Thinking of buying an electric vehicle?
Electric vehicles (EVs) are a great step toward a greener future, but before you commit, it’s important to check whether home charging is possible and practical for your property.
Installing a charger isn’t always straightforward, and there’s no automatic right to have one. Here are a few things you might need to consider:
Check if you’re eligible
Before you get in touch, please complete our short EV charging eligibility checklist. This helps us understand whether a charger is possible and safe for your home.
You can either complete the checklist online or download it and return to us via email, evapplications@sng.org.uk.
Online EV charging eligibility checklist (opens in a new window)Can you charge at home?
1. Your electricity supply
Some homes don’t have enough electrical capacity to support an EV charger. Upgrading can be costly or even unavailable in some areas.
2. Your parking setup
If you don’t have off-street parking (like a driveway), installing a charger may not be practical. Parking spaces far from your home can also make installation difficult.
3. Shared or communal parking
If your space is in a shared area, installing a personal charger may not be allowed. Communal chargers require agreement from neighbours or managing agents and may reduce available parking.
4. Planning permission and property restrictions
Living in a listed building, conservation area, or leasehold property may mean you need special permission. There may also be legal restrictions tied to your property.
5. Costs and ongoing considerations
Installation costs vary depending on location and infrastructure. Don’t forget to factor in electricity usage and maintenance over time.
What if home charging isn’t possible?
Public charging points are an option, but they may not always be nearby or available when you need them. Relying solely on public chargers might not suit every lifestyle or driving habit.
Recommended next steps
Before buying an EV, please complete our short EV charging eligibility checklist. This will help us to see whether installing a charger is possible at your home.
The government offers helpful advice on this in the Public Charge Point Regulations 2023 guidance 
- especially the second paragraph under the “Background” section which outlines what is recommended if home charging isn’t possible.