The cost of installing an EV charger at home is a key factor when you’re thinking about switching to an electric vehicle. But trawling through the data associated with EV driving costs can feel daunting.
We’re here to help you understand what’s involved in the EV charger installation process.
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Factors that can impact installation costs:
- EV charger provider – energy or specialist provider
- Brand and type of EV charger
- Charger speed – 7kW or 3kW
- Cable length
- Suitability of the electricity connection
- Property layout
- Government grants
At a glance
Although installing a home EV charger involves an upfront cost, charging at home is often cheaper per kWh than using many public charging points1. Public charging costs vary widely depending on location and charger speed.
Why install an EV charger at home?
It may cost more to buy an electric vehicle than a petrol or diesel car, but official sources say the price gap is becoming smaller[2]. If you are still hesitant about switching, one factor you should consider is the cost of installing a private EV charger at home.
An EV charger outside your home can make an EV cheaper to run and a lot less hassle[3] than an internal combustion engine (ICE) car. To help you decide, we’ve narrowed down the benefits of installing a home EV charger.
EV home charger benefits:
- Lower charging costs versus public charge points, especially at night and other off-peak times. Home charging can range from 7p to 10p per kWh[4] dependent on the provider and specialist off-peak EV tariffs, (rapid/ultra-rapid chargers).[5]
- Home charging can be more reliable than public charging points (over 76,507 across the UK),[6] and you don’t need to wait in a queue to use one.
- Plugging into a home charger is more convenient than filling up at a petrol station.
- Adding a private EV charging port at home may make your property more attractive to buyers.
- If you generate renewable electricity at home, such as through solar panels, smart charging may help you use more of your own generated electricity when available. The overall environmental impact will depend on your home energy setup and the electricity supply mix.
Considering buying an electric car? Head to our electric car buying guide.
How much does it cost to install an EV charger?
To help you plan your budget, we’ve pulled together the typical cost of installing a home EV charger in the UK. These prices are based on a standard installation with no extra work needed.
EV charger options:
- Buy a charger first. Then, get an approved installer to install the charger and then register it with your local Distribution Network Operator (DNO). A DNO is responsible for the power cables entering your home from outside.
- Opt for joint schemes where you buy the charger and installation from one provider and the installer registers the unit.[7]
|
Product/service |
Typical price range (2025-26) |
Comments |
|
7kW electric car charger hardware |
£500 to £1,200[8]
|
Supply only |
|
7kW installation on top of charger (depending on electrical and other potential work) |
£300 to £800[8] |
|
|
After – typically for eligible flat owners, renters and landlords – up to £350 per socket (75% of installation costs)[9] |
£450 to £850 |
Applied to the 7kW charger and installation cost |
Some EV charger providers may include installation in the price. If they haven’t included installation, be sure to get multiple quotes. This is advisable so that you can cross-check prices.
Potential additional installation costs to consider:
- Groundworks – digging a trench for a cable run underground and backfilling. It will cost more if the work includes breaking up a drive or there’s no room for a digger to do the heavy lifting.
-
Channel charging– some UK councils charge a fee for digging a gully that takes your cables across a pavement if you do not have a drive.[10] Others are considering permitting pavement gullies but haven’t done so yet.[11]
-
Extra cable length – you may need a cable run of 10-15 metres or more, depending on the distance to the consumer unit or fuse box (switchboard).
- Electrical upgrades – is your EV installation worthwhile if you need a larger fuse size or other upgrade? Check if you need to upgrade.[12]
How much does an electrician cost to install EV chargers?
The Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV) runs several grant schemes to help reduce the cost of installing home, workplace, and landlord EV charge points.
You need to hire an OZEV-authorised electrician if you are applying for one of these grants because OZEV requires their use for any claim to be valid. Their work must meet the British Standard BS 7671.[13]
You can use the government’s tool to find an installer.
A properly qualified electrician can also install an EV charger without being OZEV-authorised, but their work must follow BS 7671 and the IET wiring regulations to do so.[14]
What factors can affect the installation cost?
Many factors can impact EV charger installation costs. Here are a few:
- Charger speed – the price may vary depending on whether you use a slow, fast or rapid charger. A 3kW charger (essentially plugging into a standard three-pin socket) is cheaper but slower than the UK’s most common 7kW charger.
- EV provider – installation costs may also vary, as some include bundled incentives when you buy the charger. For example, they might reduce the hardware cost or bundle them with smart tariffs tied to them.
- Property layout – installation costs may rise if your EV charger is far from your consumer unit or fuse box. It costs more to install it at the front of a building when the fuse box is at the back, requiring more than a 10m standard cable.
- Electricity connection – an unsuitable connection can add considerable costs and delays. In addition to switchboard upgrades, earthing changes, and groundworks, you may need to apply to your local DNO[15] for a supply upgrade before installation can begin.
- Smart home chargers – these are mandatory for new installations and can cost more due to their advanced features.[16] However, the ability to schedule electricity use during off-peak hours is often the cheapest way to charge.[17] Remember, smart home chargers also rely on a decent Wi-Fi signal – a consideration if yours varies.
Are there any post-installation costs?
Once you have successfully installed your EV charging unit, you’ll need to consider post-installation costs.
- It’s worth shopping around as some charger brands and installers offer free maintenance and replacement parts. Others include annual service plans as part of a package, sometimes tied to warranties or contracts.
- If you’re a homeowner, maintenance will typically be your responsibility. If you’re a landlord, the EV charger should be included in an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) every five years.[18]
- With vandalism and deliberate damage to EV charging infrastructure likely to rise,[19] another potential post-installation cost is installing security lights and a camera to help secure your charger, especially when you’re away.
What is the EV charge point grant?
The electric vehicle charge-point grant from the UK government can help with the cost of installing EV charge points if you’re a landlord, renter or homeowner.
The EV charge point grant is available until 31 March 2027, depending on eligibility and funding. Eligibility is based on the applicant, the property and the vehicle. To qualify, applicants must either rent or own a house or flat and have private off-street parking (for flats) or only on-street parking (for houses).[8] They must also own, lease or be the registered user of an OZEV‑eligible electric vehicle.
Read more about the government guidance on EV charge point grants.
Where is the best place to install an EV charger?
Before getting an EV charger outside your home, you’ll need to consider the best place to get it installed.
- Think about where you park your car.
- If you don’t have a drive, find out whether your local authority allows cross-pavement EV charging solutions.[20] Several London boroughs are preparing to trial this solution.
- If you have a drive, see where you can install it in a safe, accessible location as close as possible to where you can park.
- Consider the distance between your home’s power supply and where you can install the EV charger. You may need a longer cable and face other potential costs.
What kind of EV charger should you choose?
You can choose from three main EV charger options – 3kW, 7kW, or 22kW. However, your choice will depend on the charging speed – slow, fast, rapid, or ultra-rapid – the vehicle battery size, and whether your car can accept it.
Although 7kW is the most popular option, we have included 3kW in the following examples using Zapmap’s Home Charging Calculator to give you an idea of the differences:
- Slow 3kW chargers charging up to 80%
Nissan LEAF Acenta 40kWh – 8 hours[21]
VW ID.4 City Pure 52kWh – 13.9 hours
Tesla Model Y RWD Auto – 16 hours
- Fast 7kW chargers charging up to 80%
Nissan LEAF Acenta 40kWh – 5.7 hours
VW ID.4 City Pure 52kWh – 5.9 hours
Tesla Model Y RWD Auto – 6.9 hours
The fast 22kW requires a three-phase supply, which is rare in UK homes. You’ll also need a car that the manufacturer has designed to accept 22kW. If your vehicle can’t accept it, the car will charge no faster than with a 7kW charger.
Next, you’ll need to consider whether you want a tethered or untethered home charging point.
- A tethered charger means it’s attached to the unit. It will come with a cable for a Type 2 socket (the UK’s most common EV connector), so you don’t need to carry a cable in the boot.
- An untethered charger has a detachable cable that looks tidier, but you’ll have to carry it.
For more information on EV charging options, read our guide to electric car charging.
What charging speed do I need for a home charging point?
Some charge-points deliver more power than the car can handle. In these cases, the vehicle’s charge rate limits charging speed.
The charging power in kW roughly corresponds to the number of miles you’ll get from a 20-minute charge. You can expect to add 21 miles per hour if you’re using a 7kW charger based on Zapmap’s calculation of 7 miles of range for every 20 minutes you plug your EV in to charge. This result depends on your home’s available power supply.
What EV charge point provider should I go with?
There are plenty of EV charging providers to choose from, including energy providers and specialist EV charger providers. However, you will need to ensure they meet your requirements, including cost, your EV’s compatibility, and safety.
Can I install my own EV charger?
No, you cannot install your own EV charger in the UK, unless you’re a qualified electrician. Look for a professional who is OZEV-authorised if the installation is being used to claim an OZEV grant or an electrician who has the relevant training and competencies to comply with electrical codes[16] and prevent unsafe installation.
Do I need to tell my home insurance provider about an EV charger?
It’s best to notify your insurer before installing an EV charger at your home so it can estimate any changes to your cover.
That said, your current policy may already cover the charger. At Ageas, we consider EV chargers permanent fixtures in your home and cover them under Ageas building insurance and EV car insurance.
We updated our private car policy in 2024 to cover any electric battery used to power an electric or hybrid vehicle and any associated cables to connect to a charging point or socket.
Get an electric car insurance quote
The electric car insurance is our comprehensive car insurance, providing cover for electric and plug‑in hybrid vehicles, including features designed for electric cars. Get an EV insurance quote to see the cost of our comprehensive car insurance for your electric vehicle.
Cover is subject to policy terms, conditions, exclusions and limits. Always check your policy documents.
FAQs
Can I charge my car through a regular plug socket?
You can charge your car via a standard 3-pin 3kW plug socket, however, as it’s the slowest method, it can take 6-12 hours to complete a charge.[22]
How long does an EV charger installation take?
The time an EV charger installation takes can depend on many factors, including the job’s complexity. For example, it will take longer if it involves long cable runs through groundworks, or if you have a concrete drive that requires a mini digger to create the run.
How much power does an EV charger use?
A home EV charger draws electricity from your home supply, typically at around 3 kW or 7 kW in most UK properties, which usually have a single‑phase electricity supply.
A 7 kW charger is the most common option for home charging and can deliver up to that level of power when conditions allow. The actual power used at any time can vary depending on the vehicle, the charger, and your home’s electrical setup.
Does your home insurance policy increase if you install an EV charger?
If you install an EV charger, it usually doesn’t increase your home insurance premium, but it’s wise to check with your insurer first.
Do I need permission to install an EV charger?
You usually won’t need permission to install an EV charger if you own your home. However, permission may be required in some situations — for example if you live in a listed building, a flat, or if the installation affects a pavement or public highway. If you rent your home or live in a leasehold property, you’ll normally need permission from your landlord or freeholder before installing a charger.
Can a normal electrician install an EV charger?
EV chargers should be installed by a suitably qualified electrician to ensure the work is safe and complies with electrical regulations such as BS 7671. If you’re applying for an OZEV grant, the installation must be carried out by an OZEV‑authorised installer. This is not required for installations that are not grant‑funded but the electrician must be a competent person who will comply with relevant UK codes and building regulations.
Sources
[1] https://www.zapmap.com/ev-stats/home-and-community-charging
[3] https://www.evaengland.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/EVUK-Code-Report.png
[4] https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/utilities/ev-energy-tariffs/
[5] https://www.zapmap.com/ev-stats/charging-price-index#
[7] https://energysavingtrust.org.uk/advice/charging-electric-vehicles/
[8] https://www.electriccarscheme.com/blog/types-of-home-ev-chargers-explained
[11] https://www.merton.gov.uk/streets-parking-transport/ev/charging#
[12] https://elec.training/news/ev-chargers-in-every-new-home-what-the-dfts-plans-mean-for-electricians/
[14] https://members.labc.co.uk/sites/default/files/EV%20charging%20requirements%20briefing.pdf
[15] https://www.ukpowernetworks.co.uk/i-already-have-electricity-domestic/adding-more-power/fuse-upgrade
[16] https://www.gov.uk/guidance/regulations-electric-vehicle-smart-charge-points
[17] https://www.homeenergyscotland.org/charging-home-grant
[19] https://energysavingtrust.org.uk/report/ev-charger-vandalism/
[21] https://www.zapmap.com/tools/home-charging-calculator/calculator-details
