Electric cars

Power is measured in kilowatts, or kW. Energy is measured in kilowatt-hours, or kWh. A 7kW charger can theoretically deliver about 7kWh in an hour, before losses, but charging power can fall as the battery fills or conditions change.

Three-pin socket

Occasional charging from a suitable domestic socket is slow and should follow the vehicle and electrical-safety guidance. Extension leads and improvised cable arrangements can create risk. A dedicated chargepoint is normally the better regular solution.

Home and destination AC charging

Many home units supply up to roughly 7kW on a single-phase connection. Some cars accept less on AC; others can accept more where a compatible three-phase supply and charger exist.

Rapid and ultra-rapid DC charging

DC chargers bypass the car’s onboard AC charger and can deliver much higher power. The headline rating is a maximum, not a constant promise. Vehicle capability, battery temperature, state of charge and charger sharing all affect the session.

Start with mileage and vehicle efficiency.

Battery energy required = annual miles ÷ miles per kWh

Then allow for charging losses.

Electricity bought = battery energy required ÷ charging efficiency

Finally split the electricity between home, work and public charging and apply the relevant prices, membership fees, connection fees, parking or overstay charges.

If a car travels 7,400 miles at 3.5 miles per kWh, it needs about 2,114kWh at the battery. At 90% charging efficiency, roughly 2,349kWh would be bought. The annual cost then depends on where and when those units are purchased.

Do not multiply the full battery capacity by the number of charging sessions unless every session really runs from empty to full.

The survey should cover:

• off-street parking or an approved cross-pavement solution;
• cable route and safe chargepoint position;
• consumer unit and earthing arrangements;
• available electrical capacity;
• existing large electrical loads such as a heat pump or electric shower;
• load management;
• Wi-Fi, mobile or other data connection;
• tethered or untethered cable choice;
• solar and battery compatibility;
• accessibility and cable-trip risks; and
• any landlord, freeholder or planning permission.

The installer should explain network notification or approval and include it in the work. A higher-rated charger is not useful if the vehicle or supply cannot accept the extra power.

Smart charging moves demand to selected periods or responds automatically to tariffs and grid conditions. It can reduce costs where off-peak prices are low, but compare the whole household bill.

Check:

• off-peak hours and unit rate;
• peak unit rate;
• standing charge;
• whether the cheap rate covers only the car or the whole home;
• vehicle or charger compatibility;
• minimum connection time;
• supplier control or managed-charging terms; and
• what happens if the internet or app is unavailable.

An attractive overnight rate can be outweighed by a higher daytime rate if the rest of the home uses substantial electricity during peak hours.

Compare complete tariff costs →

As checked on 23 September 2026, qualifying applicants can receive 75% of eligible purchase and installation costs, up to £500, under specified home chargepoint schemes.

Current household routes include:

• eligible renters and flat owners with suitable parking; and
• eligible households with only on-street parking that are also installing an approved cross-pavement solution, such as a charging channel.

Check whether you may qualify →

The current funding period runs to 31 March 2027. Eligibility, property, vehicle, installer and chargepoint rules apply, and a grant cannot normally be claimed after installation. Check the official guidance before ordering equipment.

Landlords and workplaces have separate schemes and limits.

Public networks may charge by kWh and can add membership, connection, parking or overstay fees. Compare the total session cost, not only the advertised energy rate.

Before relying on a site, check:

• connector and maximum vehicle compatibility;
• live availability where provided;
• payment method;
• price and extra fees;
• parking restrictions;
• accessibility and bay layout; and
• whether charging slows when stalls share power.

The Public Charge Point Regulations set requirements for parts of the public network, but coverage and implementation depend on charger type and installation date. Keep more than one payment option for essential journeys.

Home charging usually offers the greatest price control and convenience when suitable parking is available. Public charging can be essential for long journeys and for households without private parking, but rates vary more and rapid charging is normally dearer.

The fair comparison includes:

• home installation cost after a confirmed grant;
• home electricity rate and charging losses;
• public energy rates and fees;
• the share of charging at each location;
• finance or membership costs; and
• convenience, reliability and journey time.

Compare home and public EV charging →

Solar charging can reduce imports when the car is connected while panels are generating. Results depend on array size, weather, household demand, charger controls and how often the car is at home during daylight.

A charger may be able to follow surplus solar output, but minimum charging power and passing clouds can affect operation. A home battery can shift some solar electricity into the evening, but charging a stationary battery and then the car introduces additional losses. Compare using solar directly, exporting it and charging the car off-peak.

• Check car and connector compatibility.
• Choose tethered convenience or untethered flexibility.
• Confirm usable charging power, not only the advertised maximum.
• Check smart-scheduling and tariff integration.
• Confirm solar and load-management features if needed.

Use the home EV charger chooser →

Check installation cost and grants →

• Review cable length and parking position.
• Check warranty, support and what happens if cloud services close.
• Use an appropriately registered installer and an eligible model if claiming a grant.
• Make sure the final quote includes electrical and groundworks.