How Much Does It Cost to Install an EV Charger?

If you’ve recently bought an electric vehicle, or you’re considering making the switch, one of the first things you’ll need to think about is how you’re going to charge it.

For most EV owners, charging at home is the most convenient option. But how much does it cost to install an EV charger at home?

In the UK, the typical cost of installing a home EV chargepoint is currently around £800–£1,200, according to the Energy Saving Trust.

However, the final cost of your EV charger installation will depend on the charger you choose, where it needs to be installed and the electrical requirements of your property.

How much does a home EV charger cost?

A typical home EV charger installation costs between £800 and £1,200, including the chargepoint and installation.

This gives you a useful starting point when budgeting for an EV charger, but it’s important to remember that every installation is different.

Factors such as the distance between your electricity supply and the charger, the location of your consumer unit and whether any additional electrical work is required can all affect the final price.

What affects the cost of installing an EV charger?

Several factors can influence how much you’ll pay for an EV charger installation.

1. The type of EV charger

There are different types of home chargepoints available, with different charging speeds and features.

Smart EV chargers can schedule charging automatically, allowing you to charge your vehicle when electricity is cheaper. This can be particularly useful if you have an EV-specific or time-of-use electricity tariff.

The Energy Saving Trust estimates that smart charging at home during off-peak periods could save up to 20% on EV charging costs, although the actual saving depends on your tariff, mileage and charging habits.

2. Where the charger is installed

The location of your charger can have a significant impact on installation costs.

A straightforward installation where the charger can be positioned close to your home’s electricity supply is generally simpler.

If your driveway is further away from the house, or the cable needs to travel a longer distance, additional materials and installation work may be required.

3. Your home’s electrical system

Before installing an EV charger, your installer will need to assess your property’s existing electrical setup.

In some cases, additional electrical work or upgrades may be required to safely accommodate the chargepoint.

This is one reason why an accurate quotation should be based on your individual property rather than a standard price.

4. Smart charging features

Many modern home EV chargers offer smart charging functionality.

Rather than simply charging whenever the vehicle is plugged in, a smart charger can schedule charging around your electricity tariff or other settings.

This can help you take advantage of cheaper off-peak electricity and reduce the cost of charging your EV at home.

How much does it cost to charge an electric car at home?

The cost of installing an EV charger is only one part of the overall cost of home charging.

The amount you’ll pay to charge your car depends on your electricity tariff, battery size, vehicle efficiency and how much energy you need to add.

The Energy Saving Trust currently estimates that charging a typical EV with a 50kWh battery from empty to full costs approximately £8 using an EV or time-of-use tariff, compared with around £17 on a standard tariff.

Charging at home can therefore be significantly cheaper than relying on public charging infrastructure, particularly when combined with a suitable off-peak tariff.

Can you charge an EV using solar panels?

Yes. If you have solar panels, you can use the electricity they generate to charge your electric vehicle.

This can be an attractive combination because you’re using renewable electricity generated at your own property to power your car.

During periods of strong solar generation, your panels can provide electricity for your home and potentially your EV. Any surplus generation can also potentially be exported to the grid or stored in a battery, depending on your setup.

If you’re considering both technologies, it’s worth discussing your solar PV system and EV charger requirements together so that the installation can be designed around your home’s electricity usage.

Is an EV charger worth installing?

For EV owners with suitable off-street parking, a home EV charger can make charging more convenient and can help reduce the cost of running an electric vehicle compared with relying heavily on public charging.

The initial installation cost will depend on your property and the charger you choose, but a properly installed home chargepoint can give you a convenient way to charge your vehicle overnight or whenever your car is parked at home.