For most electric car owners, charging at home overnight is the cheapest and easiest option, with public chargers used for longer trips and quick top-ups. If you cannot charge at home, an EV can still work, but it takes more planning and usually costs more per mile.

What are the advantages of charging at home?

Convenience: plug in when you get home and wake up to a charged car.
Cost: home electricity, especially on an off-peak EV tariff, is usually much cheaper than public charging.
Availability: no queues, broken chargers or apps to juggle.
Kinder to the battery: slower charging is gentler on the battery over the long term.

The main downsides are the cost of buying and installing a wall charger, and the fact that you need off-street parking. Most home wall chargers deliver around 7kW, which is plenty to fill most cars overnight.

When does public charging make sense?

Public chargers come into their own on long journeys and for drivers without a driveway. Rapid and ultra-rapid chargers at motorway services and retail parks can add a lot of range in a short stop, while slower chargers in car parks and on streets suit topping up while you shop or work.

The trade-offs are cost, as public charging is usually more expensive than home charging, the occasional wait for a free charger, and the need for different apps or cards on some networks. Our guide to EV charging speeds explains the different types of public charger.

How can I make overnight charging cheaper?

Switch to an EV tariff. Many energy suppliers offer cheaper electricity during set overnight hours. Compare tariffs carefully, as the cheap window and the daytime rate both matter.
Schedule your charging. Use the car's app or the charger's app to start charging when the cheap rate begins.
Use a smart charger. Smart chargers can follow your tariff automatically and, if you have solar panels, use your own electricity during the day.
Do not charge to 100% every night. Many manufacturers recommend a lower everyday limit, such as 80%, and charging to full only before a long trip. Check your handbook.
Precondition while plugged in. Warming or cooling the cabin from the mains on cold or hot mornings saves battery range for the drive.

Can I use a three-pin plug?

You can use the cable supplied with many cars in a normal household socket, but it is slow and best kept for occasional use. Have an electrician check the socket and wiring if you plan to use it regularly, and never use a domestic extension lead.

What if I cannot charge at home?

Plenty of people run an EV without a driveway by using chargers at work, supermarkets, gyms or local car parks. Before you buy, check what is available close to home and how much it costs, and look at our guide to EV charging in Barnsley and South Yorkshire.

Common questions

How long does it take to charge at home?

It depends on the size of the battery and the charger. With a typical home wall charger, most cars can be filled overnight.

Is public charging always more expensive?

Usually, yes, especially at rapid chargers, although prices vary between networks and some locations offer cheaper or free slower charging. Check the price in the app before you plug in.

Will home charging work out cheaper than petrol?

For most drivers with access to an off-peak tariff it does, but it depends on your mileage and electricity price. Try our running cost calculator to compare.

Thinking about an electric car?

Our EV hub brings together our guides to choosing and owning an electric car. To see what is available, browse the cars we have in stock or call our sales team on 01226 574410.

Updated October 2026.

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