EV Charger Installs: Everything You Need to Know (Before Plugging In)
So, you’re thinking about installing an EV charger. Maybe you’re tired of hunting for public stations, or your business wants to attract eco-conscious customers. Either way, you’re not just buying a charger—you’re stepping into a maze of tech specs, grants, and regulations. Let’s cut through the noise. From kilowatts to Tethered vs. Untethered, here’s your no-BS guide to getting it right.
Quick Facts: EV Charger Install Basics
| Average Home Cost | £800 – £1,500 (before grants) |
| Fast vs. Slow | 7kW (overnight) vs. 22-350kW (30-min top-ups) |
| Top Grants | EVHS (homes) & WCS (businesses) |
| Key Accreditation | NICEIC or NAPIT for safety compliance |
1. Charger Types: 7kW vs. 200kW – What’s the Difference?
7kW Chargers (The “Slow” Ones)
- Speed: 20-30 miles of range per hour. Perfect for overnight home charging.
- Cost: £500-£1,000 for the unit.
- Use Case: Homes, workplaces with longer parking times.
22kW+ Chargers (The “Fast” Ones)
- Speed: 60-200 miles in 30 mins. Ideal for businesses, fleet depots, or anxious road-trippers.
- Cost: £3,000-£20,000+ (installation can hit £50k for 200kW units).
- Use Case: Petrol stations, supermarkets, car dealerships.
IMPORTANT FACT: Most UK homes can’t handle 22kW+ chargers without costly grid upgrades.
2. Tethered vs. Untethered: The Cable Conundrum
| Tethered | Untethered |
|---|---|
| Cable permanently attached | No attached cable; use your own |
| Pros: No fuss, weatherproof | Pros: Flexible, future-proof (swap cables for new EVs) |
| Cons: Bulky, fixed connector type | Cons: Extra step to plug in, storage hassle |
Verdict: Tethered for simplicity, Untethered if you’re techy or drive multiple EV brands.
3. Costs: What You’ll Actually Pay
Home Installations:
- Charger Unit: £500 – £1,200
- Installation: £300 – £800 (depends on wiring, fuse box upgrades)
- Grants: Slash £350 via the EVHS.
Business Installations:
- Single 7kW Charger: £1,500 – £3,000
- Fast 50kW+ Charger: £20,000 – £100,000+
- Grants: Claim up to £850/socket via the WCS.
Hidden Costs:
- Grid Upgrades: £1,000+ if your property needs a new supply.
- Permits: £50-£300 for council permissions (businesses).
4. Grants: Free Money for Chargers
| Grant | Who Qualifies? | Savings |
|---|---|---|
| EVHS | Homeowners, renters, landlords | £350 off home installs |
| WCS | Businesses, charities | Up to £850/socket (max 40 sockets) |
| OZEV Grants | Landlords, social housing | Up to 75% off installation |
Pro Tip: Grants often require installers accredited by MCS or NAPIT.
5. Installer Accreditations: Who to Trust
Not all electricians speak “EV.” Look for these badges:
- NICEIC: Gold standard for electrical safety.
- NAPIT: Rigorous testing & compliance focus.
- MCS: Essential for solar-linked chargers.
- City & Guilds 2919: EV-specific training.
Avoid Cowboys: Unaccredited installers might void warranties or fail grant applications.
6. Top Charger Brands Compared
| Brand | Best For | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Pod Point | Budget homes | £600 – £900 |
| Wallbox | Solar integration | £700 – £1,200 |
| EO Charging | Businesses | £2,000 – £15,000 |
| Tesla Wall Connector | Tesla owners | £500 – £800 |
| Hypervolt | Smart features | £800 – £1,100 |
Key Features:
- App Control: Schedule charging during off-peak hours.
- Solar Sync: Use rooftop panels to power your car (Wallbox, Zappi).
- Load Balancing: Charge multiple cars without blowing fuses (EO, Rolec).
7. Pre-Install Checklist: By User Type
Homeowners:
- Check fuse box capacity (100A+ recommended).
- Pick a weatherproof spot near your parking area.
- Future-proof with a 7kW+ unit (even if your current EV is slow).
Renters:
- Get written landlord permission.
- Opt for portable chargers (e.g., Shell Recharge).
- Split costs? Some landlords share installation fees.
Landlords:
- Boost property value with installed chargers.
- Use Trustmark pros for tenant safety.
- Consider billing systems for shared buildings.
Business Owners:
- Calculate peak demand (e.g., 10 cars charging at lunch?).
- Plan for scalability—add more units as EVs grow.
- Market chargers to eco-conscious customers.
8. Common Pitfalls (And How to Dodge Them)
- Cheap Installers: Saving £200 now could cost £5,000 later in repairs.
- Wrong Charger Type: A 50kW unit at home is overkill (and pricey).
- Ignoring Permits: Businesses risk fines without council approval.
Final Spark
Installing an EV charger isn’t rocket science—but it’s not plug-and-play either. Whether you’re a Leeds homeowner or a London startup, the right prep prevents headaches. Use accredited installers, claim grants, and pick hardware that grows with your needs.
Ready to start? Browse our directory of certified EV charger installers or dive deeper into grants like the WCS.