Home charger types

Choosing the right home charger depends on your preference for convenience, aesthetics, and how you plan to use your electric vehicle. All modern home chargers in the UK are “Level 2” chargers, providing roughly 7kW of power.

1. Tethered vs Untethered

This is the most significant decision when choosing a charger.

Tethered chargers

A tethered charger has the charging cable permanently attached to the unit.

  • Pros: Highly convenient—you simply pull up and plug in without opening your boot to find a cable.
  • Cons: You are stuck with the cable length provided (usually 5m or 7.5m). If the connector type changes in the future (though Type 2 is now standard), the unit may become obsolete.
  • Best for: Drivers who charge daily and want the fastest, easiest experience.

Untethered chargers (Socketed)

An untethered charger is just a socket on the wall. You use the cable that came with your vehicle to connect the car to the charger.

  • Pros: Cleaner look when not in use. Allows you to use cables of different lengths.
  • Cons: Less convenient as you have to get your cable out and plug it into both ends every time.
  • Best for: Drivers who value a minimalist look or need a very long cable.

2. Power Ratings

Most home chargers are rated at 7kW (32 Amps). This is the maximum power that a standard UK single-phase domestic supply can typically support for an EV charger.

  • 7kW charger: Provides roughly 25-30 miles of range per hour of charging. A full charge for a typical 60kWh battery takes about 8-10 hours.
  • 22kW charger: Some homes with a “three-phase” supply can install a 22kW charger, but most EVs can only accept up to 7kW or 11kW on AC charging anyway.

3. Smart vs Dumb Chargers

Since July 2022, all new home chargers sold in the UK must have smart functionality by law.

  • Smart Chargers: Connect to your Wi-Fi and allow you to schedule charging, monitor energy usage, and integrate with Time-of-Use tariffs. They also allow for “load balancing” to protect your home’s main fuse.
  • Dumb Chargers: Older units that simply provide power as soon as they are plugged in. These are no longer sold for new installations but may still be found in older properties.

4. Specific Features to Look For

  • Solar Matching: Units like the Zappi or Ohme can “divert” excess solar power into your car.
  • Mobile App: Check the quality of the manufacturer’s app, as this is how you will manage your charging.
  • Security: Some chargers have a lock feature (via the app or a physical key) to prevent others from using your electricity.

Connector Type: Almost all new EVs in the UK use the Type 2 (Mennekes) connector for home charging. If you have an older EV (like an early Nissan Leaf), you may need a Type 1 to Type 2 adapter or a specific Type 1 tethered charger.