Complete EV Charger Installation Guide

Professional insights into electric vehicle charging for UK homes and businesses. Learn about charger types, installation requirements, costs, grants, and best practices from industry expert Allen Hart.

View EV Charger Options Download Installation Guide
7kW
Standard Home Charging
£350
OZEV Grant Available
8-10hrs
Full Overnight Charge
40-60%
Cost Savings vs Public

Benefits of Home EV Charging

Installing an EV charger at home offers numerous advantages. Professional installation ensures quality and exceptional performance.

Ultimate Convenience

Charge your vehicle overnight while you sleep. No more waiting in line at public charging stations or planning your day around charging stops. Your car is always ready to go when you need it.

Significant Cost Savings

Home charging is typically 40-60% cheaper than public charging stations. Save hundreds annually by charging at home, especially during off-peak hours.

Increased Property Value

EV charging infrastructure can increase your home's value by 3-5%. As electric vehicles become more common, homes with pre-installed charging capabilities are increasingly attractive to potential buyers.

Environmental Benefits

Reduce your carbon footprint by charging with home solar or during off-peak hours when the grid uses more renewable energy. Support a cleaner future while enjoying the convenience of home charging.

EV Charger Types & Power Ratings

Choosing the right EV charger for your home is essential for efficient and convenient electric vehicle charging. Here's what you need to know about the different types available.

Types of EV Chargers

Tethered vs. Untethered Chargers

Tethered Chargers: These come with a permanently attached charging cable. They're convenient as you don't need to store a separate cable, but offer less flexibility with different vehicle connectors.

Untethered Chargers: These have a socket where you plug in a separate charging cable. They offer more flexibility with different vehicle types and can be future-proofed against connector changes, but require you to supply and store your own cable.

Power Ratings Explained

3.6kW Chargers: Entry-level option that charges at about the same rate as a standard 3-pin socket but with added safety features. Suitable for overnight charging or PHEVs.

7kW Chargers: The most common home charging option, providing a full charge for most EVs overnight (6-8 hours). Requires a dedicated circuit.

22kW Chargers: High-powered option that can charge compatible vehicles up to three times faster than 7kW units. Requires three-phase power supply, which most UK homes don't have as standard.

Smart Charging Features

App Control: Manage and monitor your charging remotely via smartphone apps.

Off-Peak Charging: Program your charger to operate during cheaper electricity rate periods.

Load Balancing: Prevents overloading your home's electrical supply by adjusting charging rates.

Solar Integration: Some smart chargers can prioritize using excess solar energy to charge your vehicle.

Usage Reporting: Track energy consumption and charging costs over time.

EV Charger Comparison

Feature

3.6kW Charger

7kW Charger

22kW Charger

Charging Speed

10-15 miles per hour

25-30 miles per hour

Up to 75-90 miles per hour

Full Charge Time (60kWh battery)

16-20 hours

8-10 hours

2.5-3 hours

Power Supply Required

Single-phase

Single-phase

Three-phase

Typical Installation Cost

£500-£800

£800-£1,200

£1,200-£2,000+

Best For

PHEVs, occasional use

Daily charging, most EVs

Multiple EVs, high-mileage drivers

EV Charger Installation Process

Understanding what to expect during a professional installation process. This guide walks you through the typical steps involved when getting an EV charging station installed.

Initial Consultation & Site Survey

Thorough assessment of your property's electrical capacity, optimal charger location, and identification of any potential challenges or requirements.

Electrical Assessment & Planning

Certified electricians evaluate your electrical panel, load capacity, and wiring to ensure compatibility and determine any necessary upgrades.

Permits & Compliance

Professional handling of Building Regulations compliance, Part P notification, and any required local authority permissions.

Professional Installation

Certified installation including mounting, wiring, circuit protection, and commissioning. Most installations completed in 2-4 hours.

Testing & Education

Comprehensive testing, user training, and provision of all certification documents including installation and compliance certificates.

EV Charger Costs & Grants

A guide to electric vehicle charger installation costs and available grants in the UK

EV Charger Installation Costs

The cost of installing an electric vehicle charger at your home can vary based on several factors:

  • Type of charger (standard 7kW, fast 22kW, etc.)
  • Brand and model of the charging unit
  • Distance from your consumer unit to the installation point
  • Any groundwork required (e.g., digging trenches)
  • Additional electrical work needed

Typical installation costs in the UK range from £800 to £1,500 before any grants are applied. Premium models with advanced features may cost more.

OZEV Grant Information

The Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV) offers the Electric Vehicle Homecharge Scheme (EVHS) to help with installation costs:

  • Up to £350 (or 75% of installation costs, whichever is lower)
  • Available for homeowners with dedicated off-street parking
  • Must use an OZEV-approved installer
  • Grant application process can be handled by qualified installers
  • You must own, lease, or have ordered a qualifying electric vehicle

Note: Grant availability and terms may change. It's advisable to check the latest information on the government website.

Typical EV Charger Installation Price Ranges

Installation Type

Price Range (Before Grant)

Price Range (After Grant)

Standard Installation (7kW)

£800 - £1,100

£450 - £750

Complex Installation (longer cable run)

£1,000 - £1,300

£650 - £950

Premium Installation (22kW)

£1,200 - £1,500+

£850 - £1,150+

Additional Groundwork

£200 - £500 extra depending on complexity

Factors That May Affect Installation Cost

  • Property Type: Detached, semi-detached, or terraced homes may have different installation requirements
  • Cable Length: Longer distances between your consumer unit and charging point increase costs
  • Groundwork: If cables need to run under gardens, driveways, or pathways
  • Electrical Capacity: Some homes may need electrical upgrades to support an EV charger
  • Charger Features: Smart charging capabilities, app control, and other features affect unit cost
  • Wall Type: Different mounting surfaces may require special fixtures

Smart Charging Technology

Advanced features that optimize charging efficiency, reduce costs, and integrate with home energy systems

App Control & Monitoring

Remote control via smartphone apps, real-time charging status, energy consumption tracking, and charging session scheduling.

Off-Peak Charging

Automated charging during cheaper electricity rate periods, integration with time-of-use tariffs, and cost optimization features.

Load Management

Dynamic load balancing to prevent electrical system overload, integration with home energy management systems.

Solar Integration

Smart chargers can prioritize using excess solar energy to charge your vehicle, maximizing renewable energy usage and reducing grid dependency.

Frequently Asked Questions About EV Charger Installation

Find answers to common questions about EV charger installation services. If you don't see your question here, please contact us directly.

Are EV chargers compatible with all electric vehicles?

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Most home EV chargers in the UK are compatible with all fully electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles. The standard connector is called Type 2, which works with the vast majority of EVs on the road, including models from Tesla, BMW, Kia, Hyundai, Nissan, and many others. Some cars may require an adapter or a specific type of charger, so it's always worth checking your vehicle's requirements before choosing a charger.

What charging speeds can you expect from a home EV charger?

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Most home EV chargers in the UK are rated at either 7kW or 22kW, depending on your property's electrical supply and the charger you install. A typical 7kW charger can add around 25 to 30 miles of range per hour, which is ideal for overnight charging. For most UK drivers, a 7kW charger is more than fast enough to keep their EV topped up for daily use.

How long does it take to install a home EV charger?

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Most standard home EV charger installations in the UK take around 2 to 4 hours. The exact time can vary depending on your home's electrical setup and where the charger is being fitted. Installers will usually give you a more accurate timescale after a quick survey or consultation.

Will I need to upgrade my consumer unit for an EV charger?

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Not always. Many UK homes already have enough electrical capacity to support a 7kW home EV charger without any major upgrades. Before installation, a qualified electrician will carry out a site survey to check your consumer unit, main fuse, and overall load on the system.

Can EV chargers be installed outdoors?

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Yes, EV chargers can be installed in a variety of locations, including outdoors. Outdoor chargers are designed to be weatherproof and are built to handle the UK climate all year round. An experienced installer can advise on the best setup for your space.

What kind of warranty comes with an EV charger installation?

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Most EV chargers in the UK come with a manufacturer's warranty, typically lasting between 3 and 5 years. Professional installers will often offer a separate installation warranty covering their workmanship for 12 months.

What should I do if my EV charger stops working?

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If your EV charger stops working, first check if it's still under warranty. Most chargers come with at least a 3-year warranty in the UK. You may need to contact the installer or manufacturer directly for support.

What maintenance does an EV charger need?

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EV chargers are generally low maintenance. Visually inspect the cable and plug regularly for any signs of wear, damage, or fraying. Most modern chargers come with an app that can alert you to any faults or performance issues.

What safety features are built into EV chargers?

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EV chargers in the UK are designed with safety in mind and include several built-in protections. Most models come with fault protection, thermal sensors, and automatic shut-off functions. Installations must meet the latest UK Wiring Regulations.

Are permits needed for an EV charger installation?

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In most cases, yes. In the UK, installing a home EV charger is classed as notifiable electrical work, which means it needs to be reported to your local building control authority under Part P of the Building Regulations. If you use a registered electrician, they can handle this for you.