More and more drivers are switching to electric cars to shrink their carbon footprint and enjoy a cleaner, more efficient way to get around. But once it's time to actually plug in at home, the questions start piling up: Do I need a special rate or higher contracted power to charge it? Can I just use my current contract?
Charging your vehicle at home is convenient and cost-effective, but it helps to understand how the supply works, what kind of installation you'll need, and how to make the most of your rate — or even tap into solar self-consumption if you already have a photovoltaic system at home.
Yes — and if you have a garage or a private parking space, it's actually the most practical way to do it. You'll save time you'd otherwise spend driving to public charging points, and you'll have much better control over your energy costs.
Before you plug in, it's worth checking that your installation meets a few technical minimums:
There are two main ways to charge your car at home:
There are two main ways to charge your car at home:
Setting up your own charging point isn't complicated, but it should always be handled by a certified installer.
Most people want to know whether they need to sign up for a special rate. The answer really comes down to your charging habits and your current contract.
If you charge overnight, a time-of-use rate could be your best bet. These split the day into bands:
| Rate | Features | Best for | Advantages |
| Standard | Fixed price all day long | Users with unpredictable schedules | Simple, predictable costs |
| Time-of-use | Lower price during off-peak hours (usually overnight) | Anyone charging overnight or scheduling their charge | Lets you take advantage of cheaper hours and cut your total cost |
In practice, most households can benefit from a time-of-use rate without switching plans at all. EV-specific tariffs can offer extra perks, but whether they're worth it depends on how often — and how much — you charge.
More and more households are pairing electric mobility with solar self-consumption systems, using daylight hours to charge their vehicle straight from clean energy.
Self-consumption installations let you power your charger directly from your solar panels during the day. And if you generate more energy than you use, the surplus is fed back into the grid and credited on your monthly bill.
It depends on your charger's power output and your battery size — anywhere from roughly 4–8 hours up to 15–30 hours. Home charging is generally slower than public charging points, but it's cheaper and more convenient.
It's not recommended. Installation should always be carried out by an authorised professional who can guarantee safety and issue the required electrical certificate.
You'll pay a small fixed monthly supplement, but you'll gain speed and convenience — a common trade-off for anyone charging their EV daily.
Charging an electric car at home is possible, safe, and getting more efficient all the time. With the right charger, an optimised rate, and — where possible — a solar self-consumption system, you can enjoy a sustainable energy supply built around your needs.
If you're thinking about a more efficient energy setup, you can pair your charging point with solar self-consumption. At Nordy, we'll help you make the most of your solar panels to charge your electric car and optimise your energy use.
Take the next step towards smarter energy and sign up with us to manage your home's electricity with professional guidance and ongoing support.