Electric vehicles often shortened to EVs are the future of transportation. They provide an environmentally friendly and sustainable mode of travel.
More and more people are now making the switch to EVs which is resulting in increased demand for home-based EV chargers.
Given the choice of chargers out there, choosing the best EV charger for your home can be quite a daunting task!
In this article, we will be exploring some of the top factors to consider when selecting a home EV charger, and we will give a summary of the top-selling EV chargers here at Future Charging Solutions, comparing costs, and efficiency and answering some of your most frequently asked questions.
Introduction to EV Chargers for Homes in the UK
With the increased popularity of EVs there is more and more demand for reliable and efficient home-based EV chargers. Having a home-based charger is not only convenient but also provides that peace of mind of knowing that your vehicle is always charged and ready to go.
In this article we will explore some different factors to consider and provide a short summary and review of some of our bestselling chargers.
Factors to Consider When Choosing an EV Charger for Your Home
There are many factors to consider when choosing an EV charger for your home. These include charging speeds, power ratings, and compatibility with your electric vehicle. Additionally, you want to consider connectivity, smart features, cost and warranty.
Charging Speeds and Power Ratings
The charging speed of most home-based chargers range between 3KW and 7KW but can go as high as 22KW if you have a three-phased supply at your home. Most UK homes only have a single-phase supply.
3KW chargers are mainly used for overnight charging, you can expect a 3KW charger to fully charge your car in about 8 to 10 hours. With 7KW chargers you are looking at about half of that time, so 3 or 4 hours for a full charge.
Home-based charging is usually one of the most cost-effective ways to charge your vehicle. You have two options when charging at home: you can use a domestic three-pin plug socket, or you can use a home charging unit. While a domestic socket might be fine for very occasional use, a home-based charging unit will deliver much faster and safer charging. Without one, you are likely to be looking at longer than a day to charge your EV, especially on vehicles with large batteries.
Compatibility with Your Electric Vehicle
Different EV chargers are designed to work with a specific set of EV models. It’s important that you ensure that the EV charger you choose is compatible with your vehicle’s charging point and that it can deliver the correct voltage and amperage.
Connectivity and Smart Features
Some of the EV chargers come with connectivity and smartphone-type features. They can be connected to via Wi-Fi. The features enable you to monitor and receive updates on charging progress and costs incurred.
Cost and Warranty
The cost of EV chargers vary, with the cheapest options including standard installation coming in at around £600, with more expensive ones going up to £1000 and above.
Always ask about the warranty and after-sales support that comes with your charger, as peace of mind in terms of protection against issues and faults will be important.
The Best EV Chargers for Homes in the UK: Features and Reviews
Here are our top bestselling EV chargers for homes in the UK, which have been selected based on performance, features, and user feedback
Ohme ePod: Features and Reviews
The Ohme ePod developed by Ohme technologies is an intelligent charging solution. Wall mounted and includes features such as dynamic load balancing, smart charging during off-peak hours, mobile app integration for remote monitoring and control, and automatic software updates for optimal performance. The ePod is designed to simplify EV charging and optimize charging efficiency while reducing costs for the user.
The Ohme ePod has a sleek, modern, functional, and aesthetically pleasing design. It features a compact and lightweight design that makes it easy to install and use. It is equipped with a long 7.5-meter cable and a universal Type 2 connector compatible with most electric vehicles.
One of the critical features of the Ohme Epod is its intelligent charging capabilities. The Epod is Wi-Fi enabled and can be connected to your smartphone or tablet. This allows you to remotely monitor your charging status, schedule charging sessions, and view your energy consumption. The intelligent charging technology also allows the Epod to adjust its charging speed based on your energy tariff, helping you to save money on your energy bill.
The build quality and durability of the Ohme Epod are excellent. The product is made from high-quality materials designed to withstand the elements and last many years. The Epod is IP65 rated, which means it is protected from dust and water, making it suitable for outdoor use. The product also has a robust cable management system that keeps the cable tidy and protected.
Overall, the Ohme Epod is a high-quality, durable charging solution that delivers value to EV owners. Its intelligent charging capabilities help save money on energy bills, making it a more cost-effective solution.
Ohme home pro: Features and Reviews
The Ohme Home Pro is a smart home charger that stands out with an LCD screen and an in-built control panel that lets you control charging at the charge point. It’s an excellent charger, with the only downsides being no solar support and no untethered option. It’s tethered, charging at speeds up to 7.4kW and it has in-built earthing, so you don’t need an additional earthing solution. The software is what still sets Ohme apart from other chargers. Its intelligent features allow EV drivers to synchronize their charging with their electricity tariff to make the most of an off-peak tariff.
The Ohme Home Pro has a relatively compact footprint and an excellent LCD screen that lets you control charging from the charger. It’s an excellent charger, with the only downsides being no solar support and no untethered option. The software is what still sets Ohme apart from other chargers. Its intelligent features allow EV drivers to synchronize their charging with their electricity tariff to make the most of an off-peak tariff. In other words, the Ohme knows your electricity prices and can charge accordingly to save you money on your electric vehicle running costs by using the cheapest energy prices possible.
Easee One: Features and Reviews
The Easee One is a solid home charger with RFID, a lifetime 4G eSIM and a simple but good app. You just plug in, charge, and go with scheduled charging. It’s a stylish charger lacking solar integration and a display readout for at-a-glance use, but these are nit-picks. Overall, it’s highly recommendable.
The Easee One is a stunningly designed EV charger that can operate as both a tethered and untethered unit, offering great flexibility. It’s simple and stylish. You can also purchase additional faceplates, which are easily swapped, in a range of colours if the standard black isn’t to your taste. The dynamic load balancing also allows more than one Easee One EV charger can be fitted and used at the same time. This means you can have up to three units working on the same circuit at home – as a driver you can charge up to three EVs simultaneously and the three Easee One units will ensure the power available is spread evenly between your vehicles.
Tesla Wall Connector: Features and Reviews
The Tesla Wall Connector is a premium EV charger for Tesla vehicles and other vehicles that support a type 2 charge port. Some nice features come with the Tesla Wall Connector, including the convenience of using the same app as your Tesla to manage, schedule, and monitor charging. The Tesla Wall Connector can add up to 44 miles of range per hour, depending on your specific Tesla model.
Hypervolt: Features and Reviews
The Hypervolt is a premium electric vehicle charger that comes with a lot of features. You will be able to enjoy features such as a sleek design, attractive LED ring, and many more.
It has a maximum charging capacity of 7kW. The Hypervolt EV charger is Wi-Fi and 4G enabled, and has Alexa voice control, allowing you to start and stop charging using your voice.
Wallbox Pulsar Plus: Features and Reviews
The Wallbox Pulsar Plus is a stylish and extremely well-made EV charger with in-built earthing to simplify installation. One of the best small home chargers on the market with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and solar integration as standard.
Installation and Maintenance of EV Chargers for Homes
At Future Charging Solutions all of our chargers come with standard installation by one of our highly trained and professional installers.
Choosing the Right Location for Your EV Charger
Consider installing your EV charger in a convenient and easily accessible location, ideally near your parking spot. Make sure that the location is safe, well-lit, and protected from the elements. We ask for pictures of your preferred location prior to install.
Installation Process and Requirements
The installation process can vary depending on your EV charger and your home’s electrical setup. We will ensure your electrical system can support the power requirements of your EV charger and discuss with you in detail all of your best options.
Maintenance and Troubleshooting Tips
Regular maintenance of your EV charger can ensure its longevity and optimal performance. Make sure to keep it clean and avoid overcharging your electric vehicle. If you experience any issues, refer to your user manual or contact the manufacturer for assistance. We offer some affordable annual support plans please speak with us for further details