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Choosing a Home Car Charging Point
So you’ve decided to lease a plug-in electric vehicle and are waiting for it to arrive. Now what?
If you have off-street parking, it’s best to get a dedicated home EV charging point installed so you can charge quickly and safely.
Our short guide tells you what to look out for when choosing a home charger.
What is an electric vehicle charging point?
It’s basically a large electrical socket, especially designed to charge an electric vehicle’s battery.
An electrician installs it on an external wall, or in your garage, and you connect the charging point to your car via a charging cable.
When charging, the cable is locked at both ends, meaning you can’t knock it out of either the car or the charging point accidentally – good for safety.
How do I choose one?
There are many EV charging points on the market from different manufacturers. They all differ from each other in various ways. Here are the key features to look out for when choosing a charging point:
Tethered or Untethered?
A TETHERED charger comes with a charging cable and plug permanently attached.
Advantages
- No need to hunt around for the charging cable in your boot – just grab the plug from the charging point, plug it into your car’s socket, and you’re good to go. Especially handy when it’s raining.
- You can always charge, even if you’ve misplaced your car’s charging cable.
Disadvantages
- Tethered chargers can look a bit messier on your wall.
An UNTETHERED charger does not have a charging cable and plug permanently attached.
Advantages
- Looks nice and tidy without a cable wrapped around it.
Disadvantages
- You have to get a charging cable out of your boot every time you want to charge.
Size
EV charging points also vary considerably in size.
There’s one that’s only 17cm tall, whereas another is 44cm tall. Widths and depths also vary.
Our main Charging Points page shows the sizes of some of the top chargers so you can compare.
Features
Every smart charger has a different mix of features, so it is worth comparing more than just the price:
- Solar charging: If you have solar panels, some chargers can prioritise surplus solar energy, helping you charge your EV with more of your own electricity. You can usually override this when you need a faster top-up from the grid.
- App control and scheduling: Most UK home chargers now offer app-based control, allowing you to set charging times, monitor energy use, and take advantage of cheaper off-peak tariffs.
- Internet connection: Smart chargers normally connect via WiFi, ethernet or a built-in SIM. The charger should still be able to charge if the connection drops, but online access is needed for full smart features.
Cost
Cost is obviously a key factor when choosing a charging point.
Typically, they range in cost from about £950 to £1,200 inc. VAT and installation.
We have partnered with E.ON Next to offer you a selection of tethered and untethered chargers at great prices. You can either pay outright or spread the cost over 1-4 years.
Questions?
Phone our dedicated EV team now on
0118 3048 688
or email us at
enquiries@selectcarleasing.co.uk
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