How Much Does It Cost to Install an EV Charger at Home?

As the number of electric vehicles (EVs) continues to rise, many UK homeowners are considering installing EV chargers at home for the convenience of charging their cars overnight. But how much does it cost to install an EV charger at home in the UK?

Power your home with Upvolt’s smart solar solutions.

In this article, we’ll break down the factors that affect the cost and provide a guide on what to expect.

Key Takeaways

• The cost of installing an EV charger at home in the UK typically ranges from £500 to £1,500, depending on factors like charger type and installation complexity.
• The type of charger you choose, such as a 3.6kW or 7kW model, will significantly impact the overall cost of installation.
• Accessing the Electric Vehicle (EV) Chargepoint Grant can reduce installation costs by up to £350 or 75%, depending on eligibility.
• Hiring a certified professional installer ensures compliance with safety standards and regulations, providing long-term reliability and reducing electrical hazards.

How Much Does It Cost to Install an EV Charger at Home in the UK?

The cost of installing an electric vehicle charger at home can vary significantly depending on several factors, including the type of charger you choose, the complexity of the installation, and any additional electrical work that may be required.

On average, homeowners in the UK can expect to pay between £500 and £1,500 for a home EV charger installation. Below, we’ll go over the key aspects that influence the price.

1. Type of EV Charger

The type of EV charger you choose will directly affect the installation cost. There are primarily two types of home chargers:

• 3.6kW Charger: This is the most basic charger, often suitable for low-capacity EVs or for those who don’t mind a slower charge. The cost of installing a 3.6kW electric car charge point at home costs around £800.
• 7kW Charger: This is the most common choice for UK households and offers faster charging speeds. The cost of a standard 7kW charger and installation typically costs £1,000, but this can vary depending on your individual circumstances and home charging requirements. 

2. Installation Complexity

The complexity of the installation plays a significant role in determining the final cost. Factors that influence installation complexity include:

• Distance from the consumer unit (fuse box): If the charger needs to be installed far from the main fuse box (consumer unit), additional cabling and potentially more powerful wiring may be required, increasing costs. Most installers include a standard cable run (typically 10-15 metres) in their pricing, but anything beyond this can add extra charges.
• Upgrading the electrical system: If your current electrical supply is insufficient, upgrades may be required. This can include:
  • A new consumer unit (if the existing one lacks capacity or RCD protection).
  • A load management system to prevent overloading your home’s electrical system.
  • Earthing upgrades (especially for homes with outdated earthing systems).
• Access to the installation site: If the charger needs to be mounted on an exterior wall or if there are obstacles (such as thick walls, underground wiring, or long cable runs), additional labour and materials may be needed, increasing installation time and costs.

3. The Electric Vehicle (EV) Chargepoint Grant

The Electric Vehicle (EV) Chargepoint Grant provides up to £350 or 75% of the cost of buying and installing an EV chargepoint, whichever is lower. This grant is available to those who own or lease an eligible electric vehicle and meet specific criteria, such as living in a flat that you own or rent, having a private off-street parking space, and using a qualifying vehicle.

The grant is available to both homeowners and renters, including those in shared ownership schemes, provided the property meets the required conditions. It’s important to note that the scheme is being phased out, so if you’re eligible, it’s advisable to apply as soon as possible.

For more information and to check if you qualify, it’s best to consult the official government guidance and apply early to secure your grant.

4. Your Choice of Professional Installer

Although DIY installation may seem like an option, it’s important to hire a certified professional to install your EV charger. Certified electricians are trained to ensure the installation meets required safety standards, such as the IET Wiring Regulations (BS 7671), RCD protection, and proper earthing, which are vital for preventing electrical hazards. 

Professional installers ensure the installation complies with local regulations and follows safety protocols like the EV Charging Equipment Standards (IEC 61851). This not only ensures the charger is installed correctly but also helps prevent any potential issues down the line.

Keep in mind that the cost of installation also depends on the installer you choose—while it may be tempting to go with the cheapest option, it’s important to consider the quality and expertise of the installer to ensure long-term safety and reliability.

Integrating Electric Vehicle Charging with Solar Energy

As electric vehicles (EVs) become more popular, many homeowners are looking for ways to make their EV charging more sustainable and cost-effective. One way to do this is by integrating a solar energy system with your electric vehicle charging point. 

The Benefits of Combining EV Charging with Solar Energy

Solar power and electric vehicle (EV) charging go hand in hand, offering numerous benefits that make your charging process more efficient and sustainable. Here’s how this combination can benefit you.

Lower Electricity Costs

Solar panels can reduce your reliance on grid electricity by providing a renewable energy source for your EV. Charging your car with solar power helps avoid peak electricity rates, which are often significantly higher than off-peak rates.

With the integration of smart charging solutions, like Upvolt’s Skygate®, you can optimise your charging schedule to take full advantage of solar energy when it’s most abundant, further lowering costs. Skygate® automatically adjusts your energy flows, prioritising self-consumption to charge both your electric vehicle and your home battery, maximising the amount of solar energy you use instead of drawing from the grid.

Additionally, Skygate® connects to energy markets, automatically purchasing the cheapest electricity available when needed. This ensures that you are always charged at the lowest possible cost, optimising your overall energy consumption and making your EV charging even more economical. 

Environmental Impact 

Beyond financial savings, solar-powered EVs offer significant environmental benefits. Over one year, just one EV can save an average of 1.5 million grams of CO2, which is the equivalent of four return flights from London to Barcelona. This reduction in CO2 emissions highlights the massive environmental advantage of EVs over petrol and diesel cars.

Pairing solar power with an EV can further amplify these benefits, helping reduce your carbon footprint and supporting efforts to combat climate change.

Total Cost Considerations

When combining a solar energy system with an EV charging point, the initial installation cost is higher than that of a standard charger alone. For instance, Upvolt’s smart solar systems with EV chargers are priced at approximately £15,000.

This cost includes premium solar panels with a 30-year performance warranty, high-quality solar batteries, and EV chargers offering charge rates ranging from 7kW to 22kW. The system includes local and remote load management for greater flexibility and efficiency, along with the integrated Skygate system for enhanced control and monitoring.

While the upfront investment is higher, the long-term benefits, including significant savings on electricity bills and a reduced carbon footprint, make it a valuable choice. 

Let’s Recap

The cost of installing a standard EV charger in the UK typically ranges from £500 to £1,500, depending on factors like the type of charger, the complexity of installation, and any necessary electrical upgrades. 

However, with a solar-powered charger, you can rely less on the grid, cut down on energy bills, and charge your EV with clean, renewable energy. Smart solar systems, like those from Upvolt, also offer advanced load management and monitoring, making home charging more efficient and cost-effective. While the initial cost is higher, the long-term savings and sustainability benefits make it a worthwhile investment.

About Upvolt

Upvolt specialises in providing smart solar energy solutions tailored to UK homes, including solar-optimised EV chargers that seamlessly integrate with your solar system. From planning and system design to professional installation, commissioning, and ongoing support, we offer a comprehensive service to help you achieve energy independence.

Our smart EV chargers support charge rates from 7kW to 22kW, with both local and remote load management to ensure optimal performance. With a variety of charging modes, you’ll have complete flexibility whether charging at home or on the go.

Request a free quote today and take the first step toward a more sustainable and energy-efficient home with Upvolt’s smart solar solutions.

FAQ

How much does it cost to have an electric vehicle charger installed?

The cost of installing a home EV charger varies depending on the type of charger and installation requirements. On average, in the UK, it ranges from £500 to £1,500. The price may increase if any electrical upgrades are needed or if the installation is more complex. For example, an Upvolt smart solar EV charger will cost around £15,000, as it includes a premium solar system, batteries, and high-efficiency chargers. 

What is the average cost to charge an EV?

The cost of charging an electric vehicle at home depends on your electricity unit rate and the size of your car’s battery. For example, with an average UK unit rate of 25p per kWh (as of October 2024), a full charge for a 60 kWh EV battery would cost around £15. However, many energy providers offer off-peak or EV-specific tariffs, with rates as low as 7p per kWh, reducing the cost to just £4.20. Using a solar panel system for charging can further lower costs.

How long does it take to fully charge an electric car at home?

A 7kW home charger generally takes around 10 hours to charge an electric car, depending on the battery size and the current charge level of the vehicle. If you have a faster charger, such as a 22kW charger, the time required can be reduced (3-4 hours), but it will also depend on your car’s maximum charging capacity. Using a home EV charger powered by solar energy can also ensure that you’re charging with clean, renewable energy.

Can I use a public charging station instead of a home EV charger?

Yes, you can use public charge points instead of a home charge point. Public chargers are available in many locations, including shopping centers, parking lots, and highway service stations. However, charging at public stations can be more expensive than charging at home. Rapid chargers at public stations charge your EV much faster, but they come with higher fees. For regular, everyday use, charging at home is often the most cost-effective and convenient option, especially if you have integrated a solar system.

What are the benefits of integrating an electric car charger with a solar system?

Integrating an EV charger with a solar system offers multiple benefits. It helps you charge your electric vehicle using free, clean energy from your solar panels, reducing your electricity bills over time. The integration also helps reduce your carbon footprint by charging with renewable energy, making your home more sustainable. Over the long term, the savings and environmental advantages make this a wise investment for both your wallet and the planet.

Alex Lomax

CEO & Co-Founder

Share article

• 
• 
•