How much does it cost to install and EV charger, on average? Installing an electric vehicle charger at home can make EV ownership more convenient and cheaper than relying on public charging or hooking up to a 13 amp socket. However, the price of installation varies from one property to another. Two homes may use the same charger but receive very different quotes because of the distance from the consumer unit, the condition of the electrical system or the amount of work needed to reach the parking space.
Here are the main factors an installer will consider.
- The type and power of the EV charger
When asking How much is it to install an electric car charging point, several things must be taken into consideration. The first one being the Charger itself. Prices vary from make to make and unit to unit depending quite often on the software and electronics installed inside the charger. Most of the basic 7kw fast charge units start at around £350, with the more all sing all dancing models that incorporate switching charging times to maximise on the best night time tariffs coming in at around £675, also we must take into consideration if they are tethered (comes with a charging lead attached), or just the charging socket (untethered)
- The distance between your consumer unit and the charger
Cable length is one of the most common reasons an installation costs more than the standard advertised price. A charger installed on an outside wall close to the consumer unit is relatively simple. A charger at the front of a long driveway, in a detached garage or at the far end of a garden needs more cable and more time to install.
Longer cable runs may also need additional protection, fixings, conduit or ducting. The route matters as much as the distance. A neat surface-mounted route may be straightforward, while cables passing through walls, loft spaces, floors or multiple rooms require more labour. A consumer under the stairs in the middle of a property, rather than on an outside wall, will also require additional cable and installation time. When comparing quotes, check how many metres of cable are included in the standard installation and how extra cable is priced.
- The condition and capacity of your electrical system
Before fitting a charger, the installer needs to check that your electrical installation can safely support it. Older consumer units, limited spare capacity, outdated protective devices or other electrical faults may need attention first. Because of potential electrical shock hazards involving plugging a metallic object to the electrical supply network, especially in damp conditions, certain safety devices must be installed, namely and Residual Current Device (RCD). You may have RCD protection and a spare fuse way in the board, but the RCD must be of a certain type so that it will trip with DC fault current. Most consumer units will not have this type of RCD, so we would generally fit an additional EV charger consumer unit.
Taking into consideration all of the above, the cost of a 1 way unit, 15 meters of cable and all the accessories, we would allow half a day and a cost of installation in the Chester area would be £700
We will need to contact the Distribution Network Operator (DNO), which manages the local electricity network. If every home down the street had an EV charger, it would put a lot of stress on the cables underground. In most cases we can do this after the installation, but in some instances, this will be done prior to installation if the property already has a lot of electrical equipment connected to it. This requires some admin work and so this too is charged at £60
- Where the EV charger will be mounted
Wall-mounted chargers are usually the most economical option when there is a suitable external wall beside the parking space. If there is no appropriate wall, you may need a mounting post or pedestal. This adds the cost of the post, foundations and installation.
A detached garage or outbuilding can also increase the price, particularly if the cable needs to cross a garden or driveway. The installer may need to use underground ducting or carry out trenching to protect the cable and create a durable finish.
The building material matters too. Drilling through a standard cavity wall is different from working through thick stone, reinforced concrete or other difficult materials. Listed buildings and properties with unusual construction may need extra planning before work begins.
- Groundworks and reinstatement
If the charger is away from the house, the installation may involve civil work. This can include lifting paving, digging a trench, installing ducting, crossing a driveway and reinstating the surface afterwards.
Groundworks are often one of the largest additions to a quote because they involve more than electrical labour. The cost depends on the length of the trench, the surface material, access for tools and how much making-good is required. This can be around £60 per meter
- Grants and eligibility
A grant can reduce the amount you pay, but eligibility depends on your circumstances and the type of property. As of October 2026, the Government lists grants of up to £500 for eligible renters and flat owners with private off-street parking, and for eligible households with on-street parking using an approved cross-pavement solution. Workplace grants are also available, this may include a residential property if your business is registered at that address.
Details can be found at https://www.gov.uk/guidance/electric-vehicle-chargepoint-grants
How to get an accurate EV charger installation quote
We can usually give a much more accurate price after seeing photographs, a video survey or the property in person. To help quote accurately, provide:
- A photograph of your consumer unit and electricity meter.
- The proposed charger location.
- The distance and likely route between the two points.
- Details of your driveway, garage, garden or parking arrangement.
- Information about whether you rent, own a flat or need permission for shared areas.
We will give a written quote that separates the charger, installation labour, cable, electrical upgrades, groundworks, accessories and VAT, all subject to a site survey, should you wish to proceed.
Not all costs are subject to VAT and prices will vary on the issues mentioned above.
