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)
| Charger | Type | Key Features | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hypervolt Home 3 Pro | Tethered | App control, solar ready, sleek design | Style + performance |
| Ohme Home Pro | Tethered | Works well with Octopus tariffs, compact | Budget-conscious smart charging |
| Zappi v2 | Tethered or untethered | Market leader for solar integration | Homes with solar panels |
| Wallbox Pulsar Max | Tethered | Small, powerful, integrates with loads of EVs | Discreet and smart |
| Indra Smart PRO | Untethered | Grid-ready, solar support, future-proof | Tech-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:
How and when you want to charge
Whether you need solar compatibility
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.
