What Type of EV Charger Is Best for Brighton Homes? (7kW, 22kW, Tethered vs Untethered)
As more drivers in Brighton & Hove switch to electric vehicles, choosing the right home EV charger has become just as important as choosing the car itself. With different speeds, power ratings and connector options available, it can be difficult to know which charger is right for your home, your vehicle and your daily routine.
This guide breaks down the most common charger types — 7kW vs 22kW, tethered vs untethered, and smart vs basic chargers — so you can make a confident decision for your Brighton property.
1. 7kW vs 22kW: Which Charging Speed Do You Need?
7kW Home Chargers (Most Popular)
A 7kW charger is the standard choice for most UK homes, including the majority of properties across Brighton & Hove.
Benefits:
- Works with a single-phase supply (what most homes already have)
- Charges most EVs from 0–100% in 6–8 hours
- Affordable installation costs
- Ideal for overnight charging
Best for: Terraced houses, semi-detached homes, flats with allocated parking, and homes without a three-phase supply.
22kW Home Chargers (High-Speed – But Requires 3-Phase)
22kW chargers offer much faster charging but can only be installed if your property has a three-phase electrical supply — which is uncommon in Brighton. Some newer homes may have it, but most require an upgrade, which can be expensive.
Benefits:
- Charge your EV 3x faster than a 7kW unit
- Great for high-mileage drivers
- Ideal for two-EV households
Things to consider:
- Three-phase upgrades can cost several thousand pounds
- Many EVs cannot charge at the full 22kW rate anyway
Best for: Large homes, high-usage EV owners, or homeowners already running three-phase power.
2. Tethered vs Untethered: Which Is More Practical?
Tethered Chargers
These come with a built-in charging cable attached to the unit.
Pros:
- Very convenient — just plug in
- Faster to use on a daily basis
- Great for homes with a consistent EV type
Cons:
- Cable hangs on the wall
- You are tied to one connector type (e.g., Type 2)
Perfect if you want the fastest “plug and go” setup.
Untethered Chargers
These units require you to plug in your own charging cable.
Pros:
- Cleaner look
- More flexible — works with any EV cable
- Easier to replace or upgrade the cable
Cons:
- Slightly less convenient
- You must store your cable somewhere
Ideal for homeowners with more than one EV or who want a tidy, minimalist installation.
3. Smart Chargers vs Basic Chargers
Smart chargers connect to Wi-Fi or Bluetooth and let you control your charging schedule directly from an app.
Benefits:
- Charge when electricity is cheapest
- Track energy usage
- Apply load balancing to avoid overloading your home
- Integrate with solar panels (very popular in Brighton)
Basic chargers simply provide power with no smart features — but cost less upfront.
4. What Type of Charger Do Most Brighton Homeowners Choose?
For Brighton & Hove properties, the most common choice is a 7kW smart tethered charger. It balances speed, cost, convenience, and compatibility with the area’s housing stock — particularly Victorian terraces, flats, and semi-detached homes with on-plot parking.
If you have high energy usage, two EVs, or a modern home with a heat pump or solar, a smart charger becomes even more beneficial.
5. Ready to Install an EV Charger? We Can Help.
Brighton Electrical provides expert EV charger installations in Brighton & Hove, offering guidance on the best unit, power setup, and placement for your home. Our team handles everything from safety checks to installation and setup.
Get a free quote today and find the right EV charger for your property.