Installing electric car charging stations
Key takeaways:
- Installing an electric car charger only takes a few hours out of your day
- You will need a qualified electrician to complete the job
- There are upfront costs when installing an EV charger at home, but this could save you in the long run
Installing an electric car charging station at home can be a bigger upfront cost but can save you money in the long run. It’s cheaper to charge your car at home (depending on your energy tariff) than to go to regularly charge your EV at a charging station, so it’s worth the investment.
Here’s what to expect when installing an electric car charging station and the costs you could expect.
Installing electric car charging stations – what to consider
- If you’re planning on installing an electric car charger at home, you will need to consider:
- The speed of the charger you want – this can increase the cost if you’re looking for a rapid charger
- Where your charger will need to be placed – this could include running wires, drilling and more
The overall cost of installation and charging your car
Carry on reading for a more in-depth insight into these considerations.
How much does it cost to install an electric car charger at home?
The cost of installing an EV charger will depend on the type of charger you opt for. These are the average prices according to CheckATrade:
- A 3kW charger will cost £375 on average
- A 7kW charger will cost £625 on average
- To install a charger, this will cost £1000 on average which includes the labour. If you’re eligible for a Government grant, this could be reduced to £650
What other costs can I expect when installing an electric charger?
Other than the cost of the actual charger and labour, there could be some other costs to consider when installing an EV charger at home:
Where your electricity board is and your electrical system
If your charging point is further from your electricity distribution board, you may need to consider extra wiring and even drilling. This can include more labour costs. You may also need to consider updating your house’s wiring if it hasn’t been upgraded in many years. It’s best to get a consultation first
The construction of your home
Similar to the previous point, if you have an older house with thick walls, drilling will be necessary to run cables and more. This will include extra costs, especially due to the care needed for older buildings
The type of charger being installed
You will need an expert electrician to install your charge point and some can be harder to install than others
Where does an EV charger get installed in my house?
It’s up to you where you wish to install an EV charger at home. Our Subaru experts advise, “The best place to install an EV charger is in your driveway and in a position where it can easily reach your car.”
You’ll also want to consider the fact your charger will need to be secure and sheltered. Many electric chargers come with a cover to protect it from harsh weather.
How long does it take to install an EV charger?
Installing an EV charger will typically take a few hours. Your electrician should give a consultation first to see the extent of the work. Of course, drilling and rewiring will add extra time to the installation and likely extra cost too.
Do I need permission to install an electric car charging point?
If you own your home, it’s unlikely that you will need planning permission to install an electric car charger. But, according to My Trusted Expert, there are some cases in which you need planning permission. See below
- Charging point and outlet size: If the charger you’ve opted for is over 1.6m in size, like a rapid charger, you may need planning permission to get it installed. You don't need planning permission for charging points under this. Similarly, an outlet that is 0.2 cubic metres in volume will need planning permission.
- The location of your charging point: If your charger is 2m away from a highway, you will not need planning permission.
- The type of property you own: Listed buildings or conservation areas will require planning permission
Consider: Charging points use a wire to connect from the outlet to your electric vehicle. If you park in your driveway, this will not be an issue. However, if you park on the street, you will need to consider your neighbours and pedestrians as the wire could be a tripping hazard.
Can I get a home electric vehicle charger if I rent?
You will need your landlord’s permission to install an EV charging station. However, they may be eligible for a Government OZEV grant if they do choose to install one.
Can I get a grant to install an EV charging station?
If you are eligible for the Office of Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV) grant, this can give you the £350 or 75% off the funds.
You’re eligible if you live in a rented flat or own a flat with off-street parking. You will need to contact an installer that has been approved by OZEV.
Are home electric vehicle chargers AC or DC?
Most electric car home chargers are AC (Alternating Current), unless you have opted for a rapid charger – in this case, it will be a DC (Direct Current).
The benefit of an AC charger for your home is that they’re cost effective because they’re designed for everyday use. They typically take 4-8 hours to charge an electric car because of the lower kWh.
A DC electric vehicle charger will be quicker but likely more expensive.
Can I install an EV charger at home by myself?
Our Subaru experts advise, “It’s a good idea to get a qualified electrician who knows about electric vehicle charger installations to install your charge point. Some options can be harder to install expertise are warranted in this situation,”
You can find a qualified and authorised installed through the UK Government OZEV scheme.
We hope this guide on the price to charge an electric car was helpful. Make sure to read our guide on how much it costs to charge an electric car to find out more about these our capable electric vehicles.
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