If you are considering switching to an electric vehicle, you will doubtless be considering how to charge it. If you have off street parking at home, or spend your working day at one place, then a home charger or workplace charger will be an immediate consideration. So, how much will it cost to have an electric car charger installed?
Also worth considering, to set against the initial cost of installing a charger for your personal use, is the practical benefits such as the convenience of always having your car fully charged when you set off for your day. A smart home charger can also allow you to access cheap overnight charging tariffs, typically around 8p per kwh, further shrinking the cost of running your EV. Imagine filling up your car for less than £4 – an impossible dream, if you have a petrol or diesel car.
Factors Affecting Installation Costs
There are two main considerations when costing an EV charger installation. First, the cost of the charger unit itself, and second the complexity of providing a suitable, safe electrical supply to the charger.
Electric vehicle chargers come in many shapes and sizes. All new UK chargers must meet minimum standards, be capable of being smart and app-controlled, so that charging sessions can be scheduled. Important additional features that will add to the cost include whether to have a unit with a socket, or an attached (tethered) charging cable; whether to have a charger with a coloured fascia to match your home; and whether to choose a unit that integrates fully with smart charging tariffs offered by utility companies such as Octopus, British Gas or Ovo. If applying for a government grant, it is also important to check whether a particular charger model is eligible for grant funding.
Almost all home chargers are rated at 7kw, the maximum allowable on a single phase domestic supply. For workplace chargers, typically installed on a commercial premises with three phase electricity, a charger can be rated at up to 22kw – for charging up to three times faster (depending on the EV).
At The Full EV, it is our experience that most domestic charger installations will cost in the range of £1,000-£1,500. Don’t forget that, apart from the convenience, you will save at least £10-£25 per charging session, by having a smart home charger with overnight charging.
Benefits of Professional Installation
Any qualified electrician should be competent to install an electric vehicle charger. However, there are distinct benefits from using a specialist such as The Full EV:
- We fit chargers every week, so we are fully up to speed with the latest charger models and regulations, and can advise on the most suitable model to meet individual needs
- We only recommend chargers that our experience has shown us have solid technical support, and have a good warranty. These provide assurance, should there be any issues with setting up your charger
- We are familiar with the software side of EV chargers – electricians are often not keen on setting up apps, or commissioning chargers with the correct operating settings
- Your charger will be registered correctly, and you have a local contact should you need any support following installation
Can You Get Help With Installation Costs?
There are a number of government grants available to support EV charger installation in the UK, provided by the Office of Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV). These grants are updated and changed from time to time.
As of late 2024, the following grants are available: £350 domestic EV charger grant for those living in rented accommodation; £350 grant for EV chargers for those without off street parking; £350 grant for workplace chargers; 75% grant for charger installation at state schools and colleges. The Full EV can advise on eligibility, and how to apply for grants, and is OZEV registered for installations.
Conclusion
At The Full EV, we appreciate that for many people, this is the first time they have looked to buy an EV charger. We are here to support you in making the choice, having a stress free installation and ensuring you have a reliable, easy way to refuel your new EV. Get in touch for a personalised quote today.
