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Electric cars are becoming increasingly common across the UK, and many people are now considering installing a home charging point. Having your own charger is more convenient and often cheaper than relying on public charging stations. If you're planning to install an electric car charger at home, understanding the typical costs and what the work involves can make the process feel much simpler. This guide explains the typical cost of installing an electric car charger in the UK, what can influence the final price, and the extra costs worth planning for.

How much does electric car charger installation cost in the UK?

To help you budget, below are the average electric car charging point installation costs in the UK:

The average cost of installing an electric car charger at home is around £1,000 (or £500 if eligible for a government grant). This includes the charger and labour. However, costs can increase if the installation requires electrical upgrades, longer cable runs, or groundworks such as trenching. For example:

• Trenching typically costs around £30 per metre

• Digger hire may involve a minimum charge of around £300

This assumes soft ground (soil), no hard surfaces such as concrete, and suitable access for a mini digger.

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Electric car charger installation costs at a glance

• Typical home EV charger installation cost: around £1,000 (or £500 if eligible for a government grant)

• Supply-only cost for a 3kW charger: £250–£500

• Supply-only cost for a 7kW charger: £450–£800

• Workplace charger installation cost: £1,000 to £1,500

• Typical electrician day rate: around £400 per day

• Trenching cost (if required): around £30 per metre

• Minimum digger hire charge: around £300

• Typical installation time: 2–4 hours

Understanding different types of EV charger installation and their costs

The total cost of installing an electric car charger at home will vary depending on the type and power rating of the charger you choose. One of the biggest differences in price comes down to charging speed. Higher-powered chargers usually cost more to buy, but they can significantly reduce charging time. As a guide, here are the typical supply-only costs for common home EV chargers:

• 3kW electric car charger: £250–£500

• 7kW electric car charger: £450–£800

Do you own a Tesla? Check out our Tesla home charger cost guide.

How much does Pod Point installation cost?

Pod Point has become a popular brand of electric car charger. Their Solo 3 charger comes in at £798 for supply and installation.

The Solo 3 is a fast EV charger that comes available in three power ratings: 3.6kW, 7kW or 22kW. Installation of the Pod Point charger can take as little as 2 hours.

How much to install an EV charging point at work?

The average cost for installing a commercial electric car charger at a workplace is around £1,000 to £1,500.

The cost of the electric car charger installation at your workplace will depend on various factors, including:

• Make and model of car charger

• Number of chargers installed

• Specification of cables and fixtures needed

What affects the cost of installing an EV charger?

The final price of installing an electric car charger depends on several factors. Most installations are straightforward, but changes to your electrics or installation location can increase the overall cost. The key factors that influence cost include:

• Charger power rating: Higher-powered chargers (such as 7kW models) usually cost more to supply and install than a 3kW model, for example

• Distance from the fuse box: Longer cable runs can increase labour time and materials

• Condition of your existing electrics: Older consumer units may need upgrading to safely support a charger

• Groundworks or trenching: Installing cabling underground can add additional labour and equipment costs

• Location of the charger: Restricted access or complex installation positions can increase installation time

• Brand and model of charger: Different manufacturers offer varying features, charging speeds and warranties, which can affect the overall installation cost

• Smart features: Chargers with app control or scheduling functions can cost more than basic models

Additional costs to consider

If you're trying to calculate your electric car charger installation costs, there are several potential extras you might need to pay for.

In addition to the equipment and labour costs, you may need to budget for the following:

• Replace or upgrade your fuse box to take into account the additional electricity usage: £350+

• A new isolator switch, which is often required: £100–£200

• Rapid charging cables, such as a CHAdeMO or a European CSS cable: £150–£500 (depending on the type and length of cable)

• Build a new driveway if you don't have off-road parking (so you can park your car near the charging point): between £60 and £120 per m², depending on the material you choose and how much groundwork is needed

• Security lighting so that your electric charger is well lit for extra security: £150–£200

Optional upgrades to consider

You may also choose to install additional equipment to support renewable energy or improve charging flexibility. For example:

• Battery storage or inverter upgrades: Needed if you want to use solar panels or other renewable energy to charge your vehicle

• Specialist EV chargers compatible with solar energy systems: Designed to prioritise renewable energy use

These upgrades are not required for standard installations but can help reduce long-term energy costs.

Check out our Green Homes Hub for everything you need to help improve your home's energy efficiency and reduce its carbon footprint. From cost guides to planning advice, ideas and how to guidance, we've got you covered.

Cost of charging an electric car

Once you've installed your electric car charger, you just need to plan for the cost of charging your car.

Here are some of the average costs for electric vehicle charging in the UK:

Running costs for electric vehicle charging

Once you’ve had the charger installed then you’ll only need to pay for the electricity that’s used. There’s no additional monthly cost for access to the grid.

As such, charging an electric vehicle at home is the cheapest option for the vast majority of owners.

If you’re wondering how often to charge your electric vehicle, well the best analogy is to think of how you charge your mobile phone.

Ideally, you want to charge regularly on a set schedule (usually overnight). Then you can always top up with ad hoc charging after any long drives or heavy use.

Depending on your energy tariff, you could pay around £17 to fully charge your car at home. Even better, if you're using solar panels you won’t pay anything for the energy.

Charging your EV outside the home

Although you could charge your electric vehicle outside the home, you will have to sign up with a public charging company, many of which have tariffs.

You can expect to pay £22 to charge your car up to 80% and over £39 for a full charge outside the home.

In fact, a What Car? study found some charging stations cost more per mile than petrol or diesel!

You also run the risk of not finding a charger when you need it or finding a charger that isn’t compatible with your car.

A few things to bear in mind:

• Rapid chargers outside the home can charge the car to 80% in 45 minutes, considerably quicker than the 4-8 hours for home chargers

• Rapid chargers are above 22kW, while Tesla’s superchargers are 145kW, so your mileage may vary

• Costs vary based on location

How long does an electric car charger installation take?

On average, electric car charger installations will take roughly 2-4 hours to install. The time it takes will depend on the specification of the EV charger that you have installed and the access to your property.

Professional installation of an electric car charger will include a site survey before installation and supply of the equipment and cabling.

How much does an electrician cost to install EV chargers?

In addition to installation time, labour costs are another important part of the overall price. If hiring a certified electrician to install an EV charger at your home, you can expect to pay around:

• £45–£60 per hour

• £400 per day

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Always arrange for a trusted local installer to survey your property, recommend the right type of charger for your needs and provide a written quote before you go ahead.

Can I install an electric car charger myself?

It's best to hire a certified and OZEV-approved charging provider to install your electric car charger.

• You need to inform the DNO (electricity grid operator in the region) to ensure the main fuse and supply are adequate. If you get it wrong, it will blow the fuse or cause a fire

• You also need to notify building control under Part P as it is a new circuit. If you don't, you may run into problems with insurance, remortgaging or selling

• There are a lot of safety considerations such as earthing and RCD selection. Again, if you get it wrong and there's a fault, it could prove fatal or damage a very expensive new electric car

• If you’re applying for a government grant to help with the cost of your EV charger, you'll likely need to hire an OZEV-approved tradesperson to install it

Help to finance your EV charger installation cost in the UK

An EV chargepoint grant can help towards the cost of installing an electric vehicle chargepoint socket at your property. Through this government grant you can get 75% off the cost of buying and installing a socket, up to a maximum of £500 (this increased from £350 on 1st April 2026).

Electric car charger installation cost checklist

• Check your property's electrical capacity

• Decide where the charger will be installed

• Confirm whether trenching or groundworks are needed

• Ask whether your fuse box needs upgrading

• Check eligibility for any government grants

• Compare quotes from qualified installers

• Make sure you understand what is included in the price

When should you speak to an EV charger installer?

Speaking to an experienced installer early on can clarify what’s possible and give you a clearer idea of the likely costs.

It's definitely helpful to get advice early if:

• You're unsure whether your electrics can support a charger

• You need help choosing between charger types

• Your parking space is some distance from the house

• You're planning to apply for a government grant

• You want a clear idea of total installation costs

Find an EV charger installer near you

Comparing local installers is the best way to understand the typical cost of EV charger installation in your area.

A qualified installer can assess your property, recommend the right type of charger for your requirements, and provide a clear quote tailored to your home.

On Checkatrade, you'll only find trades who meet our high standards and pass up to 12 checks.

FAQs

Can I charge my car through a regular plug socket?

You can charge an electric car using a standard plug socket, but it’s much slower and places greater strain on your electrical system. A dedicated home charger is safer and typically charges your vehicle significantly faster.

Are there any government grants for electric car chargers?

Some grants are still available, but eligibility is more limited than it used to be. In England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, renters and flat owners may be able to claim up to £500, landlords can apply for up to £500 per socket, and workplaces can apply for up to £500 per socket for up to 40 sockets.

Separate eligibility rules apply in Scotland, where domestic funding is currently up to £400 for eligible residents in rural or remote areas, and availability should be checked before applying.

Is it worth getting an electric car charger installed?

For most electric vehicle owners, a home charger offers greater convenience, faster charging times and lower running costs compared with public charging points.

Can any electrician install a car charger?

Most domestic chargers must be installed by a qualified electrician who can issue an Electrical Installation Certificate. If you're applying for a grant, the installer usually needs to be registered with an approved scheme such as OZEV.

Does an EV charger increase home value?

An EV charger may not significantly increase property value on its own, but it can make a home more attractive to buyers who already own — or are planning to buy — an electric vehicle.

Do I need permission to install an EV charger?

Planning permission is not usually required for properties with off-street parking. However, additional permissions may be needed for listed buildings or homes in conservation areas.

What type of EV charger do I need?

Most homes install a 7kW charger, which provides a good balance between charging speed and cost. The right option will depend on your vehicle, daily mileage and how quickly you need the car to recharge.

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