Yes you can share one charger between two or more EVs. But whether it’s practical depends on your lifestyle, the type of charger you install, and how often each vehicle is driven.
In this article, we’ll explore how dual-EV households in Ireland can manage with a single charger, what your options are, and whether it’s worth upgrading to a smarter charging setup.
Can Two EVs Use the Same Home Charger?
Yes, two EVs can share one home charger, but not at the same time, unless you invest in a dual-output or load-balanced system. The simplest solution is time-sharing: plug one car in overnight, and the other during the day, or on alternating days. Most EVs only need a few hours to top up, especially if you’re not running the battery down daily.
This approach works well when:
- You have off-street parking and access to the charger for both vehicles.
- One or both EVs aren’t used every day.
- You charge mostly at night using a smart tariff.
Key Considerations When Sharing a Charger
1. Charging Schedules & Driving Habits
If both drivers need a fully charged car every morning, a single charger might become a bottleneck. But if your commutes are short or staggered, sharing works just fine. Planning when to plug in and using apps or timers can help avoid clashes.
2. Charger Type
Standard 7.4 kW chargers, like the Ohme Home Pro or Zappi, can fully charge most EVs overnight. But if both cars are plugged in consecutively, one might not be fully charged by morning. For faster top-ups or time-of-use optimisation, you might want to consider:
- A dual-output charger: These let you connect both EVs at once, though they split the available power between the cars.
- Load-balancing systems: These dynamically manage power to avoid overloading your home’s supply.
3. Smart Features
Smart chargers allow you to schedule charging around low electricity prices or solar production. With apps like Ohme or Zappi’s myenergi, you can automate which car charges when, or prioritise the one with lower battery.
Dual EV Chargers: Are They Worth It?
If you regularly need to charge both EVs, investing in a dual EV charger may be worth it. While more expensive upfront, they:
- Offer simultaneous charging.
- Handle load balancing internally.
- Simplify cable management with one wall unit.
These systems are becoming more common in Ireland, especially among households with two full-time EV drivers.
Smart Tariffs Make a Difference
When sharing a charger, being on a smart tariff (like Electric Ireland’s NightBoost or SSE Airtricity’s EnergiHub Smart EV Tariff) allows you to charge both cars cheaply overnight. With careful scheduling, a single charger can easily handle two vehicles without driving up your electricity bill.
Solar PV Systems and EV Charging
If you have solar panels, you can further reduce costs by charging one or both EVs during sunny periods. The Zappi charger, for example, can automatically divert excess solar generation into your EV. Ideal for topping up when the sun is shining and your car is parked at home.
Practical Tips for Sharing a Charger
- Use a smart charger with scheduling features.
- Coordinate routines so charging times don’t overlap.
- Install the charger centrally or use a long cable if parking spots vary.
- Label charging days or times if sharing between household members.
- Consider future-proofing by running extra cabling during installation.
Should You Get a Second Charger?
Some dual-EV households do eventually add a second charger. Especially if both cars need regular overnight charging, or if one driver can’t reliably access the charger due to parking logistics. However, for many families, smart planning and a quality charger is all that’s needed.
If you’re unsure, start with one charger and monitor how well it suits your needs. Most charger systems can be expanded later if necessary.
Final Thoughts: One Charger, Two EVs, It’s Possible
For many Irish households, sharing a single EV charger is not just possible, it’s practical. With a bit of planning, the right charger, and smart scheduling, you can keep both electric vehicles topped up and ready to go without doubling your installation costs.
If you’re considering installing a charger for one or more EVs, WattCharger can help you choose the right setup for your home, budget, and lifestyle. Whether that means one charger, two, or something in between.
Blog Author: Rowan Egan