Fast EV charger installation

Most EV charger installations take just 2-4 hours to complete. The installation process includes mounting the charger unit, running the electrical supply cable, connecting to your consumer unit, and testing the system. Simple installations with the charger close to your consumer unit can be completed in 2-3 hours, while more complex installations requiring longer cable runs or electrical upgrades may take 4-6 hours. We can often install as soon as the next day if you order before 3pm. Our qualified electricians work efficiently to minimise disruption, and we'll ensure everything is working perfectly before we leave. After installation, we'll register your charger and help you set up any smart features.

In most cases, you don't need planning permission for an EV charger in England, Scotland, and Wales. EV chargers are considered permitted development as long as they're installed on your property and comply with certain conditions. However, if your property is listed, in a conservation area, or you live in a flat, you may need planning permission. The charger must also be positioned to avoid obstructing highways or footpaths. We'll check all requirements during your free survey and handle any necessary planning applications on your behalf. Our team is experienced in navigating local planning requirements and can advise on the best installation location.

The main difference is charging speed. A 7kW charger is the most common for home installations and can fully charge most electric vehicles in 6-8 hours overnight. A 22kW charger charges three times faster, typically completing a full charge in 2-3 hours. However, 22kW chargers require a three-phase electrical supply, which most UK homes don't have. Upgrading to three-phase can cost £2,000-£5,000 and may require planning permission. For most homeowners, a 7kW charger is perfectly adequate for overnight charging and is more cost-effective. 22kW chargers are better suited for commercial properties or homes with multiple EVs. Our experts can help you choose the right charger based on your vehicle, electrical supply, and charging needs.

While you can technically charge an EV using a regular 3-pin plug, it's not recommended for regular use. 3-pin plugs charge very slowly (typically 2-3kW), meaning a full charge can take 12-24 hours. They're also not designed for the continuous high current draw of EV charging, which can cause overheating and fire risks. Additionally, most EV manufacturers recommend against regular 3-pin charging as it can void warranties. A dedicated home EV charger is safer, faster, and more convenient. It also allows you to take advantage of smart features like scheduled charging during off-peak hours, which can save money on electricity bills. We strongly recommend installing a proper EV charger for regular home charging.

Charging costs depend on your electricity tariff and the size of your EV's battery. On average, charging an EV at home costs around 8-12p per mile, compared to 15-20p per mile for petrol or diesel. For a typical EV with a 60kWh battery, a full charge costs around £6-£12 depending on your electricity rate. Many energy suppliers offer special EV tariffs with cheaper rates during off-peak hours (usually overnight), which can reduce charging costs by 30-50%. Smart chargers can automatically schedule charging during these cheaper periods. Over a year, most EV owners save hundreds or thousands of pounds compared to fuel costs. We can help you understand charging costs and recommend the best tariff for your situation.

Smart EV chargers offer significant advantages over basic models. They connect to Wi-Fi and allow you to control charging via a smartphone app, schedule charging during off-peak hours to save money, monitor energy usage, and receive software updates. Smart chargers are also required to qualify for some government grants and can help balance the electrical grid. While basic chargers are cheaper, smart chargers typically pay for themselves through energy savings and offer much better convenience. Most modern EVs work best with smart chargers, and they're becoming the standard for home installations. We recommend smart chargers for most homeowners, and we can help you choose a model that fits your budget and needs.

Most UK homes have a single-phase 230V electrical supply, which is sufficient for a 7kW EV charger. This is the most common setup and doesn't require any upgrades. For faster 22kW chargers, you'll need a three-phase 400V supply, which most homes don't have. Upgrading to three-phase can cost £2,000-£5,000 and may require planning permission. Your consumer unit (fuse box) also needs to have space for a new dedicated circuit breaker. During our free survey, we'll assess your electrical supply and determine if any upgrades are needed. In most cases, no upgrades are required for a standard 7kW installation, making it a straightforward process.