The short answer
For most Oxfordshire homes, the best choice is a 7kW smart charger that works with a cheap overnight EV tariff. Choose tethered (cable attached) for convenience or untethered for a tidier look and future flexibility. If you have solar, pick one that can charge from your spare solar power. The real deciding factors are your electrical supply, parking position and cable run – which is why a proper survey matters.
The 6 decisions that matter
1. Charging speed: 7kW is right for almost everyone
Nearly all homes have a single-phase supply, which caps home charging at around 7kW – roughly 25–30 miles of range per hour. Plug in at 11pm and most cars are full by morning. 22kW chargers need a three-phase supply (rare in homes) and a car that can accept 22kW, so they're usually only worth it for businesses.
2. Tethered or untethered?
Tethered chargers have the cable permanently attached – grab and go. Untethered chargers have a socket, so you use your own cable. Untethered looks neater on period frontages in Burford or Woodstock and suits households that might change car; tethered is easier day to day.
3. Tariff compatibility
All new home chargers must be "smart" by law, but not every smart charger works with every tariff. The cheapest EV tariffs control your charging directly and only support certain chargers or cars. Check which tariff you want first, then choose a charger on its approved list.
4. Solar matching
If you have (or plan to get) solar panels, a solar-matching charger can top up your car with surplus power that would otherwise be exported for much less. It pairs well with a home battery – see why solar battery storage matters now.
5. Your electrical supply and fuse board
A 7kW charger draws around 32 amps – a big load for an older house. We check your main fuse size, consumer unit and earthing. Where the supply is tight, we fit load management so the charger automatically slows down when the oven, shower and heating are on. We also handle the notification to your network operator.
6. Position and looks
Put the charger where the cable reaches your car's charging port without stretching across paths. Wall-mount is standard; a post-mounted unit works for detached garages or long rural driveways. In conservation areas, a discreet colour and position helps.
Not sure which charger suits your home?
Text us a photo of where you park and your fuse board, plus your car model. We'll recommend the right charger and give you a fixed price.
OZEV-approved installers covering Carterton, Witney and all of Oxfordshire.
Quick comparison table
| If you… | We'd usually recommend |
|---|---|
| Have a driveway and one EV | 7kW smart charger, tethered or untethered |
| Have solar panels | 7kW solar-matching smart charger |
| Want the cheapest overnight tariff | A charger on your chosen tariff's approved list |
| Have an older home or small main fuse | Any 7kW charger with load management |
| Have two EVs | Two chargers with shared load balancing |
| Park at the kerb (no driveway) | A charger of 7.5kW or less with a council cable channel – see below |
| Run a business or workplace | Multiple 7kW or 22kW units (three-phase) |
Your property: driveway, garage or no driveway
Driveways on newer estates
Most homes on the newer estates around Carterton, Witney and Eynsham are straightforward: a short cable run from the consumer unit through an external wall to a charger by the drive. These installs are often done in half a day.
Detached garages and long rural driveways
Around Burford, Charlbury and Chipping Norton we often run armoured cable underground to a garage or post-mounted charger. Longer runs need correctly sized cable and careful earthing – get this right once and it'll last decades.
No driveway? Oxfordshire's cable channel scheme
Oxfordshire County Council runs an EV cable channel scheme: a channel set into the pavement that lets your cable run safely from a home charger to your car at the kerb. The council's rules include:
- You must apply to the council – you can't install a channel yourself
- The home charger must be 7.5kW or lower, with a cable no more than 16mm thick
- You'll need planning permission from your district council for the charger itself
- Not every street qualifies – parking restrictions and verges can rule it out
- Never trail a cable across the pavement, even under a mat
This is especially relevant in Oxford and Abingdon terraces. Get council approval first, then we'll fit a compliant charger to your front wall.
EV charger grants in 2026
The OZEV EV chargepoint grant for renters and flat owners rose to up to £500 per socket for applications from 1 April 2026. That includes many rented homes around Carterton and RAF Brize Norton (you'll need your landlord's permission). Homeowners of houses aren't currently eligible.
Key rules to follow so you don't lose the grant:
- Get a dated quote from an OZEV-authorised installer first
- Get any landlord or freeholder permission before applying
- Apply through the government's Find a Grant service
- Don't install until OZEV confirms you're eligible
We'll give you a compliant quote and walk you through the application.
What home charging costs
This is where a home charger pays for itself:
| Charging method | Approx. price per kWh | Cost to add 42kWh |
|---|---|---|
| Home, smart EV tariff (overnight) | ~8p | ~£3.40 |
| Home, standard capped rate | ~26p | ~£11 |
Public rapid chargers usually cost several times more than overnight home charging. The cheaper home rate usually covers your whole house overnight too – so your dishwasher and washing machine get cheaper as well.
"Fast and professional service and even came back months later when my kids managed to blow a fuse playing with the light switch — for free. Highly recommend."
Declan DuffyHow our installation works
- Quick photo check – send us photos of your parking spot and fuse board.
- Survey and recommendation – we check supply, earthing and cable route, and recommend a charger that matches your car and tariff.
- Fixed quote – dated and grant-ready if you're eligible.
- Installation – typically half a day to a day, finished neatly.
- Handover – we set up the app, connect your tariff and give you your certificates.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a grant for a home EV charger in 2026?
Yes, if you rent or own a flat – up to £500 per socket from 1 April 2026. Homeowners of houses aren't currently eligible. Don't install until OZEV confirms your eligibility.
Should I get a 7kW or 22kW charger?
7kW for almost every home. 22kW needs a three-phase supply and a compatible car.
Can I charge at home without a driveway?
Possibly, through Oxfordshire County Council's cable channel scheme. You apply to the council, use a charger of 7.5kW or less, and get planning permission for the charger.
How much does it cost to charge at home?
Around £3.40 to add 42kWh on an 8p overnight tariff, versus about £11 at the standard capped rate.
Will my fuse board cope?
Often yes, but we always check. Where the supply is tight we fit load management so nothing overloads.
Get the right charger, fitted properly
Book a free EV charger survey with Carterton's family-run, NICEIC-approved and OZEV-approved electricians.
- GOV.UK Find a Grant – EV chargepoint grant for renters and flat owners
- Oxfordshire County Council – EV cable channels and charging without a drive
- Ofgem – energy price cap, 1 October to 31 December 2026
- Octopus Energy – Intelligent Octopus Go rates (September 2026)