How to charge two electric cars at home

With the increasing popularity and use of electric vehicles, households need to charge multiple electric vehicles at home. Luckily, if you are in this situation, several solutions are available to let you conveniently and efficiently charge multiple electric vehicles at your home.

This guide will explore the considerations and options for charging two electric vehicles at home.

Option 1: Using one home electric vehicle charger for two cars

It’s possible to use a single home charger for two electric vehicles. Simply by swapping the vehicles around as needed. Using one electric car charger can be a practical solution for those looking to avoid the expense of purchasing a second charger.

It’s worth considering the mileage of each EV owner and how frequently they need to charge their vehicle before deciding if a second charger is essential. In some cases, getting a second charger may be unnecessary if the vehicles are not driven every day or the mileage driven each day is low.

Option 2: Installing two electric vehicle chargers at one home

Installing two electric vehicle chargers at your home is possible. However, it’s important to keep in mind that having two EV chargers connected to one house can reduce the charging speed of each charger, which means it will take longer to charge the electric cars. For example, if you have two 7kw chargers, they charge half of this amount. Unless your chargers have a load balancing feature on your charger that ensures the electricity is distributed evenly between the two chargers, one charge point may have a higher charging speed than the other. 

If you want both of your EV charging points to charge at full capacity, you must upgrade your electricity supply to a three-phase one. However, most homes in the UK are not equipped with a three-phase electricity supply. Upgrading your home electricity supply to a three-phase one can be quite expensive, so it’s important to consider this cost before installing two EV charging points.

Option 3: Installing a dual charger

If you’re looking for a more convenient way to charge two electric vehicles simultaneously, you may want to consider installing a dual EV charging station. A double socket charge point allows you to plug two EVs into the same charger simultaneously. This option may be more cost-effective than purchasing two separate chargers. Furthermore, it may be more convenient.

However, before investing in a dual charging station, it’s crucial to assess your electrical panel’s capacity and consult with a licensed installer or electrician to ensure that your electrical panel can handle the additional load required to charge two electric vehicles at the same time. If not, you may have the same issue as having two separate EV chargers with a lower charging speed.

Option 4: Install one dedicated home charger and purchase a three-pin plug charger

You can always install one EV charger and purchase a standard 3-pin plug charger to charge two vehicles simultaneously. However, the 3-pin plug will charge much slower than the dedicated home electric vehicle charger.

Option 5: Take advantage of the public charging network

If you need to charge two vehicles simultaneously, only have one dedicated home charger installed. The vast public charging network can quickly top up another electric vehicle.

Reduce your charging costs with EV-friendly tariffs.

When charging two electric cars at home, it’s worth taking advantage of an EV-friendly tariff to save money on charging costs.

Many energy companies offer discounted electricity rates during off-peak hours, which can significantly reduce the cost of charging your EVs. By programming your charging schedule to align with these off-peak hours, you can save money while conveniently charging your vehicles at home.

Consider the charging speed and battery sizes of electric vehicles.

It is crucial to consider the charging speeds and battery sizes of both electric cars when charging them at home. Every EV model has different charging capabilities, and the battery size and charging infrastructure can significantly affect the charging duration.

If one of the electric vehicles has a larger battery capacity or a slower charging speed, it may be necessary to prioritise its charging to ensure that both vehicles are fully charged within a reasonable time.

Summary

If you are in the lucky situation of being a multi-EV household, there are multiple ways in which you can consider charging both electric vehicles at home. This guide has explored the different options for charging two electric vehicles at home.