Heading
Close X
Menu
Charging at Home: What You Need to Know
For many drivers considering an electric vehicle, one of the first questions is how can they charge their car at home?
The reality is that home charging is one of the biggest advantages of owning an electric car. Instead of visiting a petrol station, you can simply plug your vehicle in overnight and start the next day with a charged battery and for most households, it quickly becomes part of their daily routine.
How home charging works
Charging an electric vehicle at home is relatively straightforward. Most drivers choose to install a dedicated home charging unit, often called a wallbox charger and these usually get fitted on the driveway or a garage wall.
Once installed, you simply plug the cable into your car and charging begins. Many chargers can also be scheduled to start charging overnight when electricity tariffs are cheaper.
In some cases, government grants may be available to help reduce the cost of installing a home charger. You can learn more about the schemes currently available on our Government Incentives & Grants For EV Owner's page. [LINK]
A home charger is designed to deliver power safely and efficiently, meaning charging is significantly faster than using a standard household socket.
How long does it take to charge?
Charging time depends on the size of the vehicle's battery and the power of the charger that is being used. A typical home wallbox charger can fully charge electric vehicles in around 6-10 hours making overnight charging ideal.
According to a 2025 YouGov poll, 69% of British drivers drive under 20 miles a day meaning many electric vehicle owners top up their battery overnight rather than waiting for it to run low.
Why drivers prefer home charging
Charging at home offers a level of convenience that traditional fuel vehicles just cannot match. Here are some of the key benefits of charging your electric vehicle from the comfort of your own house:
Do you need a driveway?
Admittedly, home charging is easiest when you have a private driveway or garage where a charging unit can be installed. However, if this isn't available, some drivers rely on the growing network of public charging points found at supermarkets, workplaces and public car parks. With the UK charging infrastructure continuing to expand, drivers have even more options for how and where they charge their vehicle.
Is it expensive to charge at home?
Charging an electric vehicle at home is often significantly cheaper than filling a petrol or diesel car. The exact cost depends on electricity tariffs and how much you drive, but many drivers reduce their costs by charging during off-peak hours.
Energy suppliers increasingly offer tariffs designed specifically for electric vehicle owners, helping make home charging even more cost-effective.
Summary
Home charging is one of the simplest and most convenient aspects of electric vehicle ownership. With the right setup, drivers can charge overnight which reduces the running costs of owning the car, they can then start each day with a ready-to-go battery.
For many households, it quickly becomes the easiest way to keep their vehicle charged and ready for the road.
