Installing a home EV charger sounds simple enough. Pick a charger, call an electrician, job done. But the reality is far more nuanced — and the wrong choices can cost you time, money and charging speed.
Type 1 versus Type 2 connectors. Tethered versus untethered units. OZEV grants. Load balancing. Single-phase versus three-phase supply. The complexity catches most people off guard.
Trap 1: Charger Compatibility
Not all EVs are created equal.
Different vehicles accept different charge rates and connector types. Installing the wrong charger doesn't just mean inconvenience — it means suboptimal charging speed. A 22kW charger on a vehicle that only accepts 7kW is money wasted. A Type 1 connector when your car needs Type 2 means you're reaching for adaptors every time.
Trap 2: Tethered vs Untethered
A tethered charger has the cable permanently attached — it's neat, quick to plug in and ideal if you'll always charge the same vehicle. An untethered charger uses a separate cable, offering flexibility if you change vehicles, share with a partner's different EV, or live in a property with shared parking.
Neither is universally better. The right choice depends on your situation.
Trap 3: Smart Features Aren't Frivolous
It's tempting to save money with a basic charger. But smart features like timed charging, solar integration and tariff syncing save real money over the lifetime of the unit. Scheduling charges for off-peak hours alone can save hundreds of pounds a year.
Trap 4: Installation Costs Vary
A "£899 install" might sound appealing — until the installer charges £400 extra for a consumer unit upgrade they didn't mention upfront.
Transparent pricing matters. Here's what a realistic installation looks like:
| Item | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| OZEV-approved charger | £500 – £800 |
| Standard installation | £350 – £600 |
| Consumer unit upgrade (if needed) | £200 – £500 |
| Total | £850 – £1,300 |
Flare designs EV charging solutions tailored to your vehicle, your tariff and your future needs. No hidden costs, no surprises — just an installation that works from day one.