How Much Does It Cost to Install an EV Charger in the UK?
Installing an EV charger at home can make owning an electric car considerably easier. Instead of relying on public charging points, you can charge your car where you park it overnight or during the day.
But before booking an installation, most drivers want to know one thing:
How Much Will an EV Charger Installation Cost?
The cost depends on the charger you choose, your property's electrical setup, where the charger is installed and whether any additional work is required.
In this guide, we'll explain typical UK costs, what a standard installation includes, what can increase the price, how government grants may reduce the cost and what to check before booking an installer.
How Much Does an EV Charger Installation Cost in the UK?
A typical home EV charger package in the UK can cost around £800 to £1,200, depending on the charger, installation requirements and property.
It's important to distinguish between:
- The cost of the charger itself
- The installation cost
- Additional electrical or groundwork costs
- The total installed price
A straightforward installation with a suitable electrical supply and a relatively short cable route is generally simpler than one requiring extensive cabling, electrical upgrades or groundwork.
The final price therefore depends on the property as much as the charger.
What Is Included in a Standard EV Charger Installation?
A standard installation is generally designed around a straightforward property where the electrical supply is suitable and the charger can be installed without significant additional work.
The exact definition varies between installers, so always check what is included in the package you are buying.
A standard installation may include:
- Mounting the charger in a suitable location
- Connecting the charger to the property's electrical supply
- Required electrical protection
- Installation materials
- Testing and commissioning
At NextGen Charge, the NextGen Pro 7.4kW is currently listed at £899 with installation included. Eligible customers can receive the applicable government grant, bringing the advertised price to £449, subject to eligibility, grant approval and the applicable terms.
The standard package includes a 5m tethered cable, with longer 7.5m and 10m options available at an additional cost.
What Can Increase the Cost of EV Charger Installation?
Not every home is a straightforward installation.
Additional work may be required depending on the property and the proposed charger location.
Longer Cable Runs
The distance between the consumer unit and the charger can affect the amount of cable and installation work required.
A charger positioned close to the electrical supply may have a relatively straightforward cable route.
A charger installed at the other end of the property, garage or driveway may require a longer route.
Longer cable routes can therefore increase the amount of work required.
Consumer Unit or Electrical Upgrades
Your existing electrical installation may need additional work before a charger can be installed.
Depending on the property, this could include:
- Consumer unit alterations or upgrades
- Additional protective equipment
- Other electrical work
This does not mean every EV charger installation requires a new consumer unit.
The existing electrical setup should be assessed before installation to determine what is required.
Difficult Cable Routes
Some properties have easy access between the consumer unit and charger.
Others may require cable routing:
- Through walls
- Around buildings
- Along external walls
- Through less accessible areas
The installation route can therefore affect both labour and materials.
Trenching and Groundworks
If the charger needs to be installed away from the main building, underground cabling or other groundwork may be necessary.
For example, a detached garage or parking area separated from the house may require additional work to route the electrical supply safely.
Groundworks are normally treated as additional work rather than part of a basic standard installation.
Charger Location
The location of the charger can influence the installation requirements.
A charger installed on an easily accessible external wall may have a relatively straightforward route.
A charger positioned inside a garage, on a remote wall or further away from the consumer unit may require more cabling or additional work.
The cheapest location is not necessarily the best location. The charger still needs to be positioned so the cable can reach the vehicle comfortably and safely.
Does the Type of Property Affect EV Charger Installation Cost?
It can, but the building type itself does not necessarily determine the price.
A straightforward installation at a detached house can be cheaper than a complicated installation at a terrace.
Likewise, a flat may require additional permissions or more complicated cable routing.
The important factors are:
- Where the vehicle is parked
- Where the consumer unit is located
- Distance to the charger
- Cable route
- Access to the property
- Existing electrical infrastructure
- Whether groundwork is required
In other words, installation complexity matters more than simply whether the property is detached, semi-detached or terraced.
Does Installing an EV Charger on a Driveway Cost More?
Not necessarily.
A driveway installation can be straightforward when the charger is mounted on a nearby external wall and there is a practical cable route back to the electrical supply.
Costs may increase where the charger needs to be installed far from the house or where the cable needs to follow a complicated route.
A driveway directly beside the house may require relatively little additional work, while a parking space at the end of a long driveway may require more.
Does Installing an EV Charger in a Garage Cost More?
Not automatically.
A garage can be a practical location for an EV charger when the vehicle is normally parked inside.
The main considerations are:
- Distance to the consumer unit
- Cable route
- Charger position
- Cable reach to the vehicle
A longer cable or more complicated route may increase the cost.
How Much Does a 7.4kW EV Charger Installation Cost?
A 7.4kW home charger is a common choice for UK homes, but the total cost depends on the charger and installation package.
Rather than looking only at the charger price, compare:
Charger + installation + required electrical work + any extras
For example, the NextGen Pro 7.4kW is currently listed at £899 with installation included, with an advertised grant-supported price of £449 for eligible customers.
Can an EV Charger Grant Reduce the Cost?
Yes, for eligible applicants.
The UK government currently operates several EV chargepoint grant schemes. For several residential and workplace schemes, the maximum grant is currently £500 per socket.
For example, eligible renters and flat owners can receive 75% of the cost of buying and installing a chargepoint, up to £500.
A residential landlord grant of up to £500 per socket is also available, subject to the scheme's eligibility requirements.
Not every homeowner is automatically eligible, so check the requirements for the relevant scheme before assuming a grant applies.
Important: Check Before Installation
For relevant schemes, customers must receive confirmation from OZEV that they are eligible before the chargepoint is installed.
Do not assume that the grant will simply be deducted from the price because you believe you qualify.
How Much Does an EV Charger Cost With NextGen Charge?
The NextGen Pro 7.4kW EV Charger is currently listed at:
£899 — Installation Included
For eligible customers, the advertised grant-supported price is:
£449 With the Applicable Government Grant
This is subject to eligibility, grant approval and the relevant terms.
The standard package includes:
- 5m tethered cable
- Smart charging
- Indoor or outdoor installation
- 7-year warranty
What Could I Pay in Different Installation Situations?
There is no single price for every property because installation requirements vary.
Straightforward Installation
The charger is close to the consumer unit, the electrical supply is suitable and the cable route is simple.
Usually the easiest installation scenario.
Longer Cable Run
The charger is further from the consumer unit.
Additional cable and installation work may be required.
Difficult Access or Routing
The charger is in a difficult location or the cable needs to follow a more complicated route.
Additional labour or materials may be required.
Groundworks Required
The charger is separated from the house or needs underground cabling.
Trenching or other groundwork may add to the cost.
Electrical Upgrades Required
The existing electrical installation needs alterations or additional protection.
Additional electrical work may be required.
This is why a headline installation price should always be checked against the specific terms of the installation package.
Is It Cheaper to Install an EV Charger Than Use Public Charging?
Installing a home charger is an upfront cost, but home charging can be more convenient and may reduce charging costs compared with some public charging options.
Charging at home on a suitable off-peak electricity tariff can be particularly useful for reducing running costs.
Your actual charging cost depends on your electricity tariff, vehicle efficiency and charging habits.
Why Does Professional EV Charger Installation Matter?
An EV charger is a high-powered electrical device connected to your home's electrical installation.
Professional installation helps ensure that the charger is installed and tested appropriately for the property and its electrical supply.
It can also identify potential issues before installation, such as unsuitable cable routes or electrical requirements that could affect the final cost.
What Should You Ask an EV Charger Installer?
Before booking an installation, ask:
Is installation included in the advertised price?
Don't assume it is.
What counts as a standard installation?
Ask exactly what is included and what would be treated as an extra.
Are there charges for longer cable runs?
This matters if the charger is far from the consumer unit.
Could my consumer unit require additional work?
The installer should assess the existing electrical installation.
Is groundwork included?
This is especially important if the charger is away from the house.
Is the advertised price available to everyone?
Where a grant price is advertised, check the eligibility conditions before assuming you qualify.
EV Charger Installation Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install an EV charger in the UK?
A typical home EV charger package can cost around £800 to £1,200, depending on the charger and installation requirements. More complicated properties may cost more.
How much does it cost to install a 7.4kW EV charger?
The cost depends on the charger and installation. NextGen Charge currently lists the NextGen Pro 7.4kW at £899 with installation included, with an advertised grant-supported price of £449 for eligible customers.
Does an EV charger price include installation?
Sometimes. Some suppliers advertise the charger separately from installation, while others sell installation-included packages. Always check what the advertised price covers.
What is included in a standard EV charger installation?
This depends on the installer, but a standard package generally covers fitting the charger, connecting it to the electrical supply, required protection, testing and commissioning where the property meets the standard-installation criteria.
Can EV charger installation cost more than the advertised price?
Yes. Additional work may be required for longer cable runs, difficult routes, electrical upgrades, groundwork or other property-specific requirements.
Will I need to upgrade my consumer unit?
Not necessarily. Your existing electrical installation needs to be assessed to determine whether any additional work or protection is required.
Does driveway installation cost more than garage installation?
Not automatically. The main consideration is the complexity of the installation, including the charger position, cable route and distance from the electrical supply.
Can I get a government grant for an EV charger?
Some people can. Current UK schemes provide grants of up to £500 per socket for several eligible residential and workplace situations, but eligibility depends on the specific scheme.
Can homeowners with their own house get the EV charger grant?
Not every homeowner qualifies for the current residential schemes. Eligibility depends on the specific scheme and the applicant's circumstances.
Can I apply for the grant after my charger has been installed?
For relevant schemes, you should not install the chargepoint before OZEV confirms your eligibility.
How can I find out what my EV charger installation will cost?
The most reliable way is to have the property and proposed charger location assessed so the installer can identify the standard installation requirements and any additional work.Final Thoughts
The cost of installing an EV charger in the UK depends on much more than the charger itself.
The biggest factors are usually:
- The charger you choose
- The distance between the charger and electrical supply
- The cable route
- The existing electrical installation
- Whether additional work such as groundwork is required
A good quote should make it clear:
What you are buying.
What installation includes.
What could cost extra.
Whether you qualify for a grant.
For NextGen Charge, the NextGen Pro 7.4kW is listed at £899 with installation included, while eligible customers can access an advertised price of £449 with the applicable government grant, subject to eligibility and approval.
Ready to Install Your EV Charger?
Get a clear quote for your home EV charger installation and find out what is included before you commit.
NextGen Pro 7.4kW
- £899 with installation included
- £449 for eligible customers with the applicable government grant
- 5m tethered cable included
- 7-year warranty
- Smart charging
- Indoor or outdoor installation