Cheapest EVs
Guide
Top 10 Cheapest Electric Cars in 2025
Read our comprehensive guide to the Top 10 Cheapest Electric Cars and connect straight through to the best EV lease deals available in the UK today.
Why Choose EV Smart Chargers for Your Home?
By David Lewis, Electric Vehicle & Clean Energy Journalist.
Thinking about installing a home EV charger? Learn why smart EV chargers are the best choice for convenience, cost savings, and energy efficiency.
So you want to install a home electric vehicle (EV) charger. Good for you – it’ll make your EV life easier, and could add value to your home, too. But have you considered what kind of charger you’d like?
We’d recommend you go for a smart EV charger. These offer advanced features that go far beyond basic plug-and-go models, providing better control, improved energy efficiency, and the potential for significant cost savings.
In this guide, we’ll explain what smart EV chargers are, look at their advantages, and help you choose the right one for your home.
What is an EV Smart Charger?
A smart EV charger is an internet-connected charging device that lets you manage when and how your electric car charges.
Unlike standard chargers that begin charging the car’s battery as soon as they’re plugged in, smart chargers let you schedule charging and also allow remote operation and energy tracking.
In addition, they can integrate with home energy systems, such as solar panels. Such features are generally accessed through a mobile app or on a web dashboard on your computer.
The Electric Vehicles (Smart Charge Points) Regulations 2021
The Electric Vehicles (Smart Charge Points) Regulations 2021 were introduced to make private EV charging smarter, safer, and better suited to the UK’s electricity system.
Since 30 June 2022, new private charge points sold for domestic or workplace use in Great Britain have had to include smart functionality. In practical terms, that means they must be able to send and receive information, respond to signals, and support charging at times when electricity demand is lower or more renewable energy is available.
So, the good news is that if you get an EV charger installed by a qualified professional in Great Britain, it will be 'smart' by default due to these government regulations.
The regulations also require features such as off-peak default charging settings, a randomised delay function to avoid lots of chargers switching on at exactly the same time, and the ability for the charger to keep working if it loses its network connection. Additional cyber-security requirements came into force on 30 December 2022.
These rules do not apply to every charger in the UK. Public charge points, rapid chargers of 50 kW or above, and chargers sold in Northern Ireland are outside the scope of these specific regulations.
Key Benefits of EV Smart Chargers
The benefits of a smart charger for your electric car are many:
1. Smart charging schedules means lower costs
Smart chargers let you set charging times to align with off-peak electricity rates, which can save you a lot on your energy bill, especially if you’re on an economy or time-of-use tariff. Several energy companies (such as our partners at E.ON Next) now have specific tariffs for EV owners.
2. Faster, more efficient charging
Smart home chargers will usually deliver 7.4 kW. The result? A full charge of your battery overnight.
3. Solar panel integration
Got solar panels on your roof? Then smart chargers can prioritise charging using any surplus solar energy, which further lowers your costs.
4. Energy use monitoring
A smart charger will let you track how much electricity your car is using and what it’s costing you. It can even show you CO2 savings, all through the accompanying app or dashboard.
5. Load balancing (for safety)
Some smart chargers can adjust their power output to avoid overloading your home’s electrical system, which is especially useful if you’re running other high energy appliances like washing machines, ovens, or air conditioning systems.
6. Remote access and control
Start, stop, or delay charging remotely from your phone. This is ideal if you need to change plans on the go or make sure your car is ready for your morning commute.
7. Future-proofing
Many smart chargers off regular software updates, smart-home compatibility with the likes of Alexa and Google Assistant, and vehicle-specific features like optimised charging profiles and integration with in-car apps or systems.
How to Choose the Right Smart Charger
When choosing a smart EV charger, keep the following in mind:
- Power output: Most UK homes have a single-phase electricity supply, so a 7.4 kW charger is usually the fastest practical option for home charging. If your property has a three-phase supply, you may be able to install a 22 kW charger for faster charging, although many EVs have a maximum onboard AC charging rate below 22 kW. In practice, the charging speed depends on your electricity supply, charger rating, and the car’s onboard charger.
- Connectivity: Your charger will come equipped with Wi-Fi, ethernet or cellular connectivity, so it's always connected to the internet. Many units have multiple options so that, for example, if your home internet goes down you can use the cellular capability to remain connected.
- Vehicle compatibility: If you get a 'tethered' charger – one with a cable permanently attached – make sure the cable plug matches your EV’s connecter type (it will almost certainly be Type 2).
- Smart features: Look for chargers that offer solar compatibility (if relevant), load management, and app control.
- Installation costs: Factor in both the cost of the charger itself and getting it fitted. Government grants, like the EV Chargepoint Grant, can offset costs for those eligible.
- Build quality and warranty: Go for models that are backed by long-term warranties – ideally at least three years.
Installation & Setup Tips
When planning and installing your EV charger, here are some pointers to remember:
- Use an OZEV-approved installer: Make sure your installer is approved by the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles, both for safety and to ensure eligibility for any suitable government incentives.
- Plan your charger’s location: Choose a spot that aligns with where you park. You want to make sure your car's charging port is close to the charger itself, otherwise you will need to get a longer (more expensive) charging cable.
- Ensure a strong Wi-Fi/data signal: Weak connections can affect app functions and remote control of your charger.
- Test everything post-installation: Check the charger’s app, its schedule settings, and the charger performance before its first full use. Just in case.
Further questions about charging an EV at home or in public?
Phone our dedicated EV team now on 0118 3048 688. Or email us at enquiries@selectcarleasing.co.uk.
For more information on leasing an EV, click one of our other guides below:
Best 7-seat EVs
Guide
Best 7-Seater Electric Cars 2025
In this guide, our electric car experts look at some of the best electric 7-seater cars for families, available to lease through Select Car Leasing.
Best Long Range EVs
Guide
Best Long Range EVs
The Top 10 longest range electric cars on sale 2025? Our Top 10 is made up of EVs that you can lease with us today.
UK's most trusted car leasing broker
Rated 4.9 out of 5 - 49,694 reviews
The UK's largest leasing broker
Leasing all leading makes and models
Affordable car lease deals
Industry leading competitive rates
Don't just take our word for it. We're rated at 4.9/5 on independent reviews website Trustpilot from over 49,694 genuine customer reviews
Excellent service from start to finish. It was my first lease car so I didn’t really understand the whole process but Melanie was great explaining everything, always happy to answer my questions and great communications.
I'm very happy with my experience with Select Car Leasing. My contact Lewis answered all questions promptly at all times of day and generally worked really hard to get the car we wanted.
Stephen Hood was great. Leased my Porsche through him. from ordering to delivery it was super smooth. Would recommend.
