EV Charger Installation for Plymouth and Devon Homeowners: A Complete Guide

Introduction

As more households in Plymouth and Devon switch to electric cars, home EV chargers are becoming essential. Relying on public chargers can be inconvenient — and expensive. Installing a home EV charger means you can charge overnight, at cheaper rates, and always leave home with a full battery.

This guide explains the types of chargers available, installation process, costs in 2025, and why using a local installer like Cole Energy makes all the difference.

⚡ Why Install a Home EV Charger?

• Convenience: Charge overnight, no need for long waits at public points.

• Savings: Home electricity is cheaper than rapid charging (especially on off-peak tariffs).

• Faster charging: A dedicated wallbox charges 3–10x faster than a 3-pin socket.

• Future-proofing: Adds value to your property and makes switching to EVs seamless.

🔌 Types of EV Chargers

• 3.6kW (Slow) – charges ~15 miles of range per hour. Cheapest, but not recommended for daily use.

• 7.4kW (Fast) – the most popular UK home charger. Adds ~30 miles per hour, fully charges most EVs overnight.

• 22kW (Rapid AC) – requires 3-phase supply (rare in UK homes). Adds ~60+ miles per hour, but higher install cost.

💡 Most Plymouth homes choose a 7.4kW charger, balancing cost and performance.

💷 Cost of EV Charger Installation in Plymouth & Devon (2025)

• Charger unit: £700–£1,100

• Installation: £400–£600

• Total installed cost: £1,100–£1,700

Factors affecting price:

• Distance from fuse board to installation point.

• Whether your home needs a consumer unit upgrade.

• Charger features (WiFi app, solar integration, load balancing).

🏡 Example Installs in Plymouth & Devon

Case 1: Plymouth Semi-Detached (Plympton)

• Installed a 7.4kW charger.

• Cost: £1,300 (including wiring across garage).

• Charging cost: ~10p per kWh on off-peak tariff.

• Equivalent “fuel” cost: ~£3 per 200 miles.

Case 2: Rural Devon Home (Tavistock)

• Needed consumer unit upgrade.

• Installed solar-linked charger (charges directly from PV).

• Cost: £1,700 total.

• Virtually “free driving” during sunny months.

🚗 Grants & Incentives (2025)

• OZEV EV Chargepoint Grant – up to £350 off available for flat owners or renters (not detached/semi houses).

• Workplace Charging Scheme (WCS) – for businesses installing EV chargers.

• 0% VAT on installation of energy-saving materials doesn’t apply to standalone chargers, but combined solar/renewables work may qualify.

✅ Installation Process (Cole Energy)

1. Free survey & quote → site check, load calculation.

2. Charger choice → we recommend brands that integrate with solar/batteries.

3. Installation → usually completed in half a day.

4. Handover & setup → app configuration, demo, safety testing.

📍 Call to Action

Looking for an EV charger installer in Plymouth or Devon?

Cole Energy provides:

• 7.4kW fast charger installs

• Solar & battery integration options

• Expert local installation & support

👉 See EV Charger Installation Service Page →
📞 Call us today: ++447939190302
📧 hello@coleenergy.co.uk

FAQ

Q: How long does it take to install an EV charger at home?
A: Most installs take 3–5 hours. More complex wiring can take a full day.

Q: Can I charge an EV from a normal 3-pin socket?
A: Yes, but it’s very slow and not recommended for daily use. A 7.4kW charger is far safer and faster.

Q: Do EV chargers work with solar panels?
A: Yes — solar-ready chargers let you divert surplus solar directly into your EV for free driving.