We’ve had a growing number of enquiries and advice calls about electric vehicles (EVs) and EV charging recently, so we’ve put together this blog to help answer the most common questions.
At Greener Homes in Lancashire, we offer free, impartial support to help you navigate energy-saving home improvements. If you’re considering switching to an EV or already have one and are weighing up charging options, here’s what you need to know.
What Are Electric Vehicles and Plug-In Hybrids?
Before diving into charging, it’s helpful to understand the types of electric vehicles available:
- Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) run entirely on electricity. They need to be plugged in to charge, but produce zero tailpipe emissions and tend to have lower running costs.
- Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs) combine a rechargeable battery with a petrol/diesel engine. You can drive short distances (10–50 miles) on electricity alone, then switch to fuel when needed.
Learn more about the differences from MoneySavingExpert’s EV Guide
Your choice may depend on budget, daily mileage, access to charging, and environmental priorities. Fully electric cars typically offer bigger fuel savings, while plug-in hybrids can be more flexible if you take longer trips.
What Are the Benefits of Electric Vehicles?
Electric vehicles (EVs) offer a range of potential benefits over traditional petrol or diesel vehicles, both in terms of cost savings and environmental impact. While they may not suit everyone right now, here are some of the main reasons why more drivers are making the switch:
Lower Running Costs
- Charging is often cheaper than refuelling. If you can charge at home – especially on an EV tariff – you could save hundreds of pounds each year compared to filling up at the pump.
- Maintenance costs are typically lower. EVs have fewer moving parts (no engine oil, exhaust, or clutch), meaning up to 35% lower servicing costs compared to internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles.
Lower Vehicle Tax (Road Tax / VED)
- From April 2025, EVs will no longer be exempt from Vehicle Excise Duty (VED), but they will still be cheaper than petrol or diesel alternatives.
- £10 in the first year, then a flat rate of £195 per year (2025/26 rates), regardless of emissions.
- In comparison, new petrol/diesel cars pay £110 to over £1,000 in the first year, based on emissions.
More details available on the Gov.uk’s car tax guidance
Environmental and Local Benefits
- Zero tailpipe emissions help reduce air pollution, especially in urban areas.
- Lower charges in many UK Clean Air Zones.
- Some towns and cities offer free or discounted parking, and even bus lane access for EVs. Check with your local authority for available incentives.
EV Charging at Home
If you have off-street parking such as a driveway or garage, you can usually install a home EV charger. This makes it easier and cheaper to keep your vehicle charged.
Key benefits of home charging:
- Convenience – Simply plug in overnight and your car is ready in the morning.
- Savings – Charging at home tends to be cheaper than using public chargers.
- Control – Many smart chargers let you set charging times to take advantage of off-peak electricity rates.
Read more on Zap-Map’s Home Charging Advice
How Much Could You Save by Charging at Home?
Based on the latest UK government data, charging a medium‑sized electric car at home costs approximately 8 pence per mile, compared to 13-17p per mile for a petrol or diesel equivalent.
To put that into yearly costs:
- If your EV travels 8,000 miles/year, home charging would cost around £640/year (8 p/mile × 8,000 miles).
- A petrol or diesel car covering the same distance would cost between £1,040 and £1,360/year using those rates.
Your exact cost depends on:
- Electricity tariff
- Vehicle type and battery size
- Mileage
- How often you charge publicly vs at home
Zap-Map offers a helpful tool to estimate how much it will cost to charge your electric vehicle at home: https://www.zap-map.com/tools
GoCompare also has an interactive cost of charging calculator tool: https://www.gocompare.com/motoring/electric-cars/cost-to-charge/
How Much Does It Cost to Install a Home EV Charger?
Based on 2024 data from Checkatrade, home charger installations typically cost between £800 and £1,200.
| Charger Type | Speed | Full Charge Time | Installed Cost |
| 3.6 kW | Slow | 19 hours | £800 |
| 7 kW | Fast | 10 hours | £1,000 |
| 22 kW | Rapid | 3 hours | £1,200 |
Please note: The charge times and installation costs shown are average estimates and may vary depending on the make and model of your vehicle and the type of EV charger selected.
22 kW chargers require a three-phase electricity supply, which most UK homes do not currently have.
Find a Government-registered installer approved by the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV)
Tethered vs Untethered Chargers
This refers to whether the charging cable is fixed (tethered) or removable (untethered):
- Tethered chargers are more common and easier to use daily.
- Untethered chargers are more versatile and slightly cheaper, but may require extra security features to prevent cable theft.
You can read more about about the different types of chargers here: Pod Point: Tethered vs Untethered OR “Book a Call Back” with us to discuss more
What Are EV Tariffs?
EV energy tariffs offer lower electricity prices at specific times – usually overnight during the “off-peak” hours. They help EV owners save money by encouraging charging when demand is low.
There are two main types:
- Two-rate tariffs like Intelligent Octopus Go or E.ON Next Drive
- Add-on tariffs like OVO’s Charge Anytime or Scottish Power’s EV Optimise where your regular household use can stay on your existing tariff.
You’ll need:
- A smart meter
- A smart charger
- Often to be an existing customer with the supplier
EV tariffs are usually not listed on comparison sites – you’ll need to check with suppliers directly. Give us a call OR see what tariffs are available on MoneySavingExpert.
No Driveway? What Are Your Options?
If you can’t install a home charger, there are still alternatives and the UK’s public EV charging network is expanding rapidly. As of 2025, there are over 81,000 public charge points nationwide, and options are improving for those without off-street parking.
Public and Shared Charging Options:
- You can use apps like Zap-Map (Live availability, filter by price/type) and Octopus Electroverse (Covers multiple networks and lets you pay via your home bill) to locate chargers, check availability, and compare prices.
- Some supermarkets (like Sainsbury’s and Aldi) still offer free charging at selected sites.
- Look for chargers in retail parks, council car parks, leisure centres, or even hotels and B&Bs that allow public access.
- In some areas, lamp-post chargers (e.g. ubitricity) offer on-street charging right outside your home.
Try a Community Charging Scheme
If your area lacks public infrastructure, you might consider community-based options like Charge My Street. This not-for-profit helps install public EV chargers in residential neighbourhoods where private driveways are limited.
You can:
- Suggest a location for a new charge point
- Support a community campaign
- Register your interest as a future EV driver
This is especially useful in towns and villages where shared or cooperative approaches can fill the gaps left by private networks.
But please note that public charging is often 3-4× more expensive than charging at home.
Are There Any Grants or Funding for Installing an EV Charger?
If you live in a flat (including shared-ownership) or rent your property, and you have your own private off-street parking, you may qualify for a government grant towards an EV charger. To be eligible, you must also own or use an eligible electric vehicle.
You could receive up to £350, or 75% of the cost of purchasing and installing a qualifying chargepoint – whichever amount is lower.
Key eligibility criteria include:
- You live in a flat or rent a residence (shared ownership counts).
- You have designated private off-street parking.
- You own or use an EV that’s on the government‑approved list.
This funding is intended to help those without a private residence get access to home charging helping support EV adoption for more people. You can check your eligibility and apply for the grant here: Electric vehicle chargepoint grant for renters or flat owners – GOV.UK
So, Is It Worth Getting an EV and a Home Charger?
Electric vehicles can offer a range of benefits from lower running costs and reduced emissions, to cheaper maintenance and tax savings. If you can charge at home, the potential for long-term financial savings is even greater, especially when using a smart EV tariff.
We recommend taking time to review your mileage, energy usage, and property layout before deciding.
Still have questions?
If you’re thinking about buying an electric vehicle, exploring tariffs, or wondering whether a home charger is right for you, give us a call – we’re here to help you make a confident, informed decision.
