Installing a home EV charger is one of the best investments you can make as an electric car owner. Charging at home is cheaper, more convenient, and faster than relying on a three-pin plug. But how does the installation process actually work, what does it cost, and what regulations do you need to be aware of?
This guide covers everything you need to know about EV charger installation in the UK — from choosing the right charger to finding a qualified installer and claiming your OZEV grant.
How much does EV charger installation cost?
The total cost of a home EV charger installation in the UK typically falls between £800 and £1,500. This includes both the charger unit itself and the installation labour. Here is a rough breakdown of what to expect:
| Cost element | Typical range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| EV charger unit | £300 – £800 | Depends on brand and features |
| Standard installation | £300 – £500 | Within 10m of consumer unit |
| Extended cable run (10m+) | £100 – £300 extra | Longer distance to fuse board |
| Consumer unit upgrade | £150 – £300 | If your fuse board needs replacing |
| DNO application (if needed) | £0 – £100 | Required for some properties |
| OZEV grant discount | Up to –£350 | If you qualify |
What happens during installation?
A typical home EV charger installation takes between two and four hours. Here is what the process looks like from start to finish:
1. Site survey
Your installer will either visit your property or carry out a remote survey using photos. They will assess the distance from your fuse board to where you want the charger mounted, check your electrical supply, and confirm whether your consumer unit needs upgrading. Some installers include this in the installation cost, while others charge a separate survey fee.
2. DNO notification
Under current regulations, your installer must notify your local Distribution Network Operator (DNO) before installing an EV charger. This is because the charger draws significant power and the DNO needs to know about it for grid planning purposes. In most cases this is a simple notification that does not delay the installation. In some cases — particularly on older electrical supplies or in rural areas — the DNO may need to upgrade your supply, which can add a few weeks to the timeline.
3. Installation day
On the day of installation, the electrician will run a dedicated circuit from your consumer unit to the charger location. This involves fitting a new MCB (miniature circuit breaker) in your fuse board, running armoured or twin-and-earth cable to the mounting point, and physically mounting the charger on your wall. If your consumer unit does not have a spare way, or is an older model without RCD protection, it may need to be upgraded or replaced.
4. Testing and commissioning
Once installed, the electrician will carry out a full electrical test to make sure everything is safe and compliant. They will configure the charger, connect it to your WiFi if applicable, and walk you through how to use the app. You should receive an electrical installation certificate, which you will need if you are claiming the OZEV grant.
5. Registration
If your charger is OZEV approved and you are claiming the grant, your installer will handle the grant application on your behalf. They will also register the installation with your local building control body, as required under Part P of the building regulations.
Do I need planning permission?
In the vast majority of cases, no. Installing an EV charger at your home is considered permitted development, meaning you do not need planning permission. However, there are some exceptions:
Listed buildings: If your property is a listed building, you will need listed building consent before installing a charger.
Conservation areas: If the charger will be visible from the road in a conservation area, you may need to check with your local planning authority.
Flats and apartments: If you live in a flat, you will need permission from your landlord or management company. The installation may also need to comply with the building's fire regulations.
For a standard detached, semi-detached, or terraced house, you can go ahead without any planning applications.
Who can install an EV charger?
EV charger installation is not a DIY job. Under Part P of the building regulations in England and Wales, any new electrical circuit in a domestic property must be installed by a qualified electrician who is registered with a competent person scheme such as NICEIC, NAPIT, or ELECSA. This ensures the work meets BS 7671 (the IET Wiring Regulations) and is safe.
If you are claiming the OZEV grant, your installer must also be an OZEV-approved installer. This means they have been authorised by the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles to carry out grant-eligible installations.
Choosing the right charger for your home
Before your installer arrives, you will need to decide which charger to go for. Here are the key decisions:
Tethered vs untethered
A tethered charger has the cable permanently attached, so you simply grab the connector and plug into your car. An untethered charger has a Type 2 socket, and you use your own charging cable. Tethered is more convenient for daily use; untethered gives a cleaner look and is better if you have multiple EVs with different connectors.
Smart vs non-smart
Since July 2023, all home EV chargers installed in the UK must be smart chargers. This means they must be capable of connecting to the internet, scheduling charging sessions, and responding to energy demand signals. In practice, every charger we sell at eChargers UK meets this requirement.
Power output
Most home chargers are 7kW, which is the maximum you can get on a single-phase electricity supply (the standard in UK homes). This will add around 30 miles of range per hour of charging, fully charging most EVs overnight. If your property has a three-phase supply, you could opt for a 22kW charger for faster charging.
Smart tariff compatibility
If you are on an EV-specific energy tariff like Octopus Intelligent Go or OVO Charge Anytime, check that your charger is compatible. Chargers from Ohme, Indra, and certain models from Easee integrate directly with these tariffs to automatically charge your car when electricity is cheapest.
You can also browse our collections of chargers compatible with Octopus Intelligent Go and compatible with OVO Charge Anytime.
OZEV grant: how to save up to £350
The EV chargepoint grant (formerly EVHS) gives eligible applicants up to £350 towards the cost of purchasing and installing a home EV charger. Here is who qualifies:
| Who qualifies | Details |
|---|---|
| Homeowners | Owner-occupiers of a property with dedicated off-street parking |
| Tenants | Private and social housing tenants with landlord permission and off-street parking |
| Landlords | Can claim for rental properties (up to £350 per socket, max 200 sockets) |
| Flat owners/tenants | Eligible if you have off-street parking and permission from management company |
To claim the grant, you need to use an OZEV-approved installer and choose an OZEV-approved charger. Your installer will handle the paperwork and deduct the grant from your invoice. You can read more in our full guide to all OZEV grants available in 2026.
How long does installation take?
A straightforward installation where the charger is mounted within a few metres of your fuse board typically takes two to three hours. If the cable run is longer, or if your consumer unit needs upgrading, it can take up to half a day.
The overall timeline from ordering to having a working charger is usually one to two weeks, depending on installer availability and whether a DNO application is needed.
Common EV charger installation questions
Can I install a charger if I park on the street?
Not directly — the OZEV grant requires off-street parking. However, some local councils are installing on-street charging infrastructure. If you park on a driveway, shared car park, or private road, you should be eligible.
Will installing a charger increase my electricity bill?
Yes, but it is still significantly cheaper than petrol. Charging at home on a standard tariff costs roughly 7–12p per mile, compared to 16–20p per mile for a petrol car. On a cheap overnight tariff, home charging can cost as little as 2–4p per mile.
Can I move my charger if I move house?
Technically yes, but most people leave the charger in place as it adds value to the property. EV chargers are increasingly seen as a selling point, similar to a new boiler or solar panels.
What if my fuse board is old?
If your consumer unit is an older model without RCD protection, your installer will likely recommend upgrading it. This adds £150–£300 to the cost but is necessary for safety and compliance.
What is the difference between tethered and untethered?
A tethered charger has a built-in cable — just grab it and plug in. An untethered charger has a socket, and you use your own Type 2 cable. Tethered is more convenient; untethered is tidier and more flexible.
Do I need a dedicated parking space?
You need off-street parking to qualify for the OZEV grant, but this includes driveways, garages, car ports, and private parking areas. You do not need a garage — wall-mounted chargers are weatherproof and designed for outdoor use.
Ready to get started?
Browse our full range of home EV chargers, choose the right model for your needs, and find a trusted installer near you. With free UK delivery and OZEV-approved options, getting a home charger has never been easier.
If you need help choosing, call us on 0330 043 8012 or email adam@echargersuk.co.uk.