With electric vehicles becoming more popular across Exeter and the UK, one of the biggest questions we get from homeowners is:

“Which EV charger should I get for my home?”

Fair question. The market’s full of options — smart chargers, tethered vs untethered, solar-compatible units, and more. So how do you choose the right one?

We’ll break it down in plain English so you can make the right call for your setup, your car, and your future plans.

First Up: Do You Need a Dedicated EV Charger?

Technically, you could plug your EV into a standard 3-pin socket… but it’s not recommended. It’s slow, less energy-efficient, and in some cases, can be unsafe for regular use.

A proper home EV charger gives you:

• Faster charging times

• Better energy monitoring

• Safety features built in

• Access to smart charging (cheaper overnight rates, solar integration, etc.)

And from 2022 onwards, all home EV chargers must be smart by law — meaning they can communicate with the grid and avoid charging at peak times.

Tethered vs Untethered: What’s the Difference?

• Tethered chargers come with a cable attached — just grab and plug in. Easy, convenient, and ideal if you’re only ever charging one type of vehicle.

• Untethered chargers require you to plug in your own cable. They're neater and more flexible (especially if you're likely to change vehicles), but less convenient day-to-day.

Our view: Most Exeter homeowners we’ve helped prefer tethered chargers for everyday ease, especially if their car isn't changing any time soon.

Smart Features to Look For

Not all smart chargers are created equal. Some of the best features worth considering:

• Scheduled charging to take advantage of off-peak electricity rates

• App control for remote monitoring and control

• Solar compatibility if you have (or plan to add) solar panels

• Load balancing to prevent your main fuse from overloading

Top EV Chargers We Recommend in 2025

We’re not tied to any one brand, but these are some of the top choices UK homeowners — and our electricians — rate highly: (Zappi is our go to)

ChargerTypeKey FeaturesBest ForHypervolt Home 3 ProTetheredApp control, solar ready, sleek designStyle + performanceOhme Home ProTetheredWorks well with Octopus tariffs, compactBudget-conscious smart chargingZappi v2Tethered or untetheredMarket leader for solar integrationHomes with solar panelsWallbox Pulsar MaxTetheredSmall, powerful, integrates with loads of EVsDiscreet and smartIndra Smart PROUntetheredGrid-ready, solar support, future-proofTech-savvy setups

What Does Installation Involve?

A standard EV charger installation in Exeter usually includes:

• Mounting the charger on an outside wall or garage

• Connecting it to your fuse board with the correct protections

• Setting up your smart app and showing you how to use it

• Safety testing and certification

Most installs take a few hours, depending on where the charger is being located and the complexity of the cable run.

How Much Does It Cost?

In 2025, typical installation costs range between £900 – £1,200 all-in.

This varies depending on:

• Your charger model

• The distance from your consumer unit

• Any upgrades needed (like fuseboard changes or earth rods)

We always provide estimates, and we’re happy to take a look at your setup before you commit to anything.

A Word on Safety and Regulations

EV charger installs must be carried out by a qualified, registered electrician. It’s not a DIY job.

We’re fully certified and trained in EV charger installation across all major brands. And yes, you’ll get full paperwork, certification, and building control notification.

Final Thoughts from EPM

Choosing the best EV charger for your home comes down to three things:

1. How and when you want to charge

2. Whether you need solar compatibility

3. The look and feel that suits your home

We’re based right here in Exeter and we’ve helped dozens of local homeowners get EV-ready. If you’re unsure which charger suits your needs best — or you’d like a no-pressure estimate — just give us a shout.