Types of Home EV Charger Explained: Which One Do You Need?

Thinking of installing an EV charger at home? You're not alone. With more Irish drivers making the switch to electric vehicles, home EV charging is quickly becoming a must-have. But with different types of chargers on the market, it can be tricky to know which one is right for your needs.

In this guide, we’ll break down the main types of home EV chargers available in Ireland, the key features to consider, and how to choose the best fit for your vehicle, lifestyle, and budget.

Tethered vs Untethered EV Chargers

Let’s start with one of the most common questions: tethered or untethered?

Tethered Chargers

Tethered EV chargers come with a built-in cable—think of it like a fuel hose at a petrol station. Just plug it into your car, and you’re good to go.

Pros:

• Convenient and fast to plug in
• No need to handle a separate cable
• Often a neater solution for daily use

Cons:

• Fixed to one cable type (e.g. Type 2)
• Less flexibility if you change cars or have visitors with different connectors

✅ Best for: Homeowners with one EV and a regular charging routine.

Untethered Chargers

Untethered chargers (also called socket-only units) don’t have a fixed cable. Instead, you use your car’s own charging cable.

Pros:

• Flexible – works with different EVs or plug types
• Neater when not in use
• Often preferred for minimalist aesthetics

Cons:

• Slightly less convenient (you’ll need to fetch your cable each time)

✅ Best for: Multi-EV households, futureproofing, or rental properties.

Smart vs Standard Chargers

Ireland's SEAI grant scheme encourages the use of smart EV chargers – and with good reason.

Smart EV Chargers

These chargers connect to Wi-Fi or an app, offering features like:

• Scheduled charging during off-peak hours
• Integration with energy tariffs
• Solar PV compatibility (with models like Zappi)
• Usage tracking

✅ Best for: Anyone looking to save on electricity bills or pair their charger with solar panels.

Standard EV Chargers

These are plug-and-charge only. No frills, no app.

Pros:

• Cheaper upfront
• Simple to use

Cons:

• No scheduling or energy management
• Not eligible for the SEAI home charger grant

❌ Not recommended for most Irish households due to grant restrictions.

Solar-Compatible Chargers

If your home has solar panels, or you’re thinking of installing them. A solar-compatible EV charger is a smart long-term investment.

Models like the Ohme Home Pro & Zappi intelligently divert surplus solar energy to your EV, meaning you can drive using free, clean energy generated at home. Take a look at our review of the Zappi home charger

✅ Best for: Eco-conscious homeowners or those already investing in solar.

Single-Phase vs Three-Phase Charging

Most Irish homes have a single-phase electrical supply, which supports chargers up to 7.4kW. That’s perfect for overnight charging.

However, three-phase chargers (up to 22kW) are available for homes with a compatible electrical setup. Though these are less common and usually require an upgrade from ESB Networks.

✅ Best for: Larger homes or businesses with high charging needs.

So, Which Charger Should You Choose?

Here’s a quick comparison:

Don’t Forget the SEAI Grant

Homeowners in Ireland can claim up to €300 towards the cost of a home EV charger via the SEAI Home Charger Grant. To qualify, the charger must be smart and installed by a registered installer like WattCharger.

⚡ Ready to Install Your EV Charger?

At WattCharger, we supply and install the best EV chargers in Ireland from trusted brands like Ohme, Zappi and more. Our RECI-certified team covers all of Ireland, ensuring a safe, professional setup tailored to your home.

✅ Free consultation
✅ SEAI grant support
✅ Expert local installation