If you have recently switched to an electric vehicle, installing a domestic EV charging point is one of the best decisions you can make. Charging overnight at home is cheaper, more convenient, and far more reliable than depending on public charge points. But the installation process involves more than simply bolting a box to a wall. From your earthing arrangement to Building Regulations notification, there are real technical and legal requirements to get right. This guide walks through the full process of installing a home EV charger in the UK, so you know exactly what to expect before you book.
Do You Have the Right Setup at Home?
Before anything else, you need off-street parking. A driveway, garage, or private car park is the baseline requirement for a home charger installation. Without it, the charger has nowhere to go and you may not be eligible for any available grants either.
You also need a consumer unit (fuse board) in reasonable condition. Most modern boards can accommodate the new dedicated circuit without issue. Older fuse boards, particularly those with rewirable fuses rather than modern MCBs, may need upgrading first. Your installer will assess this during the pre-installation survey.
Choosing the Right Charger
Almost all domestic installations in the UK use a 7kW (technically 7.4kW) single-phase charger. This is the maximum output a standard domestic supply can deliver on a single phase, and it is enough to take most EV batteries from near-empty to full overnight. Unless your property already has a three-phase supply, there is no practical reason to consider a 22kW unit.
Beyond the power rating, the main differences between brands come down to:
- Solar integration. The Zappi by myenergi can divert surplus solar power directly to your car, making it the standout choice if you have panels or plan to install them.
- Smart scheduling. All major chargers now support overnight off-peak scheduling through a smartphone app. If you are on a time-of-use tariff such as Octopus Intelligent Go, this alone can save you hundreds of pounds a year.
- Tethered vs untethered. Tethered chargers have a cable permanently attached, which is convenient for daily use. Untethered units use a socket you plug your own cable into, which is neater and more flexible if you change vehicles.
- App quality. Ranges considerably between brands. Hypervolt, Ohme and Andersen are all well-regarded for their software experience.
SMC Electrical installs all major OZEV-approved chargers including Zappi, Hypervolt, Ohme, Wallbox, Easee, Pod Point and Andersen. If you are not sure which model suits your property and habits, a quick call before you book will usually narrow it down. See the EV charger page for more detail.
The Installation Process, Step by Step
Step 1: Pre-Installation Survey
A reputable installer will never quote and book without first assessing the job. This survey can be done in person or, increasingly, via a short set of photos and questions submitted online. During the survey your installer will:
- Identify your earthing arrangement (TN-C-S, TN-S or TT). This determines what protective equipment is required under Section 722 of BS 7671.
- Check your main service fuse rating to confirm the supply can handle an additional 32A or 40A circuit without overloading.
- Assess your consumer unit and plan the cable route from the board to the intended charger position.
- Flag any complications such as long cable runs, groundwork requirements, or supply constraints that would need a DNO (Distribution Network Operator) application.
Do not book with any installer who skips this step. A quote produced without a proper assessment is very likely to change on the day.
Step 2: DNO Notification (Where Required)
Your electricity distribution network operator may need to be notified before a high-power circuit is connected, particularly if your main fuse is already loaded or the charger output is close to your supply capacity. In most straightforward domestic cases, this is handled by your installer as part of the booking process and does not cause significant delays. More complex situations, such as a supply that needs upgrading, will require a formal DNO application that can take several weeks.
Step 3: Installation Day
A standard domestic EV charger installation takes between two and four hours. The process on the day typically runs as follows:
- The installer runs a dedicated circuit from your consumer unit to the charger position. This is a separate, protected circuit, not a spur from an existing ring.
- Where your supply is TN-C-S (the most common type in the UK, also known as PME), an earth electrode is installed near the charger if your chosen unit lacks built-in PEN fault protection. This is a Section 722 requirement, not an optional extra.
- The appropriate RCD protection is fitted. Most installations require a Type A RCD. Certain chargers with in-built DC detection may qualify for a Type A rather than the more expensive Type B, but your installer will confirm this based on the specific unit.
- The charge point is mounted on the wall, post, or pedestal. Cable runs are neatly clipped and protected.
- The unit is commissioned and Wi-Fi connected. A good installer will not leave until the app is working and you can see your charger online.
Step 4: Certification and Building Regulations Notification
Installing a new electrical circuit is notifiable work under Part P of the Building Regulations. If your installer is registered with a competent persons scheme such as NAPIT or NICEIC, they can self-certify the work and notify Building Control on your behalf. You do not need to do anything separately. This is one of the reasons why registration matters: an unregistered installer cannot self-certify, leaving you responsible for arranging a third-party inspection.
At the end of the job you should receive:
- An Electrical Installation Certificate (EIC) specific to the EV installation circuit.
- Confirmation of Part P notification.
- Charger manufacturer warranty documentation.
- App setup and account confirmation.
If any of these are missing, chase them up before paying the final invoice.
What Does It Cost?
For a standard domestic EV charger installation in Sussex and Surrey, expect to pay in the region of £800 to £1,200 including the charger unit and labour. This assumes a straightforward installation: charger on an external wall, cable run of no more than around 10 metres, and an existing consumer unit in good condition.
Costs that can push the price higher include long cable runs or the need to trench under a driveway, a consumer unit that needs replacing before the EV circuit can be added, and a ground-mounted post installation rather than a standard wall mount. Regional variation also plays a role, with South East England typically running 15 to 20 per cent above the national average.
Grants Available in 2026
The government grant landscape for home EV chargers changed in 2022 when the original Electric Vehicle Homecharge Scheme (EVHS) was closed to homeowners in houses. The grant picture in 2026 is as follows:
- Renters and flat owners: The EV Chargepoint Grant remains available, providing up to £350 towards installation costs. Your installer claims this directly and deducts it from your invoice.
- Homeowners in houses: No direct installation grant is currently available. The original EVHS grant for house-owning EV drivers closed to new applications in April 2022.
- Businesses: The Workplace Charging Scheme remains open, covering up to 75 per cent of the cost per socket, capped at £350, across up to 40 sockets.
To be eligible for any remaining grant, the charger must be on the OZEV-approved list, the installer must be OZEV-authorised, and the unit must be a smart charger capable of off-peak scheduling. For the latest eligibility details, check the official OZEV guidance at gov.uk.
Planning Permission and Permitted Development
In most cases, installing a domestic EV charger does not require planning permission. The government updated permitted development rights to cover standard home charger installations in England, removing the need for a planning application and saving homeowners the associated fee. There are conditions: the charger must meet size and safety requirements, and properties in conservation areas or listed buildings may face additional restrictions that require prior approval. If your home is in a conservation area, speak to your installer before proceeding to confirm whether consent is needed.
Choosing a Qualified Installer
Three things to verify before you book an EV charger installer:
- NAPIT or NICEIC registration. Required for legally compliant electrical work and self-certification under Part P. An unregistered electrician cannot issue the certificates you need.
- OZEV approval. Required to claim any applicable government grant on your behalf. Verify on the official OZEV register at gov.uk.
- Experience with Section 722. Not every general electrician is familiar with the specific earthing and protection requirements for EV installations. Ask directly whether they apply Section 722 of BS 7671 and check their answer against this guide.
SMC Electrical is a NAPIT-registered contractor covering Horsham, Worthing, Guildford, Cranleigh, Billingshurst, Chichester and the surrounding areas of Sussex and Surrey. Every installation is completed to BS 7671 (18th Edition) with Section 722 properly applied, fully certified, and notified to Building Control via NAPIT. Get a quote here.
FAQs
How long does a domestic EV charger installation take? A standard installation takes two to four hours. More complex jobs involving longer cable runs, a consumer unit upgrade, or groundwork for cable trenching will take longer. Your installer will give you a realistic time estimate once they have assessed the job.
Can I install an EV charger myself? No. EV charger installation involves new electrical circuit work, which is notifiable under Part P of the Building Regulations and must be carried out by a competent person registered with NAPIT or NICEIC. A DIY installation cannot be legally self-certified and will create problems if you come to sell your property or make an insurance claim.
Do I need planning permission for a home EV charger? In most cases, no. Standard domestic EV charger installations in England fall under permitted development rights. Exceptions apply in conservation areas and for listed buildings, where you may need prior approval before installation can proceed.
What is Section 722 and why does it matter? Section 722 is the dedicated chapter of BS 7671 (the UK wiring regulations) that covers electric vehicle charging installations. It sets specific requirements around earthing arrangements, RCD protection types, and PEN fault protection. An installer who is not familiar with Section 722 may wire your charger incorrectly, leaving it both non-compliant and potentially unsafe.
Is there still a grant available for home EV charger installation in 2026? For homeowners in houses, the original EVHS grant closed in April 2022 and has not been replaced. A grant of up to £350 remains available for renters and flat owners through the EV Chargepoint Grant scheme. The Workplace Charging Scheme continues to support businesses installing chargers at their premises.
