The cost of having an electric vehicle charger installed at a domestic property depends on a number of factors that vary from one property to the next. Understanding those factors is the most useful starting point before requesting an assessment.
The charger unit itself varies in specification. Most domestic installations use a 7kW single-phase smart charger, which connects to a dedicated circuit from the consumer unit.
Units differ in features including cable length, tethered or untethered cable options, load balancing capability, app connectivity and scheduled charging functions. Properties with a three-phase supply can access higher-capacity units, though these are less common in residential settings.
The distance between the consumer unit and the proposed installation position affects how much cable and containment is needed. Longer runs, routes through walls, or installations in a garage or outbuilding add to the scope of work.
External cables need a suitable cable type, routing and protection for the actual weather exposure and risk of mechanical damage. The condition of the existing consumer unit also matters: if space or protection is unsuitable, the electrician assesses options such as a separate suitable enclosure or a board upgrade.
An older board does not automatically require complete replacement solely because requirements have changed. The incoming supply capacity is assessed to confirm that adding the sustained load of a charger will not exceed the supply limit.
In properties where the incoming supply is constrained, a load-balancing charger or a supply upgrade may be required. Planning permission may not be needed where the applicable permitted-development conditions are met.
The actual position, property status and any highway or cross-pavement arrangement must be checked before installation. EV charger installation is notifiable work under Part P of the Building Regulations in England.
An Electrical Installation Certificate and a Building Regulations compliance document are issued on completion. Submitting an enquiry is the most efficient way to understand what your specific property requires and what work is involved.