Thinking about installing a home EV charger? You’re not alone. EV charger installation is one of the fastest-growing electrical jobs across London and Surrey right now. But many homeowners still have questions. How much does it cost? How long does it take? Do you need a special installer?
This guide answers these questions.
Why Install a Home EV Charger?
Most EV owners charge their cars overnight at home. A standard three-pin socket can do the job, but it is slow and not designed for regular use. A dedicated home EV charger is faster, safer, and far more convenient.
Here is how the two options compare:
- Standard 13A plug socket: 2.3kW and takes 24+ hours to fully charge most EVs
- 7kW home wallbox: Charges up to 3x faster. Most cars are fully charged in 6 to 10 hours. This can be completed overnight.
A home charger also lets you schedule charging during cheaper overnight electricity tariffs. If you are on an EV-friendly energy tariff, this can cut your charging costs significantly.
What Types of Home EV Charger Are Available?
Most homeowners choose a 7kW smart wallbox. This is the standard for home use in the UK and suits all electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles.
Common brands we install include:
- Andersen A2: Premium, UK-made, very popular in London
- Ohme ePod / Home Pro: Great for smart tariff scheduling
- Zappi (myenergi): Ideal if you have solar panels
- Pod Point Solo 3: Reliable and widely used
- Wallbox Pulsar Plus: Compact and app-connected
- Tesla Wall Connector: Best for Tesla owners
Since June 2022, all new home EV chargers installed in the UK must be smart chargers. This means they must be able to schedule charging and respond to grid demand. All chargers we install meet this requirement.
How Much Does EV Charger Installation Cost?
This is the question most people ask first. The honest answer: it depends on your property and the charger you choose.
Here is what to expect in London and Surrey:
- Standard home EV charger installation: From £785 (exc. VAT)
- Premium charger brands (e.g. Andersen, Zappi, Tesla): From £999 (exc. VAT)
- Commercial multi-bay installations. Please contact us for a quote.
The cost covers everything: the charger unit, the cable run from your consumer unit, a dedicated circuit, and your completion certificate. There are no hidden extras. You get a free site visit and fixed price before we start. Book your free site visit here.
Is there a grant available?
Yes, in some cases. The OZEV EV Chargepoint Grant gives up to £350 off for people who live in flats or rental properties. Homeowners in houses are not currently eligible for this grant, but renters and flat owners may qualify. We are OZEV approved and can tell you straight away whether you qualify.
What Does EV Charger Installation Involve?
The process is straightforward. Here is what happens from start to finish:
- Free site survey We visit your property and assess the best location for the charger, check your consumer unit capacity, and plan the cable route. This is free and takes around 30 to 45 minutes.
- Fixed-price quote You get a clear price before we book the job. No surprises.
- Installation day Most home EV charger installations take 2 to 4 hours. We:
- Mount the wallbox in your chosen location (usually the garage, driveway wall, or car port)
- Run a dedicated cable from your consumer unit
- Connect and commission the charger
- Test everything and show you how to use it
- Completion certificate You receive an electrical completion certificate at the end of the job. This is important for insurance and for any future property sale.
Do You Need Planning Permission for a Home EV Charger?
In most cases, no. Installing an EV charger at home falls under permitted development rights. You do not need to apply for planning permission.
There are a few exceptions:
- Listed buildings may require listed building consent
- Some conservation areas have restrictions
- Properties in Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland have slightly different rules
If you are unsure, we can advise during your free site survey.
Does the Installer Need to Be OZEV Approved?
Yes, if you want to claim a government grant, your installer must be OZEV approved. Sky Electrical is registered on the OZEV installer list, so any eligible customers can apply for their grant when booking with us. To find us on the GOV.UK website, please search our postcode: TW2 5LF in the search bar using this link.
Even without a grant, using an OZEV-approved installer gives you confidence that the job will be done to the correct standard with the right certification. You can view our certifications and accreditations here.
How Long Does Home EV Charger Installation Take?
Most home EV installations are done in a single day, usually in 2 to 4 hours. You do not need to take a full day off work.
Commercial installations or jobs that involve significant cable runs or groundworks may take longer. We will always tell you in advance.
Can I Install an EV Charger Myself?
No. EV charger installation is notifiable work under Part P of the Building Regulations. It must be carried out by a qualified, registered electrician. Using an unqualified installer can invalidate your home insurance, your vehicle warranty, and could be dangerous.
All installations by Sky Electrical come with a full electrical certificate and Building Regulations compliance.
What to Look For in an EV Charger Installer
Not all installers are the same. Here is what matters:
- OZEV approved. This is required for grants and best practice
- NICEIC approved. The UK’s highest electrical contractor accreditation
- Provides a completion certificate. This is legally required
- Offers a fixed price. No surprise invoices
- Has real reviews. Check Google and Checkatrade reviews
Sky Electrical is OZEV approved and NICEIC approved, with a 5 star rating on Google, and 9.9/10 rating on Checkatrade. Based on over 800 reviews.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does home EV charger installation cost in London? A standard home EV charger installation with Sky Electrical starts from £785 (exc. VAT). This includes the charger unit, all cabling, and your completion certificate. Premium brands start from £999 (exc. VAT). Have a look at our pricing page for more.
Do I need a dedicated circuit for my EV charger? Yes. A home EV charger requires its own dedicated circuit direct from your consumer unit. This ensures safe operation and prevents overloading.
Can I charge my EV on a normal plug socket? You can, but it is very slow and not recommended for daily use. A 13A socket provides 2.3kW and can take over 24 hours to charge most EVs. A 7kW wallbox is much faster and specifically designed for the job.
Will an EV charger affect my electricity bill? An EV charger itself does not cost anything to run, you pay for the electricity you use. If you charge overnight on a smart tariff, the cost per mile can be very low. A typical home EV charger uses around 7kW per hour.
How do I know if my consumer unit can support an EV charger? We check this during your free site survey. Most modern consumer units are fine. If yours needs an upgrade, we will tell you and quote separately.
Is the installation guaranteed? Yes. All electrical work by Sky Electrical comes with a 6-year workmanship guarantee. This is five times the industry standard.
Book Your Free Site Survey
Sky Electrical installs home and commercial EV chargers across London and Surrey. We are OZEV approved and NICEIC approved, with over 65 years of electrical experience.
Call 02088941799, email info@skyelectrical.co.uk, or book a free site survey online.
