When you own or are considering buying an electric vehicle (EV), one of the main factors to think about is how and where you will charge your car.
The two main options are installing a home EV charger or using a public charging station, typically found at motorway services or petrol stations. Both options have their advantages and disadvantages.
In this blog, we’ll explore the benefits of having a home EV charger and explain why most EV owners prefer charging at home rather than relying on public charging stations.
Choosing Between Home and Public Charging
When you make the switch to an electric vehicle, charging your car—whether at home with our EV charger or at a public station—quickly becomes part of your daily routine.
Your choice will depend on several factors, including:
- Where you live
- Your daily mileage and driving habits
- Access to local charging infrastructure
- How much spare time you have for public charging trips
- Energy and electricity costs
Home EV Chargers: Pros and Cons
Pros
- Convenience
This is one of the biggest advantages of having a home EV charger. You can simply plug in your car at night and wake up to a fully charged vehicle, without the hassle of travelling to a public station. - Lower electricity rates
Most energy suppliers offer off-peak tariffs that make charging at night significantly cheaper than public charging rates. - Cost control
With a home EV charger—like our 7kW smart charger —you can easily track your charging costs and monitor usage through the smart app, giving you more financial control. - Smart charging features
Our smart home EV charger allows you to manage charging remotely, schedule sessions, and monitor energy use via the mobile app. - Accessibility and reliability
You’ll never have to worry about faulty or unavailable public chargers—your own charger is always ready to use. - Increased property value
A home with a pre-installed EV charger can be more appealing to future buyers, especially as electric vehicles become more common.
Cons
- Installation cost
The price of installation can vary depending on your property’s wiring, consumer unit, and location of the charger. Bespoke installations may require additional electrical work. - DNO approval
Depending on your energy usage, your Distribution Network Operator (DNO) may need to be notified or approve the installation. At EV Home Charger UK, we handle this process for you before installation. - Home limitations
If you live in a flat or don’t have off-street parking, installing a charger may be difficult or, in some cases, not possible. - Slower charging speeds
Home EV chargers (usually 7kW) are slower than some public DC fast chargers, but they’re perfect for overnight full charges. For quick top-ups, public chargers may be more suitable.
Public EV Charging: Pros and Cons
Pros
- High power output
Public DC fast chargers can offer 50kW or more, allowing you to recharge much faster than a home charger—ideal for long journeys. - Flexibility
Public charging gives you the freedom to recharge while away from home, provided there are stations available on your route. - No installation required
You don’t need to worry about installation costs or maintenance. - Access for renters and flat dwellers
If you can’t install a home charger, public stations are often your only option for EV charging.
Cons
- Higher cost
Public chargers typically charge premium rates, which can be significantly more expensive than home electricity prices—especially for rapid charging. - Availability issues
You might arrive to find all chargers occupied or out of order, causing inconvenience and delays. - Less control
Unlike a smart home charger, public stations don’t allow you to schedule or control your charging sessions. - Battery wear
Frequent use of high-powered rapid chargers can put additional strain on your car’s battery over time.
Why Should a Home EV Charger Be Your Priority?
- You can enjoy hassle-free overnight charging and wake up to a full battery every morning.
- Charging during off-peak hours reduces your overall energy costs.
- You’ll never have to rely on public chargers that may be busy or unavailable.
- With our smart app-controlled charger, you can monitor usage, set schedules, and manage charging directly from your phone.
Conclusion
In summary, while both options have their merits, the advantages of owning a home EV charger far outweigh the drawbacks.
A home EV charger provides convenience, reliability, and long-term cost savings, whereas public charging stations can often be more expensive, less accessible, and less predictable.
Our 7kW smart home EV charger is ideal for full overnight charging, ensuring your vehicle is always ready to use in the morning.
If you’re planning ahead for the future—especially if your household may soon have multiple EVs—installing a home EV charger is the most practical and cost-effective solution.
Visit: https://evhomechargeruk.co.uk/product/7kw-smart-home-ev-charger/
