Thinking of switching to an electric vehicle (EV)? Or maybe you have one already? Either way, installing a home EV charging point is a great way to make savings¹, do your bit for the environment, and add value to your home.
The EV revolution.
As the popularity of electric cars continues to grow and our focus shifts to a greener, more sustainable lifestyle, home EV charging points are fast becoming a must-have accessory. It’ll soon be time to say goodbye to petrol pumps and hello to the convenience of charging your car while you sleep. And it’s not just a trend; it's a revolution.
Battery and hybrid EVs now make up more than half of all new cars sold, whilst fully electric car sales demonstrate a notable upward trend.² Add to this, the internal combustion engine (ICE) ban, outlawing the sales of new petrol and diesel-fuelled vehicles from 2035, and EV’s future looks assured.
As a knock on effect, many believe that as the demand for EVs goes up and sales boom, we’ll see an increased demand for properties with EV charging points.
What is an electric vehicle charger?
So, first things first. Let’s remind ourselves exactly what an EV charging point is. Essentially, EV chargers are smart charging stations. They enable you to charge up your electric vehicle using electricity from the mains via a plug, charging cable and outlet arrangement.
In the past, EV chargers could mainly be found in petrol stations, supermarkets and new developments. But now, we’re seeing a growing trend towards installing them in our homes, this is largely thanks to the value they bring and their convenience.
How much do EV chargers cost?
The cost of electric vehicle home chargers can vary depending on the brand, model, features, and your installation requirements. In general, you can expect to pay anywhere between £500 to £1,500 for the charger itself, with additional costs for installation ranging from £500 to £1,000 more. Often you can get bundled packages that include both charger and installation for a single price.
Why not find out more about E.ON Next’s EV tariff or check out the range of EV chargers we currently have on offer. It's also worth noting that government grants or utility rebates are often available to help offset the cost of your charger and installation.
Tethered or untethered EV chargers?
One big factor affecting the cost of your EV charger set up, will be whether you choose a tethered or untethered one. Both have their pros and cons, so it’s important to weigh up your options to see which best works for you. Tethered EV chargers have a built-in cable (a bit like a petrol pump), whilst untethered ones require a separate cable.
Tethered chargers are pricier upfront, but untethered ones will usually need an additional cable purchase, making the overall cost similar. Untethered chargers do offer more flexibility and futureproofing though, as they allow you to upgrade your cable without having to replace the entire unit.
Is charging an EV at home cheaper?
The cost of charging your EV will depend on many factors. From the type of charger you’re using, the electric car you have, the EV tariff you’re on, how often you drive, where you’re charging, and at what speed.
It’s important to know that when it comes to speed, there are three main types of chargers, slow, fast, and rapid.¹
Slow chargers (0-8kW) are the cheapest and will take several hours to charge your car¹, this makes them ideal for overnight charging at home. If you don’t have off-street parking, your council may offer on-street charging options.
Fast chargers (8kW-49kW) are usually found in places like supermarkets, car parks and places of work. Typically, these chargers can take just a few hours to charge your car.¹ If you’re using the same network regularly you may also be offered discounts.
Rapid chargers (50kW-149kW) are the fastest and priciest. These cannot be installed at home and are more generally found at service stations. On average, they can charge your car to 80% in about 30 minutes.¹ But watch out, relying solely on rapid charging is considerably more expensive than charging at home.
While the price of energy fluctuates, it’s generally considered to be cheaper to charge your EV at home than at public charging-points. Electricity prices for home charging are usually lower than the fees charged for public chargers, especially rapid chargers. Additionally, many energy providers offer special EV tariffs that give you lower prices during off-peak hours.
Money-wise, on average, if you’re charging at home, you could expect to pay less than half of what you’d pay elsewhere¹, and studies suggest this could translate to savings of around £700 per year.¹
Do EV chargers increase my house value?
Since charging at home is much cheaper than using public chargers, it’s this financial advantage, coupled with the convenience of charging overnight, that makes home chargers a strong incentive for potential buyers.
Recent studies show that installing an EV charger at home could potentially increase your property value by anywhere between £3,000 to £5,000.² However, it's important to note that the extent of the value increase can vary depending on various factors such as your property's location, type of charger installed, and the overall housing market conditions.
Installing an EV charger also demonstrates a strong commitment to sustainability, which is becoming increasingly important for environmentally conscious buyers. When you install a charger, you’re essentially futureproofing your property and by committing to driving EV, you’ll be helping reduce air pollution in your community.
With so many benefits and positives to installing a home charger it’s fast becoming generally accepted that installing one will add value to your home. Paula Higgins, Chief Executive of HomeOwners Alliance, agrees ‘...charging your EV at home is by far the cheapest and most convenient method. If it is installed thoughtfully and properly, we can’t see it being anything other than a positive feature.’
Why not check out our range of EV chargers.
Interested in getting an EV charger? At E.ON Next, we have some great options to choose from. Why not browse our range of EV chargers and simply click "Get a quote" to start your journey.
Other ways to add value to your home
Besides installing an EV charger at home. There are, of course, many other ways you could increase your property’s value. Installing solar panels for example can improve your home’s value by at least £2,000.³
How much does it cost to have an electric charging point fitted?
The price of an electric charging point depends on the model you choose. The typical cost of an EV charger with installation is roughly £1,000, according to Checkatrade.⁵ Look out for EV packages too.
It may also be worth checking to see if you’re eligible for the government’s EV chargepoint grant. It offers either £350 or 75% (whichever amount is lower) off the price of buying and installing your charging point at home.
How easy is it to get an EV charger installed?
Installing a home charging point for your electric vehicle is a surprisingly simple and convenient process. Many companies, like E.ON Next, offer comprehensive services from initial consultation and home assessment to the final setup and activation of your charging point.
These experts will guide you through selecting the right charger for your needs and budget, whilst considering factors like your vehicle's charging speed, available electrical capacity, and desired features. The installation itself typically takes only a few hours, with certified electricians ensuring a safe and efficient connection to your home's electrical system.
Having an EV charger installed?
This video explains how easy it is to have an EV charger installed at your home.
Do I need a driveway to get an EV charger?
No, you don't necessarily need a driveway to install an EV charger. While having a driveway makes home charging more convenient, there are alternative solutions for those of us without off-street parking.
Many local councils are also now starting to install on-street charging points, and there are even peer-to-peer charging schemes where you can rent a private charger.
Do I need planning permission for an EV charger?
When it comes to installing an EV charger, a lot of people ask whether they need to get planning permission first. If you have off road parking and you’re installing a charging point at your driveway, you don’t need to apply for planning permission, provided certain conditions are met. These include its size and the fact it can’t face onto or be within two metres of a public highway.
If you live in a Conservation Area or are in a listed building you may well need to seek planning permission. It’s worth knowing that If your home is leasehold, depending on the terms of the lease, you may need to ask your freeholder for consent too. And if you don’t have off-road parking and are looking to run a charger cable across the pavement to your car, then do your research first.
Some councils have offered advice on how to do this safely, but others are advising against it completely. So, make sure you ask your local council what their policy is.
Does an electric car increase your electricity bill?
If you charge your EV at home, you can expect your electricity costs to rise as you are using more energy. But by how much? This will depend on a variety of factors, including the type of EV you have and how often you charge it. But there are ways to keep your costs down.
You could save by switching to a cheap fixed-rate energy tariff, off-peak tariff, or special EV tariff, like Next Drive. And, if you get a smart home charger, you can make the most of the latest tech to use your electricity more efficiently.
Can I take my EV charger with me when I move?
Leaving your charger behind may be a good selling point when it comes to selling your home, but what if you’re moving and want to take your charger with you? Well, the good news is that you usually can, however it's not always the most straightforward or cost-effective option.
While the charging unit itself is often portable, the wiring and electrical connections are fixed to your property. This means you'll need to have a qualified electrician safely disconnect and remove the charger, and then have it reinstalled at your new home. The cost of this process may be comparable to, or even exceed, the price of buying a new charger altogether.
Before making a decision, you should consider factors like the age and condition of your existing charger, any potential compatibility issues with your new home's electrical system, plus assess the cost of removal and reinstallation versus simply buying a new unit. It's always advisable to consult with a professional electrician or EV charger installer about your specific situation to agree on the most suitable course of action.
EV chargers: an attractive feature for potential home buyers.
As we see the popularity of electric cars grow, installing an EV charger at your home is fast becoming an increasingly attractive feature for potential home buyers. For homeowners, it’s a forward-thinking investment that can bring benefits today (cost savings, carbon footprint reduction, convenience) as well as enhance the value of your property for the future.