Finding the cheapest EV charger in the UK doesn't mean compromising on quality. Since 2021, every home charger sold in the UK must be a smart charger by law — so even the most affordable units include app control, scheduled charging, and energy monitoring.
We've compared every budget home EV charger available today and ranked them by price. All prices on this page update automatically from our store, so you're always seeing the latest figures.
Quick comparison: cheapest EV chargers at a glance
Here's a side-by-side comparison of the most affordable 7kW home EV chargers you can buy in the UK right now. Prices are pulled live from our store.
| Charger | Type | Power | Price | Smart Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Evec VEC01 | Untethered | 7.4kW | £312 | App, scheduling, OCPP |
| Evec VEC03 | Tethered (5m) | 7.4kW | £369 | App, scheduling, OCPP |
| VCHRGD Seven Pro | Untethered | 7.4kW | £385 | App, scheduling, OCPP |
| Rolec EVO | Untethered | 7.4kW | £409 | App, scheduling, OCPP |
| Indra Smart PRO | Untethered | 7.4kW | £410 | App, scheduling, solar |
| Cord Zero | Untethered | 7.4kW | £449 | App, scheduling, OCPP |
| Pod Point Solo 3S | Untethered | 7.4kW | £460 | App, scheduling |
| NexBlue Point | Untethered | 7.4kW | £475 | App, scheduling, OCPP |
Best value: Evec VEC01 — from £312
The Evec VEC01 is consistently the cheapest smart home EV charger you can buy in the UK. Despite the low price, it ticks every box: app-controlled scheduling, energy monitoring, OCPP 1.6J compatibility, and Wi-Fi connectivity. It's an untethered unit, so you supply your own Type 2 cable — which also means you can upgrade or replace the cable independently.
Build quality is solid for the price, with an IP65 weatherproof rating suitable for outdoor installation. It's a compact, no-fuss charger that does exactly what a home charger needs to do.
Best for: Buyers who want the lowest upfront cost with full smart features.
Best cheap tethered charger: Evec VEC03 — from £369
The Evec VEC03 is the tethered version of the VEC01, with a permanently attached 5-metre Type 2 cable. If you prefer the convenience of grabbing a cable and plugging straight in — without keeping a separate cable in your boot — this is the cheapest way to do it.
Functionally identical to the VEC01 in terms of smart features, app control, and OCPP compatibility. The 5-metre cable is long enough for most driveways.
Best for: Drivers who want plug-and-go convenience at the lowest tethered price.
VCHRGD Seven Pro — from £385
The VCHRGD Seven Pro is a strong option just above the Evec in price. It adds Ethernet connectivity alongside Wi-Fi, which is useful if your Wi-Fi signal doesn't reach the garage. It also includes built-in PEN fault protection, which can save you the cost of an additional earth rod during installation.
Also available as a tethered version with a 7.5m cable for £440.
Best for: Homes with weak Wi-Fi or where PEN fault protection would otherwise add to install costs.
Rolec EVO — from £409
Rolec is one of the most established EV charger manufacturers in the UK, with units installed across commercial and residential sites. The EVO is their entry-level home charger — simple, reliable, and backed by a well-known brand.
If brand reputation and long-term support matter to you, the small premium over the Evec range is worth considering. Rolec chargers have a strong track record in the UK market.
Best for: Buyers who want an established brand at a budget-friendly price.
Indra Smart PRO — from £410
The Indra Smart PRO stands out in this price bracket because of its solar compatibility. If you have (or plan to get) solar panels, the Indra can prioritise charging from your excess solar generation — reducing your electricity costs even further.
At just a pound more than the Rolec EVO, the solar integration makes this one of the best value propositions on the list for anyone with a home solar setup.
Best for: Homeowners with solar panels who want to charge from excess generation.
Cord Zero — from £449
The Cord Zero is one of the better-looking budget chargers, available in two colour options to match your property. It's a well-rounded unit with OCPP 1.6J support, app control, and all the smart features you'd expect.
Also available as a tethered version: Cord Zero Tethered (Black) or Cord Zero Tethered (White).
Best for: Buyers who care about aesthetics and want a charger that looks good on the wall.
Pod Point Solo 3S — from £460
Pod Point is one of the most recognisable EV charging brands in the UK, with a huge public network. The Solo 3S is their home charger — compact, well-designed, and backed by strong app support and customer service.
The Pod Point app is polished and easy to use, with clear energy monitoring and scheduling. If you already use Pod Point public chargers, having everything in one app is convenient.
Best for: Drivers who already use the Pod Point network and want a familiar experience at home.
NexBlue Point — from £475
The NexBlue Point rounds out the sub-£500 bracket. It's a solid, well-featured charger with OCPP 1.6J support, app control, and all the smart charging features required by UK regulations.
Best for: Buyers who want a sub-£500 charger with full OCPP compliance for future-proofing.
Tethered vs untethered — which is cheaper?
Untethered chargers are almost always cheaper. The difference is typically £40–£80 between the same model in untethered and tethered versions. Here's a quick comparison:
| Charger | Untethered Price | Tethered Price | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Evec | £312 (VEC01) | £369 (VEC03) | ~£57 |
| VCHRGD Seven Pro | £385 | £440 | ~£55 |
However, if you go untethered you'll need to buy a Type 2 charging cable separately (typically £80–£150). So the real saving depends on whether you already own a cable. Most new EV owners will have a cable that came with their car.
How the OZEV grant reduces your cost
The OZEV Electric Vehicle Homecharge Scheme (EVHS) provides a grant of up to £350 towards the cost of buying and installing a home EV charger. The grant applies to the total cost of the charger plus installation — not just the charger unit.
Here's what that looks like with the cheapest chargers:
| Charger | Charger Price | Typical Install | Total | After OZEV Grant |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Evec VEC01 | £312 | £300–£500 | £612–£812 | £262–£462 |
| Evec VEC03 | £369 | £300–£500 | £669–£869 | £319–£519 |
| VCHRGD Seven Pro | £385 | £300–£500 | £685–£885 | £335–£535 |
What about installation costs?
The charger price is only part of the equation. Installation typically costs between £300 and £800, depending on:
Cable run distance — how far your consumer unit (fuse board) is from the installation point. Longer runs cost more. Consumer unit upgrades — if your fuse board needs additional capacity or an upgrade. Earthing requirements — a PME earthing arrangement may require an additional earth rod (though some chargers like the VCHRGD have built-in PEN fault protection). Mounting surface — brick is straightforward; render, timber, or concrete may need additional fixings.
The cheapest way to get a home EV charger installed is to combine the Evec VEC01 with a standard installation (short cable run, no consumer unit work), then apply the OZEV grant. Your total out-of-pocket could be as low as £262.
Frequently asked questions
What is the cheapest EV charger in the UK?
The cheapest smart home EV charger is the Evec VEC01 at £312. It's a 7.4kW untethered charger with app control, scheduling, and OCPP compliance.
Can I get a home EV charger for under £500?
Yes. Eight smart chargers are available for under £500, starting with the Evec VEC01 at £312. See the full comparison table above.
Are cheap EV chargers any good?
Absolutely. All EV chargers sold in the UK must comply with the Electric Vehicles (Smart Charge Points) Regulations 2021, which mandate smart features like scheduled charging and energy monitoring. The difference between a £312 charger and a £600 charger is usually the brand name, app polish, and extra features like solar integration — not safety or core functionality.
Should I buy untethered or tethered?
Untethered is cheaper upfront but requires a separate Type 2 cable. Tethered is more convenient — just grab the cable and plug in. If your car came with a Type 2 cable, untethered is the budget-friendly choice. See our tethered vs untethered comparison.
Do cheap EV chargers qualify for the OZEV grant?
Most do, as long as the charger is smart (which all UK chargers must be by law) and the installation is carried out by an OZEV-approved installer. The grant covers up to £350 off the combined cost of the charger and installation.
How much does it cost to install an EV charger at home?
Installation typically costs £300–£800, depending on cable run length, consumer unit requirements, and mounting conditions. Read our full EV charger installation guide for a detailed breakdown.
Still not sure which charger is right for you? Browse all our 7kW home EV chargers or check out our 22kW three-phase chargers if you have a three-phase supply.