Where to Place an EV Charger in Your Garage

Whether you've just moved home and own an electric car (EV) or are thinking of buying one, you'll probably want to know the best spot in your garage to place the vehicle's charger. Installing an EV charger at home can save money and is more convenient than trying to locate a charging station on the street. But where is the best place to put your charger? Here, we answer that very question with our guide on where to place an EV charger in your garage.

The short answer for where to place an EV charger in your garage

In short, you want to position the EV charger in an area of your garage with easy access to a plug and also somewhere that has plenty of space so you can access the charger easily when needed.

Beyond that, it should be in a position that has good connectivity, as EV chargers connect to a smartphone app to give you important information about your charge. There's also the aesthetics to think about: you'll want to place an EV charger in an area where it looks good and blends in with the garage's style.

The longer answer and some factors to consider

Where will you park?

Garages come in all shapes and sizes, and you need to consider the car's proximity to the charging point. If you install the EV charger anywhere near where you park, then you've done most of the work already. Think about where the car is placed overnight, as this is when the majority of EV charging happens, and aim to position an EV charger in that area of your garage.

Where is the charge point located on your electric vehicle?

The last thing you want to do is install the charger for your car only to find out it's not close to the actual charge point on the vehicle. Before placing an EV charger in your garage, check the charging port's location on the car to avoid any issues. Charge ports are typically located at the car's front, rear or side.

Depending on its location, you might need to change where you park. For instance, if the charging port is at the rear and you enter the garage forward, you'll need to consider the practicality of the charging cable and if it can reach the length of the vehicle.

Charging cable length

Whether or not the charging port can reach the length of the car brings us nicely to the next factor: charging cable length. Note the length of the charger if it's tethered, or check the length of your charging cable if you opt for a socket-only charger.

Cable lengths play a significant role in where you place an EV charger in your garage. Most cables attached to tethered chargers are around five metres, although you can get longer ones if needed.

Start by measuring the length of the charging cable from the position you'd like the charger installed. That way, you'll get a good idea of whether or not it's a good location and can reach the chagrin port in the car.

Fuse box to the EV socket

Your new EV charger will need to be connected to the fuse box, and you’ll ideally want the two to be as close as possible together so you don’t need long cables in between. A professional can install the EV charger and will recommend the best setup to avoid cables causing potential hazards.

Do you have a signal?

Without a signal, your charging point will run into several problems. EV chargers communicate with your smartphone app, either via WiFi or 4 or 5G. Therefore, the EV charger should be installed somewhere in the garage with a strong WiFi signal. This isn't an issue for most garages, especially if they're attached to the house. But it's still something to consider, and it may be a problem if you live on a larger piece of land where the garage isn't located right next to your property. An excellent mobile signal also helps when the WiFi signal suffers interference.

Avoid tripping hazards

Safety is essential when installing an EV charger in your garage, from ensuring it's wired correctly to making sure there are no loose cables that can trip someone up. This is even more important if other people, such as children, live in the house. Ideally, the cable will run along the floor rather than being stretched over the car, up in the air.

What does the charger look like?

Many EV chargers are well-designed and look sleek, blending nicely with your garage. But you may decide that you'd prefer to keep the EV charger hidden and out of sight. If that's your preference, you'll need to find a discrete spot in the garage where it doesn't stand out. Just remember that if you want to 'hide' your EV charger, you'll still need to factor in all of the above to ensure it reaches your car easily.

Can I mount the charger on a post?

You may wonder if you can avoid the garage altogether and use a post to install the charger. Installing a charge point on a post requires a fair bit of work, such as digging trenches to hide the cabling, but it does give you more options for where to place an EV charger. You won't be restricted to the garage, where it needs mounting on a wall. Instead, you could install the post on your driveway. Just remember that this option is considerably more expensive than putting a charger in your garage, as more work is involved.

FAQs regarding EV chargers

As well as finding the sweet spot in your garage, you may have some more questions regarding the setup and type of charger. We've put this list of FAQs together below to answer your queries about EV chargers in the garage.

What is the optimum charging for an EV charger?

The maximum charger output compatible with UK domestic energy is 7kW. When charging the car, a 7kW unit draws around 32 Amps of power. On average, it takes a little under eight hours to fully charge the vehicle, which is why most at-home charging takes place overnight.

When is the best time to charge the car?

Essentially, the best time to charge your EV at home is wherever it needs a charge. However, charging the vehicle at night can save some money on your energy bill as it's usually an off-peak period. Recharging the battery overnight tends to be the most cost-effective way to charge your vehicle.

Does my vehicle make and model impact the charger I should buy?

In the UK, the majority of electric vehicle models are compatible with all home charger options. However, it's still worth checking with the car manufacturer and charger brand before buying just to be on the safe side.

Can I overload my home’s electricity usage?

It's possible to overload the house's electricity circuit if the energy taken to charge the car is combined with other household usage. Therefore, checking what your electricity circuit can handle beforehand is a smart move. Some charging points even balance the electrical usage to avoid such issues from occurring.

What happens if I overcharge?

Most experts say that charging the battery to 80% is the best way to extend its life. This is why most high-voltage batteries charge only 80%, even if they display 100% on the vehicle's dashboard. You can also extend the battery life by fully discharging it before recharging.

What’s the best EV charger to install in my garage?

There are plenty of EV chargers on the market, so you're not short of choice when it comes to buying the right option to place in your garage. We've previously reviewed the best home EV chargers and concluded that the Myenergi Zappi, Ohme Home Pro, Andersen A2, Pod Point Smart Charger and Wallbox Pulsar Plus are the best options.

Summary: where to place an EV charger in your garage

Deciding where to place an EV charger in your garage is a big deal, especially as it'll probably stay there for many years. Fortunately, finding the best place to install the charger shouldn't be an issue as long you follow our handy tips. Then all that's left to do is charge your vehicle and monitor its progress on the smart app, so you never have to worry about range anxiety again.

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