EV Charger Installation: Guide to Home EV Charging in the UK

If you’ve bought an electric car or are seriously considering one, the next big question is how to handle EV charger installation at home. While you can technically charge from a 3‑pin socket, it’s slow, less convenient, and not ideal for long‑term use.

This guide walks through how home EV charger installation works in the UK, what it costs, what to expect from the survey and fitting day, and how to choose the right charger for your home.

Why install a dedicated home EV charger?

Installing a dedicated home EV charger (often called a wallbox) gives you:

• Faster charging A typical home charger is 7 kW, compared with around 2.3 kW from a normal 3‑pin plug. That means:

  • Quicker overnight charges.
  • Less worry about whether you’ll have enough range in the morning.

• Better safety Home EV chargers are designed to handle high loads for long periods. A proper installation:

  • Uses dedicated cabling and protection devices.
  • Reduces the risk of overheating sockets and extension leads.

• Lower running costs with smart tariffs Many chargers integrate with EV‑friendly electricity tariffs that:

  • Charge your car when electricity is cheaper and greener.
  • Automatically schedule charging for off‑peak times.

• More convenience Plug in when you get home, wake up with a full battery—no detours to public chargers unless you’re doing longer trips.

If you’re planning to keep your EV for a while, a proper EV charger installation is one of the best upgrades you can make.

What does EV charger installation involve?

Every property is slightly different, but most home EV charger installations in the UK follow a similar process:

1. Initial questionnaire or quote You’ll usually complete an online form covering:

   • Your EV make and model.
   • Where you park (driveway, garage, on‑street).
   • Approximate distance from your parking spot to your fuse box.

2. Remote or in‑person survey Installers often ask for photos of your fuse box, meter, and parking area, or they visit in person. They use this to:

   • Check whether your existing supply is suitable.
   • Plan the cable route and charger position.
   • Spot any extra work needed (e.g. a small consumer unit or earth rod).

3. DNO notification or approval Your installer will normally handle paperwork with your Distribution Network Operator (DNO). In some cases, they just notify the DNO after installation; in others, they must get approval before installation if:

   • Your main fuse rating is low.
   • You already have high‑load equipment (like a heat pump, electric shower, or another EV charger).

4. Installation day On the day, the engineer will:

   • Mount the charger on a suitable wall or post near your parking space.
   • Run a dedicated cable back to your consumer unit (fuse box).
   • Fit any required safety devices, surge protection, or a small secondary board.
   • Test the charger and show you how to use the app.

5. Setup and smart features Most modern chargers come with an app to:

   • Schedule charging around off‑peak tariffs.
   • Set charge limits and track energy usage.
   • Integrate with your energy supplier if they offer EV‑specific tariffs.

How much does EV charger installation cost in the UK?

The cost of EV charger installation depends on:

• The charger brand and power rating (most UK homes use 7 kW).
• How far you are from the fuse box.
• Whether your home needs any upgrades to handle the extra load.

As a rough guide:

• Standard installations (short cable run, no major upgrades) often cost:
  • Around £800–£1,200 including VAT for a smart 7 kW charger and fitting.
• More complex installations (long cable runs, consumer unit works, trenching) can be higher:
  • £1,200+, depending on the work involved.

Some suppliers bundle the charger, installation, and a special EV tariff together, which can make the overall package more competitive, especially if you plan to keep the charger and tariff for several years.

Can grants or schemes reduce EV charger installation costs?

UK incentives change over time, but historically there have been:

• Government schemes for some households, renters, and flat owners.
• Employer schemes for workplace charging.
• Occasional supplier‑specific offers where you get a discount if you take a particular EV tariff or lease deal.

It’s worth checking:

• The latest guidance on the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV) website.
• Whether your chosen installer is OZEV‑approved (often required for grant eligibility).

Choosing the right EV charger for your home

When you’re planning EV charger installation, think about:

1. Charging speed

Most UK homes choose a 7 kW single‑phase charger, which typically adds:

• Roughly 25–30 miles of range per hour (exact figure depends on your car).

Faster home chargers (11 kW or 22 kW) usually require three‑phase power, which most UK homes don’t have, so they’re more common in workplaces than domestic installs.

2. Tethered vs untethered

• Tethered chargers

  • Have a built‑in cable that lives on the charger.
  • Very convenient: just unhook and plug in.
  • Cable length is fixed, so think about where you’ll park.

• Untethered chargers

  • Use a separate Type 2 cable you plug in each time.
  • Look neater when not in use and are more flexible if you change cars.
  • Slightly less convenient than tethered for daily use.

3. Smart features and app quality

Look for chargers that offer:

• Scheduling: set your car to charge during off‑peak, cheaper periods.
• Load management: avoid overloading your home by automatically adjusting charge rate.
• Integration with energy tariffs: some chargers link directly to smart EV tariffs to always chase the lowest‑cost hours.
• Good app design: easy‑to‑use apps make day‑to‑day charging much less hassle.

4. Solar and home energy integration

If you already have, or are planning, solar panels, consider:

• Chargers that can prioritise solar energy when the sun is shining.
• Modes that blend solar plus grid to reach a target charge level by morning.

This can significantly improve the carbon footprint and cost‑efficiency of your EV charging.

Do you need a home survey before EV charger installation?

Yes—a proper survey is essential for safe and compliant EV charger installation.

During the survey, the installer will:

• Check your main fuse rating and consumer unit.
• Look at the earthing arrangement and bonding.
• Confirm the cable route from your fuse box to your parking spot.
• Identify any potential issues like:
  • Long cable runs requiring thicker cable.
  • The need for an earth rod or isolation switch.
  • Limited space near your consumer unit.

In many cases, suppliers now offer remote surveys using photos and video. For more complex homes, an in‑person survey is still common.

What about on‑street parking and EV charger installation?

If you don’t have a driveway, EV charger installation becomes trickier, but not impossible:

• Some councils are trialling lamp‑post chargers and kerbside charging.
• A few installers offer solutions that run cables safely under pavements with local authority permission.
• In many cases, if you rely on on‑street parking, you may need to lean more on public chargers and workplace charging until infrastructure improves in your area.

Always check your local council’s guidelines before running any cables across public pavements, even with covers—safety and liability are key.

Safety and regulations for EV charger installation

EV charger installation in the UK must comply with:

• BS 7671 (Wiring Regulations).
• IET Code of Practice for Electric Vehicle Charging Equipment Installation.
• Relevant building regulations and DNO requirements.

This is why you should always:

• Use a qualified, experienced installer rather than DIY.
• Make sure you receive:
  • An installation certificate.
  • Any warranty details.
  • Clear instructions on how to use and maintain the charger safely.

A reputable installer will also explain:

• How to shut the charger off in an emergency.
• Any routine checks you should do (e.g. visual inspection of cables and sockets).

How to get the most from your home EV charger

Once your EV charger installation is complete, a few habits can save money and reduce carbon:

1. Use off‑peak tariffs where possible

   • Shift most of your charging to overnight, cheaper periods.
   • Let your charger or energy supplier app automate this for you.

2. Avoid constant 100% charging

   • Many EV manufacturers recommend charging to 80–90% for daily use.
   • Save 100% charges for long trips to help protect battery health.

3. Keep an eye on your usage

   • Use your charger app and energy bill to track how much you’re spending on charging.
   • Adjust schedules or tariffs if costs creep up.

4. Maintain good cable habits

   • Store cables neatly to avoid trip hazards and damage.
   • Keep connectors dry and free from dirt.

Quick FAQs about EV charger installation

How long does EV charger installation take? Most standard home installations take 2–4 hours. More complex jobs (long cable runs, consumer unit upgrades) can take half a day or slightly longer.

Can every home have an EV charger installed? Many homes can, but not all. Properties with very limited electrical capacity, unusual earthing, or no off‑street parking may face extra challenges. A good installer will explain your options clearly after a survey.

Do I need planning permission for EV charger installation? In most cases, no, as many domestic chargers fall under permitted development—providing they meet certain size and placement rules. Always check if your home is listed or in a conservation area.

Can I install an EV charger myself? EV chargers should be installed by a qualified, competent electrician or specialist installer. DIY installations risk safety issues, voided warranties, and non‑compliance with regulations.

Will EV charging increase my bills a lot? Your electricity usage will rise, but you’ll no longer be paying for petrol or diesel. With a good tariff and sensible charging habits, home EV charging is usually much cheaper per mile than running a petrol or diesel car.

If you’re ready to move beyond slow 3‑pin charging, a professional EV charger installation gives you faster, safer and more convenient home charging. Combine a well‑chosen smart charger with the right energy tariff, and you can enjoy low‑cost, low‑carbon driving for years to come. Checkout the Octopus Energy referral link to get a £25 gift card. Treat yourself at top UK retailers like Amazon, M&S, IKEA, Airbnb, TK Maxx, Costa and loads more!