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Buying guide

Which Home EV Charger Should I Buy?

Tethered or untethered, solar or not, and which chargers work with Intelligent Octopus Go. Honest, brand-free advice from electricians who've fitted over 3,000 chargers.

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The basics

How to choose a home EV charger

Tethered or untethered?

A tethered charger has its cable attached, so you just unhook it and plug in. An untethered socket has no cable, which keeps the wall clear and looks neat, but you plug in your own cable each time.

Match it to your tariff

Smart tariffs like Intelligent Octopus Go work with specific chargers or cars. If you're on one, or planning to switch, choose a compatible charger.

Got solar panels?

A solar-aware charger, such as a zappi, can charge your car from surplus solar power. Some other chargers offer solar options too.

7kW is standard

Almost all homes have a single-phase supply, so home chargers charge at up to about 7kW. That's enough to fill most cars overnight.

Looks and position

Think about where it'll go and how it'll look. Andersen offers colours and finishes, and Wallbox and Easee are very compact.

Quick recommendations

  • Our top pick: VCHRGD, with excellent customer service
  • Intelligent Octopus Go: VCHRGD, Ohme, Hypervolt
  • Solar panels: myenergi zappi
  • Design-led: Andersen
  • Tesla drivers: Tesla Wall Connector
  • Small spaces: Wallbox Pulsar
  • GivEnergy battery: GivEnergy
Octopus customers

On Intelligent Octopus Go? We'll beat Octopus's price.

Same charger, same standard of installation, for less than Octopus's advertised price, with the app linked to your account before we leave. How it works →

  • We beat their priceSame charger and install
  • App set upLinked to Octopus before we go
  • Pay when happyNothing taken up front
  • A real personNever a chatbot
FAQs

Your questions answered

If your question isn't here, call us any time.

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Is a tethered or untethered charger better?

Tethered is more convenient day to day. Untethered looks neater and lets you use any cable length. Most of our customers choose tethered.

Do I need a 22kW charger?

Almost certainly not. Most homes have a single-phase supply, which limits chargers to about 7kW, and that's plenty to charge overnight.

Are all home chargers smart now?

Yes. Since 2022, home chargers sold in the UK must have smart functions, so they can be scheduled for cheaper times.

Can you install a charger I've bought myself?

Yes, we can install any make of charger. Send us the model and photos of where you park, and we'll give you a price to fit it.

Do you set up the app?

Yes. Before we leave, we connect the charger to your Wi-Fi, set up the app, link your tariff, and show you how it all works.

Will a smart charger save me money?

Usually a lot. Smart chargers charge when electricity is cheapest, typically overnight, so you pay a fraction of the price of public charging.

Free quote

Get a free quote

Tell us about your home and your car, and we'll come back with a clear, fixed price, with any grant already taken off.

  1. 1Send the form. It takes about a minute.
  2. 2We'll ask for a few photos, or arrange a quick survey.
  3. 3You get a fixed price, and pay only when you're happy.
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