How Much Does an Electric Car Charger Cost

Installing a dedicated home charger for your electric vehicle is one of the most valuable and convenient upgrades UK homeowners can make when switching to electric driving. It brings faster charging, lower running costs, and the freedom to start each day with a full battery. However, many people are unsure how much a home charger actually costs. The total outlay includes both the unit itself and professional installation, and several factors can influence the final price.

This article provides a detailed breakdown of how much an electric car charger costs in the UK, explaining what affects the price, what types of chargers are available, and what you can expect to pay for installation. It also looks at long-term savings, government support, and key things to check before you book an installation.

Typical Costs in the UK

In most UK homes, installing a standard 7 kW wallbox charger costs between £800 and £1,200, including both the charger unit and installation. This is the most common setup for drivers who want reliable overnight charging. The charger itself typically costs around £300 to £600, while professional installation adds another £400 to £600, depending on the complexity of the work.

Basic untethered chargers, which require a separate cable, are generally cheaper than tethered units that come with a fixed charging lead. Smart chargers with Wi-Fi connectivity, scheduling features, and app control cost more but offer greater convenience and energy efficiency. Premium models with solar compatibility, load balancing, or dynamic pricing control may reach £1,300 or higher.

If your home electrical system needs upgrading, such as replacing the consumer unit or adding a dedicated circuit, expect extra charges. In older properties or those with limited capacity, upgrading the main fuse or supply may be necessary, which can add several hundred pounds to the total.

What the Cost Covers

The quoted price for a home EV charger installation usually includes several key components. First is the charger unit itself, which can be wall-mounted or occasionally free-standing, depending on your property layout. The installation also includes all cabling and fittings between your consumer unit and the charger, along with the necessary circuit protection devices such as isolators and RCDs.

Professional installation should also include electrical testing, certification, and safe commissioning of the unit. This ensures your new charger complies with UK standards such as BS 7671 and Part P of the Building Regulations. Most qualified electricians who install EV chargers are registered with schemes such as NICEIC, NAPIT, or OZEV, which confirms their competence in handling high-power installations safely.

Examples of Popular Home Chargers

There are now dozens of reliable home charger models available across the UK market, with brands such as Ohme, MyEnergi, Rolec, Easee, and Wallbox leading the way.

The Ohme Home Pro, priced around £530, is a smart charger that allows you to schedule charging for cheaper off-peak periods using energy tariffs such as Octopus Intelligent Go. The MyEnergi Zappi, around £600, is a popular choice for homeowners with solar panels because it can use surplus renewable energy for charging.

For those seeking a more affordable option, the Rolec WallPod or BG SyncEV typically costs between £350 and £450 and still offers smart connectivity and app control. High-end units such as the Easee One or Wallbox Pulsar Plus can cost around £700 or more, depending on configuration.

While equipment costs vary, most modern chargers include built-in safety features, smartphone integration, and compatibility with almost all electric vehicles on the road.

Factors That Affect Installation Cost

Several factors determine the final price of an EV charger installation. The distance between your main consumer unit and the charger location is one of the most important. Longer cable runs or routing through walls, lofts, or underground conduits increase labour and material costs.

Your home’s electrical capacity also plays a role. Most properties in the UK have a single-phase power supply, suitable for up to 7.4 kW chargers. However, if you want to install a faster 11 kW or 22 kW charger, you’ll need a three-phase supply, which may involve significant upgrades by your electricity provider.

The type of charger also affects cost. Tethered units are slightly more expensive but more convenient for daily use. Smart chargers cost more than basic models but can save money long term by optimising when and how electricity is used.

Finally, the complexity of the installation site influences pricing. Homes with detached garages, older wiring, or outdoor mounting locations may require additional weatherproofing or groundworks.

Government Grants and Support

While the UK’s Electric Vehicle Homecharge Scheme (EVHS) is no longer available to most homeowners, some support still exists for certain property types. Landlords, tenants in flats, and people living in rental accommodation with private off-street parking can still apply for grants that cover part of the cost.

The grant, managed by the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV), currently contributes up to 75 percent of the installation cost, capped at £350. This is paid directly to the installer, reducing the amount you pay upfront. Businesses can also access funding through the Workplace Charging Scheme, which supports the installation of chargers for employee or fleet use.

How Long Installation Takes

For most straightforward home installations, the work can be completed in two to four hours. This includes fitting the unit, routing cables, and testing the system. More complex installations requiring electrical upgrades, long cable runs, or external trenching may take a full day.

Qualified installers will perform an initial survey to assess your electrical system and determine the best mounting position for the charger. They’ll check the capacity of your main fuse, evaluate load balancing, and confirm that the installation will not overload the home’s supply.

Once the charger is installed, you’ll receive an electrical installation certificate and sometimes an OZEV compliance document if a grant was used. These documents are important for insurance and warranty purposes.

Smart Charging and Long-Term Savings

Installing a smart home charger can significantly reduce running costs, particularly when combined with an off-peak electricity tariff. For example, using a smart charger with a tariff such as Octopus Intelligent Go allows you to charge overnight at cheaper rates, often around 7.5p per kilowatt-hour. This can cut annual charging costs by more than half compared to daytime charging.

Some smart chargers also let you set schedules, monitor energy use, or even charge directly from rooftop solar panels. This makes them ideal for eco-conscious homeowners and those looking to get the best long-term value from their EV setup.

How to Choose the Right Charger

When selecting a home charger, consider both current and future needs. A 7 kW charger is suitable for most homes and vehicles, but if you plan to upgrade to a larger electric car or install solar panels, a higher-end or solar-compatible unit may be a better investment.

You should also check that your chosen installer is certified and experienced in EV charger installations. Look for companies registered with NICEIC, NAPIT, or OZEV. Always ask for a full quote that details equipment, labour, and any optional extras. Avoid low-cost offers that exclude essential safety features or cable runs.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to install a home EV charger?

Most UK installations cost between £800 and £1,200, including the charger unit and standard installation.

Can I install a charger myself?

No. Only a qualified electrician registered to carry out EV installations should fit a charger. Self-installation is unsafe and not compliant with UK regulations.

Can I use a normal plug to charge my car?

Yes, but it is much slower. A three-pin plug provides only around 2.3 kW, meaning a full charge could take more than 24 hours.

Are there any running costs after installation?

Beyond electricity use, maintenance is minimal. Most home chargers are designed to last at least 10 years and require only occasional inspections.

Will installing a charger increase my home’s value?

It can. Many UK estate agents report that homes with dedicated EV chargers are more attractive to buyers who own or plan to own electric vehicles.

Conclusion

The cost of installing a home electric car charger in the UK depends on several factors, but for most households the total comes to around £1,000. This includes a reliable 7 kW charger, professional installation, and all necessary certification. More advanced systems with smart features or solar integration can cost slightly more, but the long-term convenience and savings are well worth it.

A professionally installed home charger provides peace of mind, faster charging, and cheaper running costs compared to public charging. As electric vehicles become increasingly common, having a dedicated charger at home will soon be as essential as having broadband or central heating. For homeowners, it’s a forward-thinking investment that delivers both practicality and value for years to come.