1. Super‑speedy overnight top‑ups
Yes, you can charge your EV using a regular three‑pin plug (the same kind you'd use for your kettle or toaster) but be warned: it's a slow and steady affair. At about 2.3 kW, it could take more than 24 hours to fully charge your car. That’s a full day (and night) tethered to the wall...and probably not how you pictured your driving experience.
For something far more practical, a 7.4 kW wall‑box charger, like those offered by Hive, PodPoint or Ohme, which Vauxhall recommends, is a much smarter option. It’ll get you from empty to full in around 7.5 hours, making it ideal for overnight charging. Plug in before bed, and by morning you’re ready to hit the road with a full battery.
2. Cut your charging bill in half
Using off‑peak tariffs, like Intelligent Octopus at around 10 p per kWh between midnight and 5.30am , can slash home charging costs to under 50 % of public rates (70p+ per kWh). Vauxhall’s Hive and Ohme chargers sync with time-of-use tariffs, ensuring you only charge when electricity is cheapest and greenest. If you’re wondering how much to install an EV charger at home, homeowners are increasingly seeing it as a savvy long-term saving, not just a short-term cost.
3. Smart energy usage
All three Vauxhall-recommended chargers (Hive, PodPoint and Ohme) come packed with smart tech. They’re Wi-Fi enabled and app-connected, so you can track your energy use, set charging schedules, get handy fault alerts and even plug into solar if you’ve got panels.
Hive’s charger uses the same easy-to-use app as your home heating and lighting systems, so everything’s in one place, keeping it simple, seamless and seriously convenient.
4. Boost your property’s appeal
With EVs now making up over 25% of new car sales, homebuyers are increasingly prioritising properties with EV charging in place.
So, does an EV charger add value to a house? Increasingly, yes. Having a professionally installed Vauxhall-approved wallbox, whether it’s from Hive (British Gas), PodPoint or Octopus Energy, isn’t just convenient for you, it can give your home an edge on the market.
Think of it as future-proofing your driveway and adding instant appeal for eco-conscious buyers.
5. Avoid ‘charging deserts’
Despite a 46% increase in public chargers in 2023, around 75% of households don’t have one within a five-minute walk. Many areas even qualify as “charging deserts.” and that means fighting for a space, paying premium rates, or detouring on your way home. With a Vauxhall-approved EV home charger on your drive, you can plug in when it suits you - no queues, no faff, just top-up and go.
6. Charge cleaner, live greener
Home charging isn’t just smart, it’s seriously sustainable. Plug in overnight during off-peak hours and you’ll help ease pressure on the grid and cut your carbon footprint. Add solar panels into the mix and you could be powering your car with pure sunshine.
Vauxhall-approved chargers take it a step further, giving you real-time energy insights so you can charge smarter, waste less, and breathe easier - quite literally. It's a small change at home that makes a big difference on the road.
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Final thoughts
A professionally installed EV home charger is more than just a convenience, it’s a catalyst for greener, smarter living. It saves time, trims your energy bills, adds value to your home, and puts you firmly on the road to a more sustainable lifestyle.
Wondering how to choose a home EV charger? Look for one that supports off-peak tariffs, integrates with solar, and offers simple app control. These smart wallboxes tick all the boxes and then some.
We’ve teamed up with Vauxhall to explore the ins and outs of home EV charging, uncovering its advantages, practical considerations, and what it means for the future of homeownership. With Vauxhall-approved chargers from trusted providers like Hive, PodPoint and Ohme, installation is simple and backed by expert support. Their smart wallboxes are compatible with popular off-peak energy tariffs, offer handy app controls, and can even integrate with solar panels. You're not just charging, you're charging intelligently.
And when it comes to finding your perfect EV-ready home, Zoopla’s new EV property search filter takes the guesswork out. Whether you're hunting for a home with a pre-installed EV charger or want to check public charging availability nearby, Zoopla makes it easier than ever to match your home to your lifestyle.
Moving house? You might be wondering: can I take my EV charger when I move house? In many cases, yes. Speak to your installer or energy provider about removal options. Just be sure to factor in the cost to move an EV charger to a new house, which can vary based on your setup and location.
For those without a driveway, Vauxhall’s Electric Streets of Britain campaign is pushing for accessible charging where it's needed most. You can even nominate your street for a new charging point.
Here’s how to apply for an EV charging point on your street
Contact your local council
Most councils make it pretty straightforward to request an EV charger. Head to their website and look under sections like ‘transport’ or ‘electric vehicles’. Many will have online forms or dedicated email addresses specifically for EV charging requests.
Share your details
Be ready to provide your address, postcode and the exact spot you’d like the charging point to go. The more precise you are the easier it is for the council to assess the location.
Make your case
Briefly explain why a charging point would make a difference - whether you’re thinking of switching to an EV, already own one or want to encourage greener choices in your neighbourhood.
What influences whether a point gets installed?
Councils weigh up a few key factors before giving the green light:
Local demand: The more residents requesting a charging point in your area, the better your chances.
Transport strategy: It needs to fit in with the council’s broader plans for local travel and sustainability.
Feasibility: Things like street layout, parking availability, and whether homes have off-street parking all come into play.
Funding: Councils can apply for government grants to cover the cost, but these come with specific criteria.
So, if you’re ready to make the move to electric, don’t wait for someone else to plug the gap. Submit a request and get your street on the EV map.
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