2026 UK EV Charger Buyer's Checklist — Everything to Check Before You Buy

**☐ Set your total budget (charger + installation)** Most home setups cost between **£800 and £1,200 total** after the OZEV grant. The charger itself is usually £300–£700, with installation adding £300–£600 depending on complexity. **☐ Check if you qualify for the OZEV grant (up to £350 off)** The government's Electric Vehicle Chargepoint Grant covers 75% of costs up to £350. You'll need off-street parking and an OZEV-approved installer. [Full OZEV grant guide →](/guides/ev-charger-government-grant-uk/) **☐ Factor in any electrical upgrades** If your consumer unit (fuse board) is old or doesn't have a spare way, you may need an upgrade. This can add £200–£500. Ask during the installer's site survey — don't wait until installation day. **☐ Compare smart tariff savings against charger cost** A charger with smart tariff support might cost £100–£200 more upfront, but could save you **£500+ per year** on charging costs. Do the maths — the payback is usually under 6 months.

**☐ Confirm you have off-street parking** You'll need a driveway, garage, or designated parking space to install a home charger. If you park on the street, you'll need to look at [alternatives for flats and on-street parking](/best-picks/best-ev-charger-flats-uk/). **☐ Check where your consumer unit is** The closer your fuse board is to where the charger will be mounted, the cheaper the installation. Long cable runs (over 10 metres) add to the cost. **☐ Decide on charger placement** Think about where you park and where the charging socket on your car is. You want the cable to reach comfortably without trailing across a pavement or path. **☐ Check your electrical supply (single-phase or three-phase)** Almost all UK homes are single-phase, which means a maximum of **7.4kW** charging. If you have three-phase supply (rare in residential, more common in rural or newer properties), you can go up to **22kW**. [Three-phase charger guide →](/best-picks/best-3-phase-ev-charger-uk/)

**☐ Check your car's maximum AC charging speed** Most EVs accept 7.4kW AC charging, but some (like certain Teslas and MG models) have lower onboard charger limits. There's no point paying extra for a faster charger if your car can't use the extra speed. **☐ Confirm your car's charging socket type** Almost every EV sold in the UK now uses a **Type 2** connector. If you're buying a new charger, it'll come with a Type 2 cable or socket as standard — but double-check if you have an older vehicle. **☐ Check if your car supports smart charging features** Some cars integrate directly with smart charger apps (e.g., Ohme works directly with many EV models for intelligent scheduling). Check your car is on the compatibility list if smart features matter to you.

**☐ Decide if you need smart tariff integration** If you plan to use Octopus Intelligent Go or another smart EV tariff, your charger needs to be compatible. This is the single biggest money-saving feature. [Smart tariff guide →](/guides/best-ev-tariff-uk-2026/) **☐ Check for solar panel compatibility** If you have solar panels (or plan to install them), look for a charger with **solar diverting** — it uses excess solar energy to charge your car for free. The myenergi Zappi is the standout here. [Solar + EV charging guide →](/guides/ev-charger-solar-panels-uk/) **☐ Consider load balancing** If your home has high electricity demand (electric heating, hot tub, etc.), a charger with **dynamic load balancing** prevents your main fuse from tripping by automatically adjusting the charging speed. [Load balancing explained →](/guides/ev-charger-load-balancing/) **☐ Check the charger's app and reviews** You'll be using the app regularly, so it matters. Read reviews specifically about the app experience — some chargers have great hardware but dreadful apps. We cover this in every review.

**☐ Get quotes from at least 2–3 OZEV-approved installers** Prices vary significantly. Always use OZEV-approved installers if you want to claim the grant. Ask for an itemised quote so you can compare like-for-like. [Installation cost guide →](/guides/home-ev-charger-installation-uk/) **☐ Ask about planning permission** In most cases, you **don't** need planning permission for a home EV charger. But there are exceptions — listed buildings, conservation areas, and some specific mounting positions. [Planning permission guide →](/guides/ev-charger-planning-permission-uk/) **☐ Book a site survey before committing** A good installer will do a site survey (often free) before quoting. This catches issues like consumer unit upgrades, long cable runs, or earthing problems. Never accept a quote without one. **☐ Check the warranty** Most chargers come with a 3-year warranty as standard. Some offer 5 years. Make sure the warranty covers both the unit and the installation — they're sometimes separate.

**☐ Read an independent review of your chosen charger** Don't just rely on the manufacturer's marketing. Read a proper review that covers real-world use, app experience, and installation. [Browse all our reviews →](/reviews/) **☐ Confirm everything with your installer before installation day** Double-check: charger model, mounting position, cable route, total cost (including any extras), OZEV grant deduction, and expected completion time. No surprises.