With every passing day, more British drivers are making the switch to electric vehicles. With petrol prices fluctuating and growing environmental concerns, electric vehicles are becoming more appealing.
However, the harsh reality that many new EV owners must face is that while public chargers can provide a quick boost, nothing compares to waking up to a fully charged car parked in your driveway.
The question that often prevents many individuals from transitioning is straightforward: ‘What is the actual cost of installing a suitable EV charger at my home?’
Prices differ widely between providers, and confusing grant schemes don’t help. If you are trying to plan for your EV charger setup, you want straight numbers, not marketing fluff.
In this guide, we will take you through the 2026 cost estimate, describe why prices go up or down, and share how to find reputable EV charger providers.
What Is An EV Charger?
An EV charger is not merely a plug. It is a specialised piece of equipment that controls the safe distribution of electricity from your home to your car’s batteries.
Here is a way to picture it: with your three-pin socket you can deliver power to your vehicle at a trickle, just as if you were filling up your swimming pool using a garden hose.
A purpose-built EV charger is designed for the job and has all sorts of safety cutoffs, communication systems and smart built-in features.
These charging units are permanently mounted to your outside wall or free-standing post. They talk directly with your car to figure out how much power it can accept and when to start or stop charging. Today’s chargers have waterproof casing, security features and even smart connectivity that allow you to control charging from your smartphone.
There are various functions that come with proper EV chargers, such as earth monitoring, temperature controls and auto shut-off, that a standard socket rarely has. EV chargers are convenient and are actually designed for the task of moving huge quantities of electricity safely day in and day out.
Different Types Of EV Charger
All EV chargers are not created equal. Depending on your home’s electrical setup and your driving style, you have to decide what type of EV charger works best for you.
Here are the three types of EV chargers you are most likely to encounter:
3kW Slow Chargers
3kW EV chargers used to be the most common type at the start of EVs but are less common now. These chargers provide approximately 12 to 15 miles of range per hour. For reference, with a 3kW charger, a standard 60kWh battery would require more than 16 hours to fully charge.
Some landlords place these in shared parking areas, but for the vast majority of homeowners, they are too slow to use on a daily basis.
7kW Fast Chargers
7kW EV chargers are the current UK standard and will stay that way until 2027. Single-phase electricity, which the majority of British homes have, suits 7kW charging very well.
These units provide 25 to 30 miles of range per hour, so overnight charging means it takes care of most people’s weekly driving. They are available in dumb versions (just plug and charge) or smart models that allow for scheduling and app control. The smart version is slightly pricier, but it recoups that expense through lower overnight electricity rates.
22kW Rapid Chargers
These heavy-duty machines require three-phase electricity, which most households in the UK are not equipped with. They are three times faster than a 7kW model but need costly electrical work, usually £3,000 to £5,000 to just change the supply.
If you don’t have a particularly rare case or run a taxi fleet from home, 7kW will be more than enough. In many cases most cars don’t accept 22kW on AC anyway, so a 22kW EV charger is overkill for home use.
EV Charger Installation Cost In 2026: A Quick Preview
Let’s get to the question at hand: how much will you need to budget for a home EV charging setup in 2026? The total price will depend on the type of charger you select, your home’s electrical system and any additional work that needs to be done.
Here is a practical look at what each type of EV charger can typically cost when installed by a qualified installer:
| Charger Type | Equipment Cost Range | Installation Cost Range | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
|
3kW Slow Charger |
£250 to £450 |
£700 to £950 |
Low-mileage drivers, infrequent use or low electrical service availability. Delivers 8 to 12 miles of range per hour |
|
7kW Standard Charger |
£400 to £650 |
£900 to £1,300 |
The majority of UK households. Offers 25 to 30 mph. Ideal for overnight charging at a standard single-phase home feed |
|
7kW Smart Charger |
£550 to £850 |
£1,050 to £1,500 |
Most recommended option. Offers app control, schedule and tariff so you can set your charging with the app |
|
22kW Rapid Charger |
£700 to £1,200 |
£2,200 to £5,000 |
Homes with a three-phase supply or those prepared to invest in a significant electrical upgrade are ideal |
The Verdict: For most people planning to install a charger in 2026, the estimated cost of £1,100 to £1,400 for a 7kW smart charger is considered future-proof.
Factors That Influence The Cost Of EV Charger Installation
You might encounter one neighbour who pays £1,100 for an EV charger and another who pays £1,800, as several variables influence the cost of the installation.
Here are some factors that influence the cost:
1. The Consumer Unit
Modern consumer units don’t necessarily need any changes and are easy to install. Older fuse boxes frequently need to be replaced to conform with modern regulations, and the replacement will cost you an additional £300 to £600. Your installers need to confirm that your unit has capacity for the EV charger system.
2. Distance Matters: Cable Length
Typical quotes you receive come with around 10 metres of cable. Every additional metre costs £15 to £25. If your parking spot is far from your electricity supply, the final cost of the EV charger can quickly increase. Going around buildings or under gardens also requires additional materials and manpower.
3. The Groundwork Challenge
Surface cables can be used in many installations, but sometimes wires need to go under driveways or paved areas. Trenching and reinstatement cost an additional £200 to £500 depending on the surface materials and distance. This is dealt with directly by some installers; others sub it out to a groundworker.
4. Mounting Surface And Location
No problem for brick or render walls. The wall material, whether it is timber-clad, metal-clad, or glass, will all have special fixings. Freestanding posts are an optional extra at £200 to £400 but may be required where wall mounting is not possible.
Furthermore, installers take the location of the EV charger into consideration, taking into account things such as Wi-Fi signal strength for smart chargers and future maintenance access.
5. Regional Labour Rates
Electrical contractors’ prices for London and the Home Counties are extremely high. For the Southeast, these numbers are 10 to 15% higher than the norm. Northern England, Scotland and Wales are also slightly below average. EV charger installers add an additional travel fee for rural areas.
6. Charger Specifications
The type of charger you use will influence the overall cost of EV charger installation. The most basic 7kW units start at around £450. Top brands with long warranties or innovative features can cost £1,000 or more. However, bear in mind that incorporating smart features can result in long-term cost savings due to reduced electricity rates.
What Is A Typical EV Charger Installation?
The industry uses a definition of a standard installation to make it easier for consumers to compare quotes fairly.
A Standard Installation Typicall Means:
- Brick or masonry wall-mounted charger.
- Cable length is less than 10 metres from the consumer unit to the charger location.
- There is no need for digging, drilling, or any special construction work.
- A single-storey installation with easy access
- Completion within 3 to 4 hours
- Connection to your current consumer unit
- 2- to 3-year product warranty
What’s Included In A Standard EV Charger Installation?
When you get a realistic quote from a reputable provider, these things should be clearly visible:
The Hardware Package:
- Your selected charger type (tethered or untethered)
- All wall mounting fixings and backplates are included
- Correct circuit protection (RCBO etc.)
- Cables, trunking and connection accessories
- Any smart functionality communication modules
Professional Labour:
- Site survey and risk assessment
- Safe isolation of circuits
- Add a new circuit to the consumer unit
- Installation and fixing of charger unit
- System testing and commissioning
- Electrical connections and termination
Certification And Compliance:
- Electrical Installation Certificate (EIC)
- Notification of compliance in accordance with building regulations
- Registration for a manufacturer’s warranty (usually 3 years)
The Finishing Touches:
- Tidying up the work area
- Setting up smart chargers and their apps
- Explanation of charging schedules and security functions
- Handover of all documentation
A reputable EV charger installer does all this without even being asked. Transparency from the start saves you from unpleasant surprises after.
What’s Not Included In A Standard EV Charger Installation?
Here are some add-ons that are added as individual items in the detailed quotes:
Consumer Unit Upgrades (£300 to £600)
If your fuse box does not have spare ways, is damaged or doesn’t comply with the current standards, then replacement will be required. This increases the overall cost of EV charger installation.
Groundworks And Trenching (£200 to £500+)
If you need to dig up tarmac, a driveway or a garden while running cable under them to install a system, it will increase the price of installation. Costs are dependent on surface material (tarmac, block paving, or concrete) and construction depth.
Extra Length Of Cable (£15 to £25 per metre)
Anything over the usual 10 metres will add up in your final cost. Thicker cable is required for long runs, which also drives up the cost.
Electrical Supply Upgrades
- A request to DNO for a main fuse upgrade: £500 to £1,500
- Supply capacity reinforcement: £1,000 to £2,500
- Earthing rod if required: £150 to £300
Post-Installation Services
- Yearly maintenance contracts: £50 to £120 per annum
- Extended warranties (beyond the standard 3 years)
- More app training or setup: hourly fees
Before signing the contract, make sure to ask for a complete breakdown of cost. A £300 groundwork fee seems reasonable until you hear your neighbour got a similar job done for £150.
Therefore, make sure to discuss all your requirements with the EV charger installer beforehand and get a detailed breakdown of your quote.
Step-By-Step Guide To Find The Best EV Charger Installer
Finding the ideal EV charger installer is not as easy as it seems. Here is a step-by-step process that will help you sidestep some of the pitfalls of finding the ideal EV charger installer:
Research Phase (Week 1)
- Look for certified EV charging companies in your local area.
- Check current Google reviews and look for certain patterns in the feedback.
- Seek personal recommendations from neighbours or friends who own electric cars.
- Visit the EV charger installer website to gain a better idea of who does what professionally.
Quotation Phase (Week 2)
- Find a minimum of three installers and get quotes in writing.
- Please send the same details to each installer to obtain the final quotes.
- Request detailed quotes that include the cost of equipment, labour, and extras; each is detailed separately.
- Enquire how they would address any surprises that arise while installing your EV charger.
Verification Phase (Week 2 to 3)
- Check if the installer is OZEV approved.
- Look to see if the company is part of any competent scheme, such as NICEIC, NAPIT or ELECSA.
- Check if the company is covered by public liability insurance (minimum £2 million).
- Request for references of local jobs performed recently, similar to yours.
Decision Phase (Week 3)
- Don’t just compare prices; also consider the warranties for equipment and workmanship.
- Judge communication: prompt and coherent answers mean professional service.
- Factor in the availability of scheduling and estimated timeframes.
- Review payment conditions: don’t pay all all once at the start of the job
Decision Phase (Week 3)
- Keep the installation place clean and free of any blockage.
- Let someone older be present during installation.
- Ensure you have the wifi password ready for the installation of the smart charger.
- Write down operation and maintenance queries.
This process is exhausting and time-consuming, but you can avoid all this hassle by using ComparedExperts. Just tell us what you need, and we’ll find a trustworthy EV charger installer for you.
EV Charger Installation Grants: What Funding Is Available In 2026?
The grant programmes for EV chargers have been updated. Here is what you should know for 2026:
The Primary EV Chargepoint Grant
The previous Electric Vehicle Homecharge Scheme (EVHS) for homeowners has been terminated. It has been superseded by the EV Chargepoint Grant, which is aimed at renters, apartment owners, and landlords.
Key Details For 2026:
- For renters and flat owners it offers 75% of the cost, with a maximum of £350 per socket. But you must have off-street parking.
- For landlords, the EV Chargepoint Grant offers up to £350 per socket, plus the EV Infrastructure Grant offers an additional amount for the premises (usually up to £30,000).
Other Ways To Save:
- Local Councils: A few will provide top-up grants, especially for Clean Air Zones.
- Energy Supplier: Companies such as Octopus or British Gas occasionally provide discounted installations with selected EV tariffs.
- Workplace Charging Scheme: Businesses may receive up to £350 per socket for workplace EV charge point installation.
How To Claim:
- Choose an OZEV-approved installer. They will complete the application for you.
- Once the installation is complete, your OZEV-approved installer will apply for the grant on the OZEV grant portal.
- Once OZEV approves the claim, your grant will be paid to your EV charger installer, and they will take it off your actual bill.
What To Expect During Your EV Charger Installation: The Process
Knowing how the installation takes place removes the guesswork and allows you to be prepared for the whole process. From your first query to your first charge, here is what occurs:
Pre-Installation Survey: Start Out On The Right Foot
A thorough survey before beginning any work will ensure a smooth installation. Reliable EV charger installers who do come to your premises will either perform a remote survey (via video call or photos) or an in-person visit for more complicated properties.
During The Survey They Will Assess:
- Your Electrical Supply: Will check the rating of your main fuse (60A, 80A or 100A) and overall condition of the consumer unit.
- The Route: They will see how far your consumer unit is from your proposed charge point.
- Physical Factors: The installer will check how the wall is constructed, look at mounting possibilities and note any deterrents.
- Connectivity: Will test the WiFi signal strength at the installation location (important for smart chargers).
- Groundworks: They will flag up any trenching required under driveways or pathways.
This survey typically costs £50 to £100, which is often reimbursed against your final bill if you go ahead. It is done to ensure that your final quote is accurate with no surprise charges later on.
Installation Day: The 4-Step Process
7kW smart charger installation on average takes 3 to 4 hours. Here is what happens step by step:
Step 1: Electrical Setup (30 to 60 minutes)
The electrician will:
- Safely isolate the relevant circuits
- Then get a dedicated 32A circuit wired up in your consumer unit
- Add necessary protection devices (RCBOs)
- Label the new circuit clearly
- Perform initial safety checks
Step 2: Route The Cables (60 to 90 minutes)
This is typically the most visible part of installation, as it includes:
- Wall drilling (with as little disruption as possible)
- Tidily routing cable in trunking along walls
- Performing any mutually agreed-upon groundwork (such as trenching)
- Cables are held in place securely for long-term durability
Step 3: Installing The EV Charger (30 to 45 minutes)
At this stage, the charger is physically installed and connected. Here is what happens:
- The backplates are attached firmly to your wall
- The EV charger unit is installed and wired
- External holes are sealed
- Cable management is tidied
Step 4: Test And Setup (30 to 45 minutes)
This is the last and most crucial part of the installation; it includes:
- Comprehensive electrical safety testing.
- System commissioning and registration.
- The process includes the delivery of certificates such as the Electrical Installation Certificate and Building Regulation Compliance.
- Demonstrate how to set up the app, connect to WiFi, and operate it at a basic level.
- Answers to your final questions.
Your Role On Installation Day
To ensure everything runs smoothly:
- Someone 18 or older must be present at all times.
- Please ensure that there are clear routes to the consumer unit and installation location.
- Keep the door locked and pets secured away from the work area.
- For smart EV charger setup, keep your WiFi password ready.
- Leave your driveway open for the installers’ vehicle.
The Paperwork You Will Receive After Installation
After installation, you should receive:
- Electrical Installation Certificate (EIC): it demonstrates the work complies with wiring regulations.
- A Building Regulations Compliance Certificate is normally issued under the installer’s scheme (NICEIC, NAPIT, etc.).
- A manufacturer warranty certificate is usually 3 years on the charger unit.
- Use manuals and app guides so you can refer back if any problem arises.
What To Do If There Are Problems During Installation?
Sometimes, installers face some unusual things during installation, like:
- Insufficient main fuse capacity.
- An old and inadequate consumer unit.
- The initial survey overlooked the complex cable paths.
A professional EV charger installer will:
- Be transparent about the problem and consequences right away.
- Provide an exact quote to complete the remaining work.
- Never proceed with unsafe modifications.
- Allow you to rethink next steps.
Post-Installation: The First Few Days
Once your installation is complete:
- Test All The Way: Fully charge your EV to make sure everything is working properly.
- Discover Features: Experiment with scheduling, app controls and other smart features.
- Track Energy Use: Review the power consumption on the app of smart chargers.
- Contact Support: If you notice any problems, contact your installer immediately for support, as most reputable providers provide a warranty period on their installation work.
When you know how the installation works, you can choose the right installer for your needs and be ready for a hassle-free installation. Once the installation is complete, it’s all easy, worry-free home charging from there on.
Ways To Lower The Cost Of Installing EV Chargers
Here is how you can reduce your cost of installing an EV charger without cutting corners:
Smart Equipment Choices
- Stick To 7kW: very few homes will need a 22 kW charger, as it requires a costly three-phase upgrade (£3,000 to £5,000+). Therefore, go with a 7kW charger for a more economical installation.
- Use Smart Chargers: They will typically cost an extra £150 to £300 but have cheaper off-peak tariffs and often pay for themselves within months.
- Tethered vs. Untethered: If you want convenience, then go with tethered, but if you want flexibility, then untethered is the best option.
Plan Your Installation Wisely
- Distance: Minimise the distance; it is best to install the charger near your consumer unit. As additional cabling is £15 to £25 per metre.
- Avoid Groundwork: Put wires through easy routes. Digging a driveway costs an additional £200 to £500 for trenching.
- Check WiFi Signal: Test your WiFi signals, as smart chargers need decent coverage. If the signals are weak, you will have to install extenders, which cost £30 to £80.
Get The Best Deal
- Compare 3+ Quotes: Get detailed quotes from at least 3 OZEV-accredited installers. Ensure the length of cable and warranty policies are included.
- Bundle Projects: If you have other electrical work to be carried out, such as new consumer unit installation, then install your EV charger at the same time to avoid call-out fees.
- Claim All Grants: Apply for the EV Chargepoint Grant and look into local council schemes as well to minimise the installation cost.
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Get started in minutes. Just define your need and get connected to reputable EV charger installers.
FAQs
Most of the installations are done in 3 to 4 hours. However, complex jobs, such as those that require groundwork or consumer unit upgrades, can take 1 to 2 days. The installer can provide you with an accurate lead time during the quoting process.
Ideally, the charger should be installed before your EV arrives, as this guarantees that your vehicle will charge immediately. The majority of installers are able to finish the job within days, so you can coordinate your vehicle delivery.
In most cases it adds value to your home. Please keep any certificates and warranty information for when you sell your home. If you plan to move the unit to a new home, please keep in mind some installers provide transfer services.