Home Charging vs Public Charging: What’s Best for EV Drivers?
One of the most common questions new electric vehicle (EV) owners ask is: Should I charge my EV at home or from public charging points? The short answer? It depends on your driving habits, budget and lifestyle.
At EVwired, we’re here to help you weigh the pros and cons of home EV charging vs public charging networks, so you can make the most efficient and cost-effective choice for your electric vehicle.
What Is Home EV Charging?
Home charging means powering your electric vehicle via a dedicated wall box charger installed on your property, or through a standard 3-pin plug socket with a Type 2 to 3-Pin UK Plug Charging Cable.
Common features of home charging:
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Typically uses a single-phase 32A power supply.
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Delivers up to 7.4kW charging speed.
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Requires off-street parking or a garage.
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Can be scheduled during off-peak electricity rates for cheaper charging.
Find out more about charging from home in our blog: Home EV Charging: Everything You Need To Know About Charging Your Electric Car From Home.
What Is Public EV Charging?
Public charging refers to any EV charge point found in car parks, supermarkets, service stations, workplaces, or along UK roads. These charge points vary in power and availability, and may require using your own Type 2 to Type 2 cable, or have tethered cables for rapid DC charging.
Common types of public charge points:
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Fast chargers (7–22kW): Usually require your own cable.
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Rapid DC chargers (50kW–350kW): Tethered with CCS or CHAdeMO connectors.
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Destination chargers: Found at gyms, hotels, and shopping centres.
Pros and Cons of Home Charging
Advantages:
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Convenience – Charge overnight while you sleep.
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Lower cost – Cheaper electricity rates at home, especially on smart tariffs.
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Predictable availability – No waiting in queues or dealing with faulty charge points.
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Time-saving – No need to make charging stops on local trips.
Limitations:
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Requires a driveway, garage, or dedicated off-road parking area.
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Installation cost (though grants may help offset this).
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Slower charging than high-powered public DC options.
Find out more about available EV charging grants in our blog: UK Government Extends Home and Workplace EV Charging Grants – What This Means for Drivers.
Pros and Cons of Public Charging
Advantages:
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Widespread accessibility – Thousands of charge points across the UK.
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Faster charging – Rapid chargers can top up 80% in around 30 minutes.
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Ideal for long journeys – Essential for motorway trips and holidays.
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Increasing government and private investment means more chargers are being installed around the UK.
Limitations:
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Can be more expensive per kWh.
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Inconsistent availability – Especially during peak times.
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Variable charging speeds depending on charger type and condition.
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Some chargers require specific apps or RFID cards.
Which Option Is Right for You?
Choose Home Charging If:
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You have access to off-street parking.
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You want to minimise costs.
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Your daily mileage is within the range of a full overnight charge.
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You prefer convenience and reliability.
Choose Public Charging If:
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You drive long distances regularly.
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You don’t have access to a driveway or home charger.
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You need rapid top-ups during the day or while travelling.
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You want to supplement home charging with workplace or destination charging.
Can You Use Both?
Absolutely. In fact, most EV owners in the UK use a combination of both home and public charging. For example:
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Charge at home during the week.
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Use rapid chargers during motorway trips.
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Top up at supermarkets or gyms while running errands.
A flexible approach ensures you’re always road-ready, especially as UK EV charging infrastructure continues to expand.
Recommended EV Charging Cables for Home and Public Use
To charge confidently at home and on the go, we recommend keeping a Type 2 to Type 2 charging cable in your boot, so you're always prepared for all charging scenarios.
EVwired charging cables include:
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5-year warranty.
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Weatherproof (IP55 rated).
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Free carry case worth £14.95.
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Next-day tracked UK delivery.
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Available in 5m, 7m, 10m and 15m lengths.
Browse our full range of Type 2 EV charging cables.
Whether you choose to charge your car at home or use public charging networks, the key is understanding your vehicle’s needs and planning your routine accordingly. For most EV drivers, home charging offers the best value and convenience, while public charging adds essential flexibility - especially for longer trips.
You might also be interested in reading our blog: How to Plan Your EV Charging Stops Like a Pro.
