As the UK accelerates towards a greener future, the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) is on the rise. A crucial part of this transition is the availability of home EV charging points, which offer convenience and cost savings for EV owners. Let’s delve into the current landscape of home EV charging in the UK, the potential for expansion, and its impact on EV adoption.

As of 2024, approximately 850,000 homes in the UK have EV charging points installed (source: thecarexpert.co.uk). This number is a testament to the growing popularity of EVs and the increasing awareness of the benefits of home charging. Having a home charging point allows EV owners to charge their vehicles overnight, taking advantage of lower electricity rates and ensuring their car is ready for use each morning.

Despite the impressive number of existing home charging points, not all UK homes are currently suitable for installing them. Research indicates that only about 56% of UK homes have the necessary infrastructure, such as off-street parking, to support the installation of an EV charger (source: Lloydsbankinggroup.com). This means that while many homes are equipped, a significant portion of the population may face challenges in setting up home charging facilities.

The availability and suitability of home charging points play a critical role in the adoption of EVs. For many potential EV buyers, the convenience of home charging is a significant factor in their decision-making process. Here are a few ways in which home charging infrastructure affects EV adoption:

1. Convenience and Cost Savings: Home charging is often more convenient and cheaper than using public charging stations. This can make EV ownership more attractive to potential buyers.
2. Range Anxiety Reduction: Knowing that they can charge their vehicle at home helps reduce range anxiety, a common concern among prospective EV owners.
3. Increased EV Sales: As more homes become suitable for EV charging, the market for EVs is likely to expand. This could lead to increased sales and a faster transition to electric mobility.
4. Government Incentives: The UK government has been offering grants and incentives to encourage the installation of home charging points. These initiatives are crucial in making home charging more accessible and affordable.

To further boost EV adoption, efforts must be made to increase the number of homes suitable for EV charging. This could involve infrastructure upgrades, such as the installation of more on-street charging points in areas where off-street parking is not available. Additionally, continued government support and incentives will be vital in encouraging more homeowners to install EV chargers.

Suppliers of home EV charging points and automotive brands can leverage property and demographic data to pinpoint ideal installation sites by analysing several key factors:

• Property data, such as the presence of a garage or driveway, can indicate the physical feasibility of installing a charging point.
• Additionally, demographic data, including household income levels and the prevalence of electric vehicle ownership in the area, can help identify neighbourhoods with a higher likelihood of adopting EV technology.

The Ark’s Net Zero File combines these data points, allowing EV charging point suppliers and automotive brands to target their marketing efforts more effectively, ensuring they reach homeowners who are both interested in and capable of installing EV charging infrastructure. This strategic approach not only maximises the efficiency of their outreach but also supports the broader adoption of electric vehicles.

by Martin Jaggard – Director at The Ark