Updated: 12th August, 2025
Electric Vehicle (EV) chargers are quantified by their power output in kilowatts (kW). Electricity rates in the UK are based on a per kilowatt-hour (kWh) pricing system, which varies depending on the energy tariff.
Charge at home with a EV charger quote.
Electric vehicles are now mainstream in the UK, and home charging has become the simplest way to run an EV day to day. In 2025, cheaper off-peak tariffs, smarter chargers and wider hardware choice make home charging more convenient and cost-effective than ever.
Home charge points are rated in kilowatts (kW). Your electricity bill charges per kilowatt-hour (kWh). Your unit rate, standing charge and any off-peak window set what you pay to charge. Scheduling your car to charge overnight, when many tariffs are cheaper, is the single biggest lever most households have to lower costs.
Most UK homes install 7–7.4 kW wallboxes on a single-phase supply for a good balance of speed and cost. 3 kW units are slower and suit very light mileage. 22 kW AC requires a three-phase supply and a car that can accept it, which many houses do not have. Modern chargers are “smart” as standard, adding app control, charging schedules and load management so you can align charging with cheaper hours.
With iHeat you can get a fixed-price EV charger quote in about 60 seconds, choose your model and book installation as fast as the next day. Prices start from £865 installed, and every install includes a 3-year warranty and aftercare. Finance options, including 0% APR subject to status, are available. Nationwide coverage is provided by vetted local engineers.
Battery size (kWh), the car’s onboard charger limit, your charge-point power and temperature all affect how long a charge takes. A useful rule of thumb is that a 7 kW charger adds roughly 25–30 miles of range per hour for many family EVs.
Home charging is usually cheaper per kWh and far more convenient if you have off-street parking. Public rapid and ultra-rapid chargers are excellent for long trips, but you typically pay a higher unit rate for that speed and service. Many drivers cover the bulk of their miles by charging at home and then top up on the road when needed.
You can work out your cost with a simple formula that uses your own tariff:
Cost to full charge (£) = Battery size (kWh) × Unit rate (p/kWh) ÷ 100
Example only: if your battery is 60 kWh and your unit rate is 25p/kWh, a full charge is 60 × 25 ÷ 100 = £15. Use your actual tariff for a precise figure.
Two quick ways to estimate running cost:
Cost per mile (p/mile) = Unit rate (p/kWh) ÷ Car efficiency (miles/kWh)
Example only: at 25p/kWh and 3.5 miles/kWh, cost per mile is about 7p.
Shifting charging into off-peak windows lowers both numbers without changing how you drive.
Look for tariffs with a clearly defined off-peak window and enable smart schedules in your charger or car. Many smart wallboxes can automatically start and stop within your cheap window and cap the charge level for battery care.
A 7 kW home charger is the sweet spot for most homes, giving overnight replenishment from low to full. If you return with moderate state of charge, an hour or two is often enough to restore your usual daily range.
Most modern EVs deliver well over 200 miles WLTP on a full charge, with actual range depending on speed, weather and load. For day-to-day use, many owners keep charging between about 20% and 80% and save 100% charges for longer trips.
Today’s wallboxes are robust and simple to use. Plug in when you get home, wake up with the range you need, and let the app handle schedules and notifications.
UK home AC charging uses the Type 2 connector. Public rapid DC uses CCS; that is for on-the-road top-ups rather than home use.
Choose 7–7.4 kW for most households. Consider 22 kW only if you have three-phase supply and a car that supports it. If your mileage is light and budget is tight, a slower unit can work, but most drivers prefer the flexibility of 7 kW.
Use a smart meter if available, set scheduled charging, and avoid charging at your peak household load times. Some chargers can balance power with other appliances to keep your main fuse happy.
Align charging with your cheaper hours. Even moving part of a session into off-peak can make a noticeable difference across the year.
Smart features are now standard: timed charging, remote starts, charge-level caps and usage reports. These help you spend less time thinking about charging and more time driving.
Bi-directional charging hardware is emerging, allowing suitable vehicles to supply power to the home during set periods. If this interests you, choose a charger and car that can support it as standards mature.
There are approved cable management and cross-pavement solutions in some areas. iHeat installs on private property and cannot install where a cable would run across public land, but our team can advise on suitable options for your home layout.
From £865 installed
3-year warranty included
Fixed-price online quotes in about 60 seconds
Next-day installation available in many areas
Popular options include:
EVEC VEC01, 7.4 kW, Untethered
EVEC VEC03, 7.4 kW, Tethered
Hive EO Mini Pro 3, 7.2 kW, Untethered
Pick untethered for a cleaner look or tethered for grab-and-go convenience.
Nationwide network of qualified local engineers
Finance options, including 0% APR subject to status
Aftercare so you are supported long after installation
Answer a few quick questions about your home and EV to get an instant fixed quote.
Choose the charger that fits your needs and checkout securely online.
An expert engineer installs your charger, arranges your warranty, tests everything with you and provides aftercare information.
Set your wallbox or car to start in your off-peak window. If you need a quick top-up, add a one-off boost and let the schedule resume the next night.
Keep the unit clear of obstructions, check the cable for wear, and follow the manufacturer’s guidance. If you move home, ask about safe removal and refit.
If you rent or live in a flat, you may be eligible for support toward installation. When you get your iHeat quote, we will guide you through any current options and the documents you may need.
Avoid leaving the car at 100% or near 0% for long periods, pre-condition while plugged in on cold days, and keep software up to date for efficiency and charging improvements.
Expect more compact chargers with better cable handling, richer apps and faster onboard chargers in new cars.
Pairing a home charger with solar and using scheduled charging helps align charging with greener and cheaper energy.
EV-friendly tariffs are becoming simpler, with clearer off-peak windows and apps that automate charging to the lowest available price.
Home EV charging in 2025 is convenient, predictable and cost-effective. With the right wallbox, a tariff that suits your routine and smart scheduling, most charging can happen while you sleep. iHeat makes it easy to get the right charger at a clear price, installed quickly and backed by a warranty and aftercare.
Answer a few simple questions about your home and current car. It takes about 60 seconds.
Choose from our range of EV chargers and checkout securely online.
Our expert engineers will install your new EV charger and arrange your warranty. With our inclusive aftercare, you will not have to worry about a thing.
We can only install where the cable would not run across public land.
We install nationwide.
A typical cost for charging an electric vehicle at home is approximately 27p per kWh. The exact expense fluctuates regionally and depends on your energy tariff.
Investing in a home EV charger is generally considered worthwhile. It provides convenience and faster charging speeds compared to standard outlets, potentially increasing the resale value of your property.
Charging an EV with a 3-pin plug is less efficient than using a dedicated EV charger. Costs may be marginally higher due to longer charging times and higher tariffs during peak hours.
Average home EV chargers are typically around 7kW. Some models offer higher capacities, catering to different charging needs and vehicle requirements.
A 7kW home charger can typically charge an electric car battery from empty to full in around 6 to 12 hours, depending on the vehicle's battery capacity.
Yes, an EV can be charged from a standard 3-pin plug, but it is considerably slower, usually providing around 2.3kW of power, translating to longer charging periods.
Miles added per hour of charge from a 7kW charger vary by vehicle efficiency; however, you can expect to add approximately 25-30 miles of range per hour of charging.
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