EV Charger Installation UK 2025
Complete guide to getting an electric car charger installed at home
EV Charger Installation Overview
Installing a home EV charger is one of the best investments you can make as an electric car owner. A dedicated home charging point is up to 3x faster than a three-pin plug and can save you hundreds of pounds annually through smart tariff integration.
The good news? Most UK homes are suitable for EV charger installation, and the process is straightforward when you use a qualified installer. A typical installation takes just 2-4 hours and costs between £800-£1,500 including the charger unit.
Key Facts: Home EV Charger Installation
- Average cost: £800-£1,500 (including charger)
- Installation time: 2-4 hours (standard install)
- Recommended power: 7kW for most UK homes
- Government grant: Up to £350 for eligible applicants
- Required qualification: Part P certified electrician
Find EV Charger Installers Near You
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EV Charger Installation Costs
Understanding what affects installation costs helps you budget accurately. Here's a breakdown of typical UK installation costs in 2025:
| Installation Type | Cost Range | What's Included |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Installation | £800-£1,000 | Charger unit, up to 5m cable run, standard mounting |
| Standard Installation | £1,000-£1,300 | Charger unit, up to 15m cable run, external mounting |
| Complex Installation | £1,300-£2,000 | Longer cable runs, consumer unit upgrade, groundworks |
Additional Cost Factors
Cable Distance
Longer runs from your consumer unit add £50-100 per 5 metres.
Consumer Unit Upgrade
If your fuse box needs upgrading, expect £300-500 extra.
Underground Cabling
Running cables to a detached garage costs £200-500.
Earth Rod
Some installations require an earth rod (£75-150).
For a detailed breakdown of costs, see our dedicated EV charger installation cost guide.
Finding an EV Charger Installer Near You
Choosing the right installer is crucial for a safe, compliant, and warranty-protected installation. Here's what to look for:
Essential Installer Qualifications
Part P Certification
All EV charger installers must be Part P certified, meaning they're registered with an approved competent person scheme. This is a legal requirement.
Accreditation Bodies
Look for registration with NAPIT, NICEIC, ELECSA, or equivalent bodies. These verify competence and provide consumer protection.
OZEV Approval
If you're eligible for the government grant, your installer must be OZEV-approved. They'll handle the application on your behalf.
Manufacturer Training
Many charger brands require specific training for warranty validity. Ask if your installer is trained on your chosen brand.
How to Choose the Right Installer
Get Multiple Quotes
We recommend getting at least 3 quotes to compare prices and services.
Check Reviews
Read customer reviews to assess quality of work and customer service.
Verify Credentials
Ask for registration numbers and check them with the accreditation body.
Confirm What's Included
Ensure quotes include the charger, installation, and all materials.
Find Verified Installers in Your Area
Browse our directory of verified EV charger installers. Read reviews, compare services, and request free quotes.
Choosing Your EV Charger
Before installation, you'll need to choose your charger. Here are the key decisions:
Power Output: 7kW vs 22kW
7kW Single-Phase (Recommended)
- Suitable for all UK homes
- Adds 25-30 miles range per hour
- Fully charges most EVs overnight
- Lower installation cost
- Most popular choice
22kW Three-Phase
- Requires three-phase electrical supply
- Adds 70-80 miles range per hour
- Rarely needed for home use
- Higher installation cost
- Better for commercial premises
Our Recommendation
Unless you have very specific needs and already have three-phase power, a 7kW charger is the best choice for home installation.
Tethered vs Untethered
Tethered (Built-in Cable)
- Convenient - just grab and plug in
- Always ready to use
- Cable length fixed (typically 5-7.5m)
- Slightly higher cost
Untethered (Socket Only)
- Neater appearance when not in use
- Flexible - use any cable length
- Must store and connect cable each time
- Good if you have multiple EVs
For detailed charger comparisons, see our Best Electric Car Chargers UK 2025 guide.
The EV Charger Installation Process
Understanding what happens during installation helps you prepare. Here's the typical process:
Initial Enquiry & Quote (5-10 minutes)
Contact installers for quotes. Provide details about your property, parking location, and consumer unit position.
Site Survey (30-60 minutes)
The installer visits to assess your property, check electrical capacity, plan cable routing, and confirm the final quote.
Installation Day (2-4 hours)
The installer mounts the charger, runs cables from your consumer unit, installs a dedicated circuit, and tests everything.
Setup & Handover (15-30 minutes)
The installer demonstrates the charger, helps set up the app, and provides certification documents.
What Happens During a Site Survey
The site survey is crucial - the installer assesses your property to determine the best installation approach.
Electrical Assessment
- Consumer unit capacity: Is there space for a new circuit? Is an upgrade needed?
- Main fuse rating: Is your electrical supply sufficient (typically 60A or 100A)?
- Earthing arrangement: Is an earth rod required?
- Existing load: What other high-power appliances do you have?
Physical Assessment
- Mounting location: Where will the charger be positioned?
- Cable routing: What's the best path from consumer unit to charger?
- Cable length: How far is it from the car's charging port to the charger?
- Weather protection: Is additional weatherproofing needed?
Government Grants for EV Charger Installation
The UK government offers grants to help with EV charger installation costs. Here's what's available in 2025:
EV Chargepoint Grant (EVCG)
The EVCG provides up to £350 (or 75% of costs, whichever is lower) towards installing a home charger.
Who's Eligible in 2025?
- Renters: Private and social housing tenants (with landlord permission)
- Flat owners: Leaseholders and those living in flats
- Homeowners with on-street parking only: No off-street parking available
Important Change
Homeowners with driveways or off-street parking are no longer eligible for the OZEV grant as of 2024. The grant now focuses on those who face more barriers to EV adoption.
How the Grant Works
- Your OZEV-approved installer applies on your behalf
- The grant is deducted from your installation cost
- The charger must be a smart charger meeting technical requirements
Installation Requirements
Before booking an installation, make sure your property meets these basic requirements:
Essential Requirements
- Off-street parking: A driveway, garage, or dedicated parking space
- Adequate electrical supply: Most UK homes have sufficient supply (60A or 100A main fuse)
- Space for the charger: An external wall, garage wall, or post near your parking
- WiFi signal: Smart chargers need internet connectivity
Planning Permission
Most home EV charger installations don't require planning permission. However, you may need permission if:
- You live in a listed building
- Your property is in a conservation area
- The charger would project more than 0.2m from the wall
- You want to install on the front of your property facing a highway
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does EV charger installation cost?
A typical home EV charger installation costs between £800-£1,500 including the charger unit. Basic installations start around £800-£1,000, while complex installations with electrical upgrades can reach £1,500-£2,000. The OZEV grant can reduce costs by up to £350 for eligible applicants.
How do I find EV charger installers near me?
You can find local EV charger installers through our installer directory, which lists verified electricians across the UK. Look for OZEV-approved installers if claiming the grant. We recommend getting 2-3 quotes.
How long does installation take?
A standard home EV charger installation takes 2-4 hours. If your fuse box needs upgrading or extensive cable routing is required, it may take a full day. Most installers complete the work in a single visit.
Do I need planning permission?
Most home EV charger installations don't require planning permission under permitted development rights. You may need permission for listed buildings, conservation areas, or if the charger projects more than 0.2m from the wall.
Can any electrician install an EV charger?
Any Part P certified electrician can legally install an EV charger. However, for OZEV grant eligibility, the installer must be specifically OZEV-approved. Specialist EV installers often have more experience and may offer better prices.
What's the difference between 7kW and 22kW chargers?
7kW chargers work with standard single-phase electricity (most UK homes) and add 25-30 miles of range per hour. 22kW chargers require three-phase power (uncommon in UK homes) and charge about 3x faster. For most home users, 7kW is more than sufficient.
Is my home suitable for an EV charger?
Most UK homes are suitable for 7kW EV charger installation. You need off-street parking within cable reach of your car, adequate electrical supply (most homes have this), and space for the charger unit. An installer's site survey will confirm suitability.
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