EV Charger Installation: What It Costs and How It Works

Electric vehicles are becoming the norm. If you’ve bought one—or are planning to—a home charger is a game-changer. Charge overnight, wake up with a full battery, and never visit a petrol station again. Here’s how it works.

Wall box vs. 3-pin plug: Why wall boxes matter

You can charge via a standard 3-pin plug (granny charger), but it’s slow and potentially unsafe. A wall-mounted charger is faster, safer, and actually cheaper in the long run because you’ll charge faster and use cheaper home electricity instead of paying premium prices at public fast chargers.

7kW vs. 22kW: Which should you choose?

• 7kW (single-phase, most homes): Charges 25–30 miles of range per hour. Perfect for overnight charging. Costs £500–900 installed.
• 22kW (three-phase, larger homes): Charges 80–100 miles per hour. Overkill for home use unless you have three-phase power and drive a lot. Costs £1,200–2,000 installed.

Most UK homes have single-phase supply, so 7kW is the standard choice.

Installation cost breakdown

Typical cost: £500–1,200 installed for a 7kW unit, depending on:

• Location of the charger. Near the car port is cheapest; running cable 30m across your garden costs more.
• Your home’s electrical capacity. Some older homes need a sub-board upgrade (adds £300–500).
• Cable routing. Easy wall-mounted runs cost less; underground ducts cost more.
• Permissions. If you’re in a flat or terraced house, landlord/freeholder approval takes time but not money.

Government grants and OZEV

The UK government’s OZEV grant covered up to £350 of the cost—but it ended in March 2022. Some councils still offer grants; check with your local authority. Your energy supplier may also offer subsidies.

Safety and Building Regulations

EV charger installation is notifiable work under Building Regulations. Your electrician must test the installation and provide certification. This protects your home, your car, and your insurance.

Smart charging vs. dumb

A “dumb” charger is cheaper (£400–700) but charges whenever you plug in. A smart charger (~£900–1,200) lets you schedule charging during off-peak hours (cheaper rates), shift charging to suit renewable generation, and monitor usage via an app. Smart chargers are worth the extra for long-term savings.

Bottom line: Budget £700–1,200 for installation, get a 7kW charger if you have single-phase supply, and opt for smart charging to maximize savings. The installation is a 2–3 hour job for a qualified electrician.