Chiltern Energy Group
Updated March 2026

Home EV Charger Installation: what you need to know

Choosing and installing a home EV charger is simpler than most people expect. This guide covers what to look for, what the installation involves, and what questions to ask before you commit.

Why install a dedicated home charger?

A standard 3-pin plug adds about 8 miles of range per hour. A dedicated 7kW home charger adds 25–30 miles per hour. That means an overnight charge fully tops up most EVs (a 3-pin plug might not). Beyond speed, dedicated chargers are safer, smarter, and eligible for the OZEV grant which reduces the cost significantly.

7–8x faster charging than a 3-pin plug
Smart scheduling: charge when electricity is cheapest (overnight tariffs)
Safer for regular use: rated for continuous high-current load
OZEV grant eligible: up to £350 off installation cost
Increases property appeal for future buyers

Which is better: a tethered or untethered charger?

Tethered charger

Cable permanently attached to the unit. Most convenient for single-car households.

  • No cable to manage
  • Faster to connect
  • Cleaner appearance

Best for: Most households with one car type

Untethered charger

Socket-only unit: you connect your own cable.

  • Works with any cable type
  • Future-proof for different EVs
  • Cable stays in the car

Best for: Multiple EVs or mixed connector types

7kW vs 22kW: which do you need?

Most homes have a single-phase electricity supply, which limits EV chargers to 7kW. Three-phase supplies (more common in larger or older properties with industrial-grade connections) can support a 22kW charger. But almost no EV can accept 22kW AC charging, so there is rarely a benefit.

For 99% of home installations, a 7kW charger is the right choice. We confirm your supply type at the site survey and advise accordingly.

What does the installation involve?

Our engineer visits your property, confirms charger location and cable route, checks the consumer unit, and carries out the installation. Most jobs take 3–4 hours. You receive a minor works certificate and, if eligible, an OZEV grant certificate on completion.

  1. 1

    Site survey: cable route confirmed, fuse board checked, charger position agreed

  2. 2

    Cable run from consumer unit to charger location (usually external wall)

  3. 3

    Charger mounted and connected

  4. 4

    System tested and signed off (minor works certificate issued)

  5. 5

    App setup and smart scheduling configured if applicable

Book a free survey 01494 977298

What do homeowners ask about home EV chargers?

Most home EV charger installations take 3 to 4 hours. This includes fitting the charger, running cables, connecting to the consumer unit, and a final safety test. We do not leave until it is tested and working.
In most cases, no. Domestic EV charger installations fall under permitted development rights. There are exceptions for listed buildings or properties in conservation areas. We check at the site survey and advise accordingly.
A tethered charger has the cable permanently attached. An untethered charger has a socket. You plug your own cable in. Tethered is more convenient for single-car households with one cable type. Untethered is better if you have multiple EVs with different connectors, or if you want flexibility.
All modern EVs and PHEVs can charge on a standard 7kW home charger using a Type 2 connector (the UK standard). Older EVs may use a Type 1 connector. An untethered charger with a Type 1 cable handles this. We check compatibility at the site survey.
A 7kW charger adds roughly 25–30 miles of range per hour of charging for most EVs. A typical overnight charge of 8 hours adds charging adds 200-240 miles. This is enough for most weekly driving. Charging speed is also limited by your car's onboard charger, so some vehicles charge slower than 7kW even on a 7kW unit.
Most modern consumer units can accommodate a 7kW EV charger without significant changes. Older fuse boxes may need an upgrade. We check at the site survey and tell you upfront if there is any additional work required. No surprises on the day.

Ready to install your home EV charger?

Book a free site survey. Our engineer comes to you, advises on the best charger and location, and installs it the same day if you are ready.

Get a Free Quote01494 977298

Monday to Saturday 08:00 to 19:00. Local Chilterns team. We come to you.