EV Chargers — Is Your Exeter Home Ready for a Plug-In Future?

More and more Exeter households are switching to EVs, but here’s the catch: not every home is ready to charge one safely.

As a local electrician, I’ve seen people get excited about buying their shiny new car, only to realise their home wiring can’t handle the extra load. So before you plug in and power up, here’s what you need to know.

Check Your Fuse Board

This is the big one.
A lot of older properties still have outdated fuse boards that weren’t designed for high-draw kit like EV chargers. If yours is missing RCD protection or looks a bit dated, upgrading it’s step one before you even think about installation.

Off-Street Parking

You’ll need a safe, permanent spot to charge — ideally off-road or on a driveway. Running a lead across a public pavement might sound like a shortcut, but it’s not one worth taking (or fining).

Supply Capacity

Every home’s power supply has a limit, and EV chargers are hungry. Before fitting one, I check that your main supply can handle the load safely — sometimes it’s fine, sometimes we need to chat to Western Power for an upgrade.

Why Go EV Anyway?

Apart from being better for the planet, EVs are cheaper to run long-term. With a smart charger and off-peak tariff, you can fill up overnight for a fraction of what petrol used to cost.

Home Integration

Modern chargers can sync with your home system, monitor usage, and even draw power from solar panels. I’ve fitted setups that practically run themselves — plug in after work, and by morning you’re ready to roll to the coast or commute.

Exeter’s EV Future

The city’s quietly transforming. More chargers are popping up every month, and plenty of households are going electric early. If you’re thinking of joining the movement, make sure your home’s ready to handle it.

Think of it as tuning your setup before hitting the water — preparation makes the whole ride smoother.