Home Charging or Public Charging Stations: What to Choose in the UK?

If you're among the increasing number of UK motorists making the switch to electric, you've likely wondered:

Should I charge my electric vehicle at home or at a public charging point?

Each comes with its advantages, and the most suitable choice usually boils down to your lifestyle, daily driving patterns, and affordability. At Startin Group, our experts have decoded it for you with a comparison between public charging and home charging. 

Let's dissect it in a manner that's easy, pragmatic, and applicable to UK EV drivers.

If you're wondering whether charging an electric vehicle (EV) is cheaper than filling up with petrol, the numbers speak for themselves. In the UK, electric driving typically costs between 3 to 5 times less per mile than running a petrol car. For example, covering 10,000 miles annually can save you up to £1,500 in fuel costs alone. 

To break it down further, an electric model like the Renault Zoe costs approximately 6 pence per mile, while a petrol-driving equivalent like the Skoda Enyaq, noting its electric “miles per pound” performance of 10 to 12.4 mpg when charged at home, roughly translates to 10 pence per mile on typical fuel. This difference results in annual savings of around £650, assuming average yearly mileage.

• Renault Zoe: £0.06 per mile
• Skoda Enyaq: approximately 10 miles per £1 or around ~10 pence per mile

When charging at home on off-peak electricity rates, it’s even cost-effective. A standard tariff could be as low as 9p per kWh, meaning some EV drivers are paying just 3p per mile.

Even if you rely on public charging for a portion of your journeys, EVs still hold a cost advantage. Home charging significantly cuts down running costs, which is why it's such a key benefit for EV owners.

On top of fuel savings, EVs come with lower maintenance costs too. With fewer moving parts and no need for oil changes, servicing an EV often costs about £600 to £1,200 less per year than a petrol car.

Home charging is the easiest option for most drivers. Just think about it: you plug in at home last night and wake up with a full battery this morning—no diversions, no queues. It’s pure convenience, giving you the freedom to charge whenever it suits your routine, whether that’s overnight while you sleep or during the day while you work from home.

It’s also a cost-effective choice. Many energy providers offer cheaper rates during off-peak hours, which means charging your EV at home can be significantly less expensive than relying on public stations. Over time, those savings can really add up, making your daily drives even more affordable.

• Convenience: Charge your EV at night or off-peak hours while you sleep.
• Lower Cost: If your home has an EV-friendly tariff, you might pay significantly less than public charging prices.
• Predictable Charging: You have a clear idea of when and how long it will take to charge your car.
• Long-Term Savings: While fitting a home charger has an initial expense, it will often pay for itself in the long run.

• Installation Costs: A UK home EV charger can cost between £800–£1,200 (before any grant).
• Access: Not everybody has a driveway or even the means to install a charger, a problem for city residents.
• Electricity Tariffs: Changing to a night-time or EV-only tariff could make a significant impact on your bill.

Public chargers are springing up all over the place, motorway service stations, shops, shopping centres, and even office car parks. They're particularly useful for long journeys or if you can't charge at home.

Many now offer rapid charging options, so you can top up in as little as 30 minutes. Some locations allow you to combine charging with shopping, dining, or meetings, making it a convenient part of your day.

• Accessibility: Perfect if you don't have an installed home charger or you live in a flat.
• Speed: Most public charging points are rapid or ultra-rapid, so you can top up in 20–40 minutes.
• Flexibility: Ideal for holiday road trips or when you want a rapid top-up somewhere other than home.

• Cost: Public charging tends to be more costly than charging at home, at times, double the amount.
• Availability: Busier places may involve waiting, particularly at peak times.
• Charging Courtesy: You might have to drive away your car as soon as it's charged so you don't stop others from charging.

Example:

• Home Charging: On an off-peak rate of 7.5p per kWh, charging a 60kWh battery fully might cost £4.50.

• Public Charging: At 60p per kWh on average for rapid charging, the identical 60kWh charge might cost about £36.

That’s a big difference over a year, especially if you drive a lot.

Ask yourself these questions:

• Do you have off-street parking? If yes, a home charger could be the most cost-effective solution.
• How far do you drive daily? Shorter trips mean you can rely mostly on home charging.
• Do you take frequent long journeys? You’ll likely need to mix home charging with public top-ups.

Is price your most important consideration? Home charging often beats on cost.

Many UK motorists prefer to take a hybrid strategy, home charging for everyday driving, and public charging for long-distance driving or emergencies.

If possible, home charging of your electric vehicle will cost you least and be most convenient. But public charging points are worth their weight in gold for flexibility and extended journeys.

The silver lining is the UK's charging infrastructure is growing rapidly and electricity prices are getting more competitive for EV owners.

At Startin Group, we assist motorists in finding not just the right electric or hybrid vehicle, but also the most suitable charging solutions to match their lifestyle. Whether you are procuring your first EV or replacing your existing vehicle with the new model, our team is here to assist you throughout.