As of 2026, there are over 2 million electric vehicles on UK roads, and demand for convenient home charging continues to grow.
With government legislation restricting the sale of new non-electric vehicles by 2030, that number will only grow.
With increased funding, the public network of electric vehicle chargers continues to improve.
However, in some parts of the UK, it’s still a challenge to own an electric car without the security and convenience of an EV charger at home.
And now, like vehicle owners, businesses are taking advantage of the technology too.
So, how much does EV charger installation cost, and how much money could chargers save vehicle owners and businesses in the long term?
What is an EV charger?
An EV charger, or electric vehicle (EV) charger, is an electric charging point used to recharge electric vehicles.
They can be installed at private residences or commercial properties like offices, factories, and other businesses.
They can be connected to the grid or use other power sources (such as solar panels) to transfer electricity to your electric vehicle’s battery.
What’s the difference between tethered and untethered chargers?
When you’re deciding on the type of EV charger you want, you’ll generally have a choice between tethered and untethered.
The difference is simple: with tethered chargers, you cannot remove the charging cable. With untethered chargers, however, it is possible to remove or replace your charging cables.
There are pros and cons to both types of chargers.
With tethered chargers (the most popular type for private users), it’s easy to plug in without having to fiddle around with cables on both ends.
Untethered chargers, on the other hand, allow you to choose your cable length and remove and store cables tidily away when they’re not in use.
Plus, you can take untethered cables in the car with you for charging on the go.
How much does an EV charger cost in the UK?
An EV charger costs an average of around £1,000 to buy and install in the UK, although prices typically range from £800 to £1,500 depending on the charger you choose, your property’s electrical setup, and whether any additional work is required.
Costs are generally broken down into the following components:
- Charger: Costs on average £600, £700 but can range from £300 to £800 depending on the charger type, features, and brand. Generally, the higher the kW output and the more smart features included, the more expensive the charger will be. So, a 22 kW charger would be more expensive than a 3.6 kW charger.
- Cables: Charging cables can cost anywhere from £100 to £300+ depending on the cable length, charging speed, connector type, and brand.
- Accessories: Replacement plugs typically cost around £50, £100, while additional accessories such as wall mounts, cable holders, and pedestals can add £50, £300+ depending on what is required.
- Labour and installation: It’s recommended that you use a trusted EV charger installer to make sure your charger is installed safely and correctly by certified electricians. Installation costs can vary from £300 to £700, depending on the complexity of the installation, cable distance, access requirements, and whether additional electrical work is needed.
Installing an EV charger at home
Home EV chargers are generally installed near where you park your vehicle. Most commonly, this will be in your garage or driveway, but they can be installed wherever is convenient.
Before installation, your installation team will assess your property to make sure it’s suitable for EV charging.
Then, they’ll connect it to your system, mount the charger, and test it to make sure it’s safe for use.
How much does a home EV charger cost?
The average cost of installing an EV charger at home is around £1,000, although a typical installation can range from £800 to £1,500 depending on the charger selected and the complexity of the installation.
However, the cost may vary depending on the installer you choose, or whether you choose tethered or untethered chargers. Untethered chargers are usually a little cheaper by themselves, but you do need to buy the charging cables.
How much money will a home EV charger save me?
As well as helping to reduce carbon emissions, new research has shown just how much driving an electric car could save your bank balance.
Research by the Energy & Climate Intelligence Unit (ECIU) suggests that drivers can save up to around £850 per year on running costs by choosing an electric car over a petrol equivalent, particularly when charging mainly at home.
That means that within two years, you’ll fully cover the cost of your home EV charger in fuel savings.
Benefits of home EV chargers
Most electric vehicle owners continue to charge at home whenever possible, with home charging remaining the most convenient and cost-effective option, although many drivers also use public charging points for longer journeys. So, what are the benefits of home charging?
- Cheaper than public networks: While you do have to pay for the initial installation, charging at home is much cheaper in the long run. Charging an electric vehicle at home typically costs around £600 per year for the average driver, while relying primarily on public rapid charging can increase annual charging costs to well over £1,300, depending on mileage and electricity tariffs.
- Convenience: If you have an electric vehicle but don’t currently have a home EV charger, you’ll know the anxiety of trying to find a charging station. With one at home, you’ll never be caught short. Many drivers choose to charge overnight when electricity tariffs are lower so their vehicle is fully charged by morning.
- Become a smart home: Home EV charging is one more step towards smart home automation. You’ll become more sustainable from day one, and you can even link your vehicle and charger to your existing smart home system.
- Reducing your carbon footprint: While electric cars aren’t perfect, upgrading to an electric vehicle will help reduce your carbon footprint. Petrol cars produce four times as much CO2 as electric cars throughout a vehicle’s lifetime, according to research by Recurrent Auto. If you link up to solar panels, you could reduce your footprint even further.
Installing an EV charger at your business
As with a home installation, EV chargers will be installed at your business where it’s most useful for drivers, either in a dedicated part of the car park or near the entrance for easier access. We handle commercial EV charging installation for workplaces, fleets and multi-site operators.
If you need to make changes to your infrastructure to accommodate EV charging, you may be eligible for the Workplace Charging Scheme (WCS) and the EV Infrastructure Grant for Staff and Fleets. Eligible businesses can receive up to £15,000 towards the cost of installing the infrastructure needed for multiple chargepoints.
How much does a commercial EV charger cost?
While EV chargers for your business will require some outlay, there are many incentives to help you make it happen.
As well as infrastructure grants, eligible businesses can also claim funding towards the purchase and installation of chargepoints.
The Workplace Charging Scheme (WCS) continues to support businesses, charities and public sector organisations by contributing towards the cost of installing EV chargepoints.
According to the UK Government, the scheme covers 75% of the purchase and installation costs (including VAT), up to £350 per socket, for a maximum of 40 sockets across all sites per applicant.
If you’re considering a home EV charger as well, our guide to ‘What UK Homeowners Need to Know About EV Charger Grants in 2026′ explains the latest grants available, who qualifies and how to apply.
Benefits of EV chargers for businesses
The UK government is committed to helping businesses make EV charging easier. But as well as the subsidies on offer, there are other benefits too:
- Reduce fuel and vehicle costs: If you have company vehicles, you’ll know the strain increased fuel costs put on your business. Charging an EV at business electricity rates can cost as little as 2, 8p per mile, compared with around 13, 17p per mile for a typical petrol or diesel vehicle, depending on fuel and electricity prices.
- Benefits for staff: Research shows that around half of employees considering a company car would choose an electric vehicle if the right support was available. Salary sacrifice schemes continue to make EVs more affordable, and workplace charging can make the switch even more attractive.
- Attracting new recruits: Deloitte’s latest Gen Z and Millennial Survey found that around 70% of Gen Z and Millennials say an employer’s environmental credentials influence their career decisions. If you’re an employer committed to sustainable practices, including EV charging, you could attract a new generation of staff.
As we move slowly but surely to a future driven by electric vehicles, charging your electric vehicle at home makes sense for drivers.
It’s cheaper than charging at public charging points and gives you the convenience of charging when you need it. It can save businesses money too.
And if you become an early adopter, you’ll show your commitment to a more sustainable future.
While the initial outlay may seem high, a combination of government subsidies and fuel savings will make the investment more than worth it in the long run.
Install an EV charger with Fusion Electrical
At Fusion, we specialise in electric vehicle charging points for residential and commercial customers. We’ll help plan where to install your electric car charger, all the way through to final installation.
Interested in having an EV charger installed at your home? Get in touch with one of our team to find out more and get a no-obligation quote for your property.
Electric Car Charger, FAQs
Can any electrician install an EV charger?
It is recommended to use only an experienced car charger engineer who is qualified to undertake the necessary work. Make sure your chosen electrician is registered with the NICEIC or the Office of Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV).
Is it worth buying a home EV charger?
It is absolutely worth it. Installing a home charger is convenient, saves money, and is faster than using a public EV charging point.
How much does a 7kW home charger cost per hour?
Using a typical home electricity tariff, a full charge for a medium-sized electric vehicle usually costs between £10 and £18, depending on the vehicle’s battery capacity and your electricity tariff. Charging overnight on a dedicated EV tariff can reduce this cost even further.
What EV charger can I install at home?
You can install a 7kW or a 22kW charger. A 22kW charger, however, requires a 3-phase electricity supply that most homes do not have as standard. This makes the 7kW model the most popular for electric vehicle charging.
What do I need to install an EV charger at home?
To install an EV charger, you’ll need dedicated parking such as a driveway, reliable Wi-Fi, and EV charging equipment, and, of course, a qualified electrician experienced in electric car charger installation.
How much does it cost to install an EV charger?
The cost of installing an EV charger depends on the charger you choose and the electrical work required at your property. A straightforward home installation is typically around £1,000, but longer cable runs, electrical upgrades, groundworks, or other additional work can increase the price.
Do I need to upgrade my consumer unit for an EV charger?
Not necessarily. An electrician will need to assess your existing electrical installation to determine whether it can safely accommodate the charger. If the consumer unit or other parts of the installation aren’t suitable, additional electrical work may be required before the charger can be installed.
Can I install an EV charger myself?
EV charger installation should be carried out by a suitably qualified electrician. The installation needs to be assessed, correctly connected, tested and certified to ensure the charging equipment and electrical installation are safe to use.
How long does it take to install an EV charger?
A straightforward home installation can often be completed in a single visit, but the time required depends on the property and the work involved. Longer cable runs, difficult access, groundworks, or electrical upgrades can make an installation more involved. Commercial installations may take longer depending on the number of charge points and the site’s requirements.
Do EV chargers increase electricity bills?
An EV charger itself doesn’t determine how much your electricity bill increases. The additional cost comes from the electricity used to charge your vehicle. How much you pay will depend on how much you drive, your vehicle’s efficiency, and your electricity tariff.
Can I have more than one EV charger installed?
Yes, but installing multiple charge points requires careful consideration of the site’s available electrical capacity. For commercial premises, load management can help manage demand when several vehicles need to charge at the same time. If the available capacity isn’t sufficient, a larger grid connection may be required.
Do I need a dedicated circuit for an EV charger?
EV chargers require the appropriate electrical connection and protective equipment, which need to be assessed as part of the installation. Your electrician will check the existing installation and determine what is required for the specific charge point and property.