If you’ve just made the switch to an electric vehicle, or you’re thinking about it, one of the first questions you’ll probably ask is:
“How long does it take to charge an electric car at home?”
It’s a fair question — after all, we’re all used to pulling into a petrol station, filling up in five minutes, and driving away. EV charging works differently, but once you understand the basics, it’s actually very straightforward.
The Short Answer
Most electric cars take around 6 to 10 hours to fully charge at home using a dedicated 7.4kW wall charger.
But — and this is important — it depends on three main things:
- Your charger’s power rating
- Your car’s battery size
- How empty the battery is when you plug in
Let’s take a closer look at how these factors affect your charging time.
Charger Power Rating
The most common home EV charger in the UK is rated at 7.4kW. That means it delivers 7.4 kilowatts of electricity per hour.
Here’s a rough guide to how long a full charge might take:
| Charger Type | Power Output | Typical Full Charge Time |
|---|---|---|
| 3-pin plug (granny charger) | 2.3kW | 25–35 hours |
| Home wall charger (single phase) | 7.4kW | 6–10 hours |
| Fast charger (three phase, where available) | 11kW | 4–6 hours |
If you’re charging overnight — say, plugging in at 10pm and unplugging at 7am — a 7.4kW charger will comfortably give you a full battery by morning.
Many homeowners across Thatcham, Aldermaston, and Kingsclere have switched to this type of setup, as it offers the perfect balance between speed, safety, and convenience.
Battery Size and Vehicle Type
The size of your car’s battery also plays a big part. Smaller plug-in hybrids might only have a 10–15kWh battery, while fully electric cars like the Tesla Model Y or Kia EV6 can have 70–80kWh or more.
For example:
- A Nissan Leaf (40kWh battery) will charge from empty to full in about 6 hours on a 7.4kW charger.
- A Kia EV6 (77kWh battery) would take closer to 10–11 hours on the same setup.
The good news? You’ll rarely charge from completely empty — most people top up nightly, just like charging a phone.
How Full Is the Battery?
If you arrive home with 40% charge left, you’ll only need to top up the remaining 60%. That means shorter charging times and less wear on the battery.
Many chargers now have smart scheduling features — letting you charge during off-peak times when electricity is cheaper. Homeowners in Mortimer and Bramley, for example, are saving money by setting their chargers to start automatically after midnight when tariffs drop.
Why You Should Avoid Using a 3-Pin Plug Long Term
While you can technically charge an EV using a standard 3-pin socket, it’s much slower (and not ideal for long-term use). It can take over a day to fully charge, and older wiring might not cope well with continuous high loads.
If you’re in Woolhampton or the surrounding villages and still using a 3-pin setup, it’s worth upgrading to a dedicated wall charger. Not only is it faster, but it’s also safer and more energy-efficient.
How to Speed Up Home Charging
Here are a few simple ways to get the best out of your charger:
- Install a 7.4kW charger – It’s the most powerful option available for most UK homes with a single-phase supply.
- Keep the charger close to your parking spot – A shorter cable means less resistance and faster, more efficient charging.
- Charge during off-peak hours – Many electricity providers offer EV-friendly tariffs with cheaper night rates.
- Combine solar or battery storage – If you have solar panels, you can charge using free, renewable energy during the day.
At GU Solutions, we can design your home system to take advantage of all these options — whether you’re charging from the grid, solar, or a mix of both.
Why Choose GU Solutions
At GU Solutions, we’ve been helping homeowners across Basingstoke, Reading, and surrounding areas install safe, efficient EV chargers for over 20 years.
We’re NICEIC Approved Contractors, and every installation includes:
- A full pre-installation electrical survey
- Load checks to ensure your system can handle the charger
- Professional installation and certification
- Building Regulations notification and compliance
- Help setting up your charger app and smart features
We install trusted brands including BG Sync, Zappi, Pod Point, and Hypervolt, tailored to your home and car.
Book Your EV Charger Survey Today
If you’re ready to charge faster, safer, and more efficiently, call GU Solutions on 01256 473326 or send us a message to book your EV charger home survey.
We’ll inspect your electrics, recommend the best setup for your car, and give you a clear, fixed-price quote.
Because when it comes to charging your car at home, the right setup doesn’t just save time — it makes every journey start smarter.
