If you have an electric vehicle, or are considering purchasing one, and are thinking about installing a home EV charger, your first question is probably how much it costs to install an EV charger at home UK?
Cost is definitely an important factor to consider, so we’ve put together an article to explain how much a home EV charger costs to install, what factors can affect the cost, and how you can potentially save money on your EV charger installation through a government grant.
A home EV charger is beneficial for electric vehicle users for many reasons, so it’s pretty much a must-have if you are considering making the switch to an electric vehicle. Read on to get a breakdown of the costs, what EV chargers are available, and the benefits of a home EV charger.
How much to install an EV charger at home UK?
The cost of installing an electric vehicle (EV) charger at home in the UK varies based on the type of charger you choose, installation complexity, and other factors. On average, the installation of a home EV charger costs range from £800 to £1149.
There are different types of home EV chargers available, and they are typically categorised by their power output. The most common ones are:
- 7kw Chargers: These are ideal for most homes, have a simpler installation, and can fully charge your electric vehicle overnight.
- 11kw and 22kw Chargers: These require three-phase power, so the installation can take longer and be more complex. They do offer faster charging times, which is good if you want to be able to charge your vehicle in a matter of hours.
At NextGen Charge, we offer a wide range of home EV chargers. We offer many of the top-brand EV chargers, such as Ohme and Zappi, as well as our own-brand NextGen charger. We have a charger for everyone, with affordable, more simplistic options for those who are budget-conscious to more advanced models with features like solar compatibility and ultra-fast charging. Our chargers also come with installation included, so you can see the cost upfront.
You can also offset some of the cost of installing a home EV charger with an OZEV grant, which can reduce costs by up to £350. Read on to find out more about the OZEV government grant and how to apply for this to save on your EV home charger installation.
What factors can affect the cost of a home EV charger?
There are several factors that can affect the cost of your home EV charger installation. Some of the key things to consider are:
- The model of EV charger: As mentioned, there is a range of EV chargers available, and the model you choose will affect how much you pay. Those who want higher power for faster charging or more advanced features can expect to pay more.
- Smart features: Chargers with smart features tend to be more expensive than basic models. Advanced features, such as integration with home energy systems or solar panels, which can reduce long-term charging costs, can be more costly.
- Your home’s construction: Everyone’s home is different, and therefore, different issues can arise that affect the installation. If you live in an older house with thick, stone walls, for example, the time and effort it takes to drill through the walls could affect installation costs.
- Where your internal electricity distribution board is: If this is located far from where you want the EV charge point installed, this will involve extra wiring and potentially drilling through internal walls, which could increase the cost.
- Home electrics: If your home has old electrics that haven’t been updated in many years, it could require extra work before the system can handle an EV charger being installed. This is particularly important to consider if you want a 22kw, fast-charging EV charger, as these require three-phase electricity, which most UK homes don’t have as standard.
When you enquire about a home EV charger, we’ll discuss any potential issues or upgrades needed and what grants are available, as well as give advice on which is the best EV charger for your home. We’ll then be able to give you an accurate quote for how much it’ll cost for you to install your chosen EV charger.
What is an OZEV grant?
An OZEV grant is a government grant provided by the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV) to help cover some of the cost of purchasing and installing an electric vehicle charging point. The grant aims to reduce the upfront cost of switching to an electric vehicle by making home charging more accessible, to support the UK’s transition to zero-emission vehicles.
An OZEV grant provides eligible applicants with up to £350 off the cost of purchasing and installing a home EV charging point. They are available for a wide range of people, including individuals, landlords, renters, businesses, the public sector, charities, and education institutions. You can apply for an OZEV grant if you have an OZEV-eligible vehicle and live in a flat with dedicated off-street parking.
At NextGen Charge, we’re OZEV-approved to help secure grants and huge savings for customers on their EV charger install. This means we can handle the OZEV grant application on your behalf, saving you the hassle. Simply enquire with us and provide us with some information, we’ll assess your eligibility, and if eligible, we’ll submit the application to OZEV on your behalf. When approved, we’ll proceed with the installation.
What are the benefits of installing an EV charger at home?
If you have an electric vehicle, there are so many benefits to installing your own home EV charger. Some of the key benefits include:
- Convenience: With a home EV charger, you can charge your vehicle overnight at home, ensuring it’s fully charged and ready to go the next day. No need to stop on the way to work or disrupt your day by having to find somewhere to charge your car; it can all be done at home, at your own convenience.
- Cost-effective: Home charging can be more cost-effective than using public charging stations. Once you’ve paid for the initial charger and installation, there aren’t any big long-term costs associated, so it can work out cheaper in the long run.
- Efficiency: Modern home EV chargers offer faster charging times compared to standard outlets, so your car can charge more quickly and more efficiently.
Does installing a home EV charger increase electricity bill costs?
While charging an electric vehicle at home with a home EV charger will increase your energy consumption, many people find that it is still a lot lower cost than fuelling a traditional petrol or diesel vehicle. If you charge your vehicle at off-peak hours, you can further reduce costs, too.
How long does a home EV charger take to install?
Typically, the home EV charger installation process takes around a few hours. The exact time it takes depends on your property’s specific requirements. If you require a more advanced device or a trickier installation, this can take longer. Our expert installers at NextGen Charge do everything they can to ensure a hassle-free installation process to get your home EV charger installed as efficiently as possible.
Thinking of installing a home EV charger? Choose NextGen Charge!
If you’re considering a home EV charger, get in touch with NextGen Charge. We’re an expert EV charger provider and installer. We offer everything, from a range of high-quality chargers and their cables to UK-wide installation. We’re OZEV-approved installers too, so we can check if you’re eligible for a government grant and apply on your behalf to save you up to £350 on your home EV charger installation.
We’ve installed thousands of EV chargers in homes and businesses across the UK and have many 5-star reviews from our satisfied customers. Just check our Trustpilot. If you have any questions or would like more information on how to pick the right EV charger for you and your home, contact our friendly team today. We’re more than happy to help!