How to Charge an Electric Car at Home

Charging your electric car at home is easy and saves you money. This guide will show you everything you need to know about charging times, costs, and the best ways to keep your car powered up.

If you don’t have a home charger yet, check out our Home EV Charger Installation Guide to learn how to get one.

Why You Shouldn’t Use a Three-Pin Plug

You can charge an electric car using a normal plug, but it’s not safe for everyday use. Regular sockets aren’t made for long charging times and could overheat. A home charger is much safer and charges faster, helping you save money with special electricity plans.

How Long Does Home Charging Take?

Charging time depends on your car’s battery size and how powerful your home charger is.7.4kW Home Charger (Most Common Type)

• Charges about 30 miles of driving per hour.
• Takes 6–8 hours to charge most cars to 80%.

22kW Home Charger (Faster Charging)

• Charges up to 90 miles per hour.
• Needs a special three-phase power supply, which can cost over £1000 to install.
• Not available in most UK homes without an upgrade.

Three-Pin Plug (Only for Emergencies)

• Charges 8 miles per hour.
• Takes over 24 hours to charge a car to 80%.
• Can overheat and doesn’t have smart features.

How Much Does It Cost to Charge at Home?

Home charging is the cheapest way to power your EV, especially with a special electricity plan for EVs.EV Charging PlansSome energy companies offer cheaper rates at night. For example:

• Octopus Intelligent Go: around 7p per kWh overnight.
• Normal electricity rates: about 30p per kWh.
• Public rapid chargers: up to 69p per kWh (much more expensive!).

Example Costs

• Tesla Model Y (75kWh battery)
• Home charging (off-peak rate): about £5.86 for a full charge.
• Public rapid charger: about £50 for a full charge.

Why Smart Chargers Are Better

All chargers from Plug In Stations are smart, meaning they connect to the internet for extra features:

‍What Makes a Smart Charger Special?

• Set charging times – Charge when electricity is cheapest.
• Track your energy use – See how much you spend.
• Control charging with an app – Start and stop charging remotely.
• Extra security – Some chargers let you lock them to stop others from using them.
• Use solar power – Some chargers let you charge using solar panels.

Best Tips for Charging at Home

‍1. Charge Your Car a Little Every Day

‍It’s better to top up your battery instead of waiting until it’s empty. This way, your car is always ready to go, and you can use cheaper electricity rates at night.

‍2. Pre-Heat Your Car in Winter

‍Most EVs let you warm up the inside before you drive. Doing this while plugged in saves battery power.

‍3. Don’t Charge to 100% Every Day

‍For daily driving, keep your battery between 20% and 80% full. Charging to 100% all the time can make the battery wear out faster.

‍4. Get the Right Cable Length

‍Think about where you park your car when charging. Most chargers come with a 5m cable, but you can get a 10m cable if you need extra reach.

5. Be Ready for Cold Weather

‍Cold temperatures can make your battery drain faster.

To keep your range longer:

• Keep your car plugged in when parked.
• Pre-heat your car before driving.
• Drive smoothly to use less battery.

Which Home Charger Should You Get?

The best charger for you depends on your car, your driving habits, and your energy provider.

We’ve made a simple guide to help you choose the right one.

Need help?

‍Contact us today and we’ll help you pick the perfect home charging setup.