What is the best home EV charger to install?

For most West Midlands homeowners, a 7kW single-phase charger is ideal. Popular options include the Zappi (great for solar panel owners), Ohme Home Pro (smart tariff users), Easee One (sleek design), and Pod Point Solo 3 (budget-friendly).

How long does EV charger installation take?

A standard home EV charger installation typically takes 2–4 hours, including the site survey, cable installation, charger mounting, and testing.

Safety & Compliance8 June 20267 min read

Electrical Certificates Explained: EICR vs PAT vs Landlord Certificate

Confused about electrical certificates? Our NICEIC-approved West Midlands electricians explain the difference between EICRs, PAT testing, landlord certificates and electrical installation certificates — plus when you need each one.

Why Install a Home EV Charger?

With electric vehicles now accounting for a significant share of new car sales across the West Midlands, home EV charging has become one of the most popular electrical upgrades we carry out. A dedicated home charger offers several key advantages over using a standard 3-pin plug:

Up to 3x Faster

A 7kW home charger charges your car 3x faster than a standard plug socket.

Safer

Dedicated circuit with RCD protection — no risk of overloading household circuits.

Cheaper to Run

Charge overnight on off-peak tariffs and save significantly on fuel costs.

Adds Property Value

A home EV charger is increasingly expected by buyers and can boost your property value.

Choosing the Right EV Charger

For most West Midlands homeowners, a 7kW single-phase charger is the ideal choice. It will fully charge most electric vehicles overnight (8–10 hours). Here are the main options:

Zappi (myenergi)7kWBest for: Solar panel owners

Smart charger that can use excess solar energy to charge your car for free.

Ohme Home Pro7.4kWBest for: Smart tariff users

Automatically charges when electricity is cheapest, integrating with Octopus Energy and others.

Easee One7.4kWBest for: Sleek design

Award-winning Scandinavian design, compact and weatherproof.

Pod Point Solo 37.2kWBest for: Budget-friendly

Reliable, app-controlled charger with a proven track record.

The Installation Process

Here's what to expect when I.D.A Electrical installs your EV charger in the West Midlands:

01
Site Survey
We assess your consumer unit, available capacity, cable routes, and the best mounting position for the charger.
02
Consumer Unit Check
We verify your fuse board has capacity for a new dedicated circuit. If not, we'll advise on an upgrade.
03
Cable Installation
We run a dedicated 6mm² cable from your consumer unit to the charger location, concealed where possible.
04
Charger Mounting
The charger is securely mounted on the wall, connected, and configured via the manufacturer's app.
05
Testing & Certification
Full electrical testing is carried out and you receive an installation certificate for your records.

How Much Does EV Charger Installation Cost?

EV charger installation in the West Midlands typically costs between £500–£900 including the charger unit and installation. The exact price depends on: