Fast Charging at Home: What It Is, Cost and Installation Guide
Are you considering an electric car through a salary sacrifice scheme or already own an electric vehicle? One of the most important aspects of EV ownership is establishing an efficient home charging solution. This comprehensive guide explains everything you need to know about fast charging at home, from installation costs to compatibility with your property and vehicle.
What is Fast Home EV Charging?
When discussing electric car charging at home, "fast charging" refers to AC (Alternating Current) charging at speeds above the standard 3-pin socket rate. Let's break down the different charging levels available for domestic properties:
Home Charging Speed Categories
| Charger Type | Power Output | Technology | Charging Speed Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard 3-pin socket | 2.3kW | AC | 8-10 miles of range per hour |
| Slow wallbox charger | 3.6kW | AC | 12-15 miles of range per hour |
| Fast wallbox charger | 7kW | AC (single-phase) | 25-30 miles of range per hour |
| Three-phase fast charger | 11kW | AC (three-phase) | 35-40 miles of range per hour |
| Three-phase rapid charger | 22kW | AC (three-phase) | 70-80 miles of range per hour |
It's important to understand that the DC (Direct Current) rapid and ultra-rapid charging you might see at public charging stations (50kW to 350kW) is not typically available for home installation due to grid limitations, installation costs, and the extremely high power requirements.
The Fastest Charging You Can Get at Home
For most UK homeowners, a 7kW fast charger is the standard option, as this works with the single-phase electricity supply found in most domestic properties. This type of charger can fully charge a typical electric car (60-70kWh battery) overnight in 8-10 hours.
For homes with three-phase electricity, 11kW and 22kW chargers are possible, potentially reducing full charging times to 5-6 hours (11kW) or just 2-3 hours (22kW).
Charger providers like Smart Home Charge offer several reliable fast charging solutions, including:
The Ohme Home Pro (7kW) - a smart, app-controlled charger that can integrate with time-of-use tariffs.
The Wallbox Pulsar Plus (7kW or 22kW options) - a compact, powerful charger with solar compatibility.
The Easee One (7kW with capability for 22kW if your electricity supply allows) - future-proof design with smart features.
These chargers are available for installation to drivers choosing to salary sacrifice their electric car through The Electric Car Scheme - with drivers being able to add charger installation as an additional option to enhance their experience. Despite the car being leased - you would own the charger outright.
Can Your Home's Current Setup Support Fast Charging?
Before investing in a fast home charger, it's crucial to understand what your property's electrical supply can handle.
Single-Phase vs. Three-Phase Electricity
Single-phase electricity is what most UK homes have. This type of connection provides one live wire delivering standard 230V power, which typically supports up to 7kW for EV charging.
Three-phase electricity is less common in UK homes but is often found in industrial or commercial properties. This provides three live wires, effectively tripling the available power and allowing for 11kW or 22kW charging.
How to Identify Your Home's Electrical Supply
You can usually determine your supply type by:
Checking your consumer unit (fuse box) - three-phase systems typically have three 100A fuses rather than one
Looking at your electricity meter - three-phase meters have different markings
Consulting an electrician - the most reliable way to confirm your supply type
Checking with your Distribution Network Operator (DNO)
If unsure, always consult a qualified electrician.
Other Requirements for Fast Home Charging
Besides your main electricity supply type, you'll need to consider:
Fuse capacity - 7kW chargers typically require a 32A fuse
Consumer unit capacity - ensure your fuse box can handle the additional load
Cable distance - longer runs between your consumer unit and charger location require thicker cables
Wi-Fi connectivity - most smart chargers require reliable internet access
Property access - you'll need off-street parking where the charger can be installed
Property Type Limitations
Certain property types face challenges when installing fast chargers:
For drivers living in flats or apartments, you'll need permission from the freeholder and may face challenges with electrical capacity. You will have a stronger case in properties where EV charging bays can be allocated by the freeholder, and in situations where multiple neighbours can submit similar requests.
Likewise with rental properties - landlord permission is essential, and they may be reluctant due to installation costs. The upside is that adding an EV charger may boost property value, and future-proof a property if a driveway is already available.
Additional planning permission may be required for listed buildings, depending on the type of listed status, and charger placement.
Homes with restricted parking - typically on-street parking - will lead to limited opportunities for the installation of private charging. If you salary sacrifice your EV through a car scheme - The Charge Scheme could be a valuable solution to explore, as it provides an add-on to your existing scheme - allowing you to salary sacrifice the cost of charging and benefit from 20-50% savings, regardless of whether you charge at home, at work, or in public.
Which Cars Support Fast Home Charging?
Not all electric cars can take advantage of the fastest home charging speeds. This is determined by the vehicle's onboard charger, which converts the AC power from your home charger to the DC power needed for the battery.
Cars Supporting 7kW Charging
Most modern electric vehicles support 7kW AC charging, including:
Volkswagen ID.3 (standard specification)
Tesla Model 3 Standard Range
Cars Supporting 11kW Charging
Many premium and newer EVs support 11kW charging:
Tesla Model 3 Long Range and Performance
Volkswagen ID.4 (with upgraded charger)
Cars Supporting 22kW Charging
Fewer EVs support the maximum 22kW AC charging rate:
Smart EQ models
Some Tesla models with the optional upgraded charger
To find your specific car's maximum AC charging rate, check:
The vehicle handbook
The manufacturer's website
EV databases like the Electric Car Scheme's vehicle listings
The Cost of Installing a Fast EV Charger at Home
The installation cost depends primarily on the charger type and your home's existing electrical setup.
Standard 7kW Installation
Hardware cost: £500-£800 for a quality smart charger
Standard installation: £300-£700
Total typical cost: £800-£1,500
The government's Electric Vehicle Homecharge Scheme (EVHS) has now ended for most homeowners but remains available for landlords and those living in flats. Alternatively, if you salary sacrifice your EV through The Electric Car Scheme - a charger can be bundled into your offering, significantly reducing the total typical cost.
11kW Installation
Hardware cost: £600-£900
Installation: £500-£1,000
Total typical cost: £1,100-£1,900
Plus electrical upgrade costs if needed: £2,000-£5,000 for three-phase connection
22kW Installation
Hardware cost: £700-£1,200
Installation: £500-£1,000
Total typical cost: £1,200-£2,200
Plus electrical upgrade costs if needed: £2,000-£5,000 for three-phase connection
The Cost of Upgrading to Three-Phase Electricity
If your home only has single-phase electricity, upgrading to three-phase is a significant undertaking:
DNO fees: £1,000-£3,000 (varies by region)
Electrical work: £1,000-£2,000
Potential groundwork: Additional costs if trenching is required
Total upgrade cost: £2,000-£5,000+ depending on complexity
This upgrade involves your DNO making changes to the incoming supply and an electrician updating your consumer unit and internal wiring.
Other Considerations
Can I Upgrade My Existing Charger to a Faster One?
If you already have a 7kW charger, upgrading to a faster model is possible in two scenarios:
If you already have three-phase electricity: The upgrade may involve simply replacing the charger unit and potentially some cabling.
If you have single-phase electricity: You'll need the full three-phase upgrade process described above.
Some modern chargers are "future-proof" and can be configured to work at higher speeds if your electricity supply is upgraded later.
Do I Need to Inform My Electricity Provider?
Yes, for most fast charger installations:
For 7kW chargers, your installer should notify your Distribution Network Operator (DNO)
For 11kW and 22kW chargers, pre-approval from your DNO is required before installation
Your electricity supplier should be informed so they can ensure accurate billing
How Much Will My Electricity Bill Increase?
The impact on your bill depends on:
Your charging frequency: Daily charging vs. occasional top-ups
Your vehicle's battery size: Larger batteries require more electricity
Your electricity tariff: Standard vs. EV-specific tariffs
With an EV-specific tariff, charging a typical electric car (60kWh battery) from empty to full might cost £6-£10, compared to £15-£20 on a standard tariff.
ECS GUIDES AND ADVICE
Ready to Go Electric? Your Guides and Tools to a Smooth Switch
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How the Scheme WorksFind out how salary sacrifice can work for you or your business.
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The Charge SchemeSave 20-50% on all charging costs through salary sacrifice - at home, the office, or in public..
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Used Electric CarsDiscover the most affordable way to drive electric. Cars delivered in 14 days.
Is Fast Home Charging Worth It?
For most electric car owners, a 7kW home charger offers the best balance of charging speed, installation simplicity, and cost. This provides sufficient overnight charging for daily use, adding about 25-30 miles of range per hour.
The upgrade to 11kW or 22kW charging is worth considering if: you drive long distances frequently and need quick turnaround times, you have multiple electric vehicles sharing one charger, your home already has three-phase electricity, and crucially - your vehicle supports these faster charging rates.
However, if your daily mileage is moderate and you charge overnight, the standard 7kW option will likely meet your needs without the additional expense of electrical upgrades.
Save Money with The Electric Car Scheme
If you're looking to reduce the costs of both your electric car and your charging setup, The Electric Car Scheme offers significant savings through salary sacrifice.
With the 2025/26 Benefit-in-Kind rate at just 3%, drivers can save 20-50% on both electric vehicles and charging solutions through salary sacrifice. This makes getting an electric car and installing a home charger more affordable than ever.
Understanding how much it costs to fully charge an electric car at home can help you calculate the long-term savings of switching to an electric vehicle, especially when combined with The Charge Scheme - the most cost-effective way to set up home charging through salary sacrifice.
When away from home, knowing which EV charging apps are best in the UK can help you manage your charging needs seamlessly.
Conclusion
Fast charging at home transforms the electric vehicle ownership experience, making daily charging convenient and efficient. While most UK homes will be limited to 7kW charging without significant electrical upgrades, this speed is sufficient for overnight charging of most vehicles.
Before investing in a home charger, consider your vehicle's capabilities, your property's electrical infrastructure, and your daily driving needs. With the right setup, you'll enjoy the convenience of waking up to a fully charged electric car every morning, without the premium prices of public charging stations.
For the most affordable route to both an electric car and home charging solution, explore salary sacrifice available through The Electric Car Scheme, with the addition of The Charge Scheme - where you can save 20-50% on charging at home, at work, or in public.
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