EV Charger Installation: What You Need to Know

Whether you’re thinking about buying an electric vehicle (EV) or have already taken the leap, you’ll be considering charging logistics. In the UK, more public charging stations are cropping up, and on-street charging ports are making owning an EV more feasible. Yet, for many EV owners, charging an electric car at home offers convenience and can even save you money.

With the launch of our new EV chargers, we’re sharing everything you need to know about installing an EV charger at home.

Why install an EV charger at home?

Many of us leave our phones plugged in all night because it's convenient. It’s the same with an EV. Plugging your car in overnight means it’ll be fully charged, ready to go in the morning, no fuss.

Convenience isn’t the only benefit of home EV charging. Using your EV charger’s app also allows you to schedule charging to make use of off-peak rates. Combining your EV charger with our new EV tariff means you’ll take advantage of our market-leading rate of 6.5p/kWh between 12 am and 5 am. With this enhanced charging solution, you could save up to 92% on charging costs compared with charging your EV at public charging stations.

Moreover, a dedicated EV charger is designed to charge an EV without the risk of overloading a plug socket.

Maximise your EV battery’s lifespan: keep your electric vehicle charged between 20% and 80%. Learn more about how long electric car batteries last.

Before booking your installation, there are a few things to consider. Where at home do you park your EV, and so, where would you like the charger to be positioned? How close is the fuse box to your charging point? How strong is the Wi-Fi?

We can talk you through suitable charging point locations and if or how this might impact the cost of installation and efficiency of your charger. ‍

Speak with our expert team by emailing ev@so.energy or calling 020 4625 1900 today.

Is it cheaper to charge your EV at home?

Yes, it can be.

Most home charging points are cheaper per kWh than public charging points, particularly if you power your EV on reduced-rate tariffs. With our EV tariff, So EV, you can charge your EV for less between 12am and 5am, when the rate is 6.5p per kWh.

By charging a Tesla Model 3 RWD (We Buy Any Car’s second-best-selling vehicle in the UK in 2024) on our off-peak rate, we’ve calculated that it’ll cost just 1.4p/mile to run this EV.

Benefits of charging your EV at home

There are many benefits to charging your EV at home. Here are our top five:

1. Convenience: Reduce your reliance on public charging stations by installing an EV charger at home. Plugging in your EV while you’re at home makes for convenient charging and no more trips to public charging stations, or twiddling of thumbs waiting for your car to charge.
2. Lower charging costs: Installing an EV charger at home can also save you money, particularly with off-peak or time-of-use tariffs. Benefit from an enhanced charging solution by combining your home charger with our new EV tariff, So EV. With So EV, you could save up to 92% compared to public charging!
3. Charging at your fingertips: Your chosen charger's app will allow you to control and schedule charging (making use of discounted rates with So EV), plus offers insights into your energy usage, helping you be more energy-savvy.
4. Boosts property appeal: Growing demand for EVs means that when the time comes to move home, your EV charging point might help attract buyers.
5. Sustainability: Choosing an energy supplier that invests in green energy solutions (like us!) means your energy consumption is more sustainable. Integrate a solar panel system for even greener electricity and less reliance on the grid.

How much does it cost to install an EV charger?

Our range of chargers start from £899, including installation. Sometimes, home chargepoints require additional electrical work, but we’ll always discuss this (and any associated fees) with you beforehand. It’s also important to consider the distance of your charger from your electricity meter and fuse box, as installing a charger further away your electrical supply can result in a higher cost.

Installation of home EV chargepoints should always be done by a qualified electrician. This ensures that the charger (and installation of it) meets safety standards, and so you’re given our 2-year workmanship warranty. We only use our fully-qualified and quality-checked installers for your peace of mind.

What’s involved in the installation process?

Here’s what to expect when you choose to install an EV charger with So Energy:

1. Complete a quick eligibility survey to determine whether we can install the charger.
2. Provide us with details of your property so we can offer an accurate quote (if you’re eligible). For example, we’ll ask for the distance between: the fuseboard and where you'd like your EV charger installed; your proposed charger location to your electricity meter; and where you’d like the cables to run.
3. Receive a personalised quote, based on the information you’ve provided.
4. Make the payment for your new charger (which includes the cost to install)
5. Get your installation booked in. We’ll contact you to book an installation date, based on the availability you provided in the initial survey.

Here’s what happens on installation day:

1. Your installation will be completed by our reliable installation partner, who will arrive and introduce themselves
2. Before they begin the installation, your installer will confirm the charger location you provided in your survey
3. Your installer will complete the installation (this usually takes two to three hours) and set you up on your charger's app
4. A few days after your installation, you'll receive a handover pack providing you with the relevant documentation

You’ll also have excellent, ongoing support to help you get the most from your new home EV charger.

Do I need a qualified installer?

Yes. Using a qualified installer ensures your home EV charger is installed safely and complies with the latest regulations. We only work with vetted, trusted and qualified professionals.

Choosing the right EV charger for your home and car

We’re proud to offer three of the best EV chargers on the market at great prices. Chosen through a strict vetting process, we’ve selected hardware manufacturers that produce best-in-class chargers.

We currently provide and install the three chargers; the Hypervolt Home 3 Pro, the Myenergi zappi GLO and the VCHRGD Seven Pro.

Our charger range offers:

• Solar compatibility
• Compatibility with our EV tariff, So EV, so you can charge for as little as 6.5p/kWh overnight
• Untethered and tethered options, with various cable lengths to choose from
• Three and five-year product warranties, giving you peace of mind

Smart chargers vs. basic chargers

Choosing a smart EV charger can optimise your energy usage and help save you money, especially when paired with time-of-use tariffs. Enhance your charging experience by getting on supply with So EV, our new EV tariff. You could save up to 92% when you combine So EV with one of our at-home chargers.

While smart chargers need a stable internet connection to access their smart features, they’ll still be able to charge your EV without internet. Before installation, check your Wi-Fi signal in the location where you’d like your new charging point. You may want to consider a Wi-Fi extender to boost the signal.

Can I use solar panels with my EV charger?

Yes, our chargers are compatible with solar, so you can charge your electric vehicle using clean energy.

With multiple payment options available, So Solar has never been more accessible. Go green, reduce your reliance on the grid, and start saving on your bills. Get a quote for solar installation.

Why choose So Energy for your EV charger?

With a So Energy EV charger installation, you’ll not only be buying one of the best EV chargers on the market, you’ll also get:

• Expert advice on compatibility
• Expert installation
• Great value for money
• A 5-year product warranty and a 2-year workmanship warranty
• Ongoing customer support (we’re rated Excellent on Trustpilot)
• Peace of mind, knowing you’re contributing to a more sustainable planet
• The opportunity of an enhanced charging experience when you also take our So EV, our EV tariff