EV Charger Buyer's Guide: How to Choose the Best Home EV Charger

Switching to an electric vehicle (EV) or already owning one? Selecting the right home EV charger is key to enjoying convenient, cost-effective, and safe charging. This comprehensive EV charger buyer's guide from Cord EV explains everything you need to know about home EV charging, helping you choose the best option for your needs.

As a leading UK provider of affordable home EV chargers, Cord EV offers models like the entry-level Cord Lite (tethered 5m cable) and versatile Cord Zero (untethered or tethered with 5m/8m options), all delivering 7.4kW fast charging, universal compatibility, and smart features. Whether you're searching for the "best home EV charger UK" or comparing "tethered vs untethered EV charger," this guide will equip you with expert insights to make an informed decision.

What is Home EV Charging? A Beginner's Overview

Home EV charging is the process of replenishing your electric vehicle's battery with electricity directly from your residence, much like charging a smartphone. Unlike petrol or diesel cars that require fuel stations, EVs can be charged conveniently at home without producing tailpipe emissions. With Cord EV chargers, you can plug in overnight using off-peak tariffs for maximum savings— which can be more than 50% cheaper than daytime rates. Home charging allows you to wake up to a full battery ready for your daily commute, making it the most popular and practical option for UK drivers.

Why Install an EV Charger at Home? Benefits for UK Drivers

A dedicated home EV charger offers unparalleled convenience, cost savings, and reliability. At Cord EV, our chargers enable fast 7.4kW charging—the maximum for most UK homes—potentially saving you hundreds annually compared to public stations. Plus, with government incentives like the OZEV grant (up to £350 for eligible flats, rentals, or on-street parking), installation is more affordable. Cord EV's simple 3-step installation process ensures your charger is up and running in as little as 2 weeks, complete with Wi-Fi/4G app control for scheduling and monitoring.

Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Home EV Charger

To find the best home EV charger for your electric vehicle, evaluate these essential aspects. Cord EV's range, including the Cord Lite and Cord Zero, is designed to meet diverse needs with universal compatibility and smart features.

1. Charger Type and Compatibility
Ensure the charger matches your EV's connector—all UK EVs have used Type 2 since 2018, but older hybrids may need Type 1 adaptors (available from Cord EV). Cord chargers are compatible with all EVs and hybrids, supporting both tethered (built-in cable) and untethered (socket-only) designs. Check your vehicle's manual or use Cord's online vehicle compatibility checker for peace of mind.

2. Charging Speed and Power
For home use, focus on 7.4kW charging—the optimal speed for most UK residences without overloading your electrical system. This allows a full charge in ~8 hours for typical EVs. Consider your battery size (e.g., 60kWh) and mileage—Cord Lite and Zero models deliver this max residential speed, integrating with tariffs like Octopus Go for cheap overnight rates under 9p/kWh.

3. Smart Features and Connectivity
Look for app-enabled chargers with Wi-Fi/4G for remote control, scheduling, and energy tracking. Good connectivity is vital - if you lose connectivity you could wake up to a failed charge. Cord EV models include dynamic load balancing for safety, solar compatibility for eco-friendly charging, and RFID cards for secure access. These features help optimize costs and integrate with home renewables.

4. Location, Cable Length, and Installation
Assess your parking: off-street is best for wall-mounted units. Cord offers tethered cables in 5m or 8m lengths to fit your driveway. Installation requires a professional—Cord's OZEV-approved electricians handle surveys, up to 15m cabling (included in standard packages), and setup in 2-4 hours. 

5. Cost, Warranty, and Support
Cord EV provides value with free 5-year warranty upgrades on selected models (£75 value), UK-based support, and grant eligibility. Long-term savings from tariffs make it worthwhile—calculate yours with Cord's lookup tool.

Tethered vs Untethered EV Charger: Pros and Cons

A major choice in your home EV charger buyer's guide is tethered (integrated cable) vs untethered (socket for separate cable). Cord EV offers both in the Cord Zero series—here's a comparison:

Tethered EV Charger (e.g. Cord Lite or Cord Zero Tethered)

Pros:

• Instant convenience: Plug in without extra cables—perfect for daily home use.
• Custom fit: Choose 5m or 8m lengths to suit your parking spot and vehicle chargeport location.
• Durability: Built-in cable minimizes wear from frequent handling

Cons:

• Accidental damage: any damage to the cable could mean a costlier repair.
• Visible cable: Can look bulkier on your wall or driveway.
• Slightly higher cost: Due to the included lead.

Untethered EV Charger (e.g. Cord Zero Untethered)

Pros:

• Flexibility: Use any compatible cable, ideal for households with varied EVs or future upgrades.
• Neater aesthetics: Socket-only design keeps your setup discreet when not in use.
• Easy maintenance: Replace just the cable if damaged, without unit changes.

Cons:

• Extra step: Requires storing and connecting a separate cable each time, although you can lock the cable in place via the Cord App.
• Potential added expense: Buy a cable if not bundled (Cord offers affordable options).
• Potential theft risk: Cables can be vulnerable; use app-locking features for security.

For most UK homes, tethered suits single-EV owners for simplicity, while untethered provides adaptability—Cord EV lets you choose based on your lifestyle.

Home EV Charger Installation Guide: Cord's 3-Step Process for UK Homes

Cord EV makes installation hassle-free:

Survey: Select in-person, video, or self-assessment to check your electrical system and location.
Scheduling: Choose preferred dates at checkout—expect completion in 2 weeks.
Professional Fitting: Qualified electricians mount the unit, connect cabling (up to 15m included), and test for safety.
Post-install, sync the app for smart charging. Cord's OZEV-approved service ensures compliance and grant access.

How Much Does Home EV Charging Cost? Savings with Cord
Home charging is cheaper than public—expect £5-£10 per full charge with tariffs like Octopus Go. Cord chargers are tariff-compatible, potentially saving £200+ yearly. Use Cord's vehicle lookup tool to estimate costs based on your EV model and battery size.

Is Home EV Charging Safe? Cord's Assurance
Yes, when installed professionally. Cord EV chargers meet UK Smart Charging Regulations, with features like load balancing, PEN fault protection, and rigorous testing. Our national team of qualified electricians ensures safe setups, backed by up to 5-year warranties. EVs also have built-in safety tech for added protection.

Final Tips: Ready to Buy Your Home EV Charger from Cord?

Choosing a home EV charger boils down to compatibility, speed, features, and installation. Cord EV's affordable range—Cord Lite for entry-level needs and Cord Zero for advanced smart charging—offers universal fit, 7.4kW power, and seamless UK installation. Explore our products, apply for OZEV grants, and start saving today.

Need advice? Contact our experts for personalized recommendations on the best home EV charger for your electric vehicle. Drive greener with Cord EV!