How much does it really cost to install an EV charger at home or at work? This guide breaks down charger unit prices, installation labour, Section 722 compliance, RCD selection, DNO notification, and the factors that affect the final bill.
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Written and reviewed by Andrew Moore, founder of Elec-Mate, against BS 7671:2018+A4:2026, IET Guidance Note 3 and the IET On-Site Guide.
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01 · Cost Guide
Electric vehicle ownership in the UK is growing rapidly. With petrol and diesel car sales declining and the end of new pure petrol and diesel car sales in 2030 (hybrids to 2035) approaching, installing a home EV charger is one of the most in-demand electrical jobs in the country. For homeowners, it is a practical necessity. For electricians, it is a reliable and growing revenue stream.
But EV charger installation is not a simple plug-and-play job. It requires compliance with BS 7671:2018+A4:2026 Section 722 (which specifically governs EV charging equipment), correct RCD type selection, appropriate earthing arrangements, DNO notification, and proper testing and certification.
This guide breaks down every cost element — from the charger unit itself to the cable, labour, and certification — and explains the regulatory requirements that affect the installation. Whether you are a homeowner getting quotes or an electrician pricing the work, you will find the numbers you need here.
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02 · Cost Guide
The charger unit itself is a significant portion of the total cost. Prices vary considerably depending on the power output, features, and brand. Here are typical 2026 prices:
For most domestic installations, a mid-range 7kW charger in the £400 to £700 range provides the best balance of features, reliability, and value. Always check that the charger unit has integrated DC fault detection (6mA DC RDC-DD) — this allows use of a Type A RCBO instead of the more expensive Type B RCD.
03 · Cost Guide
The installation cost covers the electrician's labour, the cable and accessories, and the testing and certification. This is where the variability lies — a simple garage wall mount costs significantly less than a cable run across an entire house and underground to a detached garage.
Charger mounted on the garage wall or house exterior, within 5 metres of the consumer unit. Cable run through the wall or along the surface. No consumer unit upgrade needed. Labour: £250 to £400. Cable and accessories: £50 to £100. Testing and EIC: £50 to £80.
Longer cable run (10 to 25 metres), possibly underground in SWA cable. Consumer unit upgrade or new way needed. May require earthing upgrades on TT systems. Labour: £400 to £700. Cable and accessories: £150 to £400. Consumer unit work: £150 to £400. Testing and EIC: £50 to £80.
The cable itself can be a significant cost for longer runs. A 15-metre run of 6mm2 SWA cable costs approximately £60 to £90. A 25-metre run in 10mm2 SWA costs £120 to £180. Underground cable runs also require trenching and duct installation, which adds labour time and materials.
Use the cable sizing calculator to determine the correct cable size for your specific installation, factoring in cable length, installation method, ambient temperature, and grouping.
04 · Cost Guide
Here are realistic total costs for EV charger installations in the UK in 2026, covering the charger unit, all materials, labour, testing, certification, and DNO notification.
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05 · Cost Guide
Section 722 of BS 7671:2018+A4:2026 contains the specific requirements for the electrical installation of electric vehicle charging equipment (EVSE). These requirements apply in addition to the general requirements of BS 7671. Here are the key points every electrician and informed homeowner should understand:
The IET Code of Practice for EV Charging provides additional practical guidance beyond BS 7671, including worked examples for different earthing scenarios, cable sizing for continuous loads, and installation methods for various charger locations.
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06 · Cost Guide
Every EV charger installation must be notified to the Distribution Network Operator (DNO). This is a regulatory requirement under the Electricity Safety, Quality and Continuity Regulations (ESQCR) and the DNO connection agreement.
Where the property's maximum demand, including the charger, stays at 60A or less, a standard 7kW charger can be installed and the DNO notified on the ENA connect-and-notify form within 28 days. No prior approval is needed.
For three-phase chargers or installations exceeding 16A per phase, an application needs prior approval from the DNO before the charger can be connected. This process can take 4 to 10 weeks and may involve a network capacity assessment. Plan ahead for commercial and three-phase domestic installations.
Regarding grants: the original OZEV Homecharge Scheme closed to homeowners in March 2022. The current EV chargepoint grant is available to tenants and flat owners only, covering up to 75% of installation cost (capped at £500). The Workplace Charging Scheme remains available for businesses at up to £500 per socket. Some local authorities and energy companies offer additional incentives — check the Energy Saving Trust website for current schemes in your area.
07 · Cost Guide
The range in EV charger installation costs is driven by several variables:
08 · Cost Guide
EV charger installation is one of the highest-growth sectors in domestic electrical work. A well-quoted EV installation delivers strong margins, repeat business (the customer will recommend you to friends and neighbours), and positions you in a market that is only going to grow.
Use Elec-Mate's quoting app to build itemised EV installation quotes. Charger unit, cable (auto-sized for the run length), RCBO, earth rod if needed, labour, testing, and DNO notification — all itemised with your margins. Professional PDF sent to the customer from site.
Size the cable correctly on the survey with the cable sizing calculator. Input the load (32A continuous), cable length, installation method, and ambient temperature — get the correct cable size with voltage drop confirmation.
Complete the Electrical Installation Certificate on your phone after installation and testing. Voice-entry for test results, auto-populated circuit details, and instant PDF export. Professional documentation the customer expects.
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