Home EV Charging for London Taxi and Private Hire Drivers

London's taxi and private hire drivers are switching to electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles in growing numbers. Drivers cover far more miles than most motorists, often in long shifts, so charging at home between shifts can save time and money compared with relying only on public rapid chargers. This post covers what drivers should think about before fitting a home charger.

Work out your daily mileage

Start with how far you drive in a typical shift and how long the car sits at home. A standard 7kW home charger adds a useful amount of range per hour and can fill most batteries overnight. If you work long shifts with short breaks at home, you may still need public rapid charging during the day. Our guide to how long it takes to charge at home explains the numbers.

Night shifts and day charging

Many drivers work nights and sleep during the day. Cheaper overnight tariffs may not match that pattern, so look at tariffs and smart charger settings that suit your actual hours. A smart charger can schedule charging around your shifts. See our guide to smart charger rules.

Is faster home charging possible

Most London homes have a single-phase supply, which limits home charging to around 7kW. A small number of properties have, or can get, a three-phase supply that allows faster charging, but it can be costly and is not always available. See our guide to three-phase chargers.

Tethered cable for quick plug-ins

Drivers who plug in and out several times a day often prefer a tethered charger with the cable attached, so there is no cable to fetch from the boot each time. Our guide to tethered or untethered chargers compares the two.

Off-street parking

A home charger needs off-street parking such as a drive. If you park on the street, look at your council's on-street charging options or nearby charging hubs. If you rent a space nearby, see our post on charging at a rented parking space.

Business use and records

If the vehicle is used for work, a smart charger that records energy used per session can help with your accounts. Check with your accountant how home charging costs should be treated.

Energy North Ltd installs home chargers for drivers across North, East and West London with City & Guilds certified electricians. See our EV charger installation page to book a survey.