If you’re considering installing an EV charger at home, one of your first questions is likely “how much will this cost me?” It’s a fair concern—you’ve already invested in an electric vehicle, and now you need to understand what’s involved in charging it conveniently at home.
The good news is that home EV charger installation is more affordable than many people expect, and when you factor in the savings from charging at home versus using public charging points, the investment typically pays for itself within the first year or two of ownership.
Let’s break down the real costs involved, what affects the price, and what you can expect to pay in 2025.
The Short Answer: What You’ll Actually Pay
Most homeowners in the UK can expect to pay between £800 and £1,500 for a complete home EV charger installation. This typically includes the charger unit itself, all necessary materials, and professional installation by a qualified electrician.
However, this range can vary depending on several factors, which we’ll explore below. Some installations may cost as little as £600 for basic setups, while more complex installations could reach £2,000 or more.
What’s Included in the Installation Cost?
When you receive a quote for EV charger installation, it should cover:
- The charging unit – The physical charger that mounts to your wall
- Labour costs – Professional installation by a certified electrician
- Materials – Cable, mounting hardware, protective casing
- Electrical work – Any upgrades needed to your consumer unit or wiring
- Testing and commissioning – Ensuring everything works safely and correctly
- DNO notification – Informing your local Distribution Network Operator if required
A reputable installer will provide a clear breakdown so you know exactly what you’re paying for.
Factors That Affect Installation Cost
Not all installations are created equal. Here’s what can push the price up or down:
1. Charger Type and Speed
Basic 3kW chargers are cheaper but slow—they’re rarely recommended for modern EVs. Most homeowners opt for a 7kW charger, which offers a good balance of speed and cost. If your home has three-phase power, you might consider a 22kW charger, though these are pricier and often unnecessary for overnight charging.
Smart chargers with app connectivity, solar panel integration, and off-peak charging schedules typically cost £100-£300 more than basic models, but they offer greater control and can reduce your electricity bills over time.
2. Distance from Your Consumer Unit
The further your parking space is from your main electrical board, the more cable you’ll need. Installing a charger right next to your consumer unit in an attached garage is straightforward. Running cable 20 metres down a driveway to a detached garage or outside parking space requires more materials and labour.
Expect to pay roughly £50-£100 per additional 10 metres of cable run, depending on the complexity of the route.
3. Your Existing Electrical Setup
Some older properties may need upgrades to handle the additional electrical load of an EV charger. This might include:
- Consumer unit upgrade – Older fuse boards may need replacing (£300-£600)
- Earthing system upgrades – Particularly in older homes (£200-£500)
- Supply capacity increase – Rarely needed, but in some cases, you might need to upgrade your incoming supply
Most modern homes built within the last 20 years can accommodate a 7kW charger without major upgrades, but this is something a qualified installer will assess during your initial consultation.
4. Installation Complexity
A straightforward installation on an external wall with easy cable routing is quick and simple. However, you might face additional costs if you need:
- Groundwork for buried cables across gardens or driveways
- Drilling through thick walls or multiple walls
- Mounting on challenging surfaces (stone, render, listed buildings)
- Additional protective ducting for exposed cables
5. Tethered vs Untethered
Tethered chargers come with a permanently attached cable (typically 5-7 metres long) and are generally slightly more expensive but more convenient—you simply plug straight into your car.
Untethered chargers have just a socket, and you use your car’s charging cable. These are often £50-£150 cheaper and offer flexibility if you have multiple EVs with different connector types, but you’ll need to fetch your cable from the boot each time.
Popular Charger Brands and Typical Costs
Here’s what you might pay for some of the most popular charger brands in the UK (unit cost only, before installation):
- Ohme Home Pro – £700-£850 (smart features, excellent app, off-peak charging)
- Zappi – £850-£1,000 (solar integration, eco modes, British-made)
- Wallbox Pulsar Plus – £500-£650 (affordable smart charger, good connectivity)
- Andersen A2 – £1,200-£1,500 (premium design, various finishes)
- Project EV – £400-£600 (budget-friendly, reliable)
Installation labour typically adds £300-£600 to these costs, depending on the factors mentioned above.
Are There Any Grants or Incentives Available?
The government’s Electric Vehicle Homecharge Scheme (EVHS) ended in 2022 for most homeowners, but there are still some support options:
- Flat and rental property owners may be eligible for the EV Chargepoint Grant, which provides up to £350 towards installation costs
- Some local authorities offer additional support schemes—it’s worth checking with your council
- Energy suppliers occasionally run promotions offering discounted installation
While direct grants are now limited, the long-term savings from home charging versus public charging points still make home installation financially attractive.
The Real Cost Comparison: Home vs Public Charging
Let’s put the installation cost into perspective. If you’re charging exclusively at public rapid chargers, you might pay 60-80p per kWh. At home on a standard tariff, you’ll pay around 24-30p per kWh, or as little as 7-12p per kWh if you switch to an EV-specific tariff with cheap overnight rates.
For an average EV with a 60kWh battery:
- Public rapid charging: £36-£48 per full charge
- Home charging (standard rate): £14-£18 per full charge
- Home charging (off-peak rate): £4-£7 per full charge
If you drive 10,000 miles per year, home charging could save you £800-£1,500 annually compared to relying on public chargers. Your installation cost is recovered in a year or less.
Getting the Best Value
To ensure you’re getting good value and a quality installation:
- Get multiple quotes – Aim for at least three quotes from certified installers
- Check qualifications – Ensure installers are registered with a competent person scheme (NICEIC, NAPIT, etc.)
- Ask about warranties – Both the charger and installation work should come with warranties
- Consider smart features – The extra £200-£300 often pays for itself through cheaper off-peak charging
- Plan for the future – If you might get solar panels or a home battery, choose a charger that can integrate with these
Is It Worth the Investment?
For most EV owners, absolutely. The convenience alone—waking up to a fully charged car every morning without detours to public charging stations—is invaluable. Add in the significant cost savings, and home EV charger installation is one of the smartest investments you can make as an electric vehicle owner.
The upfront cost of £800-£1,500 might seem substantial, but when you consider you’ll recoup this through charging savings within a year or two, and you’ll enjoy the convenience for as long as you own an EV, it’s an investment that pays dividends both financially and in quality of life.
Ready to get started? At Local EV, we provide free, no-obligation quotes with clear breakdowns of all costs involved. Our certified electricians will assess your property, recommend the best charger for your needs and budget, and provide a fixed price with no hidden surprises. Get in touch today to find out exactly what your installation will cost.