You don’t buy a printer without knowing what ink it needs.
You don’t buy a van without knowing how much it can hold.
So why buy an EV charger without understanding how it fits your setup?
As more of us switch to electric cars, EV home chargers are becoming increasingly important. They need to fit around your work schedule, downtime, family activities and home electricity system. The thing is, there are quite a few out there these days. How do you know which one is most likely to meet your needs?
Well, great question. This blog explores how to choose the right home charger for your EV.
Understand what you’re powering and where you’re starting from
Start by thinking about what you’re powering and the setup you already have. First, consider your vehicle and how far you typically drive each day. Are you covering short trips or long distances? You need to know how often you need to recharge. Remember that drivers don’t necessarily need to recharge every night.
Next, think about whether you’ll add more EVs in the future. If it’s just one car, a simpler setup should work. But if your household grows or you have multiple vehicles, you’ll want a system that can handle the extra load.
Now, take a look at your home’s electrical supply. Most UK homes have a single-phase supply, which limits you to 7kW chargers, enough to add 25 to 30 miles of range per hour. That’s more than enough for the average driver relying on overnight charging.
The main thing is to match the charger to your real-world use. If you have only one EV at your household that does regular mileage and parks in your driveway most nights, a 7kW charger will do the job. But if you’re planning multiple EVs or want to make the most of solar panels, you’ll want to consider chargers with smart features like load balancing (a unit that prevents electrical overload by managing power across several vehicles or household demands) and solar integration (where your charger consumes excess solar energy).
A quick note on three-phase supply
If you already have a three-phase supply – maybe from a previous upgrade or because the property was once commercial – you’ve got access to 22kW charging. That’s faster, but only if your vehicle supports it, and your home’s wiring can take the load.
Three-phase charging makes sense if you drive high-mileage vehicles, have multiple EVs charging regularly, or want much faster recharge times. It’s less common in typical homes but can be a future-proof option if your property already has the supply or you’re willing to upgrade your electrical infrastructure.
Pick features that fit your day-to-day, not just the spec sheet
Home chargers are a fantastic addition to households that have invested in EVs. They come with a mix of features, but not all of them make sense for every household.
- Tethered chargers come with a fixed cable built into the unit. Simply unhook it and plug it straight into your EV. It’s perfect if you’re always charging the same car. There’s no extra gear to carry, but you’re locked into the cable length and plug type.
- Untethered chargers have no built-in cable. You use your own, plugging it into both the charger and the car each time. This gives you more flexibility for different EVs and keeps the unit discreet when not in use, but you’ll need to store the cable somewhere.
- Smart charging is standard on most new models, especially those OZEV grant-approved. These chargers shift charging to off-peak hours, track usage through an app and respond to energy tariffs. That’s useful if you’re managing energy costs or want to avoid peak rates. And let’s be honest, who doesn’t want that?
- Solar integration is a fast-growing sector. Chargers like the myenergi zappi GLO and Hypervolt sync with your solar generation, prioritising this electricity to charge your car over the grid. That means you maximise your electricity usage and speed up your solar panel payback period.
- Load balancing matters if you’re charging multiple vehicles or already stretching your fuse board. Some models monitor overall use and adjust charge rates in real time to avoid tripping anything. If you only have one EV at your household, you don’t need to worry about this too much. Most home chargers come with it as standard anyway. However, if you have more than one EV, take the time to double-check.
The right home charger for your EV: a few suggestions
Here’s a quick look at five of the most talked-about chargers in the UK right now:
Myenergi zappi GLO
The myenergi zappi GLO uses advanced smart solar tracking to help you use more of your own solar power. It has no screen, so it looks cleaner, meaning you control it easily through an app. With 7kW power and a tethered cable, it’s a great choice if you have solar panels or plan to install them. Plus, it syncs with any smart tariffs you might be signed up for to help keep your bills down. In short, it’s the less-fuss option for busy individuals.
Myenergi zappi multiphase
The myenergi zappi multiphase offers both 7kW and 22kW power options, so it fits those with single-phase or three-phase supplies. Optional tethering means you can choose a built-in cable or use your own. With smart features and solar integration, it’s ideal for environmentally conscious drivers who want to maximise solar energy use. It’s a solid choice for tech-savvy EV owners.
Hypervolt Home 3 Pro
The Hypervolt Home 3 Pro is a good fit for EV owners who prefer a straightforward, user-friendly charger. With a fixed 7kW tethered cable, it’s ideal for those who regularly use the same vehicle and want a reliable, easy-to-use setup. Hypervolt appeals to everyday drivers looking for a dependable, mid-range home charger. It also looks fantastic.
Sync EV
Sync EV is ideal for EV owners who prefer a clean, cable-free, untethered charger with excellent smart functionality. With 7kW power, dynamic load balancing, smart tariff integration, and support for solar charging, it’s a feature-rich yet budget-friendly option. It’s well-suited to flexible households, small businesses, or shared use environments.
ICS EV Charger
The ICSH7D from iCS suits EV owners who need flexibility on a budget. It’s available in both 7kW and 22kW versions, with a choice of tethered or untethered setup. It includes smart features like app control, scheduling, tariff integration, and load management. Solar integration is possible, but only when paired with an additional ICS hub. As one of the cheapest (upfront) and easiest to install, the ICSH7D is a good fit for households with mixed charging needs that want solid performance without the premium cost.
Make sure your site is ready before the install date
Installation is more than just mounting the unit. It includes assessing your current electrical setup, notifying your distribution network operator (DNO), and complying with Building Regulations.
Most home chargers require a DNO notification. Don’t worry. Your installer will usually handle this for you, and they’ll let you know what they need from you, if anything. If you’re close to your supply limits, the DNO may request a service upgrade before approval. A professional install covers the following:
- Full site survey
- Load assessment
- DNO notification
- Certificate of compliance
- Test and demonstration
If the charger connects to solar, battery storage or an off-peak tariff, the installer should also configure the system to handle it. You’ll want someone who understands their way around these setups, so make sure you ask if they have experience working with solar and renewables.
Warranty and support also differ between brands. Myenergi offers up to three years, and they’re UK-based, so that’s really helpful if you ever need parts or a call-out. Some overseas brands have different warranties and support options. That doesn’t mean they aren’t worth it, but we always recommend checking the small text before you commit. If you’re ever in any doubt, reach out to us and we’d be happy to help suggest the best options for your home.
Let Electrical Innovations help you find the right home charger
Smart chargers are becoming just as vital as broadband or home security systems. They’re quite literally the fuel stations of the future, tied right into your own home. The wrong charger wastes energy, adds cost and doesn’t keep up as you grow. The right one gives you control and gets you ready for what’s to come.
At Electrical Innovations, we fit EV home chargers. But that’s not all. We want to help you get the perfect charger for your home or business, so we’ve made it our mission to advise you on the right setup for both now and tomorrow. Our team is MCS and OZEV registered, and we’ve worked with everything from terraced homes to light commercial units. We handle your DNO paperwork, fit the gear and give you support long after the van pulls away.
If you’re considering an EV or a home charger, give us a call on 01332 498130. We’ll get the right unit in place from the get-go. Speak to our team today to book your consultation.
