers to share available capacity safely. For commercial sites, provision for future containment, cabling routes and distribution capacity can avoid disruptive work later.

This does not mean paying for equipment you will not use. It means making practical decisions where access is already available and the property is being altered. A tailored survey can identify where future-proofing offers genuine value and where it would simply add unnecessary cost.

Use a qualified installer and expect clear documentation

EV charger installation should be completed by a competent electrician who understands charging equipment, electrical testing and the relevant requirements for the property. The work should include appropriate circuit protection, testing on completion and the required certification.

Before approving a quotation, make sure it explains what is included. It should cover the charger model, cable length, proposed location, any consumer unit work, groundworks or external containment, testing and certification. If the property may require supply upgrades or approval from a network operator, that should be identified early rather than appearing as an unexpected delay.

PG Electrical approaches EV charging as part of the full electrical installation, not as a standalone box on a wall. That means assessing safety, capacity and practical daily use before recommending a solution.

The right charger should fit around your property and routine without placing avoidable strain on the electrical system. A detailed site survey and a clear, transparent quotation give you the confidence to charge safely at home or work from the first day.