PLANNING GUIDES
A complete guide to EV charging point installation at home
Updated 07/26
By: Laura Macdonald
Reviewed: Kim Staples
Demand for EV charging point installation at home has sky rocketed. We explain the process of getting an EV home charging point at your property and some of the challenges if you don't have a driveway or garage in which to install one.
This guide walks through the installation process whether you have a driveway or not, the permissions you'll need, and what it costs.
Why a dedicated charger beats a 3-pin plug
What to consider when choosing a home EV charger
The installation process, with or without a driveway
Planning permission and building regulation rules
Who's still eligible for a government EV charging grant
How much installation typically costs
Why install an EV charging point at home?
EV charging at home typically works out more cost-effective than using a public charging point. Not to mention the convenience of being able to plug in and charge your vehicle overnight.
And while it is possible to charge your EV using a 3-pin plug at home, it's not the recommended option because of:
Safety: Unlike a regular socket, home EV charging points are designed to safely carry the sustained electrical loads needed to charge your vehicle
Speed: Charging your vehicle via a 7kW EV home charger is around three times faster than using a 3-pin plug
Compatibility: Some EVs have substantial batteries (100kW), which would not fully charge overnight via a regular socket
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Choosing the right electric car charger
With a variety of EV home charging units on the market, it can be hard to narrow down your choice.
Some key considerations to help guide your decision include:
Charging rate. Your charging rate will be limited by that of your electric vehicle and the charging point itself. For example, an EV that charges at 11kW will only charge at a maximum of 7kW on a 7kW charger. Plug that same car into a 22kW charger and it'll be limited to no faster than 11kW
Power supply. Most homes in the UK will facilitate a maximum charging rate of 7kW and this tends to be the most common option. It is possible to upgrade to a faster rate, but this isn't cheap
Cable or no cable? A tethered charger has a cable, an untethered option does not. A tethered cable is more convenient, but won't work with every EV. An untethered cable can connect to most EVs but you'll need to keep your cable in your boot
Design and functionality. Do you like the style of the charging point and does it offer the features that you're after, for example, do you need it to be compatible with your solar panels and have internet connectivity?
Cost. EV chargers do vary in cost, typically in line with their charging rate - the more powerful chargers are more expensive. EV owners can apply for a government grant that provides funding of up to 75% towards the cost of installing a chargepoint
Many EV owners charge their cars overnight to take advantage of cheaper off-peak rates. Speak with your electricity supplier to make sure you have an overnight tariff.
Installing an EV charging point on a driveway
Installing an electric car charger at home is generally much more straightforward if your property has a driveway.
Where to install your EV chargepoint
Your installer will normally conduct a site visit prior to installation to check the area is safe and accessible. This can be done virtually; you may even be asked to supply photos.
They'll look for sim touches (any metal objects connected to your electricity supply within 2.5 metres) and make recommendations where any adjustments need to be made.
A few things are worth thinking through beforehand:
Where do you park? Look at where the charging lead needs to reach and how easy the electricity supply is to get to
Where is your vehicle's chargepoint? Front, rear, or side - planning around this level of detail will ensure a more satisfactory end result
How long is the charging cable? Bearing in mind the two previous points, is your charging cable long enough? If you don't want to be restricted, opt for an untethered cable (which come in various lengths)
Discretion: Some people prefer their electric car charger to be placed in the most discrete position possible
Functionality: Most EV chargers have features that require internet connectivity, which requires a stable Wi-Fi connection, so check the strength of your Wi-Fi signal in the planned installation area
How installation day works
Your installer clears a safe route between the chargepoint and your electricity supply, turns off the power, installs and connects the charger, then reinstates power and tests it.
For a smart charger, you'll need to supply your Wi-Fi password so it can connect.
The process typically takes around four hours, though it can be longer if unforeseen issues crop up.
While the installer's on site, it's a good moment to also consider resurfacing your driveway or adding outdoor lighting for extra security.
Planning permission and building regulations
Planning permission is not normally required to install a wall-mounted EV chargepoint within the parameters of a property that you own, as long as the electrical outlet and casing:
Does not exceed 0.2 cubic metres
Does not face onto and be within two metres of a highway
Is not within a site designated as a scheduled monument
Is not within the curtilage of a listed building
If your property is a listed building or you live in a conservation area, check with your local planning authority before installing anything.
Building regulations will need to be complied with. This is to ensure the installation is safe and meets the electrical standards as outlined in Part P of building regulations.
Your installer will also need to inform your Distribution Network Operator (DNO) to ensure the main fuse and supply is adequate.
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Installing a car charging point without a driveway
Installing a car charger at home can be more challenging if your property doesn't have a driveway, but there are still plenty of options out there.
If you own a flat with a dedicated parking space, you can still get an electric car charger installed. You'll need permission from the freeholder(s) or managing agent in advance.
If you rent a flat, you'll need to approach the landlord about the option to get an EV chargepoint installed.
If you don't have off-street parking, you can plug in to an on-street charger, or top up at one of the many public chargers at your workplace or at the supermarket, for example.
No EV chargepoints in your area? Contact your local council to get a car charger installed. The government is actively promoting the availability of on-street EV chargepoints in residential streets where off-street parking is not available.
How much does EV charging point installation cost?
The supply and installation of an electric car charger at home costs in the region of £1,000 (or £500 if eligible for a government grant).
Electric vehicle owners can apply for an EV chargepoint grant. This government grant provides funding of up to 75% towards the cost of installing electric vehicle smart chargepoints at domestic properties across the UK.
You must use an OZEV-approved installer to be eligible for the EV chargepoint grant.
Read our guide to the cost of EV charger installation for more information.
How much does it cost to install an EV charger at home?
From slow chargers to fast chargers, our cost guide is the ideal way to find the right charger for your home. Find out the ballpark electric car charger installation cost to expect for your installation.
Can I get a government grant for my EV charger?
Yes, you may be eligible for a government grant.
The grant rate increased to £500 per socket from 1 April 2026, and is confirmed to run until 31 March 2027, subject to government review.
Today's EV Chargepoint Grant is aimed at:
Renters and flat owner-occupiers with private, off-street parking
Households relying on on-street parking, where a cross-pavement charging solution is being installed
Landlords installing chargepoints for tenants
You must use an OZEV-approved installer and fit a charger from the approved product list. The discount is applied directly to your invoice rather than claimed separately.
If you own a standalone house outright with private off-street parking, you won't currently qualify for a grant, though it's worth checking gov.uk for the latest position, as scheme rules can change.
Find an OZEV-approved installer
Ready to find an approved EV home charging point installer?
To find an OZEV-approved installer in your area, simply enter your postcode into our leading directory to start browsing your options.
Find an OZEV-approved installer
You can also post your job using our request-a-quote feature, to hear back from EV installers available in your area. Or you can download the Checkatrade app.
EV charger installation checklist
Tick everything off our handy checklist to make sure you get an EV charger installation you're happy with.
Your EV charger installation checklist
FAQs
Not currently. The Electric Vehicle Homecharge Scheme for standalone homeowners with a driveway closed in April 2022. Today's EV Chargepoint Grant is targeted at renters, flat owner-occupiers, on-street parking households, and landlords.
The grant is worth up to £500 per socket as of 1 April 2026, and confirmed until 31 March 2027 subject to government review.
No, not usually, provided the chargepoint casing stays under 0.2 cubic metres, isn't within 2 metres of a highway facing onto it, and your property isn't listed or within a scheduled monument site. Listed buildings and conservation areas may need extra checks with your local planning authority.
Installation on a driveway typically takes around four hours, though this can be longer if unexpected wiring issues come up during the job.
You can, but it's not recommended. It's slower, and standard sockets aren't designed for the sustained load of EV charging in the way a dedicated home charger is.
A tethered charger has a built-in cable, which is more convenient day-to-day but won't suit every EV.
An untethered charger has no fixed cable, so it's compatible with most vehicles, but you'll need to carry your own cable.
It's highly recommended. You need an OZEV-approved installer for the job to qualify for any applicable grant. This installer will typically be a qualified electrician with EV-specific accreditation.
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.
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