Why there is no single price
Every advert you see quoting one flat figure for a home EV charger is describing a best-case property: a modern consumer unit with a spare way, a meter close to the parking space and a short, simple cable run. Plenty of homes are like that. Plenty are not.
The charger itself is only part of the total. The rest is the electrical work needed to supply it safely, and that depends entirely on your house. This is why we will not give you a firm figure over the phone without understanding the property first — a number that has to be revised on the day helps nobody.
The main things that change the cost
1. The charger you choose
Mainstream 7kW smart chargers sit within a fairly narrow band, but tethered units cost more than socket-only ones, and some models carry a premium for features such as solar integration or built-in load balancing.
2. Cable distance
This is the single biggest variable in most jobs. A three-metre run from an external meter box to a charger beside the drive is quick. A twenty-metre run from an internal board, through a garage and around the back of the house is a different job entirely.
3. Consumer unit condition and capacity
An EV charger needs its own protected circuit. If your board has a free way and modern protective devices, the work is simple. If it is full, or of an older type that cannot accommodate the required protection, an upgrade or a separate enclosure will be needed.
4. Cable route and finish
Surface-clipped cable across brick is straightforward. Routes that pass through thick masonry, run internally through finished rooms, or need containment across a rendered elevation take longer.
5. Ground works
Reaching a detached garage or a parking space across a lawn or block paving may require ducting and reinstatement. This is the most common reason a quote lands well above a standard installation.
6. Load management and supply capacity
If your main fuse rating and existing household load do not leave comfortable headroom, load management equipment is used so the charger reduces its draw when the house is busy. It is far cheaper than a supply upgrade.
7. Additional electrical work
Occasionally an assessment finds something that must be corrected first — poor main earthing, a damaged tail, or an unsafe existing installation. We will always explain what is required and why.
Straightforward versus more complex installations
| Situation | Effect on cost |
|---|---|
| External meter box near the parking space, modern board, short run | Lowest — a standard installation |
| Internal board, moderate run through a garage | Slightly higher — more labour and containment |
| Consumer unit needs replacing or upgrading | Higher — additional materials and testing |
| Detached garage requiring ducting or a new submain | Highest — ground works and larger cable |
| On-street parking with no off-street space | Home charger usually not viable — see our guide |
How to get an accurate figure
The fastest route to a real number is a short phone call. Useful things to have to hand: where your consumer unit and meter are, where the car parks, roughly how far apart they are, and whether the route is clear.
Ask about grants before you commit
Support schemes for homeowners change from time to time and eligibility is specific. Check current government guidance and see our grants guide before assuming a discount applies.
Frequently asked questions
Is the charger included in the installation price?
It depends how you buy. We can supply and install a unit, or install one you have bought yourself. Ask for both figures so you can compare properly.
Do I pay more for a tethered charger?
Usually a little, because the attached cable adds cost to the unit itself. The installation labour is broadly the same.
Will I need to pay for a survey?
Call us and describe the property first. In many cases we can establish what is involved without a chargeable visit.
Can the cost change on the day?
It should not, provided the assessment was accurate. That is exactly why we prefer to understand the property properly before quoting.