Best smart EV home charger for UK driveways (2026 guide)

Get matched to the best smart EV home charger for your driveway

“Best” depends on your driveway set-up: cable run length, where the consumer unit sits, whether you need a tethered cable for quick plug-ins, and whether your home needs load management to prevent trips. EnergyPlus compares whole-of-market options to help you choose a smart charger that fits your home, not just the most advertised brand.

Already know what you want? Jump to 2026 top picks or read how to choose a driveway charger.

Best for everyday driveway convenience: tethered smart charger

A tethered unit has a fixed cable, making it the quickest option for daily charging—especially in rain or when you’re parking tight to a wall.

• Fast “grab-and-go” plug-in for busy households
• Cleaner installs for short cable runs
• Often ideal for 7kW single-phase UK homes

Best for shared driveways or neat frontage: untethered smart charger

An untethered unit uses your EV’s Type 2 cable. It’s popular where you want a tidy look, reduced cable exposure, or multiple EVs using different cable lengths.

• Less visible cabling on the driveway
• Flexible if you change EVs
• Often preferred for front-of-house aesthetics

Best for protecting your electrics: smart charger with load management

If your home has limited headroom on the supply, dynamic load balancing can reduce charging when the house load increases (e.g., oven, shower), helping avoid nuisance trips.

• Helps prevent overloading at peak household use
• Useful for heat pump + EV combinations
• Can be important with older consumer units

Driveway & parking checks

• Parking orientation: do you park nose-in or reverse-in? That affects socket position and cable length.
• Wall vs post mount: is there a suitable exterior wall, or do you need a standalone post?
• Cable route: avoid paths where people walk. Consider a shorter cable or an untethered unit.
• Weather exposure: choose robust casing; consider a sheltered mounting position if possible.

Electrical & smart features

• Power: many UK homes install 7kW (single phase). 22kW generally needs three-phase supply.
• Smart scheduling: set off-peak windows to match your tariff (where supported).
• Load management: recommended if you’re adding other high loads (e.g., electric heating).
• Connectivity: stable Wi-Fi or alternative connectivity improves reliability of smart functions.

Typical driveway installation variables

• Cable run length and wall penetration points
• Consumer unit capacity and required protections
• Need for load management hardware
• Groundworks for detached garages / long drives

What “smart” can save you

• Off-peak scheduling (tariff dependent)
• Pause/resume charging to manage household load
• Usage tracking to understand costs per mile
• Potential solar surplus charging (if supported)

How to keep quotes comparable

• Ask what’s included: isolator, cabling, protections
• Confirm charger model and warranty terms
• Check whether load balancing is included/optional
• Clarify any extras for long driveways

Driveway-specific pitfalls to avoid

• Cable across footpaths: ask about safer routing or mounting position.
• Weak Wi-Fi at the front of the house: consider improving coverage for smart features.
• Long cable runs: may affect install complexity—flag it upfront for accurate quotes.
• Mounting too low/high: can make daily use awkward and strain the connector.

What “whole-of-market” helps with

Different installers prefer different brands and configurations. Comparing the market can help you find a charger that fits your driveway constraints and your budget, rather than forcing a one-size-fits-all option.

• More choice on tethered vs untethered options
• Better chance of matching features to your tariff and usage
• Access to options suitable for older electrics (where appropriate)

What is the best kW for a typical UK home driveway?

For many UK homes, a 7kW smart charger is the practical choice (single-phase supply). Higher power options may require three-phase supply and aren’t necessary for many overnight charging routines.

Is tethered or untethered better for a driveway?

Tethered is usually best for everyday convenience. Untethered can be best for a tidy frontage or shared driveway. The “best” depends on cable storage and where you park.

Do smart chargers work with off-peak EV tariffs?

Most smart chargers support scheduling in-app. Whether it perfectly aligns with your tariff depends on your supplier/tariff rules and your EV. When you request quotes, mention if you want off-peak scheduling or solar integration.

What is dynamic load balancing and do I need it?

Dynamic load balancing reduces EV charging when your home is using lots of power. It can be helpful for homes with limited spare capacity or multiple high-load appliances.

Can I have a charger on a long driveway or detached garage?

Often yes, but cable runs and groundworks can affect cost and complexity. Flag this early for accurate quotes and ask about the safest cable route and mounting options.

Do I need Wi-Fi on the driveway?

Many smart features rely on a stable connection. If your front-of-house signal is weak, improving Wi-Fi coverage can make scheduling and usage reporting more reliable.