A home EV charger is one of the most practical investments for anyone switching to electric motoring, but with so many options available it can be difficult to know which features are genuinely useful and which are unnecessary extras. At its core, a good charger should provide a safe, reliable and convenient way to replenish a vehicle’s battery overnight, without fuss or complication. Beyond that, many of the extras often attached to premium units may not really enhance everyday usefulness.
The essentials are straightforward. Compatibility is critical as the connector must match the vehicle and the power delivery must be suited to the car’s onboard charging system. For most UK homes, a 7kW wall-mounted unit is the practical limit, offering a full charge in roughly eight hours and ensuring the car is ready each morning.
Safety is just as important, which is why professional installation is vital. A charger fitted correctly with the right surge protection will integrate safely with the home’s electricity supply and protect both the property and the car. Convenience also matters. Having the ability to plug in on a driveway or in a garage is what makes home charging so appealing.
Smart functionality is increasingly valuable too, but is at its most relevant in simple, practical terms. The ability to schedule charging sessions means energy can be drawn during off-peak hours, reducing running costs. Tracking energy usage is another benefit, helping households monitor consumption more accurately. These features, when well executed, make a real difference to daily ownership and are likely to become standard across all chargers.
What drivers do not necessarily need are units promising charging speeds far beyond what their car can accept. While 22kW chargers are available, few homes have the three-phase electrical supply needed to support them, and most cars cannot take advantage of the extra capacity anyway. Similarly, overcomplicated app integrations or extensive data reports may sound impressive, but for most owners they add little to the day-to-day task of simply plugging in and charging. Even features like excessively long tethered cables can result in more clutter than convenience.
In practice, the best home charger is one that does the basics exceptionally well. It should fit the home’s electrical system, deliver safe and consistent charging, and provide enough intelligence to cut costs without creating unnecessary complexity.
Anything beyond that may look appealing in a brochure but is unlikely to change the experience of waking up each morning to a fully charged car – which remains the real benefit of home charging.