Electric vehicles are becoming an increasingly common sight on UK roads, and for many EV drivers, being able to charge at home is one of the biggest advantages of making the switch.
Instead of planning regular visits to public charging points, a home EV charger allows you to plug your vehicle in when you get home and have it ready for your next journey.
And if you’re renting or living in a flat, government support may be available to help towards the cost of installing one.
What Is the EV Chargepoint Grant?
The government’s Electric Vehicle Chargepoint Grant for renters and flat owners provides financial support towards the cost of buying and installing an EV chargepoint at home.
From 1 April 2026, eligible applicants can receive 75% towards the cost of purchasing and installing a chargepoint, up to a maximum of £500.
The scheme is currently confirmed to run until 31 March 2027.
You may be eligible if you:
- Own and live in a flat, or
- Rent and live in a residential property
There are additional eligibility requirements, including having an eligible electric vehicle and private off-street parking.
You’ll also need to obtain any necessary permissions – for example, from your landlord, freeholder or property management company.
It’s important to check the latest government eligibility criteria before proceeding, as grant schemes and their conditions can change.
How Do You Apply?
The process changed in April 2026.
You’ll first need to contact an OZEV-authorised installer and obtain a quote for the work.
Once you have the necessary information and permissions, you can submit an application to the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV).
Importantly, you shouldn’t have the chargepoint installed before OZEV confirms that you’re eligible for the grant.
Once your application is approved, your installer can complete the work and subsequently claim the grant.
What Are the Benefits of Having an EV Charger at Home?
Convenience
For many EV owners, this is the biggest benefit.
Arrive home, plug your car in and let it charge while you’re not using it.
There’s less need to plan trips around public charging points, and you can potentially start each morning with the charge you need for the day ahead.
Potentially Lower Charging Costs
Home charging can also be more economical than relying exclusively on public rapid chargers.
Exactly how much you’ll pay will depend on your electricity tariff, vehicle and charging habits. Some electricity suppliers also offer tariffs specifically designed around EV charging, with cheaper electricity available during certain off-peak periods.
Charging From Your Own Solar Panels
If your property has solar panels, there may be opportunities to use some of the electricity you generate to charge your vehicle.
Depending on your solar installation, EV charger and energy usage, this can help you make greater use of the renewable electricity generated at home and reduce the amount of electricity you need to import from the grid.
A Useful Addition to Your Property
As electric vehicles become more widespread, having suitable charging provision at home is becoming increasingly useful.
If you’re already carrying out electrical improvements to your property, it’s worth considering whether an EV charging point should form part of your plans – even if you don’t currently own an electric vehicle.
Can You Combine an EV Charger With Solar Panels?
Yes – and for some homeowners, the two technologies can work particularly well together.
Solar panels generate electricity during daylight hours. With an appropriate installation and compatible equipment, some of that electricity can potentially be directed towards charging your EV.
There are several potential advantages.
Make greater use of your solar generation: Rather than exporting surplus electricity to the grid, you may be able to use some of it to charge your car.
Reduce reliance on grid electricity: The more of your own solar electricity you can use directly, the less electricity you need to purchase from your supplier.
Lower-carbon motoring: Using electricity generated by your own solar panels can further reduce the carbon associated with charging your EV.
Whether solar and EV charging are a good combination for your property will depend on factors including your solar generation, when your vehicle is at home, your mileage and your overall household electricity consumption.
What Size EV Charger Do You Need?
There’s no single EV charger that’s right for every home.
The appropriate solution will depend on several factors, including:
- Your particular electric vehicle
- How quickly the vehicle can accept charging
- Your daily mileage
- How long the vehicle is normally parked at home
- Your property’s electrical supply
- Whether you have solar panels or battery storage
- Your preferred charging features
For many drivers, overnight charging provides plenty of time to replenish the energy used during an average day.
Someone covering significantly higher mileage may have different requirements.
That’s why it’s worth looking at your actual driving habits rather than simply choosing a charger based on the highest advertised charging speed.
Your Electrical Installation Matters Too
Installing an EV charger isn’t simply a matter of attaching a unit to the outside wall and plugging it in.
It’s a significant electrical load, so your existing electrical installation and supply need to be considered as part of the process.
An appropriate assessment can determine what’s required and identify whether any additional electrical work is needed.
This is another reason why EV chargepoint installation should be properly planned and carried out by a competent installer.
Thinking About an EV Charger?
At TECC Ltd., we work across domestic, commercial and industrial electrical installations and can help you determine an appropriate EV charging solution for your property.
We’ll look at your requirements, how you use your vehicle and your existing electrical installation before discussing the options available.
And if you’re hoping to take advantage of a government grant, make sure you speak to us before having any work carried out, as the relevant application and approval process needs to be followed.
Considering an EV charger for your home? Get in touch with TECC Ltd. and talk to our team about your requirements.