1
The plug
Does the cable fit the car?
Check the socket used for home AC charging. The rapid-charge inlet is a different question, especially on an older or imported car.
Your car
Will it work with your car?
Check that the cable fits your car, then check its home-charging speed. Your car, charger and home's electricity supply each have a limit, and charging cannot go faster than the lowest one.
Look up your car
Check your car's home-charging limits
Choose your manufacturer and model to check battery capacity, the charging connector and the car's AC limit.
Choose your car to check charging options
If your model is not listed, use your handbook with the calculators below or compare charger specifications.
- Charging time calculator with your own figures.
- Charging cost calculator using the price on your bill.
- Compare chargers against your car's charging requirements.
Once you know your car's limits, estimate a home charge's cost or work out its charging time.
Looking up a particular car? See home-charging guides for Tesla Model 3, Tesla Model Y, Kia EV3 and Skoda Enyaq.
Easy to mix up
Check the cable, car and electricity supply
A powerful charger cannot overcome a lower limit in your car or home.
2
The car
How fast can your car charge at home?
Look for the car's maximum AC charging rate. AC is the electricity supplied by a home charger, and the car's limit can be lower than the charger's rating.
3
The house
What can the supply support?
The charger rating is a ceiling, not a promise. The home supply and the installation design also set the limit.
Type 2 is the usual home-charging connection
Most modern UK electric cars use Type 2 for AC charging, but check your exact car, particularly if it is older or imported. A CCS rapid-charging inlet is not the same as the car's AC charging capability.
See how Type 2 works and whether to choose a fixed cable or socket. Then compare charger specifications against your car's handbook.
Apps and tariffs
Smart features need their own checks
A tariff link, a solar mode or an app may need a particular meter, inverter, broadband connection or energy supplier. A car that charges may still be unable to use some of these features.