Making the switch to an electric vehicle is a significant move toward reducing your carbon footprint. If you are thinking about installing a home charger, you’re in good company. More people than ever are opting for the convenience and savings of charging at home.

This guide covers all the essentials of EV charger installation, including costs, property requirements, and what to expect during the installation process.

 How much does EV charger installation cost?

Installing an EV charger at home starts from £1,099. The final price can change depending on things like the type of charger you choose (with or without a cable), the model, and any extra needs like a longer cable.

What to consider before ordering an EV charger 

There are a few important things to check before installing an EV charger at home. These factors can affect whether a charger is suitable for your property, so it’s worth reviewing them ahead of time. If you’re unsure, especially for more complex setups or multiple chargers, we can help by arranging a site visit.

1. Is your EV compatible with the EV charger you want?

• If possible, schedule your charger installation before your new EV arrives so you’re ready to charge from day one.

• Decide whether you want a charger with a built-in cable (tethered) or one where you use your own (untethered).

• Most homes use 7kW (single-phase) chargers, but some EVs can handle faster 22kW (three-phase) charging. Just be sure your home and vehicle support it before choosing.

2. Where do you want your EV charger to be located? 

• Your EV charger needs to be installed reasonably close to your main electricity supply. If the distance is long, you may need extra cabling or a Wi-Fi booster, and in some cases, installation may not be possible. For example, on properties where the driveway is very far from the house, like a farmhouse).

• Important note: Uk Eco Energy Solutions doesn’t carry out any excavation or groundwork, including digging under roads or pavements. If this type of work is needed, you’ll need to arrange it with a local contractor before your installation date. Using a local provider can also help reduce additional costs.

3. Do you park your car on the street? 

•  It’s possible to install an EV charger for on-street parking, but you’ll typically need approval from your local council first.

• The charger also needs to be positioned within a reasonable distance from your home to ensure safe and practical installation.

4. How much electricity do you use ?

• If you often run several energy-hungry appliances at once like electric showers, AGAs, washing machines, or tumble dryers, we’ll check whether your fuse needs upgrading to handle the extra load.

• If your current setup can’t support it, we may recommend some practical changes, such as using fewer high-demand appliances at the same time. Your EV charger may also automatically slow down charging during peak usage to avoid overloading your home’s electrical system. This built-in safety feature helps protect your power supply.

5. What kind of electricity supply does your home have? 

• Some properties, especially older ones share an electricity supply with a neighbouring home. This is known as a looped supply, and it can affect how soon we’re able to install your EV charger.

• If you’re not sure what type of supply you have, there’s no need to worry. We’ll check this for you once you request a quote. If an upgrade is needed, we’ll get in touch with your local Distribution Network Operator (DNO) on your behalf. They’ll handle the work directly with you. The process can take a bit more time, but in many cases, the upgrade is free of charge.

What to expect on the day of your EV charger installation

1. Site check: We’ll inspect your property’s electrical system and the charger itself, taking “before” photos to document the setup. In some cases, we may need to lift floorboards or trim back plants to access installation areas.

2. Walkthrough: After the inspection, your installer will explain the steps involved and answer any questions before work begins.

3. Load testing: To make sure your system can safely support the charger, we’ll do a load test. This involves switching on high-usage appliances to check overall demand.

4. Installation: We’ll use your current fuse board where possible. If your setup isn’t suitable, we may install a dedicated board just for the charger. We’ll then run cables and prepare the installation site.

5. Temporary power off: We’ll let you know before briefly switching off your electricity to complete the final connections.

6. Final setup and testing: Once power is restored, we’ll test the charger, connect it to Wi-Fi, and carry out all necessary safety checks.

7. Getting started: We’ll take “after” photos, walk you through the app (if needed), and show you how to use your new EV charger with confidence.

On average, installing an EV charger takes about 4 hours. The exact time can vary depending on your property, but most installations are completed within a day, and some can take as little as 2 hours.

With the right setup, you can charge your EV on your schedule, save on energy bills, and get the most out of your move to electric driving.