Why Install a Home EV Charger? If you've recently bought an electric vehicle — or you're thinking about making the switch — a home charging point is one of the best investments you can make. Charging at home is significantly cheaper than using public charge points, far more convenient, and with a dedicated 7kW charger, most EVs will charge from empty to full overnight. Relying on a standard 3-pin plug to charge your EV is technically possible but not recommended. A domestic socket delivers only around 2.3kW, meaning a full charge could take 24 hours or more. More importantly, drawing that level of current continuously through a standard plug and socket creates a potential overheating risk. A dedicated EV charging unit is the safe, efficient solution. Types of Home EV Chargers Untethered Chargers An untethered charger has a socket on the unit, and you use your own charging cable to connect it to your car. This is a good option if you have multiple EVs with different connector types, or if you prefer to keep the cable in your car. Popular untethered models include the Easee One and the Ohme ePod. Tethered Chargers A tethered charger has a cable permanently attached to the unit, so you simply pull the cable out and plug it into your car. This is the most convenient option if you have a single EV and want the quickest, simplest charging experience. Popular tethered models include the Ohme Home Pro and the Wallbox Pulsar Plus. Smart Chargers Since June 2022, all new home charge points installed in England must be smart chargers. This means they must connect to the internet and allow you to schedule charging, set tariff-based charging times, and respond to grid demand signals. In practice, this means you can set your charger to only charge during off-peak hours (typically midnight to 5am), potentially cutting your charging costs by more than half if you're on an EV-specific energy tariff. Electrical Requirements for EV Charger Installation A home EV charger typically requires: • A dedicated circuit: A 7kW charger needs its own 32A circuit run from the consumer unit. It cannot share a circuit with other appliances. • Adequate supply: Your incoming electrical supply (typically 60A or 100A single phase) must be able to handle the additional load. If your supply is on the lower end, load management solutions can be installed to prevent overloading. • Earthing: The charger must be properly earthed, and your installation must have adequate earth fault protection. In some cases, an earth rod may be required. • Cable run: The cable from your consumer unit to the charger location affects cost. Longer runs require more cable and potentially additional containment. Where Can the Charger Be Installed? Most home EV chargers are wall-mounted on the front or side of the property, close to where you park. If you don't have a garage or driveway adjacent to an external wall, a ground-mounted post can be used. The charger should be positioned so the cable can comfortably reach your car's charging port without stretching across pathways. If you park on the road and don't have a driveway, home charging becomes more complicated. Some Nottingham properties, particularly terraces in areas like Lenton and Hyson Green, may need to explore cable channel solutions or community charging options. How Much Does EV Charger Installation Cost in Nottingham? The total cost depends on the charger model and the complexity of the electrical installation: • Installed, all in: £850 – £950 for a typical home installation • What moves the price: the cable run from your consumer unit to the parking space, whether the incoming supply needs any upgrading, and the charger you choose If your consumer unit needs upgrading to accommodate the new circuit, or if your earthing system needs improvement, this will add to the cost. A reputable installer will survey your property first and explain any additional work needed. Are there any government grants? The old grant for homeowners with off-street parking has closed. The schemes that remain are aimed at people living in flats, people renting, and residential landlords, and they are administered through installers approved by the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV). Somo Electrical is not on the OZEV approved installer list, so we cannot claim a grant on your behalf — check the current schemes and eligibility on GOV.UK before you budget. Choosing an Installer in Nottingham EV charger installation must be carried out by a qualified electrician registered with a competent person scheme such as NAPIT. At Somo Electrical, we're NAPIT-registered (registration 33320) and experienced in EV charger installations across Nottingham. We'll survey your property, check the incoming supply can take the load, recommend the right charger for your needs, and handle the full installation and certification. Ready to make the switch to home charging? Contact Somo Electrical for a free survey and quote. We'll get you set up with a safe, compliant, and convenient charging solution.