With the rise of electric vehicles, everyone wants to get their hands on one. In fact, by the end of February 2023, more than 1.1 million electric cars were registered in the UK. 

If you’re going to own an electric vehicle, it makes sense to invest in high-quality EV charges as well. But with so many options available, it’s overwhelming to choose. 

If you want to narrow down your choices, you’ve come to the right place. Read on to learn about the best home EV chargers and how to find them. 

What Are Home EV Chargers?

The best way to find your ideal home EV chargers is by understanding what these devices are. 

This will help you narrow down the specifics to find the best charger for your EVs. Or, if you’re just new to these devices, this is a great starting point. 

As the name suggests, an EV charger is a piece of equipment that supplies electrical energy for charging plug-in electric cars. 

It doesn’t matter if you have a hybrid or battery-powered EV, as every electric vehicle needs a high-quality charger. Think of this device as the life source for your car, so it makes sense that you should only opt for the best. 

Just as there are various options for fuel-powered vehicles, you can also choose between various EV chargers for your car. 

How Do They Work?

EV charging points might seem complicated on the surface, but they're very easy to handle once you familiarise yourself with them. 

Just as you would plug in any other electrical device to a charging port, you need to do the same with your electric car. 

Keep in mind that each type of car model will require a specific kind of charger, so make sure always to remember that information. 

You can easily install an EV charging point in your home for even more convenience. If you’re worried about them taking up too much space, there are several options with a sleek and minimalist design. 

Choosing Between AC and DC Electric Vehicle Charging

Before you purchase an EV charging point, pay close attention to how it changes electric current. 

When you charge an EV, the alternating current or AC from the power grid must be converted into direct current (DC) to power your car. If you opt for a DC charger, it will automatically do the conversion. 

If you install an AC charger, your vehicle will convert the current to DC but at a slower rate. This is why most AC chargers top at 22KW, while DC chargers go up to 100KW or more. 

Even though this makes DC chargers more pricey, they provide better performance overall than the AC models. 

What Are The Different Types Of Home EV Chargers?

As we’ve mentioned before, there are several varieties of EV charge points. Learning about these different versions will help you choose the right one. 

While there are many versions, we’ll take a look at the four common types of EV chargers. 

Slow EV Charging Points

Slow charging stations are often one of the most economical options. These are only ideal if the car is parked for several hours, such as overnight or during your working period. 

While some slow charge points go up to 3 K, most usually fall between 2.3 to 6 KW. 

Another critical thing to remember about these is that Slow EV chargers come untethered, so you need to get a cable to connect them to the charge point. 

Since these devices are so cheap, many homeowners gravitate towards them, but they can be quite limiting in the long run. 

Fast EV Charging Points

These charging stations perform slightly better than the slow ones. Fast EV chargers are ideal if you’re going to leave your car for a few hours tops. 

These devices come in a range of 7KW to 22KW, and you can easily find them outside your home too. 

Most of them usually come in the 7 KW range, which is more than enough for overnight charging. While there are some with 22KW power, they are rare in household settings.

Rapid EV Charging Points

If you want a high-speed DC charging station, there is a device to opt for. Here you can find power ranging between 50 KW to 100 KW. 

Usually, it would take about 30 minutes almost entirely to charge your vehicle. Despite these high speeds, rapid chargers are not suitable for household installation, with one reason being their costly installation. 

Ultra-Rapid EV Charging Points

Nothing can beat an ultra-rapid EV charge point. These devices top up your car in minutes, charging up to 100KW or more. 

Unfortunately, just like rapid EV stations, these have an extraordinarily high price making them unsuitable for household applications. 

With these different types, we can see that the higher the charging speed, the more money it takes to install. 

For home charging stations, a mid-sized option is ideal as you can have enough time to charge your charge for long driving periods. 

What Are The Best Home EV Chargers?

Now that you’re familiar with all the ins and outs of EV charging ports, you’re ready to find the best one for you. But with so many options to choose from, it might be hard to make decisions. 

To make things easier for you, we offer some of the best home EV chargers. At Meteor Electrical, we carry the Garo range of high-quality EV chargers that supply excellent performance at every turn. 

These chargers are the best of their kind providing EV charging ports in multiple sectors. Here are some of the best Garo EV chargers Meteor has to offer. 

1. Garo 7.4 kW Type 2 EV Charger

The GARO Standard Domestic Wall Charger with a fixed cable comes with a Type 2 connector 7.4 kW capacity. You can also avail of this option with or without an energy meter. 

Its main features include Mode 3 charging, g a local load balance, an RFID reader for additional security, and WiFi communication. 

You also have access to a DLM installed to protect the main fuse and a motorised interlock that prevents the cable from being removed while charging. 

In addition, there is back-office software available from third-party OCPP software providers. This is one of the best home EV chargers that also sports a PME fault detection which disconnects all phases and earth if a PME fault is detected.

With these incredible features, this domestic EV charger is a must-have for any home. 

1. Garo Standard Household EV Charger

The Garo Standard EV Charger boasts a 7.4kW socket and a Type 2 tethered lead.

Its features include DC monitoring, installed DLM, a motorised interlock, and a LAN connection for multifunctional use. 

This device is one of the best home EV chargers delivering between 3.7kW and 22kW. Simply plug in your car overnight to enjoy a stress-free driving experience the next day. 

Like the previous charger, this option also includes DLM software that protects the main fuse in an installation by reducing the EV’s charging current when the total load is high and increasing it when the entire load is low. With this standard domestic charging station, you can take great care of your EV. 

How To Choose The Right EV Charger For Your Home?

Now that you know what EV chargers are, let’s look at a few essential factors you must consider before purchasing one. 

Tethered Or Untethered

A flexible EV charger can solve many problems, so consider a tether or untethered option. 

A tethered EV charge point means the cable is permanently connected to the charging unit. Many homeowners find this configuration convenient because you will always have the cable on hand. 

All you need to do is just unfurl it and plug it into your car. This will remind you of a petrol station's experience but without the harmful emissions. 

Unfortunately, there are some downsides to a tethered EV charger, most of which have to do with the cable lengths. 

The manufacturer's standard for these chargers is a 5-meter cable which could affect how you part the car. Off-street parking is nearly impossible with such a short cable length. So consider your parking space’s daily use before opting for a tethered charge point. 

In an untethered charging point, there’s no cable provided with the station. Instead, you must get your own cable and manually attach your car to the charging port. 

In most cases, you can purchase this cable when you purchase your car. It’s always helpful to have an extra cable on hand, even if you have tethered option. 

Now you might be wondering why anybody would want an untethered changing point since they seem inconvenient. The good thing about the chargers is that they offer more flexibility. 

You can charge any electric car because its socket is universal. Also, you’re not limited by the cable length; just measure from your ideal parking distance and buy the appropriate cable. 

For some consumers, this charging point provides a cleaner look because you don’t have the messy visual of cabling.   

Ultimately, the cabling choice comes down to user preference, so consider this factor before purchasing your home EV charger. 

Consider The Charging Speed And Cost

The charging speed affects how much you pay for an EV port. Generally, the higher the KW output of the charging port, the faster your EV charges. 

With all the different chargers, you can see that “fast” is the ideal option for households because it’s not too expensive to install and provides ample energy to your vehicle. 

With these ports, you can get between 7 KW to 22 KW, depending on the capacity and model of your EV. You can leave your car plugged in overnight and enjoy a stress-free drive the next day. 

Pay Attention To The Maximum Charging Rate

While we’re on the topic of charging speed and cost, you must also consider the EV’s maximum charging rate. 

Many newer electric vehicle models require at least 7 KW or more power. Older versions and hybrid models might even require as low as 3.3 KW. 

With that in mind, purchasing charging points that supply more energy than your EV’s charging rate can be a total waste of money. 

If you want your charging station to be future-proof or plan to upgrade to a new EV, you need to pay attention to the maximum rate.  

If you want to be economical with your EV charger, you can opt for one with a lower energy rating than your EV. But remember that the car will take much longer to reach full charge. 

Not sure about your EV’s charging ability? There are several ports that automatically detect its power range and lower the energy accordingly.

Determine Its’ Location

The location of your EV charging station is crucial to its function. You will most likely install this device in your garage or driveway, so ensure there’s enough space and access. 

Also, this is where the charger’s cable length will come into play. Make sure that the EV charger is located close to the electrical panel to avoid any power interruptions in the future. 

If you’re unsure where to install your EV charger, you can always consult a qualified electrician for helpful advice. 

Kerb Appeal 

Even though functionality should be the top priority when choosing an EV charger, there’s nothing wrong with opting for a charger that also looks good. 

Since this device will become a permanent part of your home, you need something that fits into your overall aesthetic. The good thing is that EV chargers come in various sizes, shapes and colours. 

Whether you want a sleek minimalist look or a premium finish option, there’s something for everyone. Here are some essential visual points to consider when choosing an EV charger:

• Think about the style of the EV charger and how it matches the rest of your home.
• If the charger is out of sight, maybe you would prefer something simple. But you may want something more refined if it’s out in the open. 
• Some EV chargers are bigger than others, so think about their dimensions in terms of their location. 

How To Install EV Chargers

Once you’ve got your ideal EV charger, here are three important steps to follow. 

1. Choose Between Level 1 or Level 2 Chargers

The two standard chargers used in residential areas are Level 1 and Level 2 chargers. A Level 1 charger uses a regular 3-prong household outlet available in most homes. 

EVs are usually sold with Level 1 chargers. For plug-in hybrid EVs, this configuration fits the best. Level 1 chargers need fewer electrical upgrades as well in the long run. 

On the other hand, Level 2 chargers can charge EVs faster than 8-24mph. They will require a 240V outlet, just like other large appliances. 

1. Select The Right Charging Equipment 

Since different EV charging points work at different speeds depending on the capacity of the EV’s onboard charger, you need a device that delivers the adequate amount of power that the EV can run on. 

Some factors to consider when it comes to EV charger features include the following: 

• Amperage: This determines the rate of charge. Always match the amperage of the equipment with the EV. Depending on the EV model, it will accept a different amperage level, so installing charging equipment with anything that’s higher will be useless. 
• Safety: An established regional testing organisation must certify the charging device. 
• Smart EV chargers or Basic EV chargers: While Basic EV chargers can only be used when the EV is charging, Smart EV chargers are WiFi-enabled, provide advanced connectivity with other smart devices, and monitor energy consumption, charging rate, and other data. They also allow advanced scheduling that can be done through a smartphone. 

1. Think About Getting An Upgrade

With some EV charging installation, you could get an electrical upgrade to boost the charger’s capabilities. 

If you’ve installed a Level 2 charging capacity, there are two typical upgrades you may need. The first is increasing the capacity of the unit or house panel. The second is upgrading the electric service capacity to the MUD from the utility. 

If you want to increase the charging capacity of your port, make sure to upgrade the electrical panel accordingly. 

Find Your Next Best Home EV Charger At Meteor

Having an excellent EV charger is crucial to maintaining your electric vehicle, which is why it’s important to invest in high-quality devices. So, visit Meteor today to get your hands on some of the best home EV chargers.